By being an RVer, you’re already part of one of the best clubs. More and more Americans are choosing to be RV owners every year, further growing the network of friendships and adventures for which the RV lifestyle is known.
When you first purchased your RV, or first rented one, you probably noticed information about various RV related organizations around the dealership. With so many options, how do you know if joining one is worth it? And which one? It depends, first of all, which angle you’re coming from.
- Do you want a social group first and foremost? Many groups are founded around mutual interests.
- Do you want to learn even more about your brand or type of RV? Then joining a group of other such owners can give you access to lots of ownership tips.
- Are you looking for discounts? Many member organizations offer discounts and other resources that some RVers have found make a difference to their operating budget or fund for recreational activities.
We’ll go through some options in this article, but make sure you do your own research so that you find a club that fits you best and lets you get the most for your membership.
Harvest Hosts
If you love hitting the links and vino, then this $119 club membership may be the best investment you make for your golf game and give you some of the best views in the state from the windows of your RV. Harvest Hosts is a network of wineries, farms, and golf courses across the nation where RVers can stay for free overnight, plus get discounts on golf, food, shopping, museums, and services at participating properties. Stays are limited to one night unless a host says otherwise, and the properties don’t provide hookups or services such as bath houses so your RV must be self-contained. Might be worth it from time to time!
KOA Value Kard Rewards
Several MARVAC members are private KOA campgrounds. Value Kard holders ($30 annually) earn points that accumulate for cash off future stays plus access to thousands of coupons through KOA’s rewards program. Kard holders also receive 10 percent off the daily registration rate all year long. Plus, there’s an app so that you can receive notifications, manage campground reservations, and access benefit details.
Escapees RV Club / Xscapers
One of the ultimate clubs for RVers, Escapees has benefits that offer total support for RVers so that you can be as worry-free as possible. Benefits include parking resources, mail forwarding, job exchange, roadside assistance, and partner discounts. The annual cost of dues is $39.95. Plus, you have an entire community of fellow RV enthusiasts to communicate and socialize with, no matter where you are on the map.
Family Campers and RVers
More and more families are hitting the road, and parents want to ensure that their children are safe regardless of the campground they visit. Being around other families is what childhood memories are made of and forge lifelong relationships! Membership to Family Campers and RVers ($35 annually) includes discounts, RV insurance, and age-appropriate programs. Plus, you can attend events (dinners, conservation projects, etc.) across the nation with other families who belong to the organization. The Michigan chapter is known as the Early Risers Camping Club.
Passport America
This well-known club’s biggest advantage is being able to offer discounts with affiliated campgrounds around the country of up to 50 percent. The parks are individually owned/operated. So whether you’re looking for a one-night stay on the spur of the moment or a spot to call a base for a week or more, then you can utilize the network of campgrounds through Passport America.
Wally Byam Caravan Club International
The WBCCI (named after the inventor of the Airstream) is one of the largest recreational vehicle organizations in the world. Owners not only share a love for the Airstream brand, they share a passion for where their Airstreams can take them. Membership entitles you to access to rallies, caravans, and courtesy parking. You also receive a magazine and have access to technical tips related to Airstream units (a big help for any RVer owner!). If you are a part of this group, then you also qualify for membership in the intra-club, Vintage Airstream Club ($20 annually).
RVing Women
Ladies, if you travel solo, then RVing Women might be a perfect fit for you. The organization is, according to the website, “the only international support network solely for woman RVers. Founded in 1991, we have more than 2000 members. Some travel alone, and others go together or in small groups. Our interests are diverse, but we share the common cultural experience of being female.” There are chapters across the U.S. and Canada, many of which hold rallies during the high season. Membership dues are $62 annually and some chapters have additional dues, but that’s all made clear on the front end before you sign up.