Escapees

Member since late 2013, months before we went full-time. Joining them was the first solid step we took into going full-time.

Mail service was the biggest reason we decided on Escapees. We were already Texas residents, so it was a plus. Nothing but change address and county of vehicle registration. My registration for my vehicles and my insurance went down because Polk County is not urban like Collin County.

And the local Polk county authorities actually like having 20+ thousand residents who don't acutally live in the county, use county services except voting and registering vehicles.

We've used a few Rainbow parks, and stayed at a couple Co-ops.

You do not have to be a member of Escapees to stay at Rainbow Parks. (Interesting story how the first park 'Rainbow's End' was named in Livingston.)

But you do get a discount on the rate, which is usually much better than other commercial parks in the area. Every Rainbow park, and every Co-op we have visited has a late afternoon/ early evening gathering. It meet new people in the park, talk about things. We are always made very welcome. The check-in staff usually greets us with a hug. Since Joe and Kay founded Escapees years before the Livingston property was purchased, greeting new arrivals as family with hugs has been a tradition.

Escapee Co-ops have their own rules, and most require travelers be members of Escapees. Maybe not for the first visit.

The organization is very clear - they are NOT a discount camping club. You will not get preferential reservations at an Escapees Rainbow Park. They however, will work with members to try to accommodate them if possible. We have done a few one day before arrival reservations, but normally make a reservation several days in advance.

Legally Escapees is a privately held corporation, controlled by the original founding family. Many to most of the staff are full-timers who for what ever reason, have left the road.

Their post-travel adult daycare program is wonderful. Even for long-term (3-12 months) rehab with an intent to return to full-time travel.

Their legislative advocacy benefits all RVers, full-time or weekend warrior.

We've attended many Good Sam state rallies. Unfortunately, not a national rally. The Escapee's nation Escapade we attended was wonderful. A big sense of family and friendship. Good Sam is good, and we are currently on the Texas State Staff which runs our annual rally. But Escapees is 'more'. A few local meetings of Escapees we have visited were fun.

Frankly, if you are thinking of joining Escapees, or Good Sam, for 'cheaper' RV camping spots - both would be a waste of money. Each has many other benefits, especially the social aspects that make them very worthwhile in our opinion.

If you or the spouse is over age 62, the absolute best discount camping program is the US Federal Senior Pass.

Passport America is also beneficial. We easily camped averaging under $25 per night for a couple years with those two programs.

If you want lower costs, a membership program such as Thousand Trails or RPI or Coast to Coast can get your costs for RV spots under $4,500 per year easily.

But each of those also has limitations. Are there parks where you want to travel, what are their rules.

Looking for discounts, you are not going to be visiting premium parks like Fort Wilderness or beach fronts in various areas.

We strongly urge anyone considering full-timing to consider Escapees.

Escapees Story