Campground costs
In anticipation of possibly full timing in retirement I am doing some playing with budgets. Other than the RV loan (no I can't pay cash, and no my home has not been an appreciating asset so a loan is ...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
There seem to be lots of complaints about the Thousand Trails. I'd be careful and start with something such as Passport America.
Thousand Trails is in our plan if we choose to stop volunteering.
Why, because we have children / family in New England, Oregon and Florida - along with Texas - all places with several TT parks available.
I even have a few friends who spend their summers in the Rocky Mountain states where TT has no campgrounds, but they say their TT membership is worthwile for their winter stays. One couple has stayed at Medina Lake in Texas every winter for the past 12 years. Another spends one winter in Florida, one in Texas, one in California. Both couples have Platinum memberships which allow them 21 days in a park and no out time before going to the next park.
Many TT parks allow full winter stays for a tiny additional fee.
But TT is like any other option. You need to research the details, where the parks are located, does that meet with our plans, etc.
Passport America IMHO is worth the cost with two nights usage a year. In general I find PA parks to be a better than Wally Docking option, for a lowish cost.
Another option is Escapees. We use it for residence, though we were already Texas residents, just changed counties - and got a 10% cut in auto/RV insurance rates.
Their park and co-op network are mainly focused on warmer climates, but many times I've gone into a Good Sam park while on the road, and found their Escapee discount was more than their GS discount.
We will be on the road from Jan 9 until April 15 in 2015. We will cross 15 states - about 4,900 miles, an estimated $2,300 in campground costs for an average just over $24 per night (includes 7 nights at no cost staying with family).
The trip also includes 12 nights at county parks in southern Florida at an average of $44.00 per night.
We will have 30 amp power five nights, and 50 amp all the other nights. The only 'dry' camping might be part of the week in Key West.
We will stay 21 nights at COE parks in Texas at the start of the trip.
We will stay 32 nights at military base campgrounds (I'm a retired USN SCPO).
Anyone can work the trips for savings and to meet a budget target. It just takes planning and research.
