Forum Discussion

Dso66's avatar
Dso66
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014

Total newb

What is the good Sam club? And do I want to be part of it?

10 Replies

  • "1. A "discount" at Camping World but everything you can buy there you can buy from other vendors for less."

    I agree you can buy from others for less but not always. That's true of anything and any store. When shopping I often find CW has the best price on the item I'm seeking and they have stores where I can see the item before buying.

    "2. A 10% discount at many private campgrounds. But very often you can get that same discount by just asking, or being a veteran, AAA member, AARP member. Then for the same membership money, you can get a 50% discount at Passport America."

    Agree on this one. Too many campgrounds just give the discount based on your word of just for the asking. GS should enforce this one a little better. On our six week trip last year only a few places asked for the card; however, we still seek out GS campgrounds because we know they met a certain minimum standard on the last inspection.

    "3. You may get a discount at Pilot/Flying J outlets when buying fuel. Diesel gives you the best discount, but if you use the wrong pump the discount does not apply. Some outlets do not honor the discount. Most outlets are already priced higher than neighboring fuel stations and with less hassle getting in and out."

    Totally disagree. In my experience the posted price of regular gas is always the same as surrounding stations. I suppose I could drive away from the interstate and maybe find it cheaper but they've always been priced the same as the immediate competition. Further, I've only not gotten the discount in Wisconsin where discounting fuel is against the law and once at another location because I screwed up at the pump.


    "4. You get to be bombarded, no drowned, in junk mail trying to get more of your money."

    I always feel left out of this one since I only get maybe one mailing of some kind each month. Heck, once I even bought something from a mailing and the CW catalogs always get a welcome look.

    "5. You get to put some of your money into the pockets of an organization that has shown contempt for its customers. Don't believe me? Just read the horror stories about Camping World on this forum before they get deleted."

    Agree partially. We do get the horror stories on the forum and seldom see the good things. The stories we see are frightening but I've noticed we're seeing less and less of them. A business will never be able to please everyone but I think improvement has been apparent. Nonetheless, even one unsatisfied customer is one too many and it seems CW and GS are striving for that goal. Keep in mind that "contempt" shown by a single employee is not indicative of the goals of the corporation.
  • RVman3252 wrote:
    To me it is more than just a discount club... it is a group of RV'er who have common interests. As a group, we can accomplish far more than an individual, to benefit our hobby and/or lifestyle. Yes also as a group, we have discounts available on campgrounds, fuel and camping supplies & services, but for me that is only part of your membership in the Good Sam Club.

    RVman /. John


    Amen brother.
  • I am still wayne_tw wrote:
    Good Sam Care Team wrote:
    Dso66,

    Thank you for your time and post. We are the world's largest organization of recreational vehicle (RV) owners, the Good Sam Club is committed to making RVing a safer and more rewarding experience for its 1.5 million members. Founded in 1966 by Trail-R-News, a small California RV magazine, Club members originally promised to help fellow travelers on America's highways.

    Today, Good Sam's halo and broad smile continue to signify friendliness among RVers and an eagerness to serve, although on a much larger scale. Nearly 1,500 grassroots Good Sam Club Chapters from Anchorage, Alaska, to Okeechobee, Florida, get together for RV campouts, good times and community service. The Club's state and provincial organizations host RV gatherings called Samborees that likewise promote RV fellowship and philanthropy, only on a larger scale. Hundreds of worthy causes benefit from the fundraising and volunteer efforts of Good Sam members, from Cleanup Days, Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Highway to Dogs for the Deaf.

    Based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Good Sam Club is a sister company of Camping World, America's largest retailer of RV supplies, accessories, services and new and used RVs. Both the Good Sam Club and Camping World were founded in 1966. The Good Sam Club offers RVers the resources to make the most of the RV lifestyle, including significant savings on RV and health insurance, financing, roadside assistance, extended warranties and repairs. Good Sam Club members save 10% on the regular nightly RV site rate at 2,100+ Good Sam RV Parks and Campgrounds, save up to 30% at Camping World SuperCenters, save on fuel at Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers, enjoy hundreds of dollars in Camping World coupons, receive four free issues of MotorHome or Trailer Life magazine with the Highways Club publication inserted inside, save with Smile & Save partner discounts, and so much more!

    Throughout its 48-year history, the Good Sam Club has been a leader for the RV community. The Club not only offers members its Action Line consumer-advocacy program, it provides up-to-the-minute RV recall information and has developed the Standby Sams, a network of volunteers who assist traveling members.

    Considering its long history, solid reputation and substantial membership, it's no surprise that the Good Sam Club is known across North America as the Face of RVing.Good Sam Club

    When you have a chance come check us out.


    Mark F
    Marcus' Rapid Response Team
    goodsamcs@goodsamfamily.com


    WOW! All that sounds great! But the truth is you pay a fair sum of money and this is what you get:
    1. A "discount" at Camping World but everything you can buy there you can buy from other vendors for less.
    2. A 10% discount at many private campgrounds. But very often you can get that same discount by just asking, or being a veteran, AAA member, AARP member. Then for the same membership money, you can get a 50% discount at Passport America.
    3. You may get a discount at Pilot/Flying J outlets when buying fuel. Diesel gives you the best discount, but if you use the wrong pump the discount does not apply. Some outlets do not honor the discount. Most outlets are already priced higher than neighboring fuel stations and with less hassle getting in and out.
    4. You get to be bombarded, no drowned, in junk mail trying to get more of your money.
    5. You get to put some of your money into the pockets of an organization that has shown contempt for its customers. Don't believe me? Just read the horror stories about Camping World on this forum before they get deleted.


    Seriously...it's getting old with this stuff...Why not add that they also support this forum that everyone can use for free. Unfortunately, there are some that can not appreciate it and would rather bite the hand that feeds them. No one is making you join anything you don't want to be a part of. If you feel strongly about those 5 points you made, then by all means feel it, but please stop coming on here and insulting the company and those of us who like it and enjoy it. Go somewhere else where you will be happy. Maybe start your own with all the money you are saving by not being a GS member. Is there really a need to keep insulting? Have your feelings been hurt that bad?

    :R
  • To me it is more than just a discount club... it is a group of RV'er who have common interests. As a group, we can accomplish far more than an individual, to benefit our hobby and/or lifestyle. Yes also as a group, we have discounts available on campgrounds, fuel and camping supplies & services, but for me that is only part of your membership in the Good Sam Club.

    RVman /. John
  • Some swear by it some swear at it. Go to their website and see what they offer. If you think it maybe something for you, join for a year and see how it goes.
  • Dso66 wrote:
    What is the good Sam club? And do I want to be part of it?


    Much depends on where live, and where you camp. IF you don't camp in Good Sam parks, and don't have a Camping World near by. Then NO you do not need to be a member. A total waste of money.

    However. IF you do camp in Good Sam parks, and live next to a Camping World store. It could be a good thing.

    Problem is. Fewer, and fewer Campgrounds honor the Good Sam card.
  • ChooChooMan74 wrote:

    Basically, it is a discount membership. For me, the membership pays for itself in savings at good sam parks.


    Not for us. For us it is an RV club that provides discounts for members. It also sells various RV services.

    We belong to a local chapter (camping group), attend state Samborees, and have made many friends through the club.
  • Good Sam Care Team wrote:
    Dso66,

    Thank you for your time and post. We are the world's largest organization of recreational vehicle (RV) owners, the Good Sam Club is committed to making RVing a safer and more rewarding experience for its 1.5 million members. Founded in 1966 by Trail-R-News, a small California RV magazine, Club members originally promised to help fellow travelers on America's highways.

    Today, Good Sam's halo and broad smile continue to signify friendliness among RVers and an eagerness to serve, although on a much larger scale. Nearly 1,500 grassroots Good Sam Club Chapters from Anchorage, Alaska, to Okeechobee, Florida, get together for RV campouts, good times and community service. The Club's state and provincial organizations host RV gatherings called Samborees that likewise promote RV fellowship and philanthropy, only on a larger scale. Hundreds of worthy causes benefit from the fundraising and volunteer efforts of Good Sam members, from Cleanup Days, Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Highway to Dogs for the Deaf.

    Based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Good Sam Club is a sister company of Camping World, America's largest retailer of RV supplies, accessories, services and new and used RVs. Both the Good Sam Club and Camping World were founded in 1966. The Good Sam Club offers RVers the resources to make the most of the RV lifestyle, including significant savings on RV and health insurance, financing, roadside assistance, extended warranties and repairs. Good Sam Club members save 10% on the regular nightly RV site rate at 2,100+ Good Sam RV Parks and Campgrounds, save up to 30% at Camping World SuperCenters, save on fuel at Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers, enjoy hundreds of dollars in Camping World coupons, receive four free issues of MotorHome or Trailer Life magazine with the Highways Club publication inserted inside, save with Smile & Save partner discounts, and so much more!

    Throughout its 48-year history, the Good Sam Club has been a leader for the RV community. The Club not only offers members its Action Line consumer-advocacy program, it provides up-to-the-minute RV recall information and has developed the Standby Sams, a network of volunteers who assist traveling members.

    Considering its long history, solid reputation and substantial membership, it's no surprise that the Good Sam Club is known across North America as the Face of RVing.Good Sam Club

    When you have a chance come check us out.


    Mark F
    Marcus' Rapid Response Team
    goodsamcs@goodsamfamily.com


    WOW! All that sounds great! But the truth is you pay a fair sum of money and this is what you get:
    1. A "discount" at Camping World but everything you can buy there you can buy from other vendors for less.
    2. A 10% discount at many private campgrounds. But very often you can get that same discount by just asking, or being a veteran, AAA member, AARP member. Then for the same membership money, you can get a 50% discount at Passport America.
    3. You may get a discount at Pilot/Flying J outlets when buying fuel. Diesel gives you the best discount, but if you use the wrong pump the discount does not apply. Some outlets do not honor the discount. Most outlets are already priced higher than neighboring fuel stations and with less hassle getting in and out.
    4. You get to be bombarded, no drowned, in junk mail trying to get more of your money.
    5. You get to put some of your money into the pockets of an organization that has shown contempt for its customers. Don't believe me? Just read the horror stories about Camping World on this forum before they get deleted.
  • Dso66,

    Thank you for your time and post. We are the world's largest organization of recreational vehicle (RV) owners, the Good Sam Club is committed to making RVing a safer and more rewarding experience for its 1.5 million members. Founded in 1966 by Trail-R-News, a small California RV magazine, Club members originally promised to help fellow travelers on America's highways.

    Today, Good Sam's halo and broad smile continue to signify friendliness among RVers and an eagerness to serve, although on a much larger scale. Nearly 1,500 grassroots Good Sam Club Chapters from Anchorage, Alaska, to Okeechobee, Florida, get together for RV campouts, good times and community service. The Club's state and provincial organizations host RV gatherings called Samborees that likewise promote RV fellowship and philanthropy, only on a larger scale. Hundreds of worthy causes benefit from the fundraising and volunteer efforts of Good Sam members, from Cleanup Days, Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Highway to Dogs for the Deaf.

    Based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Good Sam Club is a sister company of Camping World, America's largest retailer of RV supplies, accessories, services and new and used RVs. Both the Good Sam Club and Camping World were founded in 1966. The Good Sam Club offers RVers the resources to make the most of the RV lifestyle, including significant savings on RV and health insurance, financing, roadside assistance, extended warranties and repairs. Good Sam Club members save 10% on the regular nightly RV site rate at 2,100+ Good Sam RV Parks and Campgrounds, save up to 30% at Camping World SuperCenters, save on fuel at Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers, enjoy hundreds of dollars in Camping World coupons, receive four free issues of MotorHome or Trailer Life magazine with the Highways Club publication inserted inside, save with Smile & Save partner discounts, and so much more!

    Throughout its 48-year history, the Good Sam Club has been a leader for the RV community. The Club not only offers members its Action Line consumer-advocacy program, it provides up-to-the-minute RV recall information and has developed the Standby Sams, a network of volunteers who assist traveling members.

    Considering its long history, solid reputation and substantial membership, it's no surprise that the Good Sam Club is known across North America as the Face of RVing.Good Sam Club

    When you have a chance come check us out.


    Mark F
    Marcus' Rapid Response Team
    goodsamcs@goodsamfamily.com
  • You need to learn yhe secret club handshake first.

    Basically, it is a discount membership. For me, the membership pays for itself in savings at good sam parks.

About Customer Support

Our Customer Service team is available to assist you any time between 6am-10pm MST. Ask a question about your account, recent order, and more.2,689 PostsLatest Activity: Dec 23, 2025