Many have the same feeling.. I will tell you about one Membership outfit that is different.
Thousand Trails
They offer what they call a "Zone Pass".. Basically here is how it works.. They have sliced the USA into five zones. For around 500-600 bucks, You buy a ONE YEAR membership in ONE zone. You get 30 nights free camping plus very low cost (3.00 a night I think) after that. 2 weeks in one week out, all the parks in the zone.
IF you like, you can renew, or even upgrade at the end of the year. But if you do not like you send them a letter saying "We are no longer interested" and .. That's it.
Far as I know they are the ONLY company offereing a one year "Trial" membership.
The Flip Side.......
Thousand trails parks are generally underfunded and are generally going down hill in terms of facilities condition.. But then this is common among many of the Membership outfits. .and they are still doing at least minimal maintenance.
If you decide to go with TT. Please PM me for more info.