Passport America and its ilk

westernrvparkowner wrote:
I am always skeptical of the savings people claim. Yes, they may be offering 50 percent of their posted rate, but is the posted rate fair compared to the neighboring parks? Half off of $50.00 when another park offers 10 percent off a $35.00 rate means you really are only saving $6.50. If the Passport park is either a lesser park or is further off the beaten path (which seems to be a common issue with Passport America), you are either giving up amenities of trading site fees for fuel expense.

Since PA parks have to compete with other area parks at their regular rates, yes, their rates are typically in the same range commensurate with the features they offer. Some of the PA parks we've stayed at are with a mile or two of a major Interstate like I-81 for instance. These are not necessarily run down parks that are trying to just hang to what can get with reduced rates. One park just off I-81 just recently dropped PA since their popularity and repeat business is now sufficient to not need it, but several years ago when they were a brand new unknown park with very nice facilities. As long as a PA park is only about 8 miles off of our route, spending the extra $5 for gas can be well worth the overall savings. Off hand, I can't recall the last time we paid more than $20/night at a PA park, and usually less than that.