Older does not always mean wiser so.......

[GGeorge]

I am older but not wiser so I will come to the experts who have "done that" and found it was a good idea or not a good idea.

The SO and I will retire in December 2015, we are planning a trip to Alaska spring 2016. We have been approached by Resorts of America and Camp Resorts about purchasing a "Home Base" site and then joining Coast to Coast (C2C).

Is this a good idea?

Resorts of America has offered us a home base of Rocky Fork in Kimbolton Ohio for $11,995 (55 miles from our home). This has a lifetime ownership, I can will or give to children and they in turn can will/give to grandchildren. 2 weeks free camping per year, then unlimited camping 2 weeks in, one week out for the remainder of the year. The cost comes with 1 year membership w/C2C, paid 1st year maintenance fees (399 per yr) and sister Resort America resorts are $10 per nite for 7 days.

Resorts has also offered to purchase a home base in Sycamore NC for $1595, life membership. Basically the same camping deal, C2C for the first year, and paid annual dues of $299 for the first year. They have told me this is a real deal, the current owner is selling for health reasons and purchased his "ownership" many years ago when things were cheaper. They told me in todays market the price would be approximately the same as Rocky Fork. They also said I can will/sell one more time under the "grandfather clause" from the original owner.

Camp Resorts is offering me $549.00 per year membership in "A" home base, 1 year C2C and $499 maintenance fees for 1 year. Basic same camping agreement. However, they will assign a home base. I live in Ohio, they could give me a home base in California. But I would get the 2 weeks free then two in one out rule apply.

What are your thoughts. Does anyone have home base membership? do you like it? Do you use it? Is it worth it?

Help

Thanks

G George

[Campfire_Time]

We have been presented with time shares a number of times over the years. At one point a relative offered one to me that was paid for, all I had to pay for was the annual fee of $350. I turned it down. You have ask yourself one question; do you really want to be locked into going to the same chain of resorts, or would you rather go where the wind takes you? Which would most likely be far more fun, and less expensive when all is said and done.

[fj12ryder]

Well, your "free" camping isn't free. You're paying $12,000 up front for the camping and then you're paying several hundred dollars a year, which can, and most likely will, be raised. This is all to get "free" camping.

It sounds too much like time share to me.

[eichacsj]

Are time shares ever a good idea? No way I would ever buy into any.

[donn0128]

NO! Big waste of money. If you really feel you would use it, start searching for time share resellers. That 12K price they quoted you can be found from a reseller for probably a third of that.