Passport America

[campigloo]

Starting this summer, we will camp for about 4 - 6 months in the west from the Gulf coast through the Canadian Rockies and back through the Ohio Valley. Those of you who are members of Passport America, do you find it worth the fee?

[Desert_Captain]

SteveRuff wrote:
I am constantly amazed at people who complain about this service and refuse to join because of the restrictions. A campground doesn't offer the discount on weekends, during high usage holiday periods, or during their peak season ... okay. I get it and understand. The fact still remains that using this program once or twice a year pays for itself. If you never find yourself out except for holidays, peak times, or weekends, then I certainly see how the program would be of no benefit. If you never go where a registered campground is readily available I also see that. If you're just miffed because you have to pay regular price for 3 days and only get a discount for 1 day for a 4 day stay ..I am at a loss how you can not see that as a benefit rather than an inconvenience.

X2

Their rules are clearly set forth before you sign up. If they don't work for you I completely understand but the folks who sign up and then complain make no sense at all. There are quite a few PA facilities that do give the 50% discount 7 days a week/365. I guess some folks would complain if you hung them with a new rope. :S

[jbrad13]

We got our PA membership last year through a discount special at CW. Our PA membership has paid for itself many times since we've had it.

[doxiemom11]

There are 1900 PA parks. That's more than few and far between.

[SteveRuff]

I am constantly amazed at people who complain about this service and refuse to join because of the restrictions. A campground doesn't offer the discount on weekends, during high usage holiday periods, or during their peak season ... okay. I get it and understand. The fact still remains that using this program once or twice a year pays for itself. If you never find yourself out except for holidays, peak times, or weekends, then I certainly see how the program would be of no benefit. If you never go where a registered campground is readily available I also see that. If you're just miffed because you have to pay regular price for 3 days and only get a discount for 1 day for a 4 day stay ..I am at a loss how you can not see that as a benefit rather than an inconvenience.

[carp65]

We used to belong. Was tired of going to PA parks that only accepted a
discount for one day, not on weekends, etc. Also, Parks are few and far between
and could not easily connect to with our travels. Also, quality of parks is
on the low scale, at best.

[GoPackGo]

I hesitantly bought a membership when I was in a Camping World earlier this summer. $35 for a year I think. I quickly found out what a good deal it is. Even if you only use it once for a week, you will recoup your money. I'm way ahead and plan to renew.

It is true that many CGs restrict PPA use to non-weekends or even entire months during the summer, but you will still come out way ahead. Just check the PPA book first when you determine a destination, then check the PPA parks against RVparkreviews. That always works for me.


One example - One of the nicest places I stayed recently is Cochise Terrace Rv Resort in Benson, Az.

- Regular winter nightly rate for FHU is $35.93/nite.

- PPA rate is $26.95/nite

I'm now a confirmed believer.

Tim

[8ntw8tn]

It didn't work for us. We found that while the savings at participating parks were significant, they usually weren't on our preferred route or they weren't located appropriately for our stops. So we either had to change our route/scheduled stops or discontinue the membership. We chose the latter.

[Us_out_West]

We leave our home base in Reno on Dec. 10 for Casa Grande and here is how we will use PA along the way;

Flag City RV Resort, Lodi, CA - 2 nights Full Hookups
Reg. Rate: $54 per
PA Rate: $27 per

Indian Waters RV Resort Indio, CA - 4 nights Full Hookups

Reg. Rate: $47.00
PA Rate: $23.50

PA has worked for us when available for years.

[rk911]

I wouldn't call the KOA or Good Sam programs a 'joke'. we use Good Sam quite a bit for our 1 & 2-nite stays on our way to a destination and always save more in a year than the membership cost. same with the KOA card. the big advantage is that Good Sam and KOA parks are everywhere and have no restrictions. all programs have value...it all depends on how one wants to travel.

[C-Bears]

It is one of the few that do actually pay for themselves right away. KOA and some other ones are a joke in our opinion. As long as you are traveling more than just a couple weeks during the year you can get your moneys worth out of PA.

[Toolguy5]

We found it worth it. It was $40.00 and the first time we used it, it paid for itself. If it stays $40.00 will renew even if we can not use it all the time. When you do use it you recoup your money.

[SteveRuff]

We bought PPA the first year we had a motor home and have renewed every year since that time, now well over 10 years. There has never been a year when we failed to recoup our fee and most years have been more than substantial savings. We do not alter travel plans and we always make sure we factor in going an extra 10 miles out of the way, 20 miles round trip is about an extra $10 in gas at the normal prices for us so we have to make sure we are saving at least that much or we pass. The restrictions are there and are part of owning the membership but we aren't bothered by them and frequently have had them waived when we asked.

[quoyfab]

We don't leave home without it..............

[#15]

Good morning! Great discussion surrounding Passport America. For more information about Passport America be sure to visit CampingWorld.com/passport. Good Sam Club members can join Passport America at Camping World for only $39.95 - a $5 savings off the regular 1 YR membership rate. Plus, when you join you will receive an additional 3 months added onto your membership for free!