This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.
Thousand Trails is an RV campground membership that allows members to camp for free at their locations all over the United States. They have several membership options with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and it can be difficult to know which is right for you.
In this article, we clearly break down the Thousand Trails Membership Levels by benefits and costs. We also detail all of the potential add-ons and ways to purchase. Start reading now to select the perfect Thousand Trails RV membership for your family.
This article is updated regularly, so reported Thousand Trails membership levels and prices are current and accurate.
Contents
- 1 Thousand Trails Membership Overview
- 2 Zone Camping Passes
- 3 Trails Collection Add-On
- 4 Journey Thousand Trails Membership Level
- 5 Elite Connections Thousand Trails Membership Level
- 6 Adventure Thousand Trails Membership Level
- 7 Cabin Pass Thousand Trails Membership
- 8 Unavailable Thousand Trails Memberships
- 9 Buying a New Thousand Trails Membership
- 10 Buying a Used Thousand Trails Membership
- 11 Potential Savings with Thousand Trails
- 12 Thousand Trails Booking Date
- 13 Thousand Trails FAQ
Thousand Trails Membership Overview
Thousand Trails has 82 membership campgrounds across the country. All Thousand Trails membership levels offer RV camping with no nightly fee. Aside from the Zone Pass, all Thousand Trails options are lifetime memberships.
All upgraded members pay a one time membership fee and then pay smaller annual dues each year. Zone Pass members just pay the annual fee with the option to renew each year.
Memberships levels differ based on length of stay allowed, booking windows, benefits at partner campgrounds and additional perks, such as free cabin rentals. Below we detail the benefits and cost of each Thousand Trail membership level.
If you are considering Thousand Trails, also check out other great camping deals in our full guide to RV camping clubs and memberships.
Zone Camping Passes
The zone camping pass is the entry-level Thousand Trails membership level. It is the base membership that all upgrades are based on, and the most affordable membership. However, it also has the most restrictions.
Zone camping passes include free camping in a specific region of the country. The regions (or zones) are Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, and Midwest. The number of campgrounds varies by region with only 8 in Midwest and 23 in the Southeast.
Zone camping passes are the best option for weekend warrior RVers who are looking for a great deal on short-term RV camping trips. This basic Thousand Trails membership is also a good option for full-time RVers who want to try Thousand Trails before committing to a more expensive elite membership.
Price: $725 annual fee for one zone; $110 for each additional zone
Pricing Note: For the Zone Camping passes and all of the upgraded memberships detailed below, there are often significant discounts available on the retail prices listed in this article.
Simply fill out this form to request more information and current special discounts from membership specialists Sharon and Warren Lewis. Or call them (804-366-0798) and tell them Christina from Travels with Ted sent you.
Zone Camping Pass Benefits and Rules:
- Unlimited stays at Thousand Trails campgrounds in your zone(s) with no nightly fees
- Stay up to 14 nights during each stay
- If stay is longer than four days, members must have seven days out of the Thousand Trails system before their next stay
- Only includes camping within the zones purchased
- Book reservations 60 days in advance
- Discounts at Encore RV Resorts and other partner campgrounds
- Special pricing on service through their preferred dealer network
- Member savings on popular brand, including Harvest Hosts, Hertz and DISH
- Annual rates freeze at the age of 62
- High use restrictions apply to 15 of the 82 parks during their peak season (for example: Florida parks in the winter); Only two Thousand Trails reservations are allowed on the books during high use parks peak season
Trails Collection Add-On
The Trails Collection is a popular add-on to any Thousand Trails membership level. Members who purchase the trails collection receive access to camping at 100+ additional campgrounds, including Encore RV resorts across the country.
The majority of Trails Collection RV parks offer free camping, but a few parks in prime destinations charge members up to $20 per night. Younger members should also note that some age-restricted Encore resorts in popular winter destinations (Florida, Texas, and Arizona) only allow campers 55 years of age or older.
Regardless of the caveats, the Trails Collection is a great value for the money. This Thousand Trails membership add-on provides access to over double the number of campgrounds for a low cost.
The below Trails Collection benefits are available with any Thousand Trails membership, except the Adventure and Journey membership, which already Include Trails Collection memberships.
Price: $425 per year
Trails Collection Benefits and Rules:
- Free or highly discounted camping at 100+ Encore RV Resorts
- Stay up to 14 nights during each stay
- Must be out of Trails Collection 7 days between stays (Elite members can go from a Thousand Trails park to a Trails Collection park and vice versa with no time in-between)
- Book reservations 60 days in advance
Journey Thousand Trails Membership Level
Launched in November 2024, the Thousand Trails Journey plan is the newest membership option. Journey is also Thousand Trails’ most affordable upgraded membership.
The Thousand Trails Journey membership is not a lifetime membership. It can be purchased as either a 2-year membership or a 4-year membership.
Price: $4000 for a 2-year membership (or $500 down and $146 per month); $7200 for a 4-year membership (or $700 down and $136 per month)
Journey Benefits and Rules:
- All benefits included with the zone pass
- Stay up to 21 nights at each campground
- Can move from campground to campground with no time out of the system
- Access to all Thousand Trails campgrounds nationwide
- Book reservations 120 days in advance
- Trails Collection included
- RPI Preferred Gold membership included
- Option to buy two extension weeks for $29 each at Thousand Trails parks
- Rebate for a free one-week standard cabin rental
- 25% to 50% off cabin rentals
- Camping discounts for family members
- Book one holiday at a time (i.e. cabin and camping reservations cannot overlap)
- High-use restrictions apply to 15 of the 82 parks during their peak season (for example: Florida parks in the winter); Only two Thousand Trails reservations are allowed on the books during high-use parks’ peak season
Elite Connections Thousand Trails Membership Level
The Elite Connections membership is the most affordable lifetime Thousand Trails membership.
We are full-time RVers and Elite Members. In my opinion, it is the best value for full-timers and frequent travelers. Like all lifetime Thousand Trails memberships, Elite members are charged a one-time membership fee in addition to annual dues.
Price: $11,995 one-time fee plus annual dues
For all lifetime memberships, annual dues include a yearly maintenance fee (around $700) and a fee for the Trails Collection add-on.
Elite Connections Benefits and Rules:
- All benefits included with the zone pass
- Stay up to 21 nights at each campground
- Can move from campground to campground with no time out of the system
- Access to all Thousand Trails campgrounds nationwide
- Book reservations 180 days in advance
- Option to buy two extension weeks for $29 each at Thousand Trails parks
- One week free standard cabin rental for first five years of membership
- 50% off additional standard cabin rentals
- One week free in a getaway cabin (upgraded, condo-like cabins) for the first ten years of membership
- Two years free RPI RV campground membership
- Book one holiday at a time (i.e. cabin and camping reservations cannot overlap)
- High-use restrictions apply to 15 of the 82 parks during their peak season (for example: Florida parks in the winter); Only two Thousand Trails reservations are allowed on the books during high-use parks’ peak season
Adventure Thousand Trails Membership Level
The Adventure is Thousand Trails premium membership level. The lifetime membership costs the most of any Thousand Trails membership, but has significantly more perks.
The biggest advantage of the Adventure membership over the Elite membership is the included Trails Collection Plus, which offers extended stays and a longer booking window at Trails Collection campgrounds.
This upgraded Trails Plus add-on is only available as part of the Adventure membership and cannot be purchased separately. With the introduction of the Adventure membership, the Ultimate Odyssey membership has been replaced and is no longer available. The Adventure is now Thousand Trails’ VIP membership.
Price: $17,995 one-time fee plus annual dues
Adventure Membership Benefits and Rules:
- All benefits included with the zone pass
- Stay up to 21 nights at Thousand Trails and Trails Collection campgrounds
- Can move from campground to campground with no time out of the system
- Access to all Thousand Trails and Trails Collection campgrounds nationwide
- Book Thousand Trails reservations 180 days in advance
- Book Trails Collection reservations 90 days in advance
- Option to buy four extension weeks during non-high use periods for $29 each at Thousand Trails parks
- Option to buy two extension weeks during high-use periods for $99 each at Thousand Trails parks
- Book two holidays at a time
- Five free weeks of standard cabin rentals
- 10 free weeks in upgraded getaway cabins
- Two years free RPI RV campground membership
- Six $500 vacation credits to use with RPI
- High-use restrictions apply to 15 of the 82 parks during their peak season (for example: Florida parks in the winter); Only two Thousand Trails reservations are allowed on the books during high-use parks’ peak season
Cabin Pass Thousand Trails Membership
In addition to the RV camping memberships, Thousand Trails also offers a separate Cabin Pass membership. This membership offers free stays at Thousand Trails cabins, yurts, cottages and tiny houses.
The Thousand Trails Cabin Pass provides free stays at 70+ Thousand Trails resorts. While, the Trails Collection Reciprocal Cabin Pass provides free stays at more than 50 additional resorts. Currently, one year of the Trails Collection pass is included with any Cabin Pass membership.
Price: Annual dues of $1,695
Cabin Pass Membership Benefits and Rules:
- Unlimited stays in rental units at Thousand Trails campgrounds and resorts
- Stay up to 7 nights during each stay
- Must have a 14-day wait period between rental unit reservations
- Book reservations 60 days in advance
- Receive 20% off RV campsites
Thousand Trails often updates its membership options and eliminates membership levels.
Escape, Elite Basic, Alliance, Gold, Platinum, Ultimate Odyssey, and VIP Thousand Trails membership levels are retired and no longer available to buy new.
Buying a New Thousand Trails Membership
Buying a new membership is the easiest and safest way to become a Thousand Trails member.
For the latest membership information and current prices and a special offer contact membership specialists, Sharon and Warren Lewis. Membership specialists have access to all current sales and deals, so you are guaranteed to get the best rate available.
Membership Specialists: Sharon and Warren Lewis
Fill Out This Simple Form for More Information
Email: Warren_Lewis@equitylifestyle.com
Phone: 804-366-0798
Referral: Christina from Travels with Ted
For campers who prefer to finance the upfront payments for upgraded memberships, the membership specialists can also set up financing through Thousand Trails.
Buying a Used Thousand Trails Membership
It is also possible to buy used memberships as many upgraded memberships were sold with re-sale rights. When RVers sell their camper and quit RVing, they can sell their membership.
Obtaining a Thousand Trails membership for a lower cost is the main advantage of purchasing a used membership. However, there are several downsides to consider when purchasing a used membership.
The most important consideration when buying a used membership is understanding exactly what you are buying. Over the years, there have been many different Thousand Trails membership levels and many of the used memberships available are no longer sold by Thousand Trails.
Common retired membership levels available second-hand include Gold, Platinum, Ultimate Odyssey, and VIP. Each of these memberships has unique rules and benefits. Request documentation from the seller on exactly what their contract does and does not include.
The other point to keep in mind when buying a used membership is future re-sale. Most Thousand Trails contracts state that the membership can only be transferred once. By buying a used membership, you lose the possibility of getting any of your money back if you stop using the membership down the line.
If you decide a used membership is right for you, it can be purchased from online brokers, such as Campground Membership Outlet. While the brokers do not directly charge the buyer or seller a fee, Thousand Trails does have a mandatory transfer fee (typically $750 to $1000) on all re-sale memberships.
Potential Savings with Thousand Trails
The main benefit of a Thousand Trails membership is saving money on campground fees. Most resort-style parks that offer amenities similar to Thousand Trails parks charge at least $45 a night (and some charge $100 or more).
Assuming you typically pay $45 per night, a zone camping pass at full price (and you are not going to pay full price if you contact our membership specialists), would pay for itself after just 16 nights of camping.
We purchased an Elite Basic membership in early 2020, and we have saved over $7000 by staying at Thousand Trails parks instead of private campgrounds. See our complete savings breakdown, in our article, Is Thousand Trails Worth It?
One of our biggest savings is on the North Carolina coast where my family lives. The typical campsite rate in the area is over $100 per night. We stay at one of two Trails Collection parks in the area and pay $0 for each stay!
Our membership paid for itself within two years!
Thousand Trails Booking Date
Once you have a Thousand Trails membership, you will need to keep track of when you can book campgrounds. Booking campsites at the start of your booking window will help you get reservations before RV parks are sold out.
Instead of counting the days on a calendar, use our simple booking date calculator to determine when you can make a reservation.
Thousand Trails FAQ
What is the best way to purchase a Thousand Trails membership?
Contacting a member specialist is the easiest way to find the best price on Thousand Trails memberships. Email or call (804-366-0798) membership specialists Sharon and Warren Lewis and tell them Christina from Travels with Ted sent you to get the best price available on any Thousand Trails membership.
Are Thousand Trails Lifetime Memberships Available?
All upgraded Thousand Trails memberships are lifetime memberships. However, members must still pay small annual dues to keep their membership active.
What are High Use Restrictions for Thousand Trails?
High-use restrictions are put in place to allow more members to use Thousand Trails parks during peak seasons. Stays are limited to two weeks for high-use parks during peak season (i.e. Florida resorts in the winter), but members can still move from park to park. Members are also allowed only two Thousand Trails reservations on the books at parks with high-use restrictions.
Is the Thousand Trails Odyssey Membership Available?
The Thousand Trails Ultimate Odyssey Membership is no longer available. Campers interested in the best Thousand Trails membership should purchase the Adventure Membership.
What is Thousand Trails’ Guest Policy?
Thousand Trails memberships may be used by the purchaser, his/her spouse, and any dependent children age 23 and under who live at home or attend school away from home. Friends and other family members are welcome to accompany members as guests. Check with the park for maximum campsite capacity.
We have been Thousand Trails members for several years and Elite members for more than 5 years. As full-time RVers, the only regret we have is not purchasing a membership sooner. So, learn from our mistake and join Thousand Trails to start saving money on camping today!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
2 thoughts on “Thousand Trails Membership Levels & Costs Explained in 2025”
Comments are closed.