1000 Trails RV Parks: What Are They & Is a Pass Worth It?

1000 Trails RV parks and memberships have been a staple of the RVing scene since the 1970s, but very few campers understand what they entail.

To help you sort it all out, here’s an in-depth look at all Thousand Trails membership levels, costs, restrictions, and their top five RV campgrounds in the US. Also discover 1000 Trails pros and cons, helpful tips, actual reviews from members, and find how to calculate whether a membership will save you money.

What are Thousand Trails RV Parks?

1000 Trails RV parks are a network of membership RV campgrounds and resorts in the US and British Columbia. Currently, there are 81 Thousand Trails RV parks in 22 states throughout the United States. These campgrounds are split between 5 camping zones: 

• Southwest – 18 TT RV parks
• Southeast – 23  TT RV parks
• Northwest – 18 TT RV parks
• Northeast – 14 TT RV parks
• Midwest – 8 TT RV parks

On top of the 81 regular 1000 TT campgrounds, there is an add-on membership program called the Trails Collection. It opens up more than 100 extra campgrounds known as The Encore RV Resorts. In total, 1000 Trails can give you access to over 200 RV Resorts & Campgrounds.

Thousand Trails RV parks vary significantly, some offer premium resort-style amenities, while others only provide the basics. Many of them have features like full hookups, showers, restrooms, laundry, WiFi, clubhouses, pools, playgrounds, yard games, sports courts, and dog parks. A few have golf courses, nature/hiking/biking/equestrian trails, fishing lakes, water sports rentals, jumping pillows, arcades, and game rooms.

What are Thousand Trails Memberships?

A Thousand Trails membership lets you stay at RV parks across the country with no nightly fee. You pay a one-time membership fee and a smaller yearly fee and then use the parks however you choose. Importantly, there are many different membership levels. 

How much you spend and what level you purchase will determine what you are allowed to do within the Thousand Trails system. The system has lots of add-ons, so you can upgrade based on your needs and budget. Note that there are varying parameters around stay duration, booking windows, holiday reservations, etc. We will explore that in the next section.

Thousand Trails Membership Levels

Here are the 5 main Thousand Trails levels of membership:

Zone Camping Pass Thousand Trails Membership

This is the most basic 1000 Trails membership level. Here, you buy a pass to camp in one of the 5 zones in the US for one year. Here are the details:

• Costs $725 in 2024 + annual dues of $670 in 2024.
• Unlimited camping (no campground fees.)
• You can only use the campgrounds within the zone you pick.
• Book up to 60 days in advance.
• Stay in a Thousand Trails campground for up to 14 nights in a row.
• After leaving the campground, you need to be out of the system for 7 days (you can not go directly from park to park.) However, you can go from park to park if you stay 4 days or fewer.
• You can add a second or third zone for a smaller fee—$110 per zone.
• You can buy the Encore Pass for an additional $425 and get 100+ more nationwide campgrounds.
• 20% off daily RV sites of seasonal deals.
• High-use restrictions apply to 15 of the 82 parks during their peak season.
• One-year term.

New Escape Thousand Trails Membership

This is the first level of membership upgrade from the Zone Pass. It’s very similar to the Zone Camping Pass. Here are its features:

• $2,995 one-time fee + annual fee $670.
• All benefits are included with the Zone pass.
• Only includes camping within the zones purchased.
• Book sites up to 90 days in advance. 
• Maximum stay is 14 nights at a time, with no nightly fees, within the zone/region that you purchase.
• After staying at a Thousand Trails park for more than 4 nights, you must stay out of the system for 7 days before re-entering. Camp 4 or fewer nights, and you can move to another park immediately.
• Annual fees are frozen at age 62, so they can’t increase over the life of the membership.
• One week free standard cabin rental and 20% off cabin rentals.
• High-use restrictions apply at popular RV parks and peak season.
• Can’t be resold like other membership levels.
• One-year term.

The main difference between the New Escape and Zone pass is that you get a 30-day booking head start.

Elite Basic Thousand Trails Membership

In this upgraded membership level, you have access to all Thousand Trails campgrounds in the country and are allowed to stay longer without time in between reservations. Here are the details:

• $8,995 one-time fee, plus annual dues of $670 in 2024.
• All benefits included with the zone pass
• 120-day booking window.
• Stay up to 21 consecutive nights in a campground.
• Go from park to park to park without wait times.
• Option to buy two 7-night extensions for $29 each at Thousand Trails Parks.
• 50% off cabin rentals and 1-week free standard cabin rental for the first 5 years of membership.
• High-use restriction. You can only stay 14 days in high-use parks during the high season.
• Share discounts with up to 8 family members with Courtesy Cards.
• Commitment term is 2 years, after which you can choose to continue on a yearly basis

Elite Connections Thousand Trails Membership

Elite Connections is the next upgrade from Elite Basic. Here are its highlights:

• The standard price is $11,345 in 2024 + ongoing annual dues of up to $670.
• All benefits included with the zone pass
• Book up to 180 days in advance.
• Camp for up to 21 nights at a time in a Thousand Trails campground.
• Move from park to park without any time out of the system.
• Option to buy 2 non-high-use extensions weeks per year for $29.
• Ability to join and get 2 years Resort Parks International (RPI) travel and camping program.
• 50% off cabin rentals and one week free in a getaway cabin.
• Freeze annual dues at age 62.
• You can place your membership in inactive status for up to 5 years.
• Stays are limited to 2 weeks for popular parks during peak times.
• Share discounts with up to 8 family members with Courtesy Cards.
• Contract term is 2 years, after which you can choose to continue on a yearly basis.

Adventure Thousand Trails Membership

Adventure is the VIP level upgrade, and it costs the most of any Thousand Trails membership. However, it also has significantly more perks. Here are some of its features:

• $17,595 one-time standard fee in 2024 + ongoing, annual dues of up to $670.
• All benefits included with the zone pass
• Access to Trails Collection Plus, which offers extended stays and a longer booking window at Trails Collection campgrounds.
• Reserve Thousand Trails locations 180 days in advance.
• Reserve Trails Collection locations 90 days in advance.
• Stay up to 21 nights at Thousand Trails and Trails Collection RV campgrounds.
• Go from park to park with no out time.
• Extend your stay by 1 week during the off-peak season for $29 four times a year at TT campgrounds.
• Extend your stay by 1 week during high-use periods for $99 two times a year at TT campgrounds.
• 10 free weeks in upgraded getaway cabins (one week a year over ten years).
• 2 years free RPI RV campground membership.
• Annual dues are frozen at age 62.
• Contract term is two years, after which you can choose to continue on a yearly basis.

The most enticing feature of the Adventure Level is the optional add-on of the Trails Collection PLUS. At $725, you get access to 100+ encore resorts, where you can stay up to 21 days and move from park to park with no out time. Plus, you can book sites up to 90 days in advance. That means you can camp in 200 Thousand Trails and Trails Collection (Encore) parks interchangeably, year-round, without nightly fees.

Other Thousand Trails Upgrades and Add-Ons

• Trails Collection Add-On – As mentioned before, purchasing this add-on for $425 will give you access to 100+ Encore RV parks. Any member at any level can buy it. You’ll get a 14-day stay limit, and all members, except those with an Adventure Package, have a 60-day booking window. Note that some locations may charge an extra fee.
• Cabin Pass Thousand Trails Membership – Perfect for anyone who loves glamping or families who want to visit full-time RVers. It offers free stays at Thousand Trails cabins, yurts, safari tents, vacation cottages, and tiny houses at 125+ Thousand Trails locations. It has a 60-day booking window, you can stay 2-7 days per location, and there’s a 14-day wait period between parks.

Thousand Trails Membership Cost Breakdown 2024

Here are the standard Thousand Trails membership fees for 2024. Note that Thousand Trails does not make their exact membership upgrade costs public, but their fees generally increase every year. Of course, you can get these 1000 Trails memberships at significantly lower rates if you opt to buy a resale or used membership.

• Annual Zone Camping Pass – $725
• Escape Upgrade – $2,995
• Basic Elite Upgrade – $8,995
• Elite Connections Upgrade – $11,345
• Adventure Upgrade – $17,595
• Trails Collection Add-on for Encore Parks + Destination Campgrounds – $425
• Add an Extra Zone to your Zone Camping Pass – $110
• Cabin Pass – Annual dues of $1,495
• Annual Dues – Up to $670 a year, no overnight fee.
• And how much do Thousand Trails used memberships cost? Resales are around 3/4 the price of a new TT membership.

5 Highly Rated 1000 Trails RV Parks

Here are 5 top-ranked Thousand Trails RV Parks in the US, according to members. They all have a rating of above 4 stars out of 5 on Google.

Best 1000 Trails RV Park in the Southwest Zone: Thousand Trails Colorado River

• Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 336 reviews
• Location: 1062 Thousand Trails Ln, Columbus, TX 78934
• RV Sites: 221
• Open Season: Year-round
• Rates: $0
• Standout Features: Indoor hot tub, activities, large 20/30/50 amp sites with grass, table and fire ring
• 2nd Best TT RV Campground in the Southwest Zone: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes, CA 

Colorado River RV Campground is a beautiful getaway nestled between Houston and San Antonio. Visitors will enjoy relaxing among riverside pecan groves as well as engaging in outdoor pursuits. It features a pool, hot tub, mini golf, clubhouse, fitness center, boat dock, and playground. 

More fun details include a basketball court, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, a game room, and a dog park. You’ll also have access to bike trails, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. For added convenience, they have full hook-up sites, clean and remodeled bath houses, laundry facilities, and an office.

Best 1000 Trails RV Park in the Southeast Zone: Thousand Trails Orlando 

• Google Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1.5k reviews
• Location: 2110 Thousand Trails Blvd, Clermont, FL 34714
• RV Sites: 1,017
• Open Season: Year-round
• Rates: $0 
• Standout Features: 2 pools, proximity to Disney Parks, 20/30/50 amp, and abundant activities.
• 2nd Best TT Park in the Southeast Zone: Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, VA

Lying in the heart of Florida, Thousand Trails Orlando has some of the most positive reviews among all TT parks. It delivers the best combination of amenities, activities, location, and quality service. Expect all the bells and whistles, including 2 sparkling pools, a hot tub, mini golf, plus several pickleball and shuffleboard courts.

More enticing highlights include an activities center, jam sessions, fitness classes, line dancing, a lake with kayak rentals, a kid’s playground, and a doggy park. Sites are wide with concrete pads, patios, and picnic tables. You’ll also appreciate the helpful and friendly staff. Disney parks are within 15 miles. 

Best 1000 Trails RV Park in the Northwest Zone: Thousand Trails Grandy Creek

• Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 164 reviews
• Location: 7370 Russell Rd, Concrete, WA 98237
• RV Sites: 163
• Open Season: April to October
• Rates: $0
• Standout Features: Swimming pool, jumping pillow, and plenty of planned activities.
• 2nd Best TT RV Park in the Northwest Zone: Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, OR

Sitting cozily at the base of Mount Baker, Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is another top-notch choice for your RVing pleasure. Guest will have a blissful natural setting with mountains, rivers, and trees. Further, you’re just a short distance from North Cascades National Park. 

Some top amenities include a swimming pool, jump pillow, mini-golf, basketball, massive grassy fields, playground, and picnic area. For family fun, they have an activities director, arts & crafts, kid’s program, and live entertainment. Sites are level and facilities are immaculate. Note that it closes during the winter months.

Best 1000 Trails RV Park in the Northeast Zone: Thousand Trails Hershey

• Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 447 reviews
• Location: 493 S Mount Pleasant Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042
• RV Sites: 320
• Open Season: April to October
• Rates: $0
• Standout Features: Lake, pool, planned activities, proximity to Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hershey Amusement Park
• 2nd Best TT Campground in the Northeast Zone: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, PA

You’re in for a special treat staying at Thousand Trails Hershey. It’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of Amish Country, with more than 200 acres of rolling farmland. Expect a huge outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, mini golf, playground, fishing lake, tennis and basketball courts, plus pathways to walk your furry friend. 

You’ll also have a large activity center, video game arcade, country store, and Satellite TV. More exciting details include a kids’ program, bingo, potlucks, and an activities director. The sites are shady and large, with full hookups, plus the grounds and restrooms are neat. You’ll definitely love the staff, as they are known for putting guests first.

Best 1000 Trails RV Park in the Midwest Zone: Thousand Trails Wilmington

• Google Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars from 236 reviews
• Location: 1786 OH-380, Wilmington, OH 45177
• RV Sites: 169
• Open Season: April to October
• Rates: $0
• Standout Features: Pool, lake, cabin, and cottages.
• 2nd Best TT RV Park in the Midwest Zone: Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, OH

Thousand Trails Wilmington is a nice park offering 170 acres of premier camping grounds. You’ll be delighted by the rolling landscape, scenic lake, and a multitude of amenities such as a pool, clubhouse, hot tub, mini golf, game room, playground, and a catch-and-release pond.

You can also rent canoes or enjoy a game of sand volleyball, water volleyball, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, or horseshoes. Grounds and facilities are well cared for, and each RV spot has a picnic table, fire ring, and full hook-ups. Note that electric connections are a mix of 20/30/50 amp. Heading there in the fall? The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a must-attend.camp

Thousand Trails Reviews on RVing Forums

Here are some 1000 Trails membership reviews from actual RV campers who have stayed in TT parks and resorts. We’ve sourced the reviews from iRV2, Good Sam Community, and Forest River Forums. We’ve also attached links to the full threads.

Thousand Trails Review on iRV2 

Reviewer pasdad1 wrote: “I consider it the best money we have spent so far. We have saved enough in camping fees so far to completely pay for our used membership, and we save money every year paying our yearly dues, versus paying campground fees in private parks.”

Thousand Trails Review on iRV2 

Reviewer twogypsies wrote: “If you’re a full-time RVer, it could work for you. If you don’t RV that much; not so. It depends how and where you travel. It’s a personal decision & no one can make it for you. Personally, we love public parks or boondocking on public lands and we’re not surrounded by a hundred RVs. They are in beautiful places on lakes, rivers and among wildlife. We enjoy exploring the countryside without having to drive far. Everyone is different that’s why it’s up to you. Good luck!”

Thousand Trails Review on Good Sam Community

Reviewer Craig 7H wrote: “Thousand Trails like Coast to Coast and the others are only as good as you use them. I had Coast to Coast for 3 years and never used it. There were never any parks where we were traveling to. I have gotten more bang for my buck using the 10% off from Good Sam and the same for KOA. Take a look at their offered RV parks and if they are in your traveling area maybe TT would work.”

Thousand Trails Review on Forest River Forums 

Reviewer TeachTexas wrote: “We have been members for many years and it does boil down to “does it fit your style”. We have had many good experiences and met a lot of nice people. We bought before the zone thing and have parks available all over the country. As mentioned, sometimes they are not where we want to go, but it gives us alternatives. If you decide to buy, look to the secondary(resale) market; there are some good bargains.”

Pros and Cons of Thousand Trails Membership

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of being a Thousand Trails member: 

1000 Trails Advantages

• Long-term savings on RV camping fees if you camp often.
• $0 nightly fees.
• Most membership levels are resealable, helping you recoup most of your money.
• Lots of special promotions and discounts to help you save.
• You can buy used membership at nearly half the price of a new one.
• Many campgrounds are located within beautiful settings or near attractions.
• You can pay in monthly installments.
• You can add the Thousand Trails collection to get access to more RV parks around the country.

1000 Trails Problems/Complaints

• The initial investment is high. They cost several thousand dollars upfront + annual dues.
• Some TT campgrounds allow long-term renters and permanent stays, which cuts down the bookable sites for the rest of the members. Some places even give these long-term residents preferential treatment.
• Most TT parks are only around the edges of the Country, with very few in the middle. 
• There are no TT RV parks in some states.. 
• They don’t post prices of the upgrade levels (Escape, Basic Elite, Elite Connections, and Adventure). So it’s hard to know exactly what you’ll pay.
• The different terminologies, rules, and restrictions per membership level are confusing.
• Many 1000 Trails parks are a little less polished than other private parks, some are even in a poor state.
• Trying to find a full 14 or 21 days at any TT park is challenging because of stiff competition from other members. Also, it’s tough to get the best parks or reserve a spot at the campground you desire. 
• The lower-tier membership levels don’t allow you to go from park to park; you have to get out of the system for a week.
• Encore parks charge a nightly fee.

Tips on Thousand Trails Membership

Here are some tips, tricks, and hacks to maximize your 1000 Trails membership:

• Buy a used membership, as it can save you thousands of dollars. Campground Membership Outlet is the best broker for pre-owned TT memberships.
• Look for promotion sales for huge discounts.
• When buying or upgrading to higher-level memberships, you can negotiate with Thousand Trails representatives to get some of your specific requests incorporated into your contract. 
• Lower your expectations, as some parks are in a sub-par state. Others are labeled as resorts but are actually regular RV parks.
• Read RV park reviews on Google, RV Life, and Trip Advisor and scout it using the Campground Views app before booking a TT park.
• If you don’t want to move from one TT park to the next year round, find a Homebase park outside the Thousand Trails network with a good monthly rate where you can take a break from constant travel.
• Make your reservations as far ahead as possible to increase your chances of staying in the best locations.
• If you are testing the waters, buy the basic Zone Pass and stay less than 4 days in each location so you can move from park to park. This will help you get a feel of their RV parks before deciding whether to continue, upgrade, or quit. 
• For digital nomads, WiFi, and cell service isn’t a guarantee, so you may want to invest in satellite internet.
• Remember, you have to use the system frequently for it to make sense. It takes a long time to break even if you buy the premier levels.

What Type of RVer Should Get a Thousand Trails Membership?

• A full timer.
• A person who travels frequently.
• You have no problem moving from park to park.
• You love camping during the off-season.
• An RVer who doesn’t mind rustic campgrounds.
• You’re satisfied with the existing TT campgrounds.
• You want to keep camping costs under control.

What Type of RVer Should Avoid Thousand Trails Membership?

• RVer who camps a few weeks a year or just during the camping season.
• Anyone who camps infrequently, i.e. weekend warriors.
• Someone who wants to remain stationary in one spot.
• RVer who prefers boondocking, dispersed camping, or isolation.
• Someone who specifically wants luxurious RV resorts.
• You’re an impromptu adventurer who loves to switch campgrounds on a whim without stressing about reservations. With Thousand Trails, you need to book far in advance, meaning you can’t just change RV parks. 
• You’re not flexible regarding the park you want to stay. To be happy with the TT system, you need to be flexible and adjustable depending on the available parks.

How to Calculate Whether Thousand Trails Will Save You Money

Trying to figure out if 1000 trails will be worthwhile for you? Here’s an easy formula:

1. Take the price of the membership level you want (in this scenario, we’ll use the Zone Camping Pass, which is $725).

2. Add it to the annual dues, which is $670: $725+$670 = $1395. So, your annual 1000 Trails expenditure is $1395.

3. Decide how many days you plan to stay in TT parks a year (let’s say 100 days).

4. Divide your annual TT expenditure ($1395) by the number of planned camping days(100): $1395/100 = $13.95 Your nightly expense when using Thousand Trails will be $13.95, round it off, and it’s $14. In contrast, conventional RV parks and campgrounds charge a minimum of $50 per night in 2024. 

How Much Will You Save Nightly By Camping at 1000 Trails RV Parks?

To know how much you’ll save nightly, subtract the 1000 Trails RV park nightly fee from that of the regular RV park fee: $50-$14 = $36 per night. You’ll save $36 per night with the Zone Camping Pass.

How Much Will a Thousand Trails Zone Pass Save You Annually?

To know how much Thousand Trails Zone Pass will save you annually, first find out the annual expenditure of staying in non-TT parks. 

1. Multiply the regular RV park nightly fee ($50) by the number of days you plan to camp a year (100): $50×100 = $5000.

2. Next, subtract your annual TT expenditure ($1395) from the alternative annual cost of staying at non-TT campgrounds ($5,000): $5,000-$1,395 = $3,605.

So, Thousand Trails will save an RVer who camps 100 nights a year $3,605 annually. You’ll save significantly more if you camp more than 100 days. 

For many people, the Zone Camping Pass will pay for itself in less than 30 nights of camping.

Use the same formula to calculate whether other 1000 Trails memberships make financial sense. For higher membership levels, remember you can also resell your membership, which means more savings. RVers often recover about 1/2 to 2/3 of their initial Thousand Trails membership cost. Of course, how often you use the TT parks determines how quickly your initial investment will pay off. 

FAQs About Thousand Trails

Here are some frequently asked questions about Thousand Trails:

Does Thousand Trails Own the RV Campgrounds?

Yes, 1000 Trails fully owns and operates the 200+ TT campgrounds and Encore RV resorts in the US. The parent company is called Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS).

Does Thousand Trails Have Campgrounds in Canada?

Yes, 1000 Trails has a single campground in Canada—Cultus Lake. It’s situated in British Colombia in the picturesque Fraser River Valley and has 4.3/5 stars from 220 Google reviews. Features include a heated outdoor pool, lake, indoor game room, snack bar, plus riverfront and wooded sites.

What’s the Thousand Trails Members’ Phone Number?

1000 Trails members can reach customer service through (800) 388-7788. If you are calling for reservations, the Thousand Trails contact number is 1-877-570-2267.

Takeaway: Is Thousand Trails Membership Worth it?

1000 Trails is worth it, and it can help you save money if you plan to use it year-round and have no problem moving from one location to another. For full-time RVers, it can pay for itself in just the first or second year. But if you only camp a few times a year, you’re better off staying at non-TT campgrounds. 

Ultimately, it comes down to your travel lifestyle and personal preferences. Do your homework before signing anything, read the entire contract carefully, know the restrictions around each membership level, and read different TT campground reviews to know whether you’ll enjoy your stays.

Happy travels!

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Author Profile

Cynthia Measom

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Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.

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