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Have you ever walked into Costco for toilet paper and walked out with a kayak, a year’s supply of cheese, and a sudden urge to buy furniture? Well, now you can add a 30-foot RV to that impulse-buy list. The warehouse giant famous for $1.50 hot dogs and bulk everything has officially entered the RV game, and the internet is losing its mind.
Costco has partnered with Camping World—America’s largest RV dealership chain—to bring member-exclusive RV pricing to the masses. But before you rush to renew that membership thinking you’ll score a fifth wheel at bulk pricing, there are some serious things you need to know. Is this really the “Costco deal” everyone’s hoping for, or is it just another marketing gimmick wrapped in a membership card?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about buying an RV through Costco, from how the program actually works to whether you’re really saving money (spoiler: maybe not). Buckle up, because this is one shopping trip that could cost you a lot more than that giant bag of frozen chicken nuggets.
1. Costco Isn’t Actually Selling You an RV (Plot Twist!)
Here’s the first reality check: Despite what the headlines suggest, Costco and its affiliates aren’t selling RVs. They’re not stocking motorhomes in the warehouse next to the patio furniture, and you won’t be rolling a travel trailer through the checkout lane alongside your rotisserie chicken.
What’s really happening? Costco has partnered with Camping World to add RVs to their existing Auto Program—the same program that’s been helping members buy cars for years. Costco is essentially acting as a referral service. They connect you with Camping World dealerships, and Camping World handles all the actual selling, pricing, negotiating, and transactions.
Think of it this way: Costco is like that friend who “knows a guy” who can get you a deal. They’re not the guy—they just know him. And that “guy” is Camping World, which pays Costco a marketing fee to be part of this program.
All pricing and transactions happen directly through Camping World dealerships. Costco doesn’t negotiate on your behalf, doesn’t handle paperwork, and doesn’t sell you the RV. They’re the middleman with a membership card.
Let’s get real: You’re probably feeling a bit catfished right now. When Costco announced they were “selling RVs,” everyone pictured warehouse aisles stacked with shrink-wrapped travel trailers and forklifts delivering fifth wheels to the parking lot. Instead, what you’re getting is basically a glorified coupon that sends you to a Camping World dealership—you know, the place you could’ve driven to yourself without a Costco membership. It’s like expecting a bulk-discount Class A motorhome and getting a “please visit our partner” business card instead. Not quite the Costco magic you were hoping for, is it?
Supporting Facts:
- Costco’s Auto Program has been operating for years with automobile sales
- The RV program launched quietly in early January 2026 without a major press release
- Camping World operates over 180 locations across the United States
- The partnership works identically to how Costco’s car-buying program operates
- Costco receives a marketing/referral fee from Camping World for each successful sale
2. How the Costco RV Program Actually Works
So how do you buy an RV through Costco? The process is pretty straightforward, even if it’s not quite as exciting as pushing a giant cart through the warehouse:
Step 1: Log into Costco’s website and navigate to the Auto Program section. You’ll find a new RV category featuring eligible trailers, fifth wheels, and van campers available through Camping World.
Step 2: Browse the inventory and select an RV you’re interested in. The website will show you what Camping World calls their “lowest advertised price”—meaning the lowest price they’re already showing online or in print advertising.
Step 3: Register for the program and provide your information. You’ll be assigned what they call a “Camping World Concierge,” which sounds fancy but is basically a designated salesperson.
Step 4: Visit a Camping World location to complete the purchase. This is where you’ll receive an additional Costco member discount on top of that already-low advertised price.
Step 5: Handle all the actual negotiations, paperwork, financing, and fees with Camping World. Costco isn’t involved in this part at all.
The catch? You still have to do all the dealership stuff—talking to salespeople, dealing with financing options, navigating add-ons and warranties, and yes, paying Camping World’s infamous dealership fees.
Here’s where it gets interesting: You’re essentially following the same process you would if you just showed up at a Camping World dealership on a random Saturday. The only difference is you get to flash your Costco membership card for that mysterious “additional discount.” But here’s the million-dollar question: Is that additional discount worth more than what you could negotiate on your own? If you’re a skilled negotiator, you might walk into Camping World without Costco’s help and talk them down even further. The Costco program is basically training wheels for people who hate haggling—which, let’s be honest, is most of us. But don’t mistake convenience for savings.
| Costco RV Buying Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Browse RV inventory on Costco Auto Program website |
| Step 2 | Register for the program as a Costco member |
| Step 3 | Get assigned a “Camping World Concierge” (salesperson) |
| Step 4 | Visit Camping World dealership in person |
| Step 5 | Receive “lowest advertised price” + additional member discount |
| Step 6 | Complete purchase, financing, and paperwork at Camping World |
Supporting Facts:
- Members must have an active Costco membership to participate
- The program is available at participating Camping World locations nationwide
- Costco members can search eligible RVs by type, brand, and location
- The “Camping World Concierge” serves as your designated contact throughout the process
- All financial transactions occur between the customer and Camping World
3. The “Mystery Discount” Nobody Will Tell You About
Here’s the frustrating part: Neither Costco nor Camping World will tell you exactly how much the “additional member discount” actually is. They won’t publish a percentage, a dollar amount, or even a range. It’s like going to a restaurant where the menu says “market price” on every item—you won’t know until you’re already committed.
Why the secrecy? Because the discount varies. It changes based on:
- The specific RV model you’re interested in
- The dealership location you’re visiting
- Current inventory levels (they’ll discount more to move old stock)
- Time of year (deals are better at the end of camping season)
- How badly they want to make the sale
Industry insiders and early program users have reported discounts ranging anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars—but there’s no guarantee, and there’s no standard.
What we do know: Camping World promises to start with their “lowest advertised price.” That’s the price you could already see on their website or in their advertisements. Then they add the Costco member discount on top of that. But here’s the kicker: That “lowest advertised price” might not actually be the lowest price they’re willing to accept.
Dealerships have wiggle room. They have sales targets, manufacturer incentives, and end-of-month quotas. A skilled negotiator might get a better price than the Costco program offers.
Think about this: If a car salesman walked up to you and said, “I’m going to give you a discount, but I’m not going to tell you how much until after you’ve driven here, filled out paperwork, and spent three hours in my office,” you’d probably laugh in his face. Yet that’s exactly what Costco and Camping World are doing with this program. You’re expected to trust that the “additional member discount” is worth your time without knowing if it’s $500 or $5,000. It’s like playing poker where only the dealer can see the cards. Maybe you’ll get a great deal, or maybe you’ll realize you could’ve negotiated better on your own. Good luck finding out which before you’re already knee-deep in the process.
Supporting Facts:
- Costco’s Auto Program for cars typically saves members an average of $1,000 off MSRP
- RV pricing is notoriously flexible, with significant room for negotiation
- Camping World has faced consumer complaints about pricing transparency
- Dealership invoice prices on RVs can be 20-30% below MSRP on some models
- End-of-season sales (September-October) typically offer the deepest discounts
4. Camping World’s Reputation (And Why It Matters)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the RV park: Camping World has a… complicated reputation. While they’re the largest RV dealer network in America with over 180 locations, they’re also notorious for controversial business practices, especially regarding fees.
Common complaints about Camping World include:
- Hidden fees and add-ons that inflate the final price by thousands
- Aggressive sales tactics and pressure to buy extended warranties
- Service department issues with long wait times and quality concerns
- Pricing inconsistencies between locations
- Mandatory dealership fees that can’t be negotiated away
Many RV buyers report being quoted one price online, only to discover the actual out-the-door price is significantly higher once they factor in “documentation fees,” “prep fees,” “freight charges,” and other add-ons. Some of these fees can add $2,000-$5,000 to the purchase price.
Does the Costco partnership change any of this? Not really. Costco’s involvement is limited to the referral and that mysterious member discount. They don’t police Camping World’s fees, and they don’t intervene in the actual transaction. You’re still dealing with a Camping World dealership and all the baggage that comes with it.
Recent Camping World drama includes:
- Former CEO Marcus Lemonis was recently ordered to pay $14.1 million to former participants of his CNBC show “The Profit” for violating a non-disparagement agreement
- Lemonis stepped down as CEO in early 2026 to take over Bed Bath & Beyond
- The company has faced numerous lawsuits over business practices
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Costco built its reputation on transparency, fair pricing, and customer satisfaction. Camping World… didn’t. Pairing these two brands together is like watching your responsible friend team up with your friend who’s “kind of a lot to deal with.” You’re hoping Costco’s good influence will rub off, but in reality, you’re still shopping at a Camping World dealership with all the same salespeople, the same fees, and the same pressure tactics you’d get without the Costco connection. That membership card isn’t a magic shield—it’s just a slightly fancier way to walk into the same dealership experience you’ve been avoiding.
| Common Camping World Fees | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Documentation Fee | $200 – $800 |
| Dealer Prep Fee | $500 – $1,500 |
| Freight/Delivery Fee | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Extended Warranty (pushed) | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Total Additional Costs | $3,700 – $13,300 |
Supporting Facts:
- Camping World’s Better Business Bureau rating has fluctuated over the years
- Consumer review sites show mixed feedback, with common complaints about fees
- The company went public in 2016 and operates under the ticker symbol CWH
- Camping World acquired Good Sam Club, creating a massive RV customer ecosystem
- Marcus Lemonis led Camping World for nearly 20 years before stepping down in 2026
5. Is the Costco RV Program Actually a Good Deal?
Now for the question everyone’s asking: Should you buy an RV through Costco? The answer is… it depends.
The Costco RV program might be worth it if:
- ✅ You hate negotiating and want a “no-haggle” experience (sort of)
- ✅ You’re already shopping at Camping World and can use the extra discount
- ✅ You’re a first-time RV buyer who wants some guidance through the process
- ✅ You have a Costco membership anyway (no extra cost to try the program)
The Costco RV program might NOT be worth it if:
- ❌ You’re a confident negotiator who can talk dealers down yourself
- ❌ You prefer shopping at independent dealers instead of large chains
- ❌ You want full pricing transparency before committing time to the process
- ❌ You’re expecting “Costco-style bulk pricing” on your RV
The bottom line: This program is essentially a convenience play disguised as a discount program. You’re trading the hassle of negotiating for the security of knowing you’re getting some discount—you just won’t know how much until you’re already deep in the process.
What smart shoppers should do:
- Research the RV you want on multiple dealer websites to understand typical pricing
- Get quotes from several dealers, including independent dealerships
- Check the Costco program to see what price they offer
- Compare all options before making a decision
- Get everything in writing, especially the total out-the-door price including ALL fees
Remember: The best RV deal isn’t necessarily the one with a Costco logo on it. It’s the one where you know exactly what you’re paying and why.
Let’s cut through the marketing fluff: The Costco RV program is banking on one thing—your blind trust in the Costco brand. You’ve been conditioned to believe that anything with that red-and-blue logo attached is automatically a great deal. But this isn’t a $5 rotisserie chicken or a $200 TV—this is a $50,000-$150,000 purchase where a “good deal” could mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars. If you walk into this thinking your membership card is a golden ticket, you’re playing right into their hands. Do your homework, compare prices, and don’t let the Costco halo effect cloud your judgment. That membership card gets you bulk almonds and cheap gas—it doesn’t make you immune to dealership tactics.
Supporting Facts:
- The average RV buyer visits 3-5 dealerships before making a purchase
- RV pricing can vary by $10,000-$20,000 for the same model at different dealers
- Independent dealerships often offer more flexible pricing than large chains
- Consumer advocacy groups recommend getting out-the-door pricing in writing
- RV pricing is most negotiable during September-October (end of camping season)
6. What RVs Can You Actually Buy Through Costco?
So what’s actually available? The Costco-Camping World partnership includes:
✅ Travel Trailers – Towable RVs ranging from lightweight models to luxury options
✅ Fifth Wheels – Large towable RVs requiring a special hitch in the truck bed
✅ Van Campers – Class B motorhomes and camper vans
❌ NOT included (yet):
- Class A motorhomes (the big bus-style RVs)
- Class C motorhomes (the ones with the cab-over sleeping area)
- Toy haulers (explicitly mentioned in some reports as excluded)
- Pop-up campers
Why the limitations? Camping World likely started with their most popular, highest-volume categories. Travel trailers and fifth wheels make up the bulk of RV sales in America, so it makes sense to start there. The program could expand to include more RV types if the partnership proves successful.
Eligible brands include most major manufacturers sold at Camping World locations:
- Forest River (the largest RV manufacturer in North America)
- Grand Design
- Keystone
- Jayco
- Dutchmen
- Heartland
- And many more…
Inventory varies by location, so what you can buy depends on which Camping World dealership you’re working with. The Costco website lets you search by location to see what’s actually available near you.
Here’s what nobody’s talking about: The selection through the Costco program is limited to whatever Camping World happens to have on their lots. If you’ve been dreaming of a specific RV from a manufacturer that Camping World doesn’t carry, tough luck—your Costco membership doesn’t help you there. Camping World is known for heavily pushing certain brands (especially ones they own or have incentives on), so don’t be surprised if your “concierge” keeps steering you toward specific models. You’re shopping in a curated catalog, not the entire RV market. It’s like going to a restaurant where the waiter only recommends dishes the chef wants to get rid of.
| RV Types Available Through Costco | Starting Price Range | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Trailers | $15,000 – $80,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Fifth Wheels | $40,000 – $150,000+ | ✅ Yes |
| Van Campers (Class B) | $80,000 – $200,000+ | ✅ Yes |
| Class A Motorhomes | $100,000 – $500,000+ | ❌ Not Yet |
| Class C Motorhomes | $60,000 – $150,000+ | ❌ Not Yet |
| Toy Haulers | $30,000 – $100,000+ | ❌ Not Yet |
Supporting Facts:
- Travel trailers represent approximately 55% of all RV sales in North America
- Fifth wheels account for about 10% of RV sales
- Class B van campers are the fastest-growing RV segment
- The North American RV market was valued at $21.77 billion in 2025
- Camping World carries over 30 different RV manufacturers across their dealerships
7. Alternatives to the Costco RV Program (Because Options Matter)
Before you commit to buying through Costco, let’s talk about your other options—because the Costco program isn’t the only game in town.
🔹 Independent RV Dealerships
Often offer more personalized service and flexible pricing. They’re not beholden to corporate pricing structures and may negotiate more freely. Many RVers report better experiences at family-owned dealerships.
🔹 Direct RV Brokers
Companies like RVUSA, PPL Motor Homes, and Lazydays specialize in connecting buyers with inventory across multiple dealers. Some operate on a consignment model with lower overhead than traditional dealers.
🔹 Manufacturer Direct Sales
Some RV manufacturers are experimenting with direct-to-consumer sales models, cutting out the dealership middleman entirely. This is still rare but growing.
🔹 Sam’s Club Auto Program
If you’re a Sam’s Club member instead of Costco, they have a similar auto-buying program (though as of early 2026, they haven’t announced an RV partnership).
🔹 Good Sam Club
The RV membership organization (ironically, owned by Camping World’s parent company) offers member discounts at various dealers—not just Camping World.
🔹 Traditional Negotiation
Don’t underestimate the power of old-fashioned haggling. Walk into any dealership at the end of the month or end of camping season and negotiate hard. You might get a better deal than any membership program offers.
🔹 Private Party Sales
Buying a used RV directly from the owner eliminates dealership fees entirely. You’ll need to do your due diligence on inspections and paperwork, but the savings can be substantial.
The smartest move? Shop around. Get quotes from multiple sources, including the Costco program, and compare them side-by-side. Don’t let any single program—even one with the Costco name—make you feel like you’re getting the only “real deal” out there.
Real talk: The RV industry is counting on you being too lazy or intimidated to shop around. They’re betting you’ll see “Costco” and “member discount” and think “good enough.” But here’s the truth: The best deals go to people who do the work—who call multiple dealerships, who show up at the end of the month when salespeople are desperate to hit quotas, who aren’t afraid to walk away when the numbers don’t make sense. The Costco program is the fast-food equivalent of RV shopping—convenient, predictable, and probably not the best quality you could get if you put in more effort. If you’re dropping six figures on a rolling vacation home, maybe don’t treat it like picking up a bag of frozen shrimp.
Supporting Facts:
- The average RV depreciates 20% in the first year, making used RVs attractive
- RV dealerships typically have their slowest sales in winter months (except in warm climates)
- Good Sam Club has over 2.3 million members
- Online RV marketplaces like RV Trader and RVT.com list thousands of private-party sales
- Some buyers save $5,000-$15,000 by purchasing through alternative channels
The Bottom Line: Should You Buy an RV Through Costco?
So after all this, what’s the verdict? The Costco-Camping World RV program is neither a scam nor a miracle solution. It’s a convenience-based referral program that might save you some money—or might not.
Here’s what the program is:
- A partnership that connects Costco members with Camping World dealerships
- A way to get some discount without negotiating (though you don’t know how much)
- A relatively low-risk option if you’re already shopping at Camping World
- A legitimate program backed by two major brands
Here’s what the program is NOT:
- Bulk warehouse pricing on RVs
- A guarantee of the absolute lowest price available
- A way to avoid dealership fees and sales tactics
- Direct sales from Costco
The smart approach:
- ✅ Research extensively before contacting anyone
- ✅ Get multiple quotes from various dealers
- ✅ Try the Costco program as one option among many
- ✅ Compare total out-the-door prices including ALL fees
- ✅ Read the fine print on everything you sign
- ✅ Don’t rush into a six-figure purchase because of FOMO
- ✅ Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic
The brutal truth? Your Costco membership isn’t a magic wand that makes RV shopping easy or guarantees savings. It’s one tool in your toolkit—nothing more, nothing less. Use it, compare it, and decide if it’s actually delivering value.
At the end of the day, the best RV deal is the one where you:
- ✅ Know exactly what you’re paying and why
- ✅ Understand all fees and charges
- ✅ Feel confident you got competitive pricing
- ✅ Trust the dealer you’re working with
- ✅ Drive off the lot excited about your purchase, not anxious about whether you got ripped off
Whether that happens at a Costco-referred Camping World dealership or somewhere else entirely? That’s up to you to determine.
SOURCES
- RV Miles YouTube Channel – “Costco Sells RVs, Honda’s New Travel Trailer, Starlink Changes Plans Again”
- Costco Wholesale – RV Services
- RV Business – “Camping World, Costco Program ‘Match Made in RV Heaven'”
- RV Travel – “Costco enters RV sales through new Camping World partnership”
- Costco Auto Program Website
- Seeking Alpha – “Camping World and Costco might be a match made in RV heaven”
- GuruFocus – “Camping World (CWH) Sees Growth Through Costco Partnership”
- ConsumerAffairs – RV Industry Statistics 2026
- North America Recreational Vehicle Market Analysis – Mordor Intelligence
- RVIA – RV Industry Association Reports & Trends
- RVIA – “RV Market Expected to Trend Upward in 2026”
- LendingTree – “Costco Auto Program Review”
- RV Business – “Tampa SuperShow Gives Industry a Reason for Optimism”
- IBISWorld – Recreational Vehicle Dealers Industry Analysis
- RV PRO – “RV Industry Outlook for 2026: Technology, Affordability & Growth”
