The eternal quest to save a buck while driving a vehicle that gets the gas mileage of a small moon is a core tenet of the RV lifestyle. We recently decided to dive into the wallet of the average RVer to see which discount clubs and memberships are actually earning their coveted space.
This critical investigation took the form of a highly scientific poll posed to our loyal newsletter readers, who never shy away from sharing their two cents (especially if those cents can eventually be redeemed for a 10% discount on a sewer hose).
The topic, quite simply, was this: What type of discount memberships do you use for RVing? A huge thank you to everyone who voted! If you missed this round, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter so you can cast your ballot next time and help shape our community’s findings.
The results are in, and they tell a tale of loyalty, bargain-hunting, and perhaps a few abandoned dreams of free overnight stays in a llama field. Without further ado, let’s look at the breakdown of your preferred money-saving partners in crime.
| Membership Program | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|
| KOA Rewards | 39% |
| Good Sam Club | 28% |
| Other | 17% |
| None | 10% |
| Passport America | 6% |
| Harvest Hosts | 0% |
KOA: The Reigning Champion of Consistency (and Pancakes)
Well, well, well. Look who rolled into first place with the confidence of a Class A diesel pusher taking the prime pull-through spot. KOA Rewards snagged the top honor, and honestly, it’s not that surprising. KOA is the McDonald’s of camping—you always know exactly what you’re gonna get.
Whether it’s a reliably level gravel pad, a working laundry room, or a Kamping Kitchen serving up waffles that mend familial arguments, KOA offers a comfort that many of us are clearly willing to pay a premium for… to then get a discount on. It’s the circle of RV life.
Good Sam: The Tried-and-True Behemoth
Coming in a strong second is the OG of RV clubs, Good Sam. With a footprint as large as the annual rally in Quartzsite, Good Sam’s discount on fuel alone is enough to make your wallet sigh with relief.
Their 10% off at Camping World is basically a mandatory subsidy for anyone who has ever had a water pump fail unexpectedly (so, everyone). They may not be the flashy new kid on the block, but they’ve got the networks and partnerships to keep a solid, dependable chunk of the RV world loyal.
The “Other” Category: A Land of Mystery and Possibility
Ah, “Other.” The 17% of you in this category are the enigmatic heroes of the RV world. You’re probably using a mix of elusive Thousand Trails memberships, state park passes, or a secret handshake club that gets you half-priced sites behind a Cracker Barrel.
We salute your ingenuity and your refusal to be pigeonholed by our limited poll options. The world of RV discounts is vast and weird, and you are its fearless explorers.
A Moment of Silence for Harvest Hosts
We were genuinely surprised to see Harvest Hosts receive a whopping 0% of the vote. Not a single soul! This either means our poll-takers are a brutally honest bunch who don’t use it, or that every single Harvest Hosts member was too busy enjoying a serene evening at a winery to bother with our silly poll. We choose to believe the latter. It’s a fantastic concept, but perhaps the “discount” part is fuzzy—saving money on a camping spot is one thing; feeling obligated to buy $50 in artisanal goat cheese is another.
Why We Think the Votes Landed This Way
Our detailed opinion on these results boils down to a mix of predictability, tangible value, and lifestyle. KOA and Good Sam won because they offer concrete, easy-to-understand value on the things RVers need most: predictable campsites and fuel savings. They are low-hassle, high-reward programs for the way most people actually travel. The strong showing for “Other” signifies a growing and fragmented market with many niche options.
As for Harvest Hosts scoring zero, it’s likely a classic case of a misaligned poll audience. Our newsletter readers might be more focused on traditional campground amenities (full hookups, reliable Wi-Fi) than the boondocking-lite experience Harvest Hosts provides, which is less about a “discount” and more about a unique experience.
Ultimately, the results show that when it comes to memberships, RVers are pragmatic creatures who vote with their wallets for reliability above all else.
