How to Pick Destinations Within the Thousand Trails System

Considering a Thousand Trails membership? For a set annual price, you can visit campgrounds without paying a nightly fee. If you’re avid RVers, with plans to take your rig out fairly frequently, this kind of membership could be beneficial to you.

The McEwen family purchased a Thousand Trails membership and explains how they plan to use it for an upcoming two-month-long summer trip.

What is Thousand Trails?

Thousand Trails is a network of campgrounds scattered across the U.S. that are part of a network of places RVers can stay for a set price. To purchase the membership, you pick zones, which correspond to different sections of the U.S. Within each zone, there are a number of campgrounds that you can stay at for free, after paying the annual fee.

To use the membership, you have to follow certain rules. You can stay within the Thousand Trails system for two weeks, but then must spend a week outside the system before spending another block of time at a Thousand Trails campground. To learn more about how it works, check out a recent video, FAQs About the Thousand Trails system.

Picking destinations

The McEwens purchased the Thousand Trails pass on their own, so their opinions are not part of a sponsorship. They bought the membership with the goal of taking a two-month trip in the summer while their kids are out of school. Here’s how they go about selection locations:

Research campgrounds in your zone

As with any kind of travel, it’s best to check reviews before you make reservations. Some campgrounds have better reviews than others. To ensure you select campgrounds that fit your needs and lifestyle, read the reviews and check ratings.

Start a spreadsheet

If you’re planning a multi-state trip, it’s hard to keep all of your research straight. Start a spreadsheet that lists each option, its location, and recaps your findings. After you’re done entering information, highlight the ones you’d like to stay at.

Plot a route

Take a look at the campgrounds you’d like to stay at and plot a route that makes the most sense. Given the cost of gas, you’ll probably plot a course that connects your locations in order of distance.

Find campgrounds outside the system

Since you can’t bounce from one Thousand Trails campground to the next, you’ll need to find a few campgrounds that are outside of the system. Ideally, you’ll look for campgrounds that get you closer to the next Thousand Trails campground you plan to stay at.

Make your reservations

With a route planned, take the time to make your reservations. Most campgrounds give you the chance to make online reservations. Now your course is set and all that’s left is to enjoy the trip!