Passport America worth the money or not

[DQDick]

Thinking about going with Passport America. Is that a good decision or a mistake

[Art-n-Marge]

I had other two memberships in the past (Enjoy America & the other name escapes me), and every time I hear of comparisons, I wish I had gone with PA. They seem the most flexible and have the most places to stay. We don't go out so much any more but we believe this is the one we would pick if there is a next time.

I'm sure there will be others to comment, but my best guess is this is the most popular. They all have limitations we don't like to hear about, but PA seemed to be one of the best for prices, number of locations and limitations. The last time we looked was about one to two years ago. Then the grandbabies started coming so my information might be old.

[southern thunder]

I was a member, but never used it. Mine is about to expire.

[mhs4771]

Dick, comes in handy when on the road, but not all of the PA CGs are on the beaten path. But for $44 (or maybe $39 through GS) it only takes a couple of stays to pay for it's self. We used it enough last year to pay for it's self and have renewed for another 3 years now. Generally mid-week stays aren't a problem, weekends and holidays you run into more restrictions. Some aren't the highest class either, but for 10 or 12 bucks for a safe place to park for the night with power and water it works for us.

[awaywego]

We have had PA since it started and it has more than paid for itself every year. There are restrictions on use such as holidays and winters in Fla. but if you travel very much you will get your money back many times over.
They have good parks and some we did not stay in for several reasons but they are few. We look them up in Woodall's and see what they rate them.
If you join through Camping World it is cheaper than direct.

[Mynabird]

Passport is the one we will not let expire. It always pays for itself with the first or second use!

Yes, there are some restrictions, like only weekday use (no weekends), but when we use like that they charge regular weekend & back to PPA! Some will not let use for a whole week and others will. Some will not tell you that though until you go into office.

Then, other parks only want to give you one night! Go figure!

[scattershot]

We had PA for awhile, but it seemed like they didn't have accommodations where we were travelling at the time. I'll have to say, when we could be accommodated, the savings were substantial. For no more than it costs, it may be worth it to you.

[Rondo]

Dick-- We have had it since we got the Monte. Also have Good Sams, and Camp Club USA but now CCUSA is going out of business and PA is picking up their memberships OR PA bought out CCUSA I don't remember but anyway we've never had a problem with any of the PA stops. Just make sure you tell them what size rig you have when you call in ahead of time because some of them are set up for smaller rigs but usually have specific places for our size. As has been said in other comments, some will honor multiple days and some only single days at the 1/2 price rates and most do not honor the PA in the winter months for the "Snowbirds" but as said too just two or three stays at a PA and your years membership is paid for in savings! I'm PMing you also about this! Go with it Dick and you won't regret it!

[grooving grandpa]

I have had it for 3 years. Now that Passport American has combined with Campground USA it seems to me to be better and more parks have no stay limit or restrictions.

[Hooker]

On or two nights a year using PA will pay for a year's subscription.

[wingerphil]

We purchased the Gold Lifetime Membership when we decided to full time. They do not advertise it but if you ask they will quote you a price for the lifetime membership. We have already recouped the $$ spent and are now $$ ahead and will never have to pay for renewing again.

We use it alot on our travels, almost exclusively, but as already stated you need to pay attention to the restrictions.

Phil

[DQDick]

Thanks folks. The great thing about this forum is that you can get the straight story from folks who care. Makes decision making a much easier process. We'll be getting a membership even if it's only for going back and forth to workcamping jobs it would pay for itself.

[Waynem]

Dick,
I missed the post the first time, but in my opinion PA is a no brainer. If you stay 3 nights in a park that cost $40 a night at a $20 rate, you more than get your return on investment.

You can go to the http://www.passportamerica.com web site and look at the routes you normally take, or are going to take, and see all the PA campgrounds along that route, then choose one if it is on the trial. Even 12 miles off the trail is an easy stop for me to save 15-20 bucks or more.

Happy trails.

[Ruth]

It always pays for itself during the year! Best of them, we think!

[simonsrf]

Our PA membership has paid for itself for the past 6 years.

[old turbo]

PA beats a Wal-Mart parking lot. More PA than Wal-Marts and with electric and water and some will offer sewer its a good deal. Like others have posted just use the PA site and a Woodalls .

[Ruth]

Well worth the money - 2 nights pay for the membership!