If you’re an avid enough camper, then inevitably, you’re going to hear about Thousand Trails. You might have thought it was a park or campsite, but it’s neither. Okay, then what exactly is Thousand Trails?
Thousand Trails is a members-only network of North American campgrounds and resorts that operates in the United States and Canada. As a member, you can visit premier destinations and enjoy comfortable lodging with a variety of plush, modern amenities.
If you’re interested in learning more about Thousand Trails, including its history, its membership benefits, and what it costs to join, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be able to decide definitively whether joining Thousand Trails is in your future!
What Is the History of Thousand Trails?
Thousand Trails is, to put it simply, a paid camping membership group.
As a private campground company, Thousand Trails offers an assortment of campground and trailer park reserves known as preserves.
How did a company like this start? Let’s take a look at the history.
Milton “Milt” G. Kuolt II is credited as the founder of Thousand Trails. Kuolt, who died in 2008, was beloved as an entrepreneur.
Besides his creation of Thousand Trails, Kuolt also founded the Washington regional airline Horizon Air.
Kuolt had the idea for Thousand Trails in 1969. He had just bought 640 acres of real estate and wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. He decided to take that land and make it into Thousand Trails.
Thousand Trails has the distinction of being the first members-only, private RV club chain.
At the time, Kuolt was still working with The Boeing Company, first as a janitor and then later getting involved with corporate layout and facilities planning and later still becoming the business planning manager who oversaw the famed 737 aircraft.
However, as Thousand Trails took off, Kuolt decided to retire from Boeing to give Thousand Trails more attention.
When he eventually sold the Thousand Trails company in 1981, it was to the tune of $40 million!
What Is Thousand Trails Today?
Today, Thousand Trails is recognized as one of the top campground and RV resort clubs throughout North America, not to mention one of the largest.
According to the Thousand Trails website, the network includes more than 80 preserves, 23 of which are states in British Columbia, Canada.
Members can select from five zones in all which grant them access to more than 200 campgrounds and RV resorts.
The zones are the Midwest, Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, and Northeast. Here’s an overview of each.
Midwest Zone
The Midwest Zone includes Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois campgrounds and RV resorts. They are as follows:
- St. Clair RV Resort in St. Clair, Michigan
- Bear Cave RV Campground in Buchanan, Michigan
- Diamond Caverns RV Resorts & Golf in Park City, Kentucky
- Wilmington RV Resort in Wilmington, Ohio
- Kenisee Lake RV Campground in Jefferson, Ohio
- Indian Lakes RV Campground in Batesville, Indiana
- Horseshoe Lakes RV Campground in Clinton, Indiana
- Pine Country RV & Camping Resort in Belvidere, Illinois
Southwest Zone
The Thousand Trails Southwest Zone includes 19 campgrounds and RV resorts that span Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and California.
Here’s the full list:
- Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort in Cottonwood, Arizona
- Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado
- Thousand Trails Las Vegas RV Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Groveland, California
- Wilderness Lakes RV Resort in Menifee, California
- Turtle Beach RV Resort in Manteca, California
- Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort in Acton, California
- Snowflower RV Resort in Emigrant Gap, California
- San Benito RV & Camping Resort in Paicines, California
- Russian River RV Campground in Cloverdale, California
- Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort in Santa Barbara, California
- Ponderosa RV Resort in Lotus, California
- Pio Rico Resort & Campground in Jamul, California
- Palm Springs RV Resort in Palm Desert, California
- Oakzanita Springs RV Campground in Descanso, California
- Morgan Hill RV Resort in Morgan Hills, California
- Lake of the Springs RV Resort in Oregon House, California
- Lake Minden RV Resort in Nicolaus, California
- Idyllwild RV Resort in Idyllwild, California
Northwest Zone
The Thousand Trails’ Northwest Zone includes 18 campgrounds in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. Here’s the full list for your perusal:
- Whalers Rest RV & Camping Resort in South Beach, Oregon
- South Jetty RV & Camping Resort in Florence, Oregon
- Seaside RV Resort in Seaside, Oregon
- Pacific City RV & Camping Resort in Cloverdale, Oregon
- Bend-Sunriver RV Campground in Bend, Oregon
- Thunderbird RV & Camping Resort in Monroe, Washington
- Paradise RV Campground in Silver Creek, Washington
- Oceana RV & Camping Resort in Ocean City, Washington
- Mount Vernon RV Campground in Bow, Washington
- Long Beach RV & Camping Resort in Seaview, Washington
- Little Diamond RV Campground in Newport, Washington
- Leavenworth RV Campground in Leavenworth, Washington
- La Conner RV & Camping Resort in La Conner, Washington
- Grandy Creek RV Campground in Concrete, Washington
- Crescent Bar RV Resort in Quincy, Washington
- Chehalis RV & Camping Resort in Chehalis, Washington
- Birch Bay RV Campground in Blaine, Washington
- Cultus Lake Thousand Trails RV Resort in Lindell Beach, British Columbia
Southeast Zone
The Southeast Zone of Thousand Trails includes more than 20 campgrounds and RV resorts in Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama.
Here are all the sites in the Southeast Zone.
- Williamsburg RV & Camping Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia
- Virginia Landing RV Campground in Quinby, Virginia
- Lynchburg RV Resort in Gladys, Virginia
- Harbor View RV & Camping Resort in Colonial Beach, Virginia
- Chesapeake Bay RV Resort in Gloucester, Virginia
- Medina Lake RV Campground in Lakehills, Texas
- Lake Whitney RV Campground in Whitney, Texas
- Lake Texoma RV Campground in Gordonville, Texas
- Lake Tawakoni RV Campground in Point, Texas
- Lake Conroe RV & Camping Resort in Willis, Texas
- Colorado River RV Campground in Columbus, Texas
- Bays Landing RV Campground in Bridgeport, Texas
- Natchez Trace RV Campground in Hohenwald, Tennessee
- Cherokee Landing Campground in Saulsbury, Tennessee
- The Oaks at South Point RV in Yemassee, South Carolina
- Carolina Landing RV Resort in Fair Play, South Carolina
- Lake Gaston RV & Camping Resort in Littleton, North Carolina
- Green Mountain Park in Lenoir, North Carolina
- Forest Lake RV & Camping Resort in Advance, North Carolina
- Three Flags RV Campground in Wildwood, Florida
- Peace River RV & Camping Resort in Wauchula, Florida
- Orlando RV Resort in Clermont, Florida
- Hidden Cove RV Resort in Arley, Alabama
Northeast Zone
The last of the Thousand Trails’ five zones is the Northeast Zone, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maine campgrounds and RV resorts. Here’s the list:
- Timothy Lake South RV in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- Timothy Lake North RV in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- Scotrun RV Resort in Scotrun, Pennsylvania
- PA Dutch Country RV Resort in Manheim, Pennsylvania
- Hershey RV & Camping Resort in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg Farm RV Campground in Dover, Pennsylvania
- Circle M RV & Camping Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Rondout Valley RV Campground in Accord, New York
- Sea Pines RV Resort & Campground in Swainton, New Jersey
- Lake & Shore RV Resort in Ocean View, New Jersey
- Chestnut Lake RV Campground in Port Republic, New Jersey
- Sturbridge RV Resort in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
- Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground in Rochester, Massachusetts
- Moody Beach RV Campground in Wells, Maine
What Amenities Does Thousand Trails Offer?
It’s all about comfort when camping, which is something that Thousand Trails knows all too well.
That’s why you have such a variety of amenities to choose from when lodging around North America.
With the sheer multitude of campgrounds and RV resorts available under the Thousand Trails umbrella, the amenities are not identical from one to another.
However, the following amenities are advertised on the Thousand Trails website, so it’s reasonably safe to assume you’ll have access to them at most campgrounds.
Wi-Fi Access
Even when camping remotely, the world doesn’t stop spinning.
For those who don’t want to disconnect entirely, the Wi-Fi access afforded to you through Thousand Trails will make it easy to check your email or watch your favorite downloaded podcasts or Netflix shows.
Pavilions
When the weather gets too hot or those dark gray clouds begin rolling in, you’ll be grateful for the pavilions around your RV resort or campground so you can get some overhead cover!
Dog Parks
Camping with your dog is one of life’s most simple pleasures, wouldn’t you say?
Thousand Trails parks and campgrounds offer dog parks so your pup can play, exercise, and tire themselves out for a great night’s sleep.
Boat Docks
If you’re camping with a boat, you’ll need a reliable place to keep it when not in use.
Many Thousand Trails RV parks and campgrounds offer boat docks for safely anchoring your boat until you take to the seas again.
Fishing
Speaking of aquatic activities, if the waters near you are open for boating, then you should be able to go fishing as well.
You will be expected to have a permit or license depending on your age.
Community Gardens
You needn’t leave your green thumb at home when camping at a Thousand Trails RV resort or campground.
Many afford campers community garden space for tending to the trees, plants, and flowers that grow beautifully in the area.
Playgrounds
If you’re worried about the kids getting bored when camping, you won’t have to as a Thousand Trails member. The kids should have easy access to playgrounds for an enjoyable time!
Shuffleboard
Relax and play a game of shuffleboard or two when staying at a Thousand Trails campsite, as many of them have shuffleboard amenities!
Swimming Pools
If you’re not thrilled at the thought of jumping into a random lake or river to cool off, many Thousand Trails RV resorts and campsites offer swimming pool access so you and the family can swim in safe, clean waters.
Ping-Pong
Who doesn’t love a classic, casual game of ping-pong? Well, this is another great amenity you can expect to find at most RV resorts you visit.
Golf Courses
Play a few rounds of golf with some buddies as a Thousand Trails member. You’ll want to see all the campsites the club has to offer so you can play all sorts of different golf courses!
Bike Trails
If you brought your bike with you, you’ll have plenty of places to ride it. Many Thousand Trails campsites offer bike trails.
Beaches
Do you feel like splashing in the waves or working on your tan? Thousand Trails parks might offer nearby beach access for doing just that!
Can You Camp at Thousand Trails Without a Membership?
Thousand Trails, like many exclusive RV clubs, only allows members to camp at its various RV resorts and campgrounds.
How Much Does It Cost to Join Thousand Trails?
Are you contemplating becoming a Thousand Trials member? If so, then naturally, you’ll wonder how much it costs to join.
According to the Thousand Trails website, a 12-month membership costs $630. You gain access to one zone for that fee and never have to worry about nightly fees.
If you wish to expand your horizons and camp in additional zones, that costs $70 per zone on top of your membership fee.
As a Thousand Trails member, you also get exclusive access to The Trails Collection, an add-on to your membership.
For $330 extra per year, you can now camp at more than 100 extra destinations.
Some only cost $28 per night and others have a 28-day restriction. Others still are age-qualified.
Here are some of The Trails Collection-exclusive RV resorts:
- Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna, Texas
- Tropic Winds RV Resort in Harlingen, Texas
- Trails End RV Resort in Weslaco, Texas
- Southern Comfort RV Resort in Weslaco, Texas
- Paradise South RV Resort in Mercedes, Texas
- Paradise Park RV Resort in Harlingen, Texas
- Leisure World RV Resort in Weslaco, Texas
- Fun-N-Sun RV Resort in San Benito, Texas
- Country Sunshine RV Resort in Weslaco, Texas
- Alamo Palms RV Resort in Alamo, Texas
- Winter Quarters Pasco RV Resort in Lutz, Florida
- Winter Quarters Manatee RV in Bradenton, Florida
- Winter Garden RV Resort in Winter Garden, Florida
- Vacation Village RV Resort in Largo, Florida
- Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida
- Topics RV Resort in Spring Hill, Florida
- Toby’s RV Resort in Arcadia, Florida
- Terra Ceia RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida
- Sunshine Travel RV Resort in Vero Beach, Florida
- Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina in Big Pine Key, Florida
- Sunshine Holiday Ft. Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Sunshine Holiday Daytona in Ormond Beach, Florida
- Sunseekers RV Park in Fort Myers, Florida
- Space Coast RV Resort in Rockledge, Florida
- Southern Palms RV Resort in Eustis, Florida
- Silver Dollar Golf, Trap Club & RV Resort in Odessa, Florida
- Sherwood Forest RV Resort in Kissimmee, Florida
- Royal Coachman RV Resort in Nokomis, Florida
- Rose Bay RV Resort in Port Orange, Florida
- Riverside RV Resort in Arcadia, Florida
- Ramblers Rest RV Campground in Venice, Florida
- Pioneer Village RV Resort in North Fort Myers, Florida
- Miami Everglades RV Resort in Miami, Florida
- Lake Magic RV Resort in Clermont, Florida
- Holiday Travel Park in Holiday, Florida
- Highland Woods RV Resort in Pompano Beach, Florida
- Harbor Lakes RV Resort in Port Charlotte, Florida
- Gulf View RV Resort in Punta Gorda, Florida
- Gulf Air RV Resort in Fort Myers Beach, Florida
- Fort Myers Beach RV Resort in Fort Myers, Florida
- Forest Lake Village in Zephyrhills, Florida
- Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina in Long Key, Florida
- Crystal Isles RV Resort in Crystal River, Florida
- Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort in Brooksville, Florida
- Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort in Clermont, Florida
- Bulow RV Resort in Flagler Beach, Florida
- Breezy Hill RV Resort in Pompano Beach, Florida
- Barrington Hills RV Resort in Hudson, Florida
- Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort in Cathedral City, California
- Voyager RV Resort & Hotel in Tucson, Arizona
- ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona
- Venture In RV Resort in Show Low, Arizona
- Valley Vista RV Resort in Benson, Arizona
- Suni Sands RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
- Paradise RV Resort in Sun City, Arizona
- Monte Vista RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona
- Mesa Verde RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
- Mesa Spirit RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona
- Meridian RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona
- Golden Sun RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona
- Foothills West RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona
- Foothills Village RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
- Fiesta Grande RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona
- Desert Paradise RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
- Countryside RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona
- Casita Verde RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona
- Capri RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
- Cactus Gardens RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
- Araby Acres RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona
Conclusion
Thousand Trails is an exclusive club that grants its members access to RV resorts and campgrounds all over North America, including both Canada and the US.
Membership is expensive enough on its own, and when you tack on upgrades and add-ons by zone, it gets costlier still.
Some readers may find that Thousand Trails is worth the money while others will prefer to forego RV clubs altogether. There’s no wrong answer!