RV Park Memberships and Costs

When I purchased my Airstream, several RV parks offered free camping at their parks in exchange for listening to a 90 minute membership presentation. Since I was planning to be in the Gunnison area anyway, I decided to take advantage of 4nights/5days free at the Blue Mesa Recreation Ranch. Before purchasing my AS, I wasn't aware of RV park memberships and after listening to the 90 minute presentation, I've decided it isn't for me; however, it is an interesting business model.

Basically, one pays an upfront membership fee ($10-14k) and annual dues ($400-600); this allows the member to stay at several hundred RV parks around the country for up to 14 days at a time for $0-9/night. I've simplified the membership but it does seem to make economic sense deal for full-timers (it would take about 2 years of full-timing to break even) who stay in RV parks but since I don't know whether I'll stick with this lifestyle, it isn't right for me.

Whether one stays at public or private parks, there are fees for camping. For full hookup (i.e.,g sewer, electric, water), my experience for nightly costs has been $25 - $40. Private parks often provide weekly, monthly, and seasonal discounts. Everything considered (e.g., public parks often charge extra for showers), public parks are about the same price as private parks. There are advantages and disadvantages to each; for example, showers, bathrooms and other facilities are typically nicer at private parks while the scenery is sometimes nicer and campsites may be further apart at public parks.