Living and traveling full-time in an RV is a wonderful lifestyle that is growing in popularity. Once reserved for retired people, thanks to the abundance of remote work, this lifestyle is increasingly available to families of all ages. When considering full-time RV living, make sure that you research memberships and other ways to save money and live more economically. Here are some of the best memberships for full-time RV living:
Campground Memberships
Full-time RV living can be greatly enhanced with campground memberships that provide access to a network of campgrounds at discounted rates or, in some cases, with no additional fees. Most campground memberships follow a similar pattern: You first purchase a lifetime membership or join a yearly plan. Then you receive a given number of nights at any of the member campgrounds. These nights are usually free or at a very reduced rate. In some cases, you aren’t limited to a specific number of nights and can stay in member campsites for as many nights as you want, as long as you move from campground to campground every few weeks. For those seeking a variety of camping experiences, these memberships offer diverse options across the country, making it easier to plan and enjoy your journey while keeping costs in check.
Roadside Assistance Memberships
When your house is on wheels, getting where you need to go is essential. You can get peace of mind on the road with a reliable roadside assistance membership. Full-time RV living involves constant travel, and having a dependable roadside assistance plan ensures that you’re covered in case of breakdowns, flat tires, or other unforeseen issues, allowing you to navigate the highways with confidence. Make sure that your roadside assistance covers your rig and understand that you might have to pay more to cover an RV than you would for a single vehicle. Also verify that your roadside assistance company is nationwide and can work equally well with mobile truck repair in Denver, Miami, Portland, or Chicago.
Public Land Memberships
Full-time RV travel is about exploration and travel. Embrace the spirit of adventure and open spaces by exploring our great public lands like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forests. Many of these areas are free for anyone to visit, but others have entrance costs and other fees. Annual passes for these memberships not only support conservation efforts but also provide access to stunning boondocking locations, allowing full-time RVers to experience the beauty of nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. The America the Beautiful pass allows entrance into thousands of parks and other public lands and is incredibly affordable.
In addition, many states have yearly memberships for admittance into state parks and other state-managed public lands. If you plan to spend several months in one state, (many people spend all winter in a warm location such as Florida or Arizona) an annual state park pass might be a cost-effective option.
Full-time RV Clubs
Most full-time RVers will join an RV club specific for full-timers at some point. Joining full-time RV communities designed for your season in life brings a sense of camaraderie and support to your nomadic lifestyle. These clubs offer not only a social network but also valuable resources, organized events, and a wealth of knowledge from experienced RVers, creating a community that understands the unique challenges and joys of life on the road. In many cases, you can attend rallies or get-togethers, use your club to find like-minded friends, organize religious meetings, and stay up-to-date with everything relevant to this unique lifestyle.
Reciprocal Museum Memberships
When you are traveling full-time, you will want to learn as much as possible in each area you visit. Enrich your full-time RV adventure with cultural experiences by considering reciprocal museum memberships. Programs like the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) grant you free or discounted access to a network of museums, science centers, and cultural institutions, providing intellectual and artistic stimulation along your travels. To join these programs, you must become a member of an association museum and then you will be able to access the reciprocal program. Note that you can’t use the membership for admittance within a certain distance of your home or your original museum membership. It’s essential to read the fine print before you choose which museum to join.
Zoo Memberships
For wildlife enthusiasts on the road, zoo memberships offer a unique way to connect with animals and nature. These memberships are similar to reciprocal museum memberships and allow you to visit multiple zoos at discounted rates or for free. This not only adds entertainment to your journey but also supports conservation efforts and education programs. For families with children, zoos are a favorite destination, and being able to visit multiple zoos and aquariums in different areas is a huge perk to this lifestyle! The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA, is the most well-known.
Free Camping Clubs
When you are living in RV parks and campgrounds, it’s essential to find inexpensive camping sites. Free (or discounted) camping clubs can help you balance your budget. These clubs connect RVers with hosts who offer free or low-cost overnight stays on their private property. It’s an excellent way to experience local hospitality while keeping your accommodation expenses to a minimum. There are several different clubs that do this, and they are easy to find. Focus on clubs that are highly recommended by your RVing friends or look for clubs with good reviews.
Fitness Center Memberships
Finally, consider getting a membership to a nationwide fitness center. This allows you to visit gyms and other facilities across the country. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road is essential, and fitness center memberships can contribute to your well-being. Many RV families also use these memberships as a place to access facilities such as showers when they are boondocking without hookups in wilderness areas.
Conclusion
No matter how big your family is or how old you are, there are ways to make your full-time traveling adventure more affordable, more fun, and more educational. Memberships are some of the best ways to save money and add excitement to your daily life as an RV traveler.