Best RV memberships for full-time travelers (2026 guide)

Living full-time in an RV is a lifestyle of freedom, but it requires strategic “stacking” of memberships to stay on budget. In 2026, the average nightly rate for a full-hookup site has climbed to $55–$80. Without the right memberships, lodging alone can cost more than a traditional mortgage.

Now, if you’re like me, I prefer staying off-grid, but many of the people I’ve met on the road have used these or had timeshares that help them get off the road for a bit. I had FMCA for a while, but finances dictated otherwise. My FMCA membership was my safety net for medical evacuation (including for the doggos) and travel assistance, even though I wasn’t using their parks.

The following memberships are the essential players that provide the highest return on investment for those living on the road.

The 3 best RV memberships for full-time living in 2026

If you are starting from scratch, these three provide the most immediate value for daily operations.

Thousand Trails – the “game changer” for lodging

Thousand Trails remains the powerhouse of the full-time RV world. In a year where nightly rates have hit close to $80 in some places, this membership is the only way to “flat-fee” your housing costs.

• How it works: You buy a “Zone Pass” for specific geographic regions or a “Lifetime/Elite” membership for national access.
• The strategy: Full-timers use Thousand Trails to “circuit” between parks. With an Elite membership, you can stay 21 days at one park and move directly to the next Thousand Trails park, effectively eliminating camping fees for the entire year.
• The 2026 “Hack”: Combine the Trails Collection add-on to access Encore Resorts. This effectively doubles your options in high-demand states like Florida and Texas.
• Best for: RVers who want full hookups and amenities without the $2,000/month price tag.

Pro-Tip: Navigate the “High Use” Booking Window Not all parks are equal. In 2026, popular “High Use” parks (like those in the Florida Keys or the Oregon Coast) fill up exactly 60 or 120 days out. If you have an Elite membership, set a calendar alert for midnight UTC on your booking window opening date. If you miss that window by even 12 hours, you might find yourself “boondocking” at a Walmart instead of a resort.

Open Roads (TSD Logistics) – best for fuel savings

If you drive a diesel rig, this is the most important “hidden” membership for your wallet.

• Why it’s essential: It is a fleet fuel card that gives you access to “trucker prices” at the commercial lanes (Loves, TA, and Petro).
• The savings: You can save anywhere from $0.30 to $0.80 per gallon. On a 100-gallon fill-up, that is $50 saved in one stop.
• Cost: Free to join; they take a small percentage of the actual savings as a fee.

Pro-Tip: The “dedicated account” strategy Because Open Roads requires a direct link to a checking account and your SSN (for credit/verification purposes), many security-conscious RVers are hesitant. My advice? Open a secondary “Fuel Only” checking account. Transfer only your monthly fuel budget into it. This protects your primary savings while allowing you to reap the $0.50+ per gallon savings at the pump.

If you have a gas burner, try the Upside App or GasBuddy.

To keep your fuel cards and ID secure while at busy truck stops, I use an RFID-blocking organizer wallet—it fits all my cards in one spot.

Escapees RV Club – the full-timer’s “home base”

Escapees is not just a discount club; it is a comprehensive support system designed specifically for the full-time lifestyle.

• Mail forwarding: They provide a legal domicile address (crucial for taxes, voting, and insurance) in states like Texas, Florida, or South Dakota.
• Xscapers: A sub-community for “working-age” RVers and families that hosts “convergences” and provides remote-work resources.
• Roadside assistance: Their SafeRide plan is specifically designed for the weight and complexity of large RVs, often outperforming standard auto clubs.

Pro-Tip: Don’t just pick a state for the weather When choosing your Escapees domicile (TX, FL, or SD), look at health insurance, not just taxes. If you are under 65, Florida and Texas offer better “PPO” plan options that work nationwide, whereas South Dakota plans are often “HMOs” that only cover you in-state for non-emergencies.

Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome

These two services are now under one roof and are perfect for “travel days” between long-term stays.

• Harvest Hosts: Stay at wineries, breweries, and farms. You do not pay a camping fee, but the “unwritten rule” is to spend about $30 supporting the business.
• Boondockers Welcome: Stay on private property (driveways or farms) for free. It is essentially the “couchsurfing” of the RV world.
• Best for: Breaking up long hauls without paying for a commercial park for a single night.

Essential “add-ons” for the full-time lifestyle

• America the Beautiful pass: For $80/yr, you get free entry to all National Parks and 50% off camping at many Army Corps of Engineers and National Forest sites.
• RV Life Pro: Includes RV Trip Wizard, which is the gold standard for routing based on your RV’s height and weight to avoid low bridges.
• FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association): High value for their FMCAssist (medical evacuation coverage) and their discounted mobile internet plans through major carriers.

Note: If you have a permanent disability, the Access Pass is a free, lifetime version of the America the Beautiful pass. You can obtain it in person at a federal recreation site with medical documentation.

Pro-Tip: Why I kept FMCA even while boondocking Even if you prefer off-grid BLM land over RV resorts, the FMCAssist benefit is non-negotiable. If you have a medical emergency while on the road, they will coordinate getting your RV (and your pets!) back home. It’s a $200+ value included in your $85 membership—it’s the cheapest “peace of mind” policy you can buy.

What to avoid or reconsider

• Standard AAA: Most full-timers find standard AAA lacking. Unless you have the “RV Plus” or “Premier RV” add-on, they often cannot tow a 13-foot-tall rig or a 40-foot trailer. It is generally better to stick with Coach-Net or SafeRide.
• Good Sam: While the 10% discount is okay, the “spam” factor via mail and email is high. If you already have Thousand Trails and Passport America, Good Sam is often redundant for lodging.

Conclusion: Crafting your perfect “membership stack”

There is no “one-size-fits-all” membership for the road. The best strategy is to build a stack that mirrors your travel style. If you crave resort amenities and long stays, Thousand Trails is your anchor. If you’re a diesel-chugging mile-crusher, Open Roads is non-negotiable. And for everyone else? Escapees provides the legal foundation that makes this lifestyle possible.

Living on the road in 2026 is more expensive than it used to be, but with these tools in your pocket, you can keep your overhead lower than a traditional sticks-and-bricks mortgage—all while keeping the world as your backyard.

What’s in your stack?

I’m curious—are there any “hidden gem” memberships you’ve found that didn’t make my list? Or are you struggling to decide which one to buy first?

Drop a comment below and let’s talk shop. I read every single one and would love to help you dial in your budget for the road!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)