7 Luxury Thousand Trails Campgrounds (with YouTube Video Tours)
Thousand Trails is one of the most popular campground chains in America. Founded in 1979 by Milt Kuolt, the chain has grown massively since its first RV park in Chehalis, Washington. There are now more than 80 Thousand Trails campgrounds in 22 states (and one in Canada).
These parks are known for their luxurious amenities and prime locations. Usually offering pools, hot tubs and community centers, it’s easy to get comfy when camping at Thousand Trails.
They also cater to “big rigs” – if you have a large motorhome or 5th wheel, these campgrounds can accommodate your parking needs.
As a matter of fact, if you like a Thousand Trails campground, you may want to become part of their membership program.
What is Thousand Trails?
Thousand Trails is a collection of campgrounds around North America that are owned by the same company. This company sells memberships for customers to enjoy these campgrounds at no cost (many restrictions and variations apply depending on membership).
Thousand Trails campgrounds and resorts are typically large with many resort-style amenities. Many are located in prime locations.
Pro Tip: We know many RVers who love this membership, but there are 5 reasons you should avoid Thousand Trails.
Do I Have to be a Member to Camp at Thousand Trails?
No – you don’t need to be a member to camp at a Thousand Trails campground. However, most memberships allow you to camp for free!
But, for non-members like us, understanding the different Thousand Trails memberships can be pretty confusing. You can buy “new” or “used” memberships…again, we don’t really understand the process.
If you’re interested in learning more about Thousand Trails Memberships (and the potential to camp for free at these luxury parks) check out this guide from our friends Jason & Rae of The Getaway Couple.
Now, let’s dive into this list!
Idyllwild RV Resort | California
Non-Member Nightly Rate: around $50
Why You’ll Love It: Located at 5000 ft elevation, this RV resort is a wonderful retreat from the southern California desert. This family friendly campground offers outdoor activities like shuffleboard, swimming and fishing. There are also hiking trails connected to the park and many in the surrounding area.
Nearby Activities: The San Jacinto Mountains are host to many outdoor adventures. Mountain biking and rock climbing are a few of the most popular activities. If you’re looking for something chill, schedule a tasting at a local vineyard or brewery.
What’s The Word: Andy on Campendium says, “When you think about getting out to the mountains this is the place you have in mind. Gorgeous mountain views and endless hiking trails. The campground itself is very clean and well maintained. I stayed in the middle of the summer, which I thought would be peak season yet it was very peaceful.”
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 7.3/10 Mountain views and lots of hiking!
Birch Bay Resort | Washington
Non-Member Nightly Rate: $45 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Birch Bay Resort is located a few miles south of Canada on the Washington coast, offering the perfect spot to sit back and relax. The campground has many large pull-through sites – good for big rigs.
Onsite you’ll find a swimming pool, horse shoe pits and a clubhouse library. You can also walk to the beach from the park.
Nearby Activities: The Birch Bay shore is perfect for fishermen! You can go crabbing, clam digging and oyster hunting…or simply visit a waterfront restaurant and enjoy the local eats.
What’s The Word: JonesN2Travel on Campendium says, “There is a clubhouse, pool, clean bathrooms, laundry on site, ice and a small store are a few of the nice amenities this campground offers. This park is also close to the beach for swimming and other water fun.”
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 8.2/10 Beautiful setting in an awesome coastal community.
Orlando RV Resort | Florida
Non-Member Nightly Rate: $40 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Orlando RV Resort really serves up the amenities. They have spas, pools, waterfront access, a gym, shuffleboard, fishing, and bike trails. Additionally, they have 800 sites available – that’s huge!
Nearby Activities: Amusement park central. This Thousand Trails campground puts you close to all the action. You can easily access Disney and Universal from this park!
What’s The Word: Barry on Campendium says, “If you are visiting the theme parks in Orlando, this might be an affordable option. For those that travel fulltime, this is a winter haven for families. Very well run park. This is by far the most updated and organized Thousand Trails park we have visited. The pool and jacuzzi were very nice. My children loved the rec center. There is a massive mail center, so you can have packages sent here with ease.
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 9.5/10 The gem of Thousand Trails.
Pacific City RV Resort| Oregon
Non-Member Nightly Rate: $50 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Pacific City RV Resort is another Thousand Trails campground located near the beach. In fact, this park is just across the street from the Pacific Ocean. There’s an awesome indoor swimming pool onsite, as well as a spa, mini golf course and nearby hiking.
Nearby Activities: Beach time, baby! Whether you want to surf the waves or eat a “surf & turf”, you’ll have plenty to do within two miles from the RV resort.
What’s The Word: Spencer on Campendium says, “Great staff. Heavily shrouded campsites (privacy is great for many)…Roads were really narrow but we were there in off season so it wasn’t a problem. Close to cute downtown area and great beach…”
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 6.9/10 Private sites & nearby ocean 👍
Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon | California
Non-Member Nightly Rate: $52 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Family friendly to the max – This Thousand Trails campground has a splash pad for the kids and a pool for the adults. You can hop on a hiking trail from the park or play a game of mini golf with the whole damn fam!
It’s also close to LA – where you can shop til you drop.
Nearby Activities: Eating, shopping, playing. Los Angelos offers it all and its easy to access from this campground.
What’s The Word: “Maybe Someday Is Today” spell it out clearly on Campendium, “THE GOOD: The office staff was fantastic upon our arrival. Very friendly and check in was a breeze. Wasn’t very busy here, so we weren’t too cramped with our neighbors and it was overall very quiet. Bathroom/Shower house by us appeared to be fairly recently remodeled and was very clean. Lovely views and lots of room for walking the dogs
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 8.4/10 City amenities with a chill campground vibe.
Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails | California
Non-Member Nightly Rate: $70 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Yosemite National Park is just a few minutes away. Need we say more? The park does have some great amenities onsite. If you’re into family-games you’ll be able to shoot hoops on the basketball court, play some mini golf, swindle your family in billiards, and throw horse shoes all from the campground.
Nearby Activities: Yosemite National Park is perfect for outdoor adventure. Whether you hike the trails or drive the scenic loop, you’ll enjoy this iconic American National Park.
What’s The Word: A recent campendium reviewer says, “What an amazing location – 5 minutes from from west gate or Yosemite National Park. It is still about 30-60 minute drive inside of park, but this is a start. The park itself is even very beautiful layout with a river flowing through it that you can swim in.”
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 9.2/10 Great for exploring Yosemite National Park
Thousand Trails Las Vegas | Nevada
Non-Member Nightly Rate: $38 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Let’s get one thing straight – you don’t visit this park for the scenery! However, Thousand Trails Las Vegas is known for its awesome location. It just six miles from the famous Vegas Strip.
Sure, there are nice amenities on site – pools, spas, horse shoes, etc – but we know you’ll be spending most of your time taking in the bright lights & entertainment of the city.
Nearby Activities: Shows, casinos, mega buffets!
What’s The Word: Joe on Campendium says, “It is close to everything Vegas. Downtown, the Strip, Lake Mead, etc. For that convenience they pack you in there. Yes it is tight. Yes, you may have to move your daily driver when someone is leaving or pulling into a spot. You will have to pay for 50 amp service if you need that. No charges for receiving packages though. They do have propane for sale. Staff is very friendly. Pool is very nice as is the hot tub. Newly renovated rest room and shower. “
Thousand Trails Campgrounds Vibe: 7.2/10 Vegas – the good & the bad! This Thousand Trails will get you close to the action.
The Best Free Camping in the Entire USA
We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Here’s our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
If you haven’t tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! Simply enter your email below.