When you love camping, you dream of packing your gear in your car or RV and hitting the road to find your perfect outdoor oasis. A camping membership or discount card gives you peace of mind — you know you will always find your ideal RV park or campground, no matter where you are.
With the variety of RV campground loyalty and membership programs, avid campers want to determine which one is best. Two of the most popular camping memberships and rewards programs are the Good Sam Camping Membership Club and the KOA Rewards program from Kampgrounds of America. Though both campgrounds offer several perks, KOA may be the way to go if you want to gain the most value from your camping experience.
What Makes KOA Campgrounds Better Than Good Sam Camping?
KOA Campgrounds and Good Sam are well-known brands in the camping world. Both have locations across the United States and Canada and feature membership programs that provide guests with discounts. If you are debating between KOA vs. Good Sam, here are some ways KOA is more advantageous.
No Membership Required to Stay
Even though KOA Rewards offers several perks for campers, KOA does not require a membership to stay at our campgrounds. If you’re not sure yet about investing in a camping discount card or membership, you can stay at any of our many campgrounds and see the value of KOA before buying a membership.
Better Discounts and Perks
One of the main reasons to get a camping membership or discount card is special discounts. After just a few uses, it pays for itself. While both KOA Rewards and Good Sam offer benefits for their campers to enjoy, KOA Rewards campers get an additional cash savings perk and peace of mind knowing they are getting quality campgrounds with KOA.
If you and your family enjoy camping, even just a few times a year, then KOA Rewards may be the perfect option. For a low annual fee, you will enjoy tons of other special deals and coupons from KOA and its partners. While not a traditional camping membership, like Good Sam, your KOA Rewards soon pays for itself.
KOA Rewards offers several discounts and perks for campers, including:
- Camping discounts at RV parks and campgrounds: KOA Rewards campers get 10% off standard registration rates throughout the year at all KOA Campgrounds.
- Free camping opportunities: Our rewards members can get a free night of camping during our KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend at participating KOA Campgrounds.
- Reward points: Whenever you reserve a site at KOA, you’ll earn reward points that you can use to get a discount on future stays. The more points you redeem, the more money you can save on your reservation.
- Exclusive offers from partner companies: KOA Rewards members can take advantage of special discounts from companies that help maintain their RVs. These include Goodyear Tires, RV Mattress, the Family Motor Coach Association and more.
- Discounted RV roadside assistance: The KOA Rewards program offers discounts on your emergency roadside assistance needs.
The more you use your KOA Rewards, the more points you earn. These points quickly add up to cash off future KOA Campground stays. As you earn more points, you can work up to VIP status and earn even more benefits.
More Luxurious Amenities
Whether you choose Good Sam or KOA, it all comes down to your camping experience. Amenities are those little extras that make your stay comfortable and cozy. While many Good Sam Parks include these amenities, it is not always consistent. With KOA, however, all campgrounds offer quality features no matter which KOA location you choose due to the standards required to be called a KOA Campground.
Our standard amenities include:
- Clean and family-friendly surroundings
- Level sites
- Full hookups with 30- or 50-amp service
- Pull-Thru or Back-In RV Sites
- Laundry facilities
- Other on-site features and activities
Better Campsite Variety
Good Sam is a membership club that exclusively caters to avid RVers. KOA, on the other hand, extends to every kind of camper. KOA offers many ways to stay, including:
- RV Sites
- Pull-Thru Sites
- Back-In Sites
- Tent Sites
- Premium Tent Sites
- KOA Patio Sites®
- Deluxe Cabins
- Camping Cabins
Some KOA Campgrounds also have unique lodging options, such as Airstreams, yurts, tree houses, teepees or Conestoga wagons.
If you ever want to leave the big rig at home and enjoy a Camping Cabin or Tent Site, you can still use your KOA Rewards and all the exclusive benefits that come with it.
Campgrounds Throughout North America
KOA is the world’s largest network of private campgrounds, with more than 500 KOA Campgrounds across the United States and Canada. We have beautiful campgrounds in all Canadian provinces and nearly every state, so you can camp at KOA no matter where you roam.
Reserve a Site at a KOA Campground
KOA Campgrounds are the place to stay when you want a fun camping experience with your friends and family. Take a look at our different ways to stay and make your reservation — and enroll in KOA Rewards to start earning points today!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
