I love State Parks......but, for the frequency/duration I camp, the expense kills my wallet.

Thus, I began looking for ways to make it more affordable, and I ended up buying a resale Thousand Trails membership.  The price was right, and, the annual dues were less than I was paying to camp at State Parks.  So, it made sense for me.  The key is with a membership - - - it's only cost effective if you use it.  I've been averaging about 50 nights a year, so it's still cost effective for me.  The preserves are semi-split......they have their wooded camping sites as well as the open parking lot style sites, and of course the amenities.  I like the wooded sites, but will utilize the pools, spas, laundry, food service, trading post, etc.  My grandkids like the pools and mini-golf and the game rooms as well as the trading post.  The one amenity I really love is the on-site propane refill!  So nice not to have to hunt down a facility or get charged for a 20lb tank when it's only getting 1/2 filled. 

I also like to visit my daughter and family in Fayetteville, NC, and have been enjoying my membership with Passport America and staying at Art's RV sites (12 full hookup sites in Art's backyard).  The half-price discount (12.50/night) is well worth it to be in a clean, well maintained quiet location - one block from main drag eateries, shopping and attractions and only 3 miles to my daughters house, 3 blocks to her job!  Her weird school/work hours allow me plenty of time to rest/relax in my PUP or go exploring. 

Over the years, the rolling condo has made it to:  Advance, NC, Townsville, NC, Lake Gaston, NC, Occoneechee St. Park, VA, Quinby, VA, Gloucester, VA, Winchester, VA, Front Royal, VA, Colonial Beach,VA, Wauchula, FL, Clermont, FL, Hubbardsville, NY.  Some of these have been visited more than once, and generally each is a 4+ day stay.