Last updated on January 7th, 2023 at 11:41 am
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Whether you are brand new to RVing or an old pro, you may be wondering about all of the benefits found in having a Good Sam membership. Are you familiar with the Good Sam fuel discount, membership offerings, and perks available through purchasing a Good Sam membership?
Good Sam offers RVers discounts on campgrounds, fuel savings, certain retailer discounts, and more. With an annual membership fee, you can save on many different things relating to your RV lifestyle.
However, the fees may not be worth what you get in return if you don’t use your RV frequently enough or travel to locations with Good Sam-endorsed campgrounds or gas stations.
In this article, we will go over what Good Sam is and what its membership is like. We’ll address everything a membership like this offers and what you should consider before purchasing one.
If you are seeking a full Good Sam membership review, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started and talk all about this program now! And feel free to use our table of contents to navigate right to the pros and cons list.
What is Good Sam?
Founded in 1966, Good Sam bills itself as an organization made up of and designed for RV owners. Through various partnerships, Good Sam offers discounted rates on multiple things relating to RVing including:
- Campground discounts at select campgrounds
- Camping World discounts
- Fuel-saving opportunities at select retailers
- Travel assistance programs
- RV warranty programs
- Roadside assistance programs
You can even save on things as simple as propane fill-ups and free dump station visits, depending on where you are traveling. At the end of the day, Good Sam is a great membership program for RVers who know how their benefits work, and for RVers willing to pay a modest annual membership fee.
But what are all of the benefits included in a Good Sam membership? Let’s talk about that in more detail.
What Does a Good Sam Membership Offer?
An annual Good Sam Membership has a lot to offer. Not only does it give you savings on fuel and campgrounds, but you also have other opportunities to save. Here’s everything you can expect from a Good Sam membership.
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- 10% off at Good Sam campgrounds. With over 2,000 campgrounds across the United States to choose from, you’ll get 10% off per night you stay.
- Pilot Flying J fuel discount. Save 5 cents off gas and 8 cents off diesel at Pilot Flying J stations. This fuel discount cannot be used at any other gas station or fuel center.
- Camping World and Overton discounts. You can get free shipping while you shop at Overton or Camping World’s website and you can even save on your purchase with a Good Sam membership.
- Propane and dump station discounts. Camping World also offers members a 15% propane discount, free dump station privileges, longer return windows, service and maintenance discounts, and even an annual RV inspection to keep your rig looking good. These offers are only valid at Camping World locations, not anywhere that you can purchase propane.
- Mail service discounts, trip planning, and exclusive RV service plans. While not everything is included in the price of your annual membership, Good Sam offers its members exclusive access to discounts for their mail services and RV service plans. Plus, you can get free trip-planning advice from expert RVers.
- Roadside assistance and auto insurance program discounts. While they aren’t included in the annual membership fee, by joining Good Sam you’ll have access to roadside assistance annual memberships as well as auto insurance annual memberships, specifically for RVs. Your Good Sam membership gives you access to exclusive savings for these programs, despite them not being included in the same annual fee.
- Plenty of coupons for a variety of retailers. Good Sam is a partner business for a number of retailers and other camping services. You’ll get access to all of these coupons throughout the year, especially as new offers come through.
- Access to a community of fellow RVers. If you are relatively new to RVing and might be seeking advice, joining Good Sam gives you access to local groups and online forums of other RVers. This is a great opportunity to connect and collaborate with others in case you have any questions or need any advice on how to improve your RV experience. Plus, there are rallies and meetups that are a great resource for those of you looking for friends on the road!
As you can no doubt see, a Good Sam annual membership has a lot to offer. But how much do these annual memberships cost, and what else might be offered by Good Sam?
How Much Does a Good Sam Membership Cost?
An annual Good Sam membership starts at only $29 per year. However, should you choose to commit for longer than a year, you’ll have even more saving opportunities and perks. Let’s talk about the different tiers of a Good Sam membership now.
Currently, Good Sam offers memberships based on how many years you want to join for. It is $29 for a single year, $55 for two years, and $79 for three years. Should you choose two years, you’ll also get a $15 merchandise certificate for Camping World. If you opt for three years, you’ll get the same certificate for $30 as well as elite benefits only offered to this tier of membership.
It is important to note that all Good Sam membership fees are non-refundable, which means that you can cancel your membership at any time, but you won’t receive a refund for your annual membership fee.
Now that you know what you get out of a Good Sam membership and how much it costs, here are all of the pros and cons of having one, based on actual Good Sam membership review postings from customers across the United States!
Pros of Having a Good Sam Membership
If the membership benefits weren’t enticing enough, there are a number of other pros to purchasing a Good Sam annual membership. Here’s what customers have to say about their positive experiences with Good Sam.
A Great Community to be a Part of
While it’s unclear how these meetings have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Good Sam hosts a number of RV gatherings throughout the year.
Not only are there RV shows to attend, but there are rallies and other opportunities to gather with fellow campers and get to know people who may be from your local region or area. Many Good Sam members report positive feedback regarding the overall community of other Good Sam members and experts alike.
Gas Savings are Great, Especially for Diesel
One of the main reasons to choose a Good Sam membership is their fuel discounts. If you don’t already have a credit card that offers you savings on gas, this membership is one of your best bets for saving money at the gas pump.
This is especially true if you own a diesel motorhome or truck, as you get slightly more fuel savings per gallon if you fill up with diesel. Many Good Sam members state that the fuel savings end up paying for the annual membership itself!
Campground Savings Often Pay for the Membership
Speaking of paying for the annual membership through discounts, your Campground savings could be exponential if you regularly champ at Good Sam campgrounds. These are approved and labeled campgrounds that you can easily search for using the Good Sam website, and you will easily pay for your membership with 10% off nightly.
Many Good Sam members mention that they receive coupons through Camping World or Good Sam, offering them $25 off a nightly stay. This alone nearly pays for a single-year membership, so this is definitely a plus!
Additional Coupons and Savings
Just like you may be surprised by a discount on camping stays, a Good Sam membership gives you access to exclusive coupon books and magazines offering you more ways to save.
There are a number of discounts on annual subscriptions and magazine subscriptions, should you choose to purchase a Good Sam annual membership. Most members receive these opportunities through email or regular mail, and the discounts can be great.
RV Inspections and Camping World Repairs
Getting a free annual inspection for your RV is a huge plus, and this is a benefit that most Good Sam members take advantage of.
Plus, you also get service discounts if you choose to have your RV serviced through Camping World, giving you peace of mind and expert advice for your travels. However, you’ll only get these discounts if you have a Good Sam Club membership, so keep this in mind.
The Option to Pursue Auto Insurance or Roadside Assistance
While your Good Sam membership does not include auto insurance or roadside assistance, Good Sam offers alternatives for both of these programs. They have their own exclusive auto insurance and roadside assistance, designed specifically for RVs.
There are different tiers offered, but at the end of the day, you can trust Good Sam to get your RV where it needs to go, at a fair price. Most Good Sam members have roadside assistance through Good Sam as well and having the option to bundle all of these fantastic savings may appeal to you.
Plenty of Information is Easily Accessible
Whether it be through magazines, online articles, or the helpful knowledge of an RV expert, having a Good Sam membership means you’re never far from helpful information and guidance.
Even the Good Sam website gives you access to RV rentals, campground searches, and much more. If you ever have a question about RV living, having a Good Sam membership should help you access the information you need.
Cons of Having a Good Sam Membership
With all of the good in mind, it’s only fair to discuss the bad. To complete our Good Sam membership review, here are all of the cons that you should consider before signing up for any Good Sam Club membership opportunity.
Campground Discount doesn’t Apply to State or National Campgrounds
If you are an avid state or national park camper like me, a Good Sam membership won’t help you save at these locations.
All national and state parks are not counted under the 10% nightly discount offered by Good Sam, so you’ll be missing out on a significant amount of savings if you don’t regularly camp at Good Sam-approved campgrounds or RV parks.
The Fuel Discount is Limited to a Single Gas Station Brand
Saving money apps the fuel pump is always a good idea, but a Good Sam membership only helps you save at Pilot Flying J locations exclusively.
These gas stations offer plenty of space for RVs to turn around and fuel up, but they are often located in heavily trafficked areas and may not suit your travel plans. If you regularly camp in remote locations or far away from Pilot Flying J gas stations, you may not end up saving any money with a Good Sam membership.
Annual Membership Fees are Non-Refundable
If for whatever reason you want to cancel your Good Sam membership, you should know now that the annual membership fees are non-refundable.
Given the structure of the program, Good Sam does not allow you to get your money back if you are dissatisfied with the membership in any way. This is unfortunate, especially if you end up purchasing an annual membership for multiple years at a time.
So Much Mail, even after Memberships are Canceled
One of the main problems with a Good Sam membership comes from the amount of mail and advertisements you receive once you join their mailing list.
All of the negative Good Sam membership reviews from actual customers mention this, and even members who have canceled their membership continue to receive tons of junk mail that they don’t want.
This is because Good Sam partners with so many businesses in order to save RVers money, but this in turn leads to plenty of advertisements that you may or may not want!
Camping World Appointments can be Difficult to Make
Utilizing the discounts and service appointments offered by Camping World is a great idea, but these service appointments can be difficult to make. When you consider just how many people own RVs nowadays, Camping World is one of the most popular spots for service and repair.
You may need an immediate repair or service, but Camping World can be booked months in advance in terms of the services offered. You may end up going with other options, just based on the amount of time it takes to be seen at Camping World, depending on the location you are considering.
Roadside Assistance and Insurance Plans Must be Purchased Separately
A basic Good Sam annual membership does not include roadside assistance or RV insurance opportunities. While Good Sam offers these programs, they are offered separately and at different price points from a simple Good Sam membership.
This means that, should you be seeking everything that Good Sam has to offer, you won’t be paying $29 a year. Your actual annual price will still be affordable compared to many other RV insurance and roadside assistance programs, but it will certainly be more expensive than a simple annual membership.
Discounts are Only Worth it if you Shop Online
You may get some great Camping World coupons or discounts in your email, but most of the discounts at retailers partnered with Good Sam are only worth it if you shop online.
You get free shipping at a variety of online retailers, but these discounts won’t apply to in-store purchases. If you have a local Camping World in your town and plan on shopping at it frequently, Good Sam may be able to offer you some savings, but not nearly as much as if you shop online.
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Good Sam Membership
Now that you know everything that a Good Sam membership has to offer, including all of its pros and cons, what else should you consider before purchasing a Good Sam membership?
Here’s what you should keep in mind when determining whether or not this program is right for you.
How Often Do You Use Your RV?
One of the main reasons to purchase a Good Sam membership is based on how often you use your RV in the first place. If you plan on living full-time in your travel trailer or motorhome, purchasing a Good Sam annual membership may bring you some peace of mind and additional discounts while you travel.
Even if you don’t plan on living full-time in your RV, a Good Sam membership may bring you adequate discounts if you use your RV throughout the year. A quick weekend trip to a Good Sam campground with a Good Sam membership can help save you money, especially if you take weekend camping trips often!
However, if you only use your RV a few times during the year, the overall savings and benefits offered by this particular membership may not feel worth it. It’s worth it to do the math and truly factor in the overall cost of the membership versus your savings. Some campers may not break even depending on how often they camp, so definitely keep this in mind!
How Often Do You Shop at Camping World?
One of the main benefits advertised by Good Sam is the fact that you will receive a discount at Camping World if you sign up for an annual membership. Camping World is full of items necessary for RV living, as well as comprehensive RV repair programs and rental opportunities.
Not only do you save in stores, but you also get online discounts and free shipping if you choose to order from the Camping World website. Plus, you get a free annual inspection of your RV and many other perks, but is Camping World a business you frequent, or use only on occasion?
You may find that this particular discount greatly enhances your camping experience, or it is something you constantly forget about. Regardless of where you choose to shop, the Camping World discounts offered by a Good Sam membership are a huge reason to either join or ignore this particular enrollment opportunity.
Do You Need Roadside Assistance?
Something important to mention about a Good Sam membership is whether or not you need roadside assistance. As we have already mentioned, a basic Good Sam membership does not include roadside assistance, even if you choose to purchase some of the upgraded membership packages offered.
It is unclear whether or not Good Sam offers a bundle discount on both an annual membership and an annual roadside assistance membership. The price may be right for both, but keep in mind that a Good Sam membership does not offer you roadside assistance, and an additional purchase will need to be made.
If roadside assistance is something that you are seeking for your RV journeys, you may want to consider another membership program offered by your auto insurance or other retailers. An annual Good Sam membership plus a roadside assistance membership through Good Sam costs well over $100 annually, so keep this in mind.
Do You Need a Fuel Discount?
Another major perk to purchasing a Good Sam membership is their fuel discount offerings. Given the fact that you can save 5 cents a gallon on regular fuel and 8 cents a gallon on diesel fuel, you may end up paying for your membership and then some with these savings!
However, you may already have a credit card that is ideal for fuel-saving discounts, making what Good Sam offers redundant. The other main drawback to the Good Sam membership fuel savings discount is the fact that it only applies to certain gas stations. Unless you frequently fill up at a Pilot Flying J station, you may find that this discount is rarely ever utilized.
If you know that you will never fill up at a Pilot Flying J, this should decide whether or not you need a Good Sam membership. Most everything else offered by their membership program can be found elsewhere, and you likely don’t need to sign up for an annual program based on your fuel preferences alone!
Where Do You Typically Camp?
Certain RV parks and campgrounds are known as Good Sam campgrounds, and these locations will offer you a 10% discount per night that you stay. This is a fantastic discount opportunity for those of you who camp often, but the primary thing to pay attention to regarding this benefit is where you choose to camp.
As previously discussed, having a Good Sam membership does indeed give you a camping discount, but only at select locations. You will need to research Good Sam campgrounds and RV parks in advance, which is fairly easy to do using their website. However, you may not frequently stay at campgrounds and RV parks that offer these discounts and benefits.
If you tend to camp at a state or national parks, or if you are an avid boondocker, you may not have a need for a Good Sam annual membership. Having a discount on campgrounds is the other major benefit to purchasing a Good Sam membership, and you may find that this particular discount is far too underutilized in your lifestyle.
How Long Do You Need Your Membership
Good Sam memberships come in different tiers, depending on how long you purchase your membership. For example, choosing a three-year membership gives you additional benefits and retail coupons, but do you plan on using a Good Sam membership for three years at a time?
A single year of a Good Sam membership is often a good place to start, as you can gauge just how often you use the benefits provided by this program. However, if you know that you will be utilizing everything that Good Sam has to offer, year after year, choosing to purchase a longer membership will only save you more money in the long run!
Keep in mind that Good Sam annual membership fees are nonrefundable, which likely means that you would not receive a prorated refund should you choose to cancel your membership before your selected years are up. You may find that only purchasing a single year at first is a great place to start.
Good Sam Membership Alternatives
If you are still on the fence as to whether or not Good Sam is right for you, you may be wondering what alternatives there are to purchasing a Good Sam Club membership. Here are some potential alternatives that offer similar features to a Good Sam annual membership.
Passport America
If saving at campgrounds and RV parks is what you are most excited about in the Good Sam membership, you may want to consider Passport America instead. This annual membership starts at $44, and you receive deep discounts should you choose to camp at RV parks or campgrounds that are associated with Passport America.
While there aren’t as many Passport America campgrounds as there are Good Sam campgrounds, you receive up to 50% off nightly should you choose a Passport America annual membership. This is a huge saving cost, especially when you consider that the annual fee is only $44. A single weekend trip could end up paying for the membership itself!
It’s easy to search for eligible campgrounds using their website, and Passport America isn’t utilized as much as other membership opportunities offered by competitors. This means that booking is fairly easy, even though the campgrounds that are available might not be the most popular options in your local area.
Harvest Hosts
A Good Sam membership likely won’t save you any money if you are a boondocker or someone who frequently camps off-grid. This is where Harvest Hosts come in handy. This annual membership costs $79 per year, but it gives you access to exclusive listings and free camping opportunities across North America.
With nearly 1,000 camping locations and counting, Harvest Hosts gives you access to a number of farms, breweries, and other unique properties, designed exclusively for RVs camping off-grid. With a membership, you can stay at any of these locations for free, and you can even upgrade your membership for an additional $20 to access golf clubs or other recreational locations that have RV spots as well.
Again, this is just for boondocking, but this particular website is growing daily. It seems to be extremely popular, especially when you consider the fact that you have access to exclusive locations with unique features. Many Harvest Hosts offer excursions or fun opportunities on their properties, so it could be a great membership to make friends and explore locations in a new way!
Escapees RV Club
If you live full-time in your RV, finding a sense of community or friendship can be difficult while on the road. Escapees RV Club is designed to bring you access to other members of the RV community, through multiple events and gatherings posted throughout the year.
For $40 a year, Escapees RV Club gives you access to RV park savings, campground savings, and many other discounts, similar to Good Sam. In fact, if you choose to join Escapees RV Club first, you will have discounted rates for other RV membership programs, such as Harvest Hosts and Passport America.
While this may not be welcome news if you only want to purchase one RV membership, Escapees RV Club is great for their community and discounts if you want multiple annual memberships that offer you different things.
AAA Roadside Assistance + Memberships
Only interested in auto insurance or roadside assistance so that you can safely travel in your RV? AAA is a great and iconic business for anyone who drives, particularly those of you with RVs.
Depending on what you are looking for, AAA offers roadside assistance as well as auto insurance, including insurance for RVs. You can get exclusive roadside assistance and towing help built specifically for RVs, as this is something AAA goes through regularly.
However, rates can be a bit high for AAA, depending on what you’re looking for. In addition, there are a number of rules and policies that you must follow if you don’t want to be overcharged or miss out on getting your RV towed anywhere, so read the rules carefully before deciding on anything!
Final Thoughts: Is a Good Sam Membership Worth It?
If you find yourself camping and traveling in locations that offer Good Sam membership discounts, you may want to consider purchasing a membership, especially considering the low rates for an annual membership. Plus, their additional roadside assistance and travel assistance programs may be something you want to purchase in addition to a Good Sam membership.
However, if you find that you don’t use your RV all that often or you find that you aren’t traveling in locations that offer Good Sam fuel or campground discounts, this membership may not be right for you. You may have to crunch some numbers, but a Good Sam membership is really only worth it if you camp at their approved campgrounds and purchase fuel at select retailers!
Regardless, seeking discounts as an RVer is a good idea, no matter how often you camp. Good Sam offers an all-around helpful membership program that you may be interested in joining someday!