Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Good Sam Club

The Good Sam Club is a dedicated to (RV) owners and outdoor enthusiasts, founded in 1966 to foster mutual assistance, fellowship, and safe travel among RVers, drawing its name from the biblical . With over 2 million members as of , it operates as the world's largest RV-focused club, providing a network for community events, philanthropy, and practical support while promoting the joys of road travel; in , it rebranded to appeal to a wider audience of travelers. The club's origins trace back to a 1966 letter in Trailer Life magazine (formerly Trail-R-News), a California-based RV publication, where a reader proposed a decal system to signal trustworthy RVers willing to aid fellow travelers on highways. This idea quickly evolved into the formal Good Sam Club, with the first local chapters chartered in 1968, such as the Ute Salt Shakers in Utah, emphasizing group campouts, rallies (known as Samborees), and charitable initiatives. Membership reached two million by 2018, driven by additions like the 1984 launch of roadside assistance and partnerships with RV parks. Today, the club is owned by Camping World Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary Good Sam Enterprises, LLC, with headquarters in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and continues to influence RV legislation and support causes like Dogs for Better Lives. Key benefits for members include tiered plans: a Basic level offering 1% rewards points on purchases; the plan at $39 annually, which adds 5% points, 10% discounts at over 2,000 participating campgrounds, and 10 cents per gallon off fuel at locations; and the Elite plan at $99 annually, incorporating premium perks like unlimited overnight stays at select sites, the RV ProCare Suite for maintenance, and services. Additional features encompass the Good Sam TravelAssist program for roadside help, technical support via the RV Tech Hotline, and exclusive deals on RV accessories, , and cruises through partners like , aiming to enhance affordability and convenience for RVers nationwide and internationally.

History

Founding and Early Development

The Good Sam Club originated in 1966 when the publishers of Trail-R-News, a small magazine focused on recreational vehicles, responded to a subscriber's letter proposing a system of mutual assistance among RVers, inspired by the biblical who aided a stranger in need. The letter suggested distributing decals to identify trustworthy RV owners willing to help fellow travelers with issues like breakdowns or directions, fostering a network of goodwill on the road. The publishers adopted the idea, naming the organization the Good Sam Club after the , and introduced distinctive bumper stickers featuring a haloed, grinning figure to signify members' commitment to this ethos of community support. From its inception, the club grew as a volunteer-driven entity emphasizing mutual aid and camaraderie among RV owners, quickly expanding through grassroots efforts rather than formal corporate structure. In 1968, the first local chapter, the Ute Salt Shakers, was chartered in Utah, marking the launch of a nationwide network of chapters that organized group outings, service projects, and social events to build RV community bonds; hundreds of such chapters soon formed across the United States. By 1969, the club elected its first Board of Directors to coordinate chapter guidance and host large-scale gatherings known as Samborees, which evolved into modern rallies and served as key membership drives in the late 1960s. This period established basic protocols for member-to-member assistance, such as sharing roadside tips and resources, aligning with the club's foundational promise of helping others during travel. The 1970s brought significant early milestones amid the burgeoning RV boom, as recreational vehicle ownership surged with improved affordability and infrastructure. In 1972, the club published its first Trailer Life Directory, rating over 11,700 RV parks and campgrounds to aid safe and informed travel, laying the groundwork for ongoing member discounts at participating sites. Additional programs emerged, including RV insurance options and organized tours called Caraventures, which promoted group exploration while reinforcing safety and community values. By 1974, the club recognized its first of the Year—the SAC Sams in —and distributed legislative kits to advocate for RV parking rights, highlighting its growing focus on practical support. Throughout the decade, these developments solidified the club's ethos of safety, volunteerism, and economic perks for RVers, transforming it from a simple aid network into a structured with lasting impact.

Expansion and Integration with Camping World

During the 1980s, the Good Sam Club underwent substantial expansion, growing to over 400,000 members by the mid-decade through the establishment of local chapters across the and . This period also saw the formalization of key services, including the launch of its program in 1984, which provided dedicated support for RV breakdowns and enhanced member security during travel. International outreach efforts intensified, with chapters and directors established in Canadian provinces, extending the club's network beyond the U.S. borders. By the and into the , membership continued to surge, surpassing one million members in 2000 amid rising RV ownership and broader recreational trends. The club's parent organization, Trailer Life Enterprises, was acquired in by publisher Stephen Adams, who restructured it under Inc. to consolidate publishing, membership, and service operations. This corporate consolidation supported further service expansions, such as technical advice columns in club publications starting in 1989. In late 2010, came under the leadership of , then chairman of , who became CEO and renamed the entity Good Sam Enterprises, setting the stage for deeper integration with . The following year, in 2011, Good Sam Enterprises was effectively acquired by , initially relocating headquarters to , before a further move to in 2012, and merging the Good Sam Club with Camping World's President's Club into a unified membership structure. This acquisition aligned the club's operations with 's retail ecosystem. Post-2011 developments emphasized between the two brands, including initiatives to modernize the club's image and appeal to new RV enthusiasts. In , Good Sam underwent a significant , updating its and visual identity to better integrate with 's retail network while emphasizing and rewards programs. The integration facilitated cross-promotions, such as member access to stores for enhanced service coordination. Membership grew to over two million by , bolstered by the post-pandemic RV boom that saw heightened demand for recreational travel. Key events in the included the rollout of digital tools, such as online membership management and trip planning resources, to support the club's evolving technological infrastructure. In the , Good Sam adapted to the surge in RV adoption during the , capitalizing on increased interest in domestic travel to drive membership retention and new enrollments.

Organization and Membership

Membership Tiers

The Good Sam Club structures its memberships into three tiers: , , and , each designed to cater to varying levels of engagement among RV owners, campers, and enthusiasts. The tier serves as a free introductory option, available upon signing up for a Good Sam account, and provides limited access to the club's rewards program, earning 1% back in points on qualifying purchases at and Overton's. This tier appeals to newcomers seeking basic involvement without financial commitment. The tier, priced at $39 annually, unlocks core membership benefits, including 5% back in points on qualifying retail purchases and access to select partner discounts. It represents the entry point for paid members interested in enhanced rewards and savings opportunities. The tier, at $99 per year (regular price $149), builds on Standard features with premium perks such as exclusive services like overnight parking access, and priority support options. This top level targets dedicated RVers desiring maximized value from their travels. Eligibility for all tiers is open to individuals who own RVs, , or share an interest in , with no specific restrictions beyond account creation for the level. Membership includes coverage for the primary member and eligible household members, ensuring shared access to rewards and digital cards. Renewals are handled annually online or via member services, with incentives like $10 in points for Standard renewals and $30 for Elite, encouraging continuity. Multi-year discounts are available periodically, such as three-year plans at reduced rates around $109, providing long-term savings for committed members. The tiered structure evolved with the introduction of the Good Sam Rewards points system in the late 2010s, integrating loyalty incentives following the club's alignment with . Recent updates from 2023 to 2025 have refined the tier, reimagining it with enhanced perks like expanded overnight stays and 5% back on purchases to boost member retention. These changes reflect a focus on digital integration and personalized rewards. As of 2018, the Good Sam Club had over 2 million members, a scale built on historical growth from more than 1 million in 2000 and fueled by convenient digital sign-ups through the club's online platform.

Member Benefits and Services

Members of the Good Sam Club enjoy a range of practical benefits designed to support RV travel, including a 10% on nightly rates at over 2,000 affiliated campgrounds across . This perk helps reduce camping costs for members staying at participating parks. Additionally, members receive fuel savings of 10 cents per gallon at locations, providing ongoing value during road trips. Retail discounts are available through 5% back in points on qualifying purchases at and Overton's, which can be redeemed for future gear and accessories. Club members have access to discounted roadside assistance plans, including 24/7 service tailored for RVs with features such as unlimited to the nearest service center (up to 100 miles to a destination of choice in premium roadside plans), battery jump-starts, changes, lockout services, and fuel delivery. Trip interruption coverage in these plans reimburses up to $1,200 for eligible expenses such as meals, lodging, and transportation if a breakdown occurs more than 100 miles from home and disables the vehicle for over 24 hours. travel assistance extends to medical referrals and coordination for unexpected issues on the road. The club partners with its own insurance agency to offer specialized RV coverage options, including policies for comprehensive protection against accidents and theft, often at competitive rates. The loyalty rewards program allows members to earn points on purchases and services, redeemable for discounts on RV gear, maintenance, and accessories at affiliated retailers. In 2025, the club enhanced its digital offerings with an updated Good Sam Travel app for streamlined benefit tracking, trip planning, and service requests. members receive priority dispatch for and exclusive access to advanced features like VIP support lines. While basic benefits are available to all tiers, higher levels such as Standard and provide amplified access to these services without additional costs for core perks.

Publications and Resources

Campground Directories and Guides

The Good Sam Club's flagship publication, the North American Campground Directory, serves as a comprehensive resource for RV travelers, with its 90th edition released in 2025 featuring ratings and details for over 12,000 campgrounds, RV parks, resorts, and related sites across the and . Originating from the Trailer Life Directory first published in , this annual guide has long provided essential planning tools, including state-by-state listings with maps, GPS coordinates, amenity descriptions such as hookups and availability, pet policies, and opportunities for member discounts at participating locations. In 2011, Good Sam Enterprises announced a merger of its Trailer Life Directory with Woodall's Campground Directory, integrating the strengths of both longstanding publications to produce a unified resource beginning with the 2013 edition. This consolidation expanded coverage by drawing from Woodall's extensive listings—originally started in 1935—and enhanced the guide's reliability through combined editorial expertise, resulting in broader North American representation without duplicative entries. Central to the directory's value is the Good Sam Triple Rating System, which assigns scores out of 10 points in three categories: facilities and services (e.g., site size, utilities, and staff responsiveness), restrooms and showers (cleanliness, maintenance, and accessibility), and visual appeal (landscaping, noise levels, and overall site quality). Campgrounds achieving a perfect 10/10/10 rating are highlighted as top destinations, with the 2025 edition noting thousands of updates from on-site inspections conducted by Good Sam representatives who log extensive miles annually to verify conditions. While primary ratings stem from these professional evaluations, member feedback contributes to ongoing refinements, ensuring reflects real-world experiences. Complementing the flagship directory, the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory offers a similar print edition with listings for more than 12,500 locations, including expert ratings, detailed amenity breakdowns, and bundled coupons worth over $1,500 in savings on fees and services. For digital convenience, the Good Sam Camping App provides an interactive version of these resources, enabling users to search over 12,500 campgrounds and RV parks by location, filter by amenities or ratings, access directions, and view member-exclusive discounts. Since its roots in the as an extension of Trailer Life publications, this suite of directories and guides has remained a core component of Good Sam Club membership, delivering annually updated, trustworthy information that supports safe and informed RV travel.

Travel Planning Tools

The Good Sam Club offers digital travel planning tools tailored for RV enthusiasts, including the online Good Sam Trip Planner and the Good Sam Travel , which facilitate route optimization and integration with campground searches. The Trip Planner, accessible exclusively to members via the club's website, enables point-to-point trip mapping across the U.S. and , allowing users to add stops at Good Sam-rated campgrounds and thousands of points of interest along the way. It supports RV-specific by incorporating dimensions, such as , to filter routes and avoid low clearances, restricted roads, highways, or tolls, ensuring safer for larger vehicles. Complementing the web-based tool, the Good Sam Travel —available for and —extends trip planning capabilities to mobile devices, combining route suggestions with campground searches and service locator features for on-the-go adjustments. Users can customize routes based on RV parameters like and , generating optimized paths that prioritize and efficiency. These tools draw briefly from the club's campground data to recommend verified stops, enhancing planning without duplicating static guide content. For personalized assistance, the club's Elite Concierge Service provides dedicated support for travel planning, including custom route recommendations, campground reservations, and itinerary adjustments, available to premium members via phone or email. Introduced in the early , the Trip Planner evolved from a basic mapping tool launched in to include enhanced RV routing options by the mid-. It integrates with GPS devices like through GPX file exports, allowing seamless transfer of planned routes for in-vehicle navigation. The , released around 2021, further modernizes access by syncing plans across platforms.

Affiliations and Partnerships

RV Park and Campground Network

The Good Sam Club's RV park and campground network originated in the 1970s with voluntary listings in early publications like the Trailer Life Directory, which began rating facilities in 1972 to assist members in finding suitable accommodations. By the , the system was formalized through the introduction of the Good Sam Triple Rating System, evaluating parks on a 1-10 scale across three categories: completeness of facilities/, cleanliness, and physical characteristics of restrooms/showers. This evolution continued with expansions facilitated by partnerships with , following its acquisition of Good Sam Enterprises in 2011, which integrated retail and membership resources to broaden the network's reach. As of 2025, the network includes over 2,000 participating parks and campgrounds across , guaranteeing Good Sam members a 10% on nightly rates at these affiliates. Affiliation requires parks to apply and undergo evaluation by Good Sam consultants, who conduct annual inspections to ensure compliance with standards for cleanliness, safety, and overall quality. To qualify, facilities must achieve at least 5 points in visual appearance and categories, including safe access roads, level sites with proper , and secure boundaries such as 24/7 staffed entrances or gates; for restrooms and showers, a full point is required in four out of five sub-areas (toilets, showers, floors, walls, sinks) with a total of 7 points. Ratings are assigned on a 0-1 point scale per criterion during inspections, converted to the 1-10 overall scale, emphasizing professional maintenance and user safety to maintain affiliation status. Affiliated parks benefit from prominent marketing in Good Sam directories and online tools, driving increased traffic from the club's millions of members seeking discounted stays. This visibility often results in higher occupancy, as members prioritize rated locations for reliable experiences. Examples of top-rated affiliates include Ahoy RV Resort in (10/10/10), Apache Wells RV Resort in (10/10/10), and Coachella Lakes RV Resort in (10/10/10), which exemplify excellence in facilities, cleanliness, and amenities.

Motorsports Sponsorships

The Good Sam Club has been involved in NASCAR sponsorships primarily during the 2000s and 2010s, focusing on title sponsorships for select Sprint Cup Series and Truck Series events to promote its services to RV owners and motorsports fans. In , the club served as the title sponsor for the Good Sam Club 500, a Sprint Cup Series race held at on October 23, where claimed victory in a dramatic finish involving tandem drafting. That same year, Good Sam sponsored the entire NASCAR weekend at , including the Good Sam 125 in the Truck Series on August 6 and the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 in the Sprint Cup Series on August 7, marking its first major race weekend entitlement. Additionally, the club backed individual races like the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 200, a Truck Series event at on April 15, 2012, won by in the inaugural running at the historic track. These efforts extended to on-track presence, such as primary sponsorship of 's No. 33 Chevrolet for select Sprint Cup races and Trevor Bayne's No. 21 Ford for multiple events in 2011 and 2012. Through its parent company, , Good Sam supported broader initiatives, including the Truck Series title sponsorship that began in 2008 and continued under various names until 2022. In 2014, Good Sam Roadside Assistance was named the official roadside assistance provider of as part of a seven-year extension of 's Truck Series deal, enhancing visibility for its emergency services tailored to RV travelers. The club also titled the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 in the Sprint Cup Series at in 2012, where edged out [Tony Stewart](/page/Tony Stewart) amid a late-race "Big One" crash, and at in 2013, emphasizing its commitment to high-profile restrictor-plate and intermediate-track events. Direct sponsorships diminished after the mid-2010s, with no major race entitlements or team partnerships announced for Good Sam in the , aligning with Camping World's decision to end its Truck Series title sponsorship after the 2022 season. However, the club maintains promotional tie-ins, such as member discounts on tickets and RV parking at select venues, fostering ongoing engagement without large-scale commitments through 2025. These sponsorships aimed to boost brand visibility among the overlap of outdoor enthusiasts and motorsports attendees, many of whom travel to races in RVs, by highlighting Good Sam's insurance, , and products. Events often featured dedicated RV zones and promotions to draw in club members, as noted by Good Sam Enterprises' marketing director Mike Schneider, who described the Pocono partnership as an opportunity to "expose race goers to our broad selection of and products."

References

  1. [1]
    Camping World Holdings' RV Owner Organization, the Good Sam ...
    Sep 24, 2018 · Founded in 1966 by Trail-R-News, a small California RV magazine, Club members originally promised to help fellow travelers on America's highways ...
  2. [2]
    RV Camping Club | RV Online Community - Good Sam
    The Good Sam Club is not just an RV Camping Club. Our 1.7 million members enjoy an RV online community, savings on RV products, services, parts & supplies.
  3. [3]
    The Start of Something Big - Good Sam Camping Blog
    Aug 1, 2013 · 1968 was a pivotal time, both in world history and in the history of the Good Sam Club. That was the year Good Sam launched its network of ...
  4. [4]
    good sam enterprises, llc - SEC.gov
    The Good Sam Club, founded in 1966, is a membership organization for RV owners. The Camping World President's Club was combined into the Good Sam Club in ...
  5. [5]
    RV Membership | Camping Memberships | Good Sam Club
    Enjoy camping discounts from Good Sam Club, plus save on RV accessories, fuel, propane & more!Join todayStandard benefitsElite membership reimaginedRenewFAQ
  6. [6]
    History of the Good Sam Club
    The Good Sam Club got its start back in 1966 when a small Southern California magazine, Trail-R-News, published a letter from a subscriber that recommended ...
  7. [7]
    origin of Good Sam | Good Sam Community - 1725697
    Apr 25, 2015 · The publisher liked the idea and came up with the name the Good Sam Club, based on the parable of the Good Samaritan who helped a traveler in ...Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
  8. [8]
    Affinity Group Holding Inc. | Encyclopedia.com
    1966: The Good Sam Club is established as a volunteer protection organization for RV owners. 1988: Stephen Adams purchases Trailer Life Publishing, now known as ...
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
    Good Sam Rebrands, Seeks to Appeal to a Wider Audience
    Apr 5, 2024 · Good Sam has rebranded. The membership club has refreshed its visuals and updated its messaging as part of efforts to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional ...
  11. [11]
    Still on a Roll: Good Sam Club Celebrates 2 Million Members
    Founded in 1966 on the principle of the biblical Good Samaritan, the Good Sam Club has been providing support and assistance as well as opportunities for fun, ...Missing: exact | Show results with:exact
  12. [12]
    Good Sam One-Year Standard Membership Join - Camping World
    In stock Free delivery over $69Over 2-million members are SAVING MORE EVERY DAY with a Good Sam Membership. As a Good Sam Member, you'll receive an exclusive array of services and discounts ...
  13. [13]
  14. [14]
    Good Sam Club - Camping World
    Family of brands includes Camping World, Overton's, Good Sam products and services, The House, and Good Sam Campgrounds. Sign Up For Emails. Get the latest news ...
  15. [15]
    Elite membership reimagined - Good Sam
    Member-only deals, free shipping, rewards, and more. Plus, free dump station privileges. Exclusive Elite Member Access to the RV Tech Hotline. Connect to a ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Good Sam Club FAQ | RV Club Information
    Simply contact Member Services at 1-866-205-7451. Membership Account Information. Where can I find my Membership Number?
  17. [17]
    What is a 109 membership and what does it offer? - Facebook
    Mar 13, 2025 · $109 membership fee for a three year membership. What is Good Sam? What does it do for me? Is it just a travel discount/rewards program, or is there more to it?Missing: 2025 | Show results with:2025
  18. [18]
    Loyalty Rewards - Good Sam
    Elite Membership, renews annually · 10% back in points on reservations at Good Sam affiliated campgrounds · 5% back in points at our family of brands · 3% back in ...How Points Work · All benefits · Pilot Flying JMissing: evolution 2010s 2023-2025
  19. [19]
    Good Sam 1-Year Elite Membership Join - Camping World
    In stock Free delivery over $69As a Good Sam Elite Member, you'll receive the highest level of service and discounts available. Get $30 in Reward Points when You Join or Renew Today!
  20. [20]
    Plan Benefits - Good Sam Roadside Assistance
    Just show your Good Sam Roadside Assistance membership card to receive 10 percent off discounts up to $100 on all total car repairs and services. checked mark.Missing: expansion | Show results with:expansion
  21. [21]
    Changing the World - Good Sam Camping Blog
    Oct 26, 2012 · Assist fellow members: Sign up online to take part in Good Sam's Standby Sams network of nearly 2,000 volunteer advisers to provide ...
  22. [22]
    RV Insurance | Good Sam Club
    Feel safe and secure with Good Sam Insurance. Get a quote today for RV insurance, auto insurance, health insurance and even life insurance.
  23. [23]
  24. [24]
    Benefits - Good Sam | Loyalty Rewards
    Powered By Good Sam Member Deals · 65% Off First box + 15% off for 1 year. Dining ; Powered By Good Sam Member Deals · 60% Off Sam's Club Membership. Shopping.Good Sam Club · Pilot Flying J · Travel · Select Plan
  25. [25]
    2025 Good Sam North American Campground Guide - Camping World
    Out of stock Rating 4.0 (5) The 90th edition of the Good Sam North American Campground Guide is packed with thousands of new updates with even more campground listing information.
  26. [26]
    America's Leading Campground Directories Announce 2013 Merger
    Nov 21, 2011 · Beginning with the 2013 edition, a new Campground Directory under the Good Sam brand will emerge from the best of both Woodall's and Trailer ...
  27. [27]
    Woodall's History and Timeline - Good Sam
    R.A. Woodall became president in 1939, purchased Dixon Publishing in 1946, and the first "Woodall's" directory was produced in 1948.
  28. [28]
    Good Sam Campground and RV Park Ratings Guidelines
    A complete overview of the Good Sam Triple Rating System guidelines and how they are used to assign ratings to private RV parks and campgrounds.
  29. [29]
    RV Parks & Campground Directory - Good Sam
    Good Sam Members SAVE 10% at over 2,000 Good Sam RV Parks and Campgrounds nationwide. Not a member? Join Now ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  30. [30]
    The Good Sam RV Travel & Savings Guide - Amazon.com
    Comprehensive North American RV park guide featuring 12,500+ locations, expert ratings, amenities details, camping discounts, and essential travel tips for RV ...
  31. [31]
    Good Sam Camping App | Campground Locator
    Find your next adventure with the Good Sam Camping App. This campground locator provides information for 12500+ campgrounds, RV parks, attractions & more.
  32. [32]
    Trip Planner | Good Sam Club
    Point-to-point trip planning; Research and add Good Sam Campgrounds to your route; Search thousands of Points of Interest and add to your route; Options include ...Missing: optimization | Show results with:optimization
  33. [33]
    The RV Road Trip Planner | Good Sam Camping Blog
    May 1, 2014 · Features include: point-to-point trip planning, along with functionality to include a stop at any Good Sam Park or point of interest. You can ...
  34. [34]
    Good Sam Travel - App Store
    Rating 1.8 (221) · Free · iOSDownload the Good Sam Travel app to explore, plan, and manage RV experiences with ease. Rentals, trip planning, campground search, service, and much more. RV ...
  35. [35]
  36. [36]
    Good Sam trip planner to Garmin 770 gps - iRV2 Forums
    Aug 24, 2021 · Good Sam Trip Planner GPS download button saves to your computer as a GPX file. Then using BaseCamp, you connect your GPS and create a trip ...
  37. [37]
    Good Sam RV Travel Guide's Triple Rating System
    Oct 26, 2012 · The Good Sam Triple Rating System is divided into three categories: Completeness of Facilities, Cleanliness and Physical Characteristics of Restrooms and ...Missing: affiliation standards
  38. [38]
    Camping World - Wikipedia
    History ; Camping World began in 1966 with a small store in Beech Bend Park ; In 1997, Garvin sold the company to Affinity Group (now known as Good Sam ...
  39. [39]
    [PDF] 2025 RATING GUIDELINES - Good Sam
    MUST HAVE 5 POINTS OVERALL TO QUALIFY FOR GOOD SAM CAMPGROUND AFFILIATION. FUNCTION & IDENTIFICATION. OF SIGNAGE AND ENTRANCE. TO PARK (Assessing sign and.Missing: Club system
  40. [40]
    Top-Rated Campgrounds - Good Sam
    Good Sam Verified. Exceptional Destinations. Explore campgrounds that received a 10/10☆/10 rating on the Good Sam Triple Rating System or scored high marks.