Membership campgrounds tend to be geared toward the owners of recreational vehicles, but often offer rental accommodations and spaces for tent camping.
[3] In an article entitled "Newest RV Phenomenon has Campgrounds Going RSVP" in the November 28, 1980, edition of the Los Angeles Times, staff writer Ted Vollmer characterized "membership-only resort parks catering to recreational vehicle owners" as "either about the smartest investment or the most ridiculous scheme ever served up to the camping public— depending on who's doing the talking."
The same report noted that, "Unlike time-sharing schemes involving resort-area condominiums, the campground site is never owned by the camper who buys into a membership park.
It also noted that "Like time-share resorts, many of the membership campgrounds do mass mailings to invite people to tour their facilities.
The trade press has sharply criticized them for badgering prospective customers with high-pressure sales techniques, or offering nonexistent prizes in promotions.