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Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Since I am an RV newbie I am wondering whether it would make sense to visit - even if it's just for looking around - a Camping World store. It's a one-hour drive to the nearest store for me. I know that I can get (almost) everything from Amazon and it seems to me that quite a few people do not have the highest opinion of Camping World, but maybe it is good to see all the stuff that is available at least once in reality in a store. It could be part of my "RV Education." What are your opinions about this?
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #1 –
In this country we are blessed with the right  to spend our  time and money as we please.    I visit Camping World every now and again.   Unless I need something I just got to have right now there is nothing I can't get cheaper someplace else.  I once used them (the east side Portland location) to replace the automatic steps.   I had no issue with the quality of the job.  It took a day or so longer because they ordered the wrong part. 

In my never humble option I suggest you go visit and enjoy.   They do have lots of interesting RV stuff.   I take cell pictures of the stuff I can't live without.   Then I look other places for better quality or price. 

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #2 –
In my opinion, it is worth a visit.  Not all CWs are bad, and some render a valuable service.  Check them out ahead of time and at least you will know what they carry.
2011 MB
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #3 –
Absolutely worth a visit!  You probably won't find a better collection of RV stuff in one place so you can see what's available. However, I would hold off on purchasing a bunch of stuff you think you need and slowly purchase it as you gain travel experience. Ask me how I know!

Also, be aware they will try to sign you up for the Good Sam Club if you make a purchase and you'll be bombarded with spam (cyber and snail mail).  They are tenacious in their marketing efforts.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #4 –
On my first visit to CW nearly two years ago, I wondered about the store aimlessly checking every shelf and all the corners.

I picked up a few inexpensive items and while checking out I was offered a membership at a discount rate and the opportunity to purchase a Tire Minder TM66 TPMS with six sensors at a discounted cost. I believe it was $325 at the time. I took the plunge and the rest is history.

Now I get their email ads which are a hoot when you see the huge discounts on mass produced RVs (imagine $25,000 off a new 2018...makes ya wonder a little...). I get the catalog in the mail too and that’s a fun read. I like to see all the neat things created to make RV life a bit easier.

Personally, I prefer their catalog over walking the isles. The stores just seem a bit slapped together for a retail outlet but that’s just me. Still fun to poke around.

If you’re on the road and need something fast, paying a few bucks more for an item isn’t the worst thing in the world. And yes...I have driven an hour to visit our local CW and didn’t regret it one bit. Really saved my bacon the other day.

Enjoy your visit...it may be your last 🤭

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #5 –
"...maybe it is good to see all the stuff that is available at least once in reality in a store."
---
You asked for opinions; here's mine:  ;)  You won't see even a small part of "all the stuff that is available" in a Camping World, and, with a few  exceptions, you won't see high-quality products or much variety. You will see higher prices (even "membership" prices are often higher than the same product from other sources), stuff you can get at most local Walmarts, and often clueless salespeople.

Granted, not all CWs are the same; some may offer a wider product variety and better service than others, and, if one enjoys browsing through a CW, go for it! 

For my part, there are so many other sources to find and buy anything and everything RV-related, or that can be adapted to RV use, from household items to automotive parts to marine-quality equipment and fittings, that CW isn't even on my radar when it comes to "stuff".

Another of the ongoing questions in the "YMMV" series...  ;)

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #6 –
When we started rving we went to our local camping world for a lot of stuff. But this was a couple decades ago. Our local store has been remodeled and the inventory has went way down. We can get most things we need at other stores at better prices (even with our membership). But in our travels we have stopped at other CW stores that had great inventory in other states.
Lynn and Lori
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #7 –
We have been "members" of CW for nearly 30 years.  They used to be a much better retailer than they are these days, in my opinion.   In the "old days" when they were still family owned, the service and selection of retail items was much better.  Heck, I remember when the Fairfield store even had a free sewer dump site!   They did not start selling RVs until the corporate world gobbled them up.  Since then, I have noticed the emphasis is much more on selling RVs, servicing same, and selling common, nothing-special-parts and accessories at high prices.  Of course, these days it is hard to beat the variety, ease of shopping, specialty expertise, and cheaper prices found online.  Still, for a quick stop to pick up something forgotten or suddenly needed, CW can be handy.
2017 RB
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #8 –
Once upon a time, CW was a wonderful place to visit and shop, with useful monthly discount coupons....but that was in the ancient times (pre-2008). 
It's not the same company today.
Nowadays, it's full of off-brand items and has a limited selection.
It's still worth a visit if you have never been to one, sort of like going to a Cracker Barrel your first (and maybe only) time..
You can overnight in many of their location's parking lots,  just like Walmart.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #9 –
You really should go to Cramping World as least once,  preferably when you are on your way somewhere and it's on the way.
I bought the roadmaster falcon all terrain towbar and base plate for the CRV.   $49 installation sale was the deciding factor.
The true test of CW's value is whether you go a second time.

There was a California Cheese group commercial "In 1968 we put a man on the moon.  We found out it wasn't made of green cheese.  We haven't been back since".   You may find CW like that.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit? Washing and Waxing?
Reply #10 –
As others have said, the store doesn't compare to how it used to be before they focused on selling RVs.  I still enjoy going sometimes to look around.  I have found that parking the Lazy Daze while shopping has become a challenge at some Camping Worlds.  It seems that most of their space is devoted now to the sale of RVs. 

Question I have of others, have you had your RVs washed and waxed at Camping World?  What was your experience?  I've been shopping around now for prices for washing and waxing.  Camping World is over $100 less expensive than mobile waxing services in my area, New Jersey.  However, they charge $90 to have the roof washed.  I used to wash the roof all the time on my 2003 Lazy Daze.  Now that I'm older and that my 2017 LD doesn't have the railing on the back, I no longer do the roof myself.  I have had my 2003 washed and waxed at a couple of Camping Worlds several years ago.  

Monica
Monica
2017 MB
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #11 –
   A lot depends on the Camping World and its management. Mine is located just across from a local breakfast restaurant that my wife and I visit frequently. Over the last 30 years, the 'tide' has ebbed and flowed. It has better technicians now than in the past (although that might still not be the best), and the selection of items may vary a lot. But it is still a trip to the 'candy store' for me. And I can inspect the parts in person, which is a real bonus. Many times the convenience factor overrides the few extra dollars. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #12 –
We have a Camping World an hour away. We've visited to browse the product selection, which is pretty extensive. We haven't purchased anything because we can always find the same or similar items for less on Amazon. And, the staff at this particular Camping World did not seem very eager to help customers like us when we were there.

It's also hard to feel good about supporting Camping World after watching this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wrsMU7WMuQ

Chuck Woodbury, the publisher of RVTravel.com has written a lot about Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis and his new business "tactics" for the company, which don't sound very friendly to we potential customers. This link should take you to some articles on RVTravel about the "new" Camping World.

Happy travels,
Jim & Deb
Santa Cruz, CA
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #13 –
There are 2 Camping World stores both about an hour from me. One store is on the smaller side and the other is larger with more products on the shelf’s. Go check your out and have fun
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #14 –
My opinion mirrors most others - you can get ideas by browsing, but mostly do your research and buying elsewhere. My big beef is when they started selling RVs, which eliminated most parking and can make maneuvering difficult. Used to be an option for a quick over-night and dump, but not worth it anymore.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #15 –
CW stores are an interesting place to surf for ideas.  I am always intrigued by why something labeled for a boat or rv should be way more expensive than the same item available at your local big box store, auto parts included.  We wandered around CW, then shopped at local stores and second hand places. We outfitted our rolling home much cheaper than from CW.  There are some rv specific items that are needed but you can find more variety and cheaper online.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #16 –
Thanks for your replies. I went there. It was rather uninteresting and uninspiring. I'm probably not going to such a store again soon.
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #17 –
Quote from: desertman  - 
Thanks for your replies. I went there. It was rather uninteresting and uninspiring. I'm probably not going to such a store again soon.

My only additional advice is to avoid using Camping World for any service on your rig.  The many troubling accounts about their service is just plain ugly.  We know of a couple of incidents that would leave a person shaking their head in disbelief. 
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
It's still worth a visit if you have never been to one, sort of like going to a Cracker Barrel your first (and maybe only) time..
You can overnight in many of their location's parking lots,  just like Walmart.

But for those of us who like Cracker Barrel enough to go back time and again, they are opening a third location in California. It's in Santa Maria and should be open in time for the next Morro Bay GTG.   Be sure to stop in, Larry!   :D

Cracker Barrel restaurant to open in Santa Maria, CA in 2019 | The Tribune
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #19 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
But for those of us who like Cracker Barrel enough to go back time and again, they are opening a third location in California. It's in Santa Maria and should be open in time for the next Morro Bay GTG.   Be sure to stop in, Larry!   :D



OK...there's got to be a story in there--inquiring minds (or at least this one) want to know...or is it a secret known only to those west of the Rockies?   ;D

FWIW, there's a Cracker Barrel just off I-35 & MO 152 in Liberty, MO (about 15 minutes north of downtown Kansas City).

Lynne

Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
 
Re: Camping World - Worth A Visit?
Reply #20 –
If I need a part on road, I will buy from any RV dealer. I would prefer not to buy from CW, but if it's the only game in town, then yes.

I am under the impression that the RV sales are not under the CW umbrella. All the ones I have seen while sharing the same building have a different name. But, the difference may be in name only.

I have been blessed not to have to finance a car, boat or RV. The finance scam described in the video is criminal. In early marriage, I would roll over 90 day notes until I could pay them off. But, I was able to avoid the scams.
 
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy