Welcome to the hobby. Yes there can be certain expenses involved.The $65 membership and $35 fee sound reasonable and these amounts vary greatly all over the country and even across a given city. You didn't state your age, if young enough many clubs and the AMA have discounts. Many clubs will pro-rate memberships fees after mid-year, this would give you a chance to try a club and see if you like it. The AMA offers several membership options but a full membership is $58/year. You can save money by electing not to receive the magazine and there are a couple of other options also. Check them out at: www.modelaircraft.org You can sign up online if you wish. They offer liability insurance which many companies leasing land to clubs REQUIRE in their leases. My club membership is $120/year and I am happy top pay it. Would I rather it was lower? of course, but I am provided with a nice paved runway and nice grassy field also along with other amenities that all cost the club money. NO FREE LUNCH TODAY. The club will also probably provide you with free instruction and advice as well as comaraderie with a bunch of great guys. If you try flying by yourself in an open field you may do OK but the odds are that your plane will be short lived and if you should hit something or SOMEONE with it, the law suit will ruin you financially. AMA is just as valuable as your car liability insurance.
Sorry to say it, but spend a few more dollars and enjoy a great hobby with us. The local hobby shop will be getting more of your cash pretty soon anyway