Extended Stay RV Parks

[donc1212]

Wife and I have 'broken' away from the Stick house and we're at an extended spot now in Calif.. Next summer we will be taking to the road FULL time. We're plan on registering in South Dakota and breaking away from California. The question is what's a good 'search engine' to find extended RV parks anywhere in the country? I've heard of Dewey AZ (near Prescott). Cost for a year $4000. I'm thinking there has to be more out there in cyber space. I just don't know how to find them.

 

[AZ Traveler]

Seems like one of the big advantages of owning a rig is the ability to travel to multiple places. Look at a couple of areas that you want to try then google up RV parks in that area. Get on the phone to parks that look interesting. Ask on this forum for input on specific parks. Stay short term at a few places - if one seems like the place talk to them about long term.

 

[donc1212]

Thanks for the advice. It makes sense. Maybe someday our paths will cross.

 

[DQDick]

One other option is to own a lot in a coop park to at least use as a home base. A couple of us own a lot at The Ranch, an Escapee park in Lakewood, NM (just north of Carlsbad). After the initial purchase, some as low as $7,500 you just pay maintanence fees and utilities. Maintanence fees here run $1200-$1400 annually.

 

[twindman]

I'd pick somewhere I would like to stay a while and then use 'rvparkreviews.com'. I use it all the time. I sometimes compare it with my old computer program from good sam/trailer life, since I consider good sam to be prejudiced a bit. You can see reviews for all the parks and what the amenities are, etc. Good luck and smart choice for exiting CA while you can!!!!

 

[FL-Joe]

By "extended stay" are you talking about a CG with cheap monthly rates as compared to their rates for a week?

I have never heard of a publication or any site on the internet that specifically lists CG monthly rates. Forums, word of mouth, and like AZ Traveler said you just have to investigate different places and talk to them.

We just started full timing and when we launch out of Florida in the spring we will be concentrating on places where we can get a cheaper 2 to 4 week rate. Our goal is never to stay and pay single night prices. If that is the only option available then we will dry camp.

I will start you out with the name/location of a CG where you can stay for around $13.00 per day with full hook-ups at their monthly rate. They have a laundry facility and not much else. Paved roads, paved sites, all level, some shade trees, and on a river and within 3 miles of shopping and restaurants. (Sprindlers Campground and Marina, East Peoria, IL).

 

[Former StClairSailor]

We use the Allstays APP to find campgrounds with full HU while traveling. If you are looking in the SE, we found Magnolia Springs RV Hide Away in Foley, AL a nice place. It has full HU, large concrete pads and nice laundry. Their monthly rates are very reasonable and the folks friendly.
You will find the further south you travel and the closer you get to the water, the more expensive the campground.
Best Wishes on your travels.

 

[clutch-FRF]

We have been near the same Az town for 11 years now. 5 years in one park and now 6 years in another. The current park is closer to town, I can ride my ATV from the park and my wife likes the active clubhouse.

 

[Dfb]

I have a feeling with more and more Baby Boomers retiring it is going to get very difficult to find a spot to park the RV. Even when just going for a short stint...

 

[Montana Man]

Don't just focus on campgrounds. My inlaws in Yuma live in a nice area. Many of the lots around their home are parking spots for snowbirds and many are not used at all. Some have casitas or sheds for washer and dryers, etc. They have full hookups, large home sized lots, and block wall fencing. Prices vary by owner but very reasonable.

 

[quilttours]

can you tell me about the weather at the ranch...do you stay here year around, or is there a more optimum time?

 

[sage-THOR]

There are two large companies in the RV community business. One is Encore RV Resorts (rvonthego.com) and the other is Sun RV Resorts (sunrvresorts.com). Between the two of them they own over 500 campgrounds throughout the country. with multiple CGs in the major sunbird areas, like FL, TX and AZ.

We've stayed in Sun parks in FL and Encore parks in TX and FL. They tend to be on the larger size (100+ sites) with good facilities and lots of activities. Sort of like McDonalds and BurgerKing. You know what to expect.

 

[DieselDevilDog]

Hi Montana Man,
Is there a booklet or online to check for private lots like your inlaws in Yuma?

Thanks in advance......................................................................................................................Diesel

 

[Rthrush]

The wife and I have 'broken' away from the Stick house and we're at an extended spot now in Calif.. Next summer we will be taking to the road FULL time. We're plan on registering in South Dakota and breaking away from California. The question is what's a good 'search engine' to find extended RV parks anywhere in the country? I've heard of Dewey AZ (near Prescott). Cost for a year $4000. I'm thinking there has to be more out there in cyber space. I just don't know how to find them.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Not sure what your long term plans are, but camp hosting is a great way to get a free campsite in exchange for a few hours a week of work (or volunteer work). If you have interest in a specific state park or national park, fill out an application for camp hosting and submit it. The rewards for being able to stay longer term in these parks are phenomenal. Not only will you be able to enjoy all the "tourist" things, but you'll also get to see all the "behind the scenes" things that tourists never get to see or experience. That is where the real reward comes from.

It does take time to get your foot in the door, and may take several attempts, and the one you finally land on may not be your first choice, or a location you never thought about before. But these are the best jewels to invest your time at. Once they have you, you show them your value, they'll want to keep you forever! It is a fantastic lifestyle! And money saved as there is no cost for the campsite, just a little bit of your time.

 

[Rthrush]

I didn't look at the posting date before I was going to suggest exactly what you are pointing out. The War Department and I did some camp hosting for the Forest Service until they quit doing the $300 stipend per month. And all we had to do was to tag the reserved sites that we received from the office to our fax machine, they provided, that's it, no toilets to clean or any labor tasks, just watch and post, with full hookups and satellite dish to plug into. That was near Hiawassee Georgia on Jack Rabbit Campground a beautiful setting right on the lake. The stipend would have covered the additional expense of the higher class RV Resorts we liked down in Corpus Christi during the winters. I definitely would suggest that lifestyle for anyone on the road. And there is a demand for these positions out there, just have to research a little, well worth the effort.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I didn't look at the posting date before I was going to suggest exactly what you are pointing out. ...

Oh yikes... I missed that date too (2017). Oh well, our information is still valid. Maybe we'll spark some interest in camp hosting for some one.