For many, RV resorts offer the best of both worlds. They offer seniors an opportunity to do some extensive traveling across the United States and enjoy the camping experience without actually having to rough it with tents and no bathrooms. Examine some of the best US RV resorts for seniors.
South and Southeast
The activities are the key to what makes a RV resort great for seniors!
Alligator Park RV Park, Florida
Alligator Park is home to both short-term and full-time residents. There are numerous planned activities like games and dances during the winter; the park becomes a community. Residents can ride their bikes or swim in the heated pool all year round; the on-campus lake allows for fishing and boating as well. Alligator Park is near both Sarasota and Naples, Florida. Reviewers on RV Park Reviews noted that for the price, this is a good bargain and especially clean.
Whisper Creek RV Resort, Florida
Whisper Creek RV Resort is rated a Top Snowbird Destination for 2013. This is a family-owned resort close to the historic town of LaBelle; you get a quiet small town feel here. The park is close to the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve and Reservation and has a variety of attractions like an exercise room, a game room, and a pool on the property.
Bentsen Grove Resort MHP, Texas
This Winter Texan and retirement community is ranked as a Top Snowbird Destination for 2013 and is listed on Best Guide-Retirement Communities. The weather is warm and tropical all year round and there are a lot of activities like pools, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and Jacuzzis for you to enjoy. The towns of Mission and McAllen as well as the Mexican border town of Reynosa are all nearby; you can get necessities or good meals in any of these towns.
Victoria Palms, Texas
This 55+ resort was ranked as The Texas Recreational Vehicle Association Park of the Year in 2012. This is a gated community with an attendant at the entrance to ensure security. Victoria Palms also has a restaurant, a ballroom, computer room, and craft room. South Padre Island is nearby and the Don-Wes flea market is also a popular attraction. Since it is close to the water, there are many opportunities to spend time on the water as well.
Parks in the West
Sunshine is often the draw for seniors who travel west.
Arizona Cowboy RV Park/MHP, Arizona
This park is rated as a Top Snowbird Destination for 2013. It's small but has a really cool country atmosphere. With a wonderful view of the mountains, you can meet with your neighbors while you cookout on your patio. The park has shuffleboard, horseshoes, a clubhouse, and a dog walk.
Canyon Vistas RV Resort & Superstition Views Resort, Arizona
Cal-Am has several 55+ RV resorts in Arizona; two that are rated as Top Destinations are Canyon Vistas and Superstition Views. These resorts have numerous amenities like swimming, extracurricular activities, a library, and picnic area; you can also play Pitch and Putt golf with your friends. You can stay for a week, for a month, or for the winter; you can also purchase a lot or home at Superstition. The views of the mountains are a big draw here but there are other activities as well.
Desert Gardens RV Park, Arizona
This 55+ RV park was named a Top Ranked Park for 2012 by Trailer Life Directory. It is located in an ancient cactus forest and considered an oasis in the desert. Amenities of this resort are aimed to encourage a healthy lifestyle with a fitness center and meditation garden; there is also access to boating, golf, hiking, and shopping. You can rent or buy your RV lot.
Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort, California
The Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort is not a 55 and over park; however, it is very popular with seniors according to Best-Guide Retirement Communities.com. During the winter, the population grows to almost 2000 people. This park has over 800 full RV hook-up sites with cable television. A popular amenity is the mineral hot water spa and 3 fresh water hot spas. It is also close to casinos, shopping, and PGA golf.
Hemet Desert Sky, California
The Hemet Desert Sky RV Park is a 55 and over park and is a good choice to check out, according to Best-Guide Retirement Communities. This park has a "6/6 Plan" where you can live in your RV for 6 month and store your RV on-site for the remaining 6 month. There are many activities such as billiards, fenced pet park, a nearby golf course and lake. Palm Springs is about 1 hours away.
RV Tips from the Experts
Traveling extensively 20 or 30 years ago really made a person feel cut off from the familiar. But modern conveniences and continual advances in technology have changed all that. If you are interested in the RV life, here are some resources for you.
- The book, RV Vacations for Dummies, by Shirley Slater and Harry Basch, covers RV travel in the thorough but simple format so common in Dummies books.
- Jan and Bill Moeller highlight some important practical points in Complete Guide to Full-Time RVing.
- The website RVers Online is an active network of RV enthusiasts sharing information on the topic.
RV Resorts and Enjoying the RV Life
Some people say they can't imagine living away from home for months at a time. But for many, seeing the sights from an RV and resting in RV resorts makes the whole world seem like your backyard. As a senior, you may have more time to spend at cool RV resorts. Finding the best ones depends on your preferences; no matter what you are looking for, there are a number of resorts across the country that will meet your needs.
