Expert: Sarah Garrett - 5/26/2000

Question
I live in North Dakota, and plan on spending time during winters in a warmer climate, probably Arizona, after I retire.  I guess thats called snowbirding.  I know that lots of people do so in RVs.  Is it possible to live in an RV park for a while, then store the RV somplace in Arizona for the rest of the year?  If so, how expensive will the RV storage be?  

Answer
Hi Patrick:

There are numerous ways to snowbird and many places to do it.  Arizona and South Texas are really good.  It is possible to make reservations for "the Season" in many parks. Usually the season encompasses October through March or whatever you choose.  You will get a lower rate on a season basis.  There are many parks set up just for snowbirds and have all kinds of planned activities (i.e., pool tourneys, mini golf, horse shoes, Pot Luck dinners, shuffleboard, cards, etc.) In addition to regular parks there are Membership Resorts available with access to parks all over the U.S.  

One of the very best Resort Systems is "Thousand Trails".  Their parks are beautiful and generally have a Family and separate Adult Lodge and separate swimming pools.  They do provide on-site storage.  They also, for the most parts have large sites with picnic tables at each site, small General Stores and planned activities.  They have various types of memberships and fees from a single park membership to a National membership with parks in many states.  They specifically have 6 parks in Texas and one park in Verde Valley,AZ.  On a regular basis for your annual dues you can stay two weeks in and then one week out and your annual dues include a certain amount of nights free. Some parks are set up where you can pay extra and stay long term. Many people in Texas travel to one park for two weeks then move to another for two weeks, then back to another for two weeks. If you would like to get more info on this system the number for the park in Verde Valley is 520-567-9562.  Just ask for sales and they will be happy to send you any information you need.  They also have a web site where you can get some info www.thousandtrails.com.

Another resort membership is Resort Parks International.  It is a lot different than TT but very good.  I'm not sure if they have a web site but you can call for info at 1-800-635-8498 and I'm sure they will also be happy to assist you.  Be sure and tell them you are interested in Season not weekly.

Another great resource for parks is the "Trailer Life" book available in all book stores. It lists parks all over the U.S. and rates them for their cleanliness, environment, etc.  The book always gives last years rates for the night but a call to the number listed for each park will generally get you more info and season prices. Most have literature they will send you.  It is loaded with all kinds of info and sells for $19.95 but generally is on sale for less.

Quartsite and Lake Havasu, AZ have become real snowbird areas.  A call to the local Chamber of Commerce will get you some info on specific parks in those areas.  San Antonio, Mission, McAllen and Harlingen TX are also very popular snowbird areas.  Their local Chambers would also send some info on request.  It is really big business there.

In addition you can call 1-800-842-8257 Arizona Dept of Tourism and 1-800-888-8839 Texas Dept of Tourism and get packages of info for free.  

Some parks have storage areas set aside on their premises and depending on covered or uncovered storage the prices will vary.  We have seen them from as low as $35 per month up to $65 per month.  There are a lot of other businesses set up to store R.V.s as well.  Lots of Mini Storage businesses also provide RV and Boat storage. Local yellow pages would probably provide a good source.

You ask for the time and I told you how to build a clock factory.  Hope all this helps.  If I can be of further assistance let me know.  We live in Texas and do the reverse and go to Colorado every summer to get away from the Texas heat.  Hope you get to retire soon and enjoy it all.  It's lots of fun!