RV Trip to Naples, FL area

[hardinrob]

We are in beginning stages of planning a Winter Retreat for Jan-Feb 2019. Wife would like to go to Naples, FL area. Looking for recommendations for 41.4 ft 5th Wheel. Any help with pros and cons of the area would be appreciated.

[Frank G]

If this is your first seasonal trip to Florida, or more specifically the Naples area be aware that spots come at a premium and are hard to find. Most of the time the better resorts (Parks) have a waiting list. Last year was our first year in central Florida and we spent a lot of time in February searching for a resort more to our liking. Yes we found one, Paid a deposit and was put on the list. In July we were informed we could have the site of our selection and can keep it as long as all fees are paid. They all operate differently, but one thing for sure, the seasonal, 3 or more month stays, get preferential treatment.

Every one has there own expectations, it is hard to beat personal visits.

This is second hand information, we were told that many parks in the Naples area were not able to open this season due to the hurricane damage, thus forcing people northward. Yes, the resort we are in is at capacity a record.

[notanlines]

Keep in mind that the Naples area is jam-packed with people all year, and particularly in the winter. This is our fifth year in the area (fifty miles east) and have only seen it get more and more crowded. I might also add that you will have trouble finding a park willing to only give you 2 months without paying a major fee. It would be my recommendation to try in the area between La Belle and Fort Myers. You are still within striking distance but not the shoulder to shoulder lifestyle.

[travelin texans]

Also in winter in Fla the farther south you get the higher the park prices get. Some places it would be cheaper to buy it than to rent it for a couple months.

[ken56]

Buy it and rent it out yourself. To rent a doublewide house in a snowbird park you will pay upward of 3500/month. RV spaces can run as much as 1000 to 1500 and more per month.

Spent the month of December in Ft. Myers beach area our first time this year and its not for us. Weather is the only redeeming thing I can say about it but that is just my opinion. Although the fresh shrimp available was pretty darn good too.

[nied]

Check the ENCORE RV Resorts web site. They have bought up many of the south Florida RV parks. They keep some spaces open for travelers even when long term sites are booked.