snowbirding

[hornet28]

We are thinking of going south for a month this coming Feb. This would be our first time other than just passing through.We are looking for recommendations for a park but not the resort type. The following states are where we are thinking. Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and possibly the Florida panhandle. Also if near water the wife is concerned about our dog near alligators. Has anyone experienced any problem with them. I've tried reassuring her there wouldn't be as he'd be on a leash but of course I'm not speaking from experience

[Customer1]

Keep the dog with you in gator country, do NOT tie it out unattended and it should be fine.

The areas you mentioned can be kind of cold in February.

[hornet28]

Customer, what do you consider cold? We're fine with temps in the low 50's and above during the day

[JRTJH]

We've spent some winters in south Texas and even in February or March the temps (for Michiganders) is warm enough for shirt sleeves and shorts with the occasional pull-over sweat shirt (more for the statement than for warmth) LOL

The area around Galveston has some "off water campgrounds" that are reasonably priced and there are some further west as well. Almost anywhere "on the Gulf" will be expensive and most "water front campgrounds" will rival Florida for fees...

South Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are also good places to stay, but the closer you get to Alabama's "Gulf Shores" and Florida the more expensive it becomes.

The "problem" for us is not the "going south" but the "coming back north"... Logistically, towing the trailer back entails plowing to get it back into the pole barn, trying to unload things that would be damaged by cold and getting the salt off the chassis before storage.... It's easier said than done, at least in our experience, so if you're planning a 1 month trip, you may find it difficult to get your trailer stored upon returning to Michigan.

We've finally given up on returning until after the snow melts and I can park the trailer in the drive to get it cleaned and ready for summer in this area.

[sourdough]

If going south in Feb. you will want to start looking for a place to book right now. We book our spot in March for the next November because they will be booked.

There are LOTS of RV parks in the areas you mentioned. You're preferences are what will determine where you want to go. We stay in the FL panhandle because we really like it and my daughter/grandgirls live there. We don't like crowds or fancy resorts so we don't go to them.

Lots of folks come from MI to our area and all along the southern coast. If you come down I would suggest staying south if you want to get some "warm" weather. The FL panhandle is nice but will get a night or 2 around freezing - which we like; we like to have a little bit of cooler weather. Further south in FL becomes a zoo the further you go and the closer to the coast you get. We also like the FL panhandle because we usually spend a week or 2 in/around Destin which has some of the prettiest water in the country. MS/AL are OK but to us the water doesn't seem to be nearly as clean.

In FL gators are everywhere. We see them all over the place including the ditch beside the road by our RV park. We also have a puppy and take her all over the place including gator "infested" areas. Some things to remember;
keep puppy on a leash; not retractable, but a solid leash that you can control quickly. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and never go near waters edge or in thick grass/brush near there - situational awareness is imperative. Gator mating season is generally April to June or so. Be extremely cautious during that time because they can and will get aggressive. Keep puppy close; let her/him have a good time and smell/investigate all they want to....at a safe distance from dangerous areas. Listen for them if you are out in mating season - we've sat and listened to them "do their thing" just sitting on a park bench.

We take puppy every single day to a park with a lake that is filled with gators. We've seen many of them including some BIG ones. They don't care about us but keep a safe distance. Watch out for wallowed out grassy areas, torn up ground or piled grass. I keep pup a minimum of 30' from the edge of any tall grass that leads to the water and keep my eyes moving constantly. We then spend 30-45 minutes with her sitting on a park bench with us just absorbing the sounds and smells of the egrets, eagles, herons etc. She absolutely LOVES it. Taking puppy is fine if you take precautions, or....don't be like the bozo about 3 years ago that took his dog to the lake to play "fetch" in the water....that dog didn't come back.

[Customer1]

Customer, what do you consider cold? We're fine with temps in the low 50's and above during the day

You will see many days that are in the fifties, and probably some nights below freezing.

[hornet28]

We don't have a problem with temps like that. It beats the heck out of temps here that time of year

[Frank G]

The first year we RV'ed in Florida we stayed a month and traveled around a lot looking for a park more suitable for us. The "more suitable" has a different meaning for everyone. Keep in mind that the state of Florida's population increase by 34% in J,F,M, campground fees reflect that, and us baby boomers are compounding the problem. Year 2 we stayed 6 months and this year it will be 9 months. Next month our Park model arrives giving us the ability to live comfortably year round, not that our 5th wheel isn't comfortable.

I might suggest that you pick a location and ask for campground information for that area. That question usually gets a lot of good responses, from there you can make contact for availability and prices. Don't forget to ask about cancellation and dog policies. Some campgrounds will have dog parks

We have 2 dogs and alligators and other predators, like others have said, use common sense. Our location is very rural.

[CaptnJohn]

Gators—. I live in NC and they live in the pond across the street. Don’t ever feed them and keep a little distance and all will be fine.
We find Fl expensive in winter and the farther south the price goes farther north. Some good spots in AL at 1/3 the cost. Less traffic in AL too.

[hornet28]

CaptnJohn, those are some of the reasons we say no to Florida

[CaptnJohn]

CaptnJohn, those are some of the reasons we say no to Florida



We found a great CG in AL that costs slightly more for 3 months than the panhandle and mid state CGs we used to stay at charged for 1 month.

[ken56]

Having left Michigan over 6 years ago for TN I sympathize with you on the MI winters. Looking at average temps for Mobile they range from high 30's to mid and upper 40's for lows and low 50's to maybe 60 for highs. It also says they experience mostly constant cloud cover all of Feb. I know, that's shorts and tee shirt weather for Michiganders that time of year.


2 years ago coming back from FL at the beginning of Jan. we experienced mid 20's in Milledgeville GA. We had left Crystal River FL. that morning with low 30 temps. You never know what mother nature will have in store so be prepared.

[hornet28]

Thanks for the suggestions. We decided today to go back to Sedona Az area as we haven't been there since 15. We miss all the hiking in the Red Rock country Will be staying at Distant Drums in Camp Verde

[sourdough]

As you make future plans don't rule out northern FL or the southern points of MS, AL, TX. They far surpass, IMO, the Sedona area. Sedona has become the "Key West" of AZ to us. Just read that the city had rezoned most of the town to allow multi person dwelling in lieu of homes and were driving "home owner" out of the town. The "red rocks" are pretty but there are lots of places much prettier to us...and quieter, less crowded, more fun etc. :) Now, if you're into the supposed "paranormal, supernatural" vibes from the red hills; the coast won't do that for you.....but there are lots of trails.:D

[hornet28]

We've been going to Sedona every 2-5 years since 98. Yes it's disappointing as far as some of Sedona and the changes. But that's not where we're staying. As far as crowds on the trails in the past we've found that too generally be within a mile or so of the trailhead after that hardly anyone. We'll be central to much of northern Az. At our age it may be our last time there, so we decided "what the hay" we're going. The south can wait until 21. Oh and we're not into the paranormal and enjoy beaches also. In fact here at home we're only a mile off Lake Michigan so we can get all the beach time we want during the year including winter time walks on them

[Roscommon48]

Such an open question. Just start googling. Prices vary so much, no one but you know what you can afforded.

And, some of the northern parts will be below 50 degrees on some days/nights...like Georgia.

Just start like now, the better ones already have been booked months ago.

Costs can run up to $3000 for a month...just depends.

START CALLING CAMPGROUNDS

[hornet28]

Roscommon48 thanks that's really helpful. Now read #13

[JRTJH]

.... The south can wait until 21. ...

Yup, if you wait until 21, you'll better fit the image (older) with Bermuda shorts, black socks and black dress shoes, better yet, Birkenstocks..... Oh, don't forget the straw fedora with the dark green plastic visor !!!

[travelin texans]

Visited the panhandle, central & both coasts of Florida several times, wintered in central area 2 winters & that was enough mold, bugs, sink holes & expensive stays for us, now stay in southern Arizona.
Arizona, the Rio Grande Valley in Texas or most any of the other gulf states would be a much better, less expensive choice as far as we're concerned.
The Sedona area is beautiful, but not stay more than a day or two, too rich for our limited retirement funds.

[hornet28]

Yup, if you wait until 21, you'll better fit the image (older) with Bermuda shorts, black socks and black dress shoes, better yet, Birkenstocks..... Oh, don't forget the straw fedora with the dark green plastic visor !!!

That's hilarious. But I'll never fit that description. This is me a month ago. Shorts aren't in my wardrobe, I sometimes laugh and tell people "I grew out of short pants when I was a kid"

[Frank G]

Thank God we are all different or we would all be in the same free, bug free, RV park somewhere on this planet with mountains on one side, beach on the other, desert on the right and prime wooded forest on the left. Approximately 7.14 Million people chose to winter in the state of Florida each year. Are they all making the wrong choice? Who knows. For us, Florida was an easy choice. For $12.33 a day, including all utilities, we can live in a great community. Check it out by clicking the link below. How many parks have a fire and rescue within the park? Average response time, under 3 minutes. Read over one of our weekly news papers published 4 months of the year. Everything works here, all of our activity buildings are air conditioned, it is amazing what you can do when you are resident owned, self governed, and debt free.

When members ask about spending time in the southeast during the winter months, I always suggest picking what you think you are looking for the first year, look around and ask a lot of questions. Every park/resort is different.

[hornet28]

Frank I'm sure it's nice but it sounds like a timeshare and I've had enough of them

[Frank G]

Frank I'm sure it's nice but it sounds like a timeshare and I've had enough of them
No, it is not a time share. After first year you need to purchase a share, last April they were going for $4,000.00, sellable at any time.

[hornet28]

No, it is not a time share. After first year you need to purchase a share, last April they were going for $4,000.00, sellable at any time.

Would I be correct in assuming there are maintenance fees to go along with it whether you use it or not?

[Frank G]

Would I be correct in assuming there are maintenance fees to go along with it whether you use it or not?

No maintenance fees! Maintenance cuts grass April through November. Give them 2 week notice and they will clean your lot before arrival. That leaves you with 3 or 4 cuttings December through March and they provide the mowers and gas.

[kksfish]

For all my northerner friends..... I live in the Savannah area and yes there are gators here! Just don’t walk your pets near “water” including smaller campground ponds!
The phrase “tastes just like chicken”always pertains. Just last week in Hilton Head community a lady was severely bitten by a gator in her back yard. Generally they aren’t all that aggressive except when mating and we encounter them all year long while golfing, boating in coastal waters and rivers just use common sense!

[CWtheMan]

Thanks for the suggestions. We decided today to go back to Sedona Az area as we haven't been there since 15. We miss all the hiking in the Red Rock country Will be staying at Distant Drums in Camp Verde

Over the years we have traveled extensively in and around AZ and spent a few weeks at Camp Verdi. We stayed at the Rancho Verdi RV Park. It’s a little off the main road, family managed and clean.

We highly recommend the Verdi Canyon Train. If you do go on the train ride, go 1st class.

https://ranchoverdervpark.com/
https://verdecanyonrr.com/

[hornet28]

CW, we've done the Verde Canyon train ride and copter and hot air balloon rides over the red rock country plus miles and miles and miles of trails. But no Pink Jeep rides and don't intend too. Distant Drums park is the next exit north of where you get off for Rancho Verdi

[Mad Cow]

For all my northerner friends..... I live in the Savannah area and yes there are gators here! Just don’t walk your pets near “water” including smaller campground ponds!
The phrase “tastes just like chicken”always pertains. Just last week in Hilton Head community a lady was severely bitten by a gator in her back yard. Generally they aren’t all that aggressive except when mating and we encounter them all year long while golfing, boating in coastal waters and rivers just use common sense!

I can attest to that. Did two years at Ft. Stewart, GA in the later 70's. I came across many gators. And some of the biggest diamondback rattlers I have ever seen. Cottonmouths pretty frequent also. One really needs to stay aware as they walk around near water and wooded areas. After a couple of adventures form there to Eglin AFB, FL, it was really brought home to keep aware of one's surroundings.

I am contemplating the snowbird thing as well, but I am looking at a roving deal... spending a couple weeks at a time at different locations across the south. And in that endeavor, primarily using the military base campground facilities. Not quite as elaborate as the general RV resort stuff, but very cost effective and some are at very good locations on the Gulf Coast.

[Tatanka Ob Waci]

We go south from September to May. We've found we like certain areas of Arizona and Texas. We've also found the longer you stay, the cheaper the price. Two years ago, we stayed in Navarre Florida and liked it a lot, however, it's a long ways from South Dakota so that's why we go to Arizona and Texas. We are also motorcyclist and find the riding is better in the areas we stay. Take heed to what people are saying about gators. I lived most of my life in Florida and I can tell you from experience they can be really aggressive during mating season. When we first started, we booked several different parks to find what we liked and the amenities we wanted. This worked good for us. We also found that one needs to book a year ahead in some parks as they are very popular. Hope this helps.

[Papa Don]

Spent 4 weeks at Gulf Beach RV resort feb-mar this year. Though it’s a lot of asphalt basically , it’s pretty new and the beach was right there. 90 is busy but you could cross to the beach as stop lights vary the flow. Everyone very friendly and lots of stuff to do and good eats.

[Local150]

I stay in a lovely resort about 17 miles west of Daytona. Very nice clean park. They have rooms to rent and a nice little camping area. Price is great, 315 a month, includes water,, sewer, cable, wifi, and electric. They read electric meter when you get there and again when you leave. Very clean, beautiful pool, laundry,etc. Very very friendly and helpful people

[Customer1]

I stay in a lovely resort about 17 miles west of Daytona. Very nice clean park. They have rooms to rent and a nice little camping area. Price is great, 315 a month, includes water,, sewer, cable, wifi, and electric. They read electric meter when you get there and again when you leave. Very clean, beautiful pool, laundry,etc. Very very friendly and helpful people

Willing to share the name?

[Local150]

I stay in a lovely resort about 17 miles west of Daytona. Very nice clean park. They have rooms to rent and a nice little camping area. Price is great, 315 a month, includes water,, sewer, cable, wifi, and electric. They read electric meter when you get there and again when you leave. Very clean, beautiful pool, laundry,etc. Very very friendly and helpful people
Sorry, its 385 per month. Still cheap

[Local150]

Sorry, its 385 per month. Still cheap
Riviera Resort & Marina

[RudiH]

South Florida is one of the best places to go in the winter. The weather is usually perfect. However, you will find it difficult to find a place to park your rig. In the last few years people have been coming in droves. We came down in 2006, and bought a place with a Florida room in 2007. We’ve been spending our winters there ever since. If you stay there for any length of time, you WILL buy. I highly recommend Florida. Start looking now.

[Customer1]

Riviera Resort & Marina

Thanks, I'm looking at it. We have reservations for this winter but are always looking for next year. We are very familiar with the general area.