Winter Is Coming – Where Will You Stay?

Autumn is setting in, both on the calendar and in the scenery. Cooler nights, football games, back to school and the color of leaves changing are all upon us.

For the warmer, southern states, the color of tags will soon be changing. The “snowbirds” will start flocking south for the winter.

Many RVers do the same, so if you haven’t started planning yet, you may want to. Here are some ideas.

Florida, Texas, Arizona and California are the favorite spots to Winter for those that don’t have a sticks and bricks to return to. These areas become very popular and spots can fill up fast at RV resorts and campgrounds alike. Rates tend to increase substantially as well, with rates for October-December increasing, and January-March/April being the highest for the year. Weekly and monthly rates can be a great deal. Be mindful that monthly often has a separate bill for electric, and possibly water.

The National and State parks allow out of state residents to book 11 months out (at least in Florida). If you are spontaneous like we are, it can be tricky. If you have a camping membership, it can also be tricky since those also can book pretty far out. Many of those campgrounds also rent spaces to non-membership campers, as well.

But, if you haven’t made some reservations, don’t worry–your home is where you are! But you may have to be flexible and move spots, or change locations more frequently, even offsetting with a single night somewhere. You may also have to wait for same day cancellations or first come, first serve options. It may also be good to simplify your set up/breakdown routines so you don’t have as much to pack and move for these and can do so quickly.

Here are some things to think about as you plan, whether for now, or for next and future seasons.

HOME BASE This is the option we tend to use most. We have family that is our “home” and when we are local, we stay there. We have hookups and contribute to utility bills and help with chores and projects to offset our impact and help out while we are there. This is where we get our mail, take care of medical visits, store personal items, and do projects and maintenance. This is also the home base for BJ’s job, so he can reconnect with coworkers if we don’t have to be out on a job. We know not everyone has this option, or that it yours may not be in a Winter RV friendly location, though.

FRIENDS/FAMILY (MOOCHDOCKING) Of course, this is one that can be used year round! It can be a great way to offset the crowded parks, and spend quality time with people in your life! Check for municipal or HOA codes parking there, and be aware if some have a limitation on time. You don’t want to make life difficult after you leave. If they don’t have an RV electrical hookup and you are using an extension cord, you may not have the ability to use all your rig’s amenities. If you don’t have solar or a generator that you can use, flip those breakers off on your rig so you don’t cause problems for their home. If staying for an extended time, be sure to discuss use of utilities and either swap chores, rotate meal prep, or pay for those uses. If those aren’t options, a gift card is always a way to thank them, and you can sneak it in their home or mail it to them after you leave!

RESORTS These are can be a pricier option, but almost always have a spot, except at peak holiday weekends–and even then you may get lucky since people cancel last minute. On the upside, these will usually have full hookups and entertainment for the kids. So you can catch up on laundry, clean the tanks, and get into some activities with fellow campers. We like this option for the short term since we are on a budget, but many can offer discounts and special deals, especially in January right after everyone is back to work and school, so that can be a great time to splurge and save!

PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS there are many campgrounds that don’t have a website or club membership, so may be harder to find. Use Google Maps to search an area, or check in with the local chamber of commerce or word of mouth from locals or other RVers. If you are already staying in the area, an in person visit is a great way to check it out, as well. These may not have as many amenities or things to do, and may be only a parking spot with electric and potable water and dump station on site or nearby, but this can be a cost saving option. Many campgrounds that don’t have full hook up sites will offer a “honey wagon” option in the winter for an additional fee, so be sure to ask about that option if staying for more than a week or whatever your tanks normally can handle.

NATIONAL/STATE/COUNTY/MUNICIPAL PARKS Since these are often more affordable, they can be a preference for many, especially during the enjoyable mild winter and busy seasons. These are also the ones that can fill up quickest. If they allow reservations, it usually opens up pretty far out and is all online. You can check regularly for cancellations, or even use a paid reservation search company for a fee to watch for them for you. You may also be able to get a same day First Come, First Serve option (FF on some online reservation systems).

MEMBERSHIPS Having a membership can be a great tool since these campgrounds have a certain amount of spots for members. Since many use this option, though, it can still be competitive to get in, or require some flexibility. While they may have spots open, if they assign spots when reservations are made, you may be moving around. If this is the option you use, just be gracious to your hosts for allowing the swap, especially if you move site to site and don’t have to leave at checkout and wait to return at check in. Harvest Host/BoonDockers Welcome is also a great way to get a night or more in some interesting places for short term, and many allow same day reservations.

WORKCAMPING This great option will not only help you find a place to stay, but you can work to earn some extra money and camp there for free. While these options can fill up well in advance of the season, things happen and people cancel last minute or have to leave early, so spots can open up. There are websites and social media groups to find places, or you can also just call or visit the campgrounds to get a feel for the place and meet the people, allowing them to know you and you to know them to see if it’s a good fit. This is also an option for summer, as well, but keep in mind, it is often looking for a commitment for the season. There is much dispute about the pay and perks compensating these, so do your research and know what you are looking for. Some may not have pay, just a free spot and hookups, but if that is all you need, it’s a great option.

STORING THE RIG If all else fails, or if you just don’t want to have to move often, look to storing your rig and staying with friends and family, or renting a short term place, hotel, AirBnB or VrBo. This can allow you time to spread out and unwind, maybe even take care of some work on your rig while you aren’t in it. Storage places can vary greatly from covered, outdoor, or even at RV parks, so research options and rates, and be sure your insurance covers you while parked, just in case.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS For those random nights you cannot find a spot, there are several businesses that allow for overnighting. Some cities and franchises may not allow, so always call ahead, walk in to check in and make sure you are parked where they prefer, and purchase something at the business as a way to say thank you. Remember that these are not campgrounds, but businesses, so no setting up and using outdoor equipment, putting out awnings, or arriving early and staying late, or staying for more than one night. Also, be sure to take your trash with you, or use small shopping bags to fit into the trash can easily, if you must. Many places are getting away from allowing campers to use their location because of all the people who have abused the courtesy. Some of these locations include Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Home Depot, forestry areas, boondocking areas. If you are using a rest stop that allows overnighting, be sure not to take up spaces from the over-the-road truckers since they have limitations and often cannot move on. If it looks like a popular stop for truckers, move to another location. Love’s fueling stations are adding RV camping to many locations, so check into those, as well!

Helpful resources to compliment this blog post:

• Find more about Our Travel Planner
• Campground Contacts Planner
• Reservation and Recreation Log