Not sure what's going on, but I've been trying for a week now to get a reservation for a one month stay in January/February at Desert Trails RV Park outside of Tucson. There is no on-line reservation system that I can find, and no response to emails or messages left on their answering machine over the past week. We're first time snowbirds to the Tucson area, and I'm wondering if there is another, better way to approach this. Or, are my expectations too high? I understand that I'm looking at a reservation for the high season, and am getting concerned that I either will or may have already 'missed the train'. Any thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations would be much appreciated. My thanks in advance...

They have responded to you each time you have left a message on their machine.THE ANSWER IS; We are not interested enough in your business to even pick up the phone and return your call.Take their hint go elsewhere!

Well, I guess that answers my question as to whether my expectations are too high. ?? Was beginning to think that there might be some 'different set of rules' for reserving winter sites in the sunny southwest.

Keep trying. Probably closed for the summer. Might reserve somewhere else to cover yourself. Can always cancel.

If you do not mind between Phoenix and Tucson try eitherPalm Creek in Casa GrandeorFiesta Grande in Casa Grandeboth will have space and will answer the phone

They likely prefer 3 - 5 month reservations. 1 month would be considered short term in a Snowbird Park. Some will not take Winter reservations of less than 3 months. However most parks will likely have openings if you just come down.

Any special way to make a reservation at Desert Trails?

soos
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2016
pawatt wrote:
Itching2go wrote:
Well, after much hunting and clicking, I think it might be best for us to go back to 'plan A', which was to take three months to sample the entire area from Big Bend to Vegas, no reservations anywhere, spending a week or two at a few places of particular interest. Then, if we find an area and park we really like, consider spending the winter in 2018 or 19. I'm thinking we should be able to find places 'on the fly', although they might not always be the best available. Life is, after all, an adventure!

Again, thanks for your suggestions. If you happen to see a big fiver and a red truck with Indiana plates, be sure to wave.

Sounds like a very good plan.

Yep, excellent plan! We always find someplace to stay in AZ every winter, with either no reservations or very few :)

Maybe head to Quartzsite in Jan for the RV show. Park in the desert with a bunch of RVers. A total blast :)

And PS Big Bend is one of my favorite places- been there 6 times!
pawatt
Explorer
Sep 17, 2016
Itching2go wrote:
Well, after much hunting and clicking, I think it might be best for us to go back to 'plan A', which was to take three months to sample the entire area from Big Bend to Vegas, no reservations anywhere, spending a week or two at a few places of particular interest. Then, if we find an area and park we really like, consider spending the winter in 2018 or 19. I'm thinking we should be able to find places 'on the fly', although they might not always be the best available. Life is, after all, an adventure!

Again, thanks for your suggestions. If you happen to see a big fiver and a red truck with Indiana plates, be sure to wave.

Sounds like a very good plan.
Itching2go
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2016
Well, after much hunting and clicking, I think it might be best for us to go back to 'plan A', which was to take three months to sample the entire area from Big Bend to Vegas, no reservations anywhere, spending a week or two at a few places of particular interest. Then, if we find an area and park we really like, consider spending the winter in 2018 or 19. I'm thinking we should be able to find places 'on the fly', although they might not always be the best available. Life is, after all, an adventure!

Again, thanks for your suggestions. If you happen to see a big fiver and a red truck with Indiana plates, be sure to wave.
jhlady
Explorer
Sep 16, 2016
Try Pima County Fairgrounds. East and a little south of Tucson, but have nice full hookup sites and should have space for a months stay.

Good luck,

John
Itching2go
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2016
Thanks, all, for the good information and suggestions. As timing would have it, I did get a call from Desert Trails just a little while ago. Perhaps they read this board... or perhaps not. In any case, the friendly person on the line advised that they are booked solid for the months of January and February. So, my search continues. I'm wide open as to location, so something between Tucson and Phoenix are definitely possibilities. Again, my thanks to you all.

... Bill
pawatt
Explorer
Sep 16, 2016
They likely prefer 3 - 5 month reservations. 1 month would be considered short term in a Snowbird Park. Some will not take Winter reservations of less than 3 months. However most parks will likely have openings if you just come down.
darsben1
Explorer
Sep 16, 2016
If you do not mind between Phoenix and Tucson try either
Palm Creek in Casa Grande
or
Fiesta Grande in Casa Grande

both will have space and will answer the phone
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Sep 16, 2016
Keep trying. Probably closed for the summer.
Might reserve somewhere else to cover yourself. Can always cancel.
Itching2go
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2016
Well, I guess that answers my question as to whether my expectations are too high. ?? Was beginning to think that there might be some 'different set of rules' for reserving winter sites in the sunny southwest.
darsben1
Explorer
Sep 16, 2016
They have responded to you each time you have left a message on their machine.
THE ANSWER IS; We are not interested enough in your business to even pick up the phone and return your call.
Take their hint go elsewhere!

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