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John_Joey's avatar
John_Joey
Explorer
Feb 18, 2015

Anybody RV snowbird in So. Cal?

I read how nice the weather is in So. California, but then it goes on to state how they just finished cutting the lawn an are BBQ'ing in the backyard.

Anybody out there actually take an RV to So. Cal, spend the winter, and drive back north in the spring without owning property?

If yes, what is your monthly park cost, area, and your thoughts on snowbirding in So. Cal.

Thanks in advance.
  • Indio and Palm Springs is a nice area. It does, at times, drop below freezing at night. 30, nothing serious. 70s during the day. Earth quakes? Mostly hype by news stations. I lived and worked in So Ca for over 40 years. A 3.7 won't even wake you up. A 7.0 will get your attention but not too many of those. Great place to visit and enjoy great restaurants and shopping. Too crowded as a permanent residence. Years ago, back in the 60s, Indio was a small town where you could pull off into the desert and camp or camp in Joshua Tree for free. How times have changed.
  • We have made southern California our destination of choice for the past few years, we haul our RV from southern Ontario and make the return trip each year. We like the desert area (Palm Springs, Borrego Springs area) for the cooler nights and warm days with guaranteed good weather.

    In terms of park costs, there is lots of variation, I've been in low cost parks where it's difficult to open the awning without hitting the RV next door and the higher cost ones that are excellent, in general you get what you pay for.

    As for earthquakes, we've had a 3.7 and a 3.2 this winter (and a couple of booms that I believe were earthquake related). The 3.7 moved the coffee in our cups, felt like wind hitting the side of the RV. No worries, I'm sure the RV would take a substantial shake before sustaining any damage, probably safer than being in a S&B home.
  • check out

    http://foyspa.com/facilities.html

    warmer and dryer and less windy than yuma or palm springs.
    lots of activities in nice facilities
    out of town so if daily shopping is your thing this isnt the rvpark.

    we love the desert hiking, biking and walks.
  • Parts of cali are real high parts are ok. Just look around for what u want
  • We snowbird in SOCAL. Primarily Palm Springs but also San Diego and a couple areas. The weather is awesome and mountainous scenery is awesome. Expect anything from 500 to 2000 a month in campground fees. All depends what you want. We haven't found them any more expensive than Arizona if you are comparing apples to apples. But if you are going to get an ocean view with a pool and gym in Malibu or San Diego or maybe be in an RV country club with 27 holes of golf, lots of tennis courts, full Gym, pools, restaurants, store etc etc etc, expect to pay 1500 per month or more.
  • Over the past 12 plus years we have spent several winters in the Indio and Palm Springs area and really like it. Hope to be back next winter. We like it a lot better than our present stay in Florida.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Seems like most folks from up north in the Western Region all like to go to the Phoenix area...

    In my working years that took us to the Phoenix area working for the NAVY on their Space Radar system always was a hugh hassle finding places to stay for a couple of weeks at a time.

    Everyplace was filled up with folks from Canada and Australia... One trip I had to stay at the John Wayne RV Resort south of the town of Maricopa which was fine with me as the Navy Space Surveillance Station was just North of the town of Maricopa...

    Roy Ken
  • John&Joey wrote:
    I read how nice the weather is in So. California, but then it goes on to state how they just finished cutting the lawn an are BBQ'ing in the backyard.

    Anybody out there actually take an RV to So. Cal, spend the winter, and drive back north in the spring without owning property?

    If yes, what is your monthly park cost, area, and your thoughts on snowbirding in So. Cal.

    Thanks in advance.


    For me it's a nice place to 'visit'.

    But not for a snowbird destination. I saved for my retirement so money is no object but IMHO the CG rates are just way overpriced for what they offer compared to other popular winter destinations.

    I just can't see throwing that kind of money on a CG. And for me I choose not to stay where the air quality is poor and earthquakes happen. Just saying. :W

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