1st Winter that we are both retired and are going to head south right after Christmas. Leaving from NW Iowa and need some advise on where to go and routes to take. We are in a 5th wheeler and prefer quieter areas; enjoy some fishing, visiting, finding new restaurants to try and just relaxing. We are familiar with RV Park review and will use it to find some places to stay along the way. Also would like to know what you use to chart your travel whether it's a blog or software like Streets & trips.

Well the first thing I would do is go directly south to the Mason/Dixon line then stop for the night, that will get you out of the cold. Then I would pick up some light weight material like sand or something and throw it up in the air. Which ever way the sand blows, that is the way to travel. You are retired, you have an RV and you have a road map. Every road has an end or a place to U-turn.Good luck, and happy retirement.

If you love to fish then I suggest going to the Rockport TX area. Rockport is a laid back area with a lot of RV parks that are very reasonable compared to FL. There are also numerous places to fish.

Port Aransas and Corpus Christi are also good places to fish.If retired military check out Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (CCNAS)for Shields Park, their RV park.

Been to Rockport and love the place. Not retired yet, so we just fly in, every so often. Excellent fishing! Making another trip down in April. Can't wait to retire there!

My advice is head due south until you get below the freeze line. Then turn right, left or go straight depending on what part of the country you want to winter in.

Need Advise on Heading South for the Winter from NW Iowa

GGeorge
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
Well the first thing I would do is go directly south to the Mason/Dixon line then stop for the night, that will get you out of the cold. Then I would pick up some light weight material like sand or something and throw it up in the air. Which ever way the sand blows, that is the way to travel. You are retired, you have an RV and you have a road map. Every road has an end or a place to U-turn.

Good luck, and happy retirement.
chris3403
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
If you love to fish then I suggest going to the Rockport TX area. Rockport is a laid back area with a lot of RV parks that are very reasonable compared to FL. There are also numerous places to fish.
1995brave
Nomad
Nov 20, 2013
Port Aransas and Corpus Christi are also good places to fish.
If retired military check out Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (CCNAS)for Shields Park, their RV park.
empty_nest
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
Been to Rockport and love the place. Not retired yet, so we just fly in, every so often. Excellent fishing! Making another trip down in April. Can't wait to retire there!
skipnchar
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
My advice is head due south until you get below the freeze line. Then turn right, left or go straight depending on what part of the country you want to winter in.
justaboutretire
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
First thing I would do is to put the snow blower on the roof of the truck and then keep the compass needle pointing south. The first person who asks you what that thing is on the roof of your truck, PARK IT.
Have a great time no matter where you end up!!
dbbls
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
A word about Rockport. The RV parks are mostly full due to the shale oil workers in the area. This runs from Port Lavaca to San Antonio. They are also building windmill generators in the area. I was able to get a reservation in a park that had just expanded but many do not have the room to expand. I was told they are building several new parks but they may not be ready. I suggest you call for reservations before you go. May have to go the Rio Grand Valley.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2013
Don't be afraid to go to the Hill Country. Very scenic, not very crowded, good prices. Lots to see and do. The areas around Kerrville and Fredricksburg would be good choices. Plenty of fellow Iowegians in the area. Prices are reasonable. The weather isn't as warm as the Valley but much better than Iowa. We're heading there for our fourth year. Just try a search on RV Park Reviews then look at the individual RV park websites.

B.O.
motorcycle_jack
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2013
Well, I can tell you this: Since you're leaving Iowa after Christmas - TURN OFF THE LIGHTS IN IOWA! Every Iowan will be in Texas when you leave :) . No really, thousands of Iowans go the the Rio Grande Valley - warm, cheap and lots to do. My mom and stepdad from Oskaloosa go down every year and fully 60%of the parks around there's are Iowans. You'll love it.
gonefishin_
Explorer
Nov 22, 2013
Thanks for all the responses. So in other words, just take off and head south til we hit warmer weather. That's the plan if all holds out anyway. Thanks again, keep the advise coming.

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