This is just a rant, but maybe someone can clear it up for me:How do Snowbirds afford Florida in the Winter? The DW and I are taking 2014 off to travel in our MH, and our DD wants us to Join them in Homestead for the NASCAR races (Nov 2014), so we figured we would spend three months down in Florida....The prices are crazy expensive. I could pay a mortgage for what most RV parks are charging during the winter. The other issue I have is that some of the Parks we have requested rates and possible reservations, we can't get in touch with, they don't acknowledge emails and the phones just ring. I assume that they get regulars back every year so are not concerned with new business.OK, rant over, thanks for letting me get that off my chest! :)

Our 25 foot travel trailer that we paid cash for allows us to snow bird in south Florida. Jack L

Not everyone has to have beach front in SOUTH Florida! Look in the Ocala area.

WeBeFulltimers wrote:Not everyone has to have beach front in SOUTH Florida! Look in the Ocala area.Ocala is just over 6 hours drive away from Homestead.To the OP jimroach: I feel your pain. It takes awhile but you can find some nice cgs but for better prices you will have to be farther away from Homestead which is part of the Miami metroplex area.Some places you might try searching at www.woodalls.com/: - Ft. Myers: about 3 hours from Homestead- Marco Island: about 2 1/2 hours from Homestead- Belle Glade: about 2 hours from Homestead. Belle Glade Campground is a City Park with reasonable rates: it's basic and does offer full hookups. If you're going to be out and about, you probably aren't interested in fancy prices for fancy amenities. Here's a link http://www.woodalls.com/Campground/campgrounddetails.aspx?cgid=201204342

If ya wants to play in paradise, ya has to pay the price!!! :B

Snowbird Prices (RANT) | Good Sam Community

NanciL
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2013
Our 25 foot travel trailer that we paid cash for allows us to snow bird in south Florida.

Jack L
WeBeFulltimers
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
Not everyone has to have beach front in SOUTH Florida! Look in the Ocala area.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2013
WeBeFulltimers wrote:
Not everyone has to have beach front in SOUTH Florida! Look in the Ocala area.

Ocala is just over 6 hours drive away from Homestead.

To the OP jimroach: I feel your pain. It takes awhile but you can find some nice cgs but for better prices you will have to be farther away from Homestead which is part of the Miami metroplex area.

Some places you might try searching at www.woodalls.com/:
- Ft. Myers: about 3 hours from Homestead
- Marco Island: about 2 1/2 hours from Homestead
- Belle Glade: about 2 hours from Homestead.

Belle Glade Campground is a City Park with reasonable rates: it's basic and does offer full hookups. If you're going to be out and about, you probably aren't interested in fancy prices for fancy amenities. Here's a link http://www.woodalls.com/Campground/campgrounddetails.aspx?cgid=201204342
accsys
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
If ya wants to play in paradise, ya has to pay the price!!! :B
Moderator
Moderator
Nov 15, 2013
Moved from ATC
John_Joey
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
The part that I love is when you show up and you see how crappy some of these parks really are. I've seen very expensive MH's packed in like sardines and often wonder why they put up with it. If you don't accept it up north, why accept it down south.

Florida sells itself as a winter paradise, but sometimes I think their glasses are a little too rose colored given the current prices and other options.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
It is all about supply and demand. Very few new campgrounds and lots of new boomers retiring. Homestead in November around NASCAR could charge just about whatever they want and still be full.
Steeljag
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
Supply and demand! .....and most are booked a year in advance.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
I rationalize it this way....keep in mind I would prefer it to be a lot less expensive but----

A nice RV spot on the ocean or within a block of the ocean in a resort with amenities like a big pool, jacuzzi, 50amp service, convenience store, public transportation, activities...etc is a lot better than my normal sticks & brick (S&B) setup. I'm not using electric, gas, and water at my S&B, I'm not going out to eat as much. I'm enjoying an nicer environment and staying warmer for a few months. It's worth the price.... which where we stay is about $65 a day.
retispcsi
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013
It depends on where you want to stay. The more popular areas and of course how close you are to the beaches will cost you more and yes they can be very expensive. Inland parks and CG's are less expensive but you will drive further to the beaches etc. The state parks are one of the best deals found anywhere. The problem is you have to book 11 months in advance to get your spot in season (winter). Just like the man said supply and demand.

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