Snowbirding first time in 2015
Just traded in our 2005 5th wheel for a 2015 and we think that this will be the year we go south for the winter. Remember we never did this before so my questions may sound dumb. 1. When do you ...
Forum Discussion
I would also recommend that you not try to do that many states in one season. It will be too much driving.
For your first year out of Wisconsin, you might try for Florida first if you can leave in Oct/Nov. Then you won't need reservations and can test out different areas. You will have a more difficult time finding parks for short stays after the holidays. Florida is busy.
Another great place is Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Unlike most state parks, this one is geared for snowbirders and you can stay the whole season if you want. The sites are full hookups and are close to the beach, nice bike riding, restaurants, shopping and park activities including volleyball and tennis. Again...geared for retirees at this time of year. You'll find many from Wisconsin and Michigan.
Texas is BIG and takes a lot of driving time to cover the different areas. The Hill Country around San Antonio will be cooler in winter but many go there and the area is very pretty. Many more will go down to the Rio Grande Valley (actually, it's pretty flat and not in a valley as you would envision). Rockport/Corpus Christi areas are very nice, too and more low-key. You generally won't want to stay north of San Antonio in winter - too cold.
If planning on Arizona you should skip the southern states. It's a long drive. Don't plan on staying anywhere north of Phoenix and not east of Phoenix. Arizona is all about elevation and you'll want to stay below 3500' for warmer temperatures.
For all of your routes, head directly south first to get yourself out of possible storms. Never take I-40 across to Arizona in winter. Work your way down to I-10.
New Mexico is very cold in winter so you might want to check it out later in March when you're on your return home.
State parks are a nice way to test out different areas, especially in Arizona. They're great. Also, around the metro Phoenix area, look into the Maricopa County parks. You'll be amazed at the lush vegetation in the desert, big camp sites and nice hiking trails. Then you can drive around to check out the RV parks (which are quite different in looks).
Above all, don't try to do all your mentioned states in one trip!
For your first year out of Wisconsin, you might try for Florida first if you can leave in Oct/Nov. Then you won't need reservations and can test out different areas. You will have a more difficult time finding parks for short stays after the holidays. Florida is busy.
Another great place is Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Unlike most state parks, this one is geared for snowbirders and you can stay the whole season if you want. The sites are full hookups and are close to the beach, nice bike riding, restaurants, shopping and park activities including volleyball and tennis. Again...geared for retirees at this time of year. You'll find many from Wisconsin and Michigan.
Texas is BIG and takes a lot of driving time to cover the different areas. The Hill Country around San Antonio will be cooler in winter but many go there and the area is very pretty. Many more will go down to the Rio Grande Valley (actually, it's pretty flat and not in a valley as you would envision). Rockport/Corpus Christi areas are very nice, too and more low-key. You generally won't want to stay north of San Antonio in winter - too cold.
If planning on Arizona you should skip the southern states. It's a long drive. Don't plan on staying anywhere north of Phoenix and not east of Phoenix. Arizona is all about elevation and you'll want to stay below 3500' for warmer temperatures.
For all of your routes, head directly south first to get yourself out of possible storms. Never take I-40 across to Arizona in winter. Work your way down to I-10.
New Mexico is very cold in winter so you might want to check it out later in March when you're on your return home.
State parks are a nice way to test out different areas, especially in Arizona. They're great. Also, around the metro Phoenix area, look into the Maricopa County parks. You'll be amazed at the lush vegetation in the desert, big camp sites and nice hiking trails. Then you can drive around to check out the RV parks (which are quite different in looks).
Above all, don't try to do all your mentioned states in one trip!
