Snowbirding first time in 2015

We're up by you in the summer and we like to leave somewhere between mid October and the first part of November. Much later and you run the risk of snow and freezing temps.

Remember that the deep south is still very hot for us northern types till about the end of November. It will also be the same at the end of March and April. IMO you will enjoy yourself much more if you take your time going south and then back north. Instead of racing to see all the snowbird destinations, enjoy the middle of the country prior to getting south, then settle in for the winter. Take multiple winters to see all the destinations.

But there is a reason people go to Arizona!

X2 2gypsies on trying to do too much. Arizona is a LONG ways from WI which is why we head for Florida from Chicago each year. Search this Forum in the Snowbirds section for the areas you are considering.

Our first winter in Arizona we spent about 2 weeks in each place, then moved to another place all over the 'warm' part of the state from the 5th of January until the middle of March. Even spent a week boon docking at "Q". During that time we decided we weren't boon docking styles, didn't like Yuma, Benson was too cold from us, not much going on in Tucson, liked Casa Grande and Mesa. Next time out we focused on Casa Grande, Gold Canyon, Mesa, and Cottonwood. After that, we knew we liked spending 3+ months in Mesa and would stay in Casa Grande coming in and Cottonwood as we were leaving. Now it is just Mesa, with maybe a week or so in Cottonwood - - we just like the Mesa area, all of the things to do, etc.,

Barb

rkassi,
I winter in Ariz. 4 months a year from Dec. to April. My friends from Mich. Wisconsin leave in Oct. Nov. to avoid the winter/snow/storms/road conditions. Because of so many "snow Birders" from back east and Canada who are heading to warm weather areas, my suggestion is make your resevations well in advance. In Ariz. I make my reservations in April for the next year. It depends on what type of RV Resort/Park you prefer. If you don't need many amenities, advance reservations is less of an issue.
Just a plan to deviate from, I would make a list of areas, towns you tenative plan on taking when you leave Wisconsin. Then go on line to the Good Sam TL Directory web site which will give a list of all the RV parks and their facilities and make your choice. I prefer to have a reservations a couple of days in advance of my arrival, you can always cancel so you are not locked in to a schedule and will maintain your sense of freedom. Personally, all the states you mentioned with the exception of Texas are states I have enjoyed visiting. Not to offend any one Texas, Texas was just a lot of long open roads and it took 2-3 days just to get across the state. I also had the misfortune to get caught in a hail storm---- $25K damage to both my trailer and truck:(. The ocean coast of Texas was the good part of the trip. I especially enjoyed New Orleans, Disneyland for Adults:)

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!

We leave from Northern Illinois the first week in November, want to get out ahead of the snow. Left after Christmas the first year and drove in the snow all the way to St Louis and snow on secondary roads into Oklahoma.

You might be biting off more than you can chew with that itinerary. Remember the idea is to relax in the warm weather.

Several nice parks in the Tucson area and great winter weather. You will need reservations in January and February.

Depending on what you are looking for check out Voyager or Rincon on the high end, Desert Trails or Justin's Diamond J for more laid back parks.

This was our 6th winter in Desert Trails and have same spot reserved for next year.

New Mexico is not warm in the winter, to high of an elevation! The East valley of Phoenix is full of RV resorts. Need reservations in the nice ones. Chris

In the Rio Grande Valley of Texas Bentsen Palm Village Resort, Retama Village, Green Gate Grove, Victoria Palms, Casa de Valle and so many more, with nearly 500 parks in the area you won't need advance reservations at most.

You may also like South Padre Island, North Padre Island, Mustang Island, Port Aransas, Rockport and Galveston Island all on the Texas Gulf. We leave MN in Mid Oct.