My better half and I are fairly new to full timing in our 5'er. We talked about it for almost a year before selling our house and taking the plunge last September. For the most part our experience has been good to date. We moved into an RV park in our home town for a month while we tried to get rid of stuff that we couldn't bring on the road with us. Then as the weather cooled off we headed to the coast for another couple of months before heading south to follow the sun.Reading the various topics in the forums about what exactly defines a full timer, or whether or not to use tp in your black tank, or what is the difference between boondocking and dry camping, I couldn't help but think about some of our experiences and the places and people we've encountered along the way.Some folks seem to travel in groups ( friends, family, hobby, or interest ) following fairs, or rodeos, concerts or what have you. Some folks stay for months on end in one place and have 2, 3 or 4 regular stops on their annual circuit. Then again some folks seem to dry camp on BLM land, while others camp in national or state parks. Here in Yuma where we are spending the winter, some parks are 5 star private resorts with fabulous amenities, while other parks are bare bones with nothing to offer but parking. The choices seem endless, there is something for everyone at every price point.I ask the question out of curiosity. We have no set plan or destination in mind other than to be warm and in a sunny clime in the wintertime. So far we have only boondocked in a parking lot once. We have not stayed in a state park or on BLM land yet, we have only stopped at RV parks. A couple were awesome! A couple were tight and not so nice. We're in a nice comfortable park now and are taking day trips exploring the area.I'm curious to know how you full time? What type of park or campground you prefer and why? Any favorite circuits? Lone wolf or part of a group? Favorite places? Near cities or as far from them as possible? Like I said, we are new to this lifestyle and have too much time on our hands :)

Well as I’ve already mentioned here, I rarely if ever go to private RV parks, especially now that I’ve learned that they charge extra for electricity if you’re going to stay a month or so.I am a military veteran with a service connected disability and I use the benefits that I have at my disposal. I can camp at military RV campgrounds, many which are on military bases, and they are like resorts to me because they have lots of amenities and do not charge you extra for electricity if you’re staying a few months.Most military bases have movie theaters, fitness centers and swimming pools which I can use. I sometimes eat at the chow hall with the troops where I find excellent companionship. They also have medical facilities which I can use and a lot of other amentias.I also camp at National Parks for half price with my “Golden Access” card and in many States I can camp for free at State Parks because of my disability. In my opinion State Parks have a different feel to them than National Parks, and both State and National Parks are a lot different than military RV campgrounds. So I do have some variety in my campgrounds; all military RV parks are not the same, some provide cable T.V. or internet service included in the camping fee. Some military bases have Christmas & New Years pot luck get together at their RV campgrounds, and they have various activities and events on certain holidays, Veterans Day, etc. During the summer months I usually go to State Parks located right on the ocean in California and in the winter I’m inland, sometimes at a State Park in the Mojave Desert. I am somewhat of a snowbird as I do try to avoid the snow and even sometimes try to avoid the cold temps.

We headed N/E from So. Cal to tip of MaineThen down the east coastThen N/W from FL to WAThen down west coastThen east to east coastThen north thru inlandThen west across top of USThen we zig-zag across USThen we went across US thru the middleThen we went north then east then south then westWe plan a direction and then go.We hit the road to travelWe stay in one place long enough to explore/adventure around the areaTalk with locals to find the hidden spotsWe travel as much as possible on secondary/back roadsAnd we travel MAX of 250 miles on travel day---which is typically Mondays (hit the road at 10am---in CG by 3pm at latest)WE stay in membership CGs (bought cheap via resale), COEs, state/national parks, city parks, fairgrounds, boondock (out in the dirt not Walmarts etc).We travel by ourselves.......have met/made friends and see them in different locales as we travel. Not planned just happens.It is what YOU make it........your choice.

I guess the easiest thing to say about our method of traveling is erratic. We would never be able to travel with anyone else because many times we'll be heading one place and end up somewhere else because of an out of the way place we discovered. That's how we found the little park here in FL that we come back to every winter.We don't make it a point to Wallydock but sometimes it works well. We find shooting ranges that will let us boondock there as long as we're spending money there shooting. And for Brenda, Casinodocking is always an option...Don't let anyone give you grief over staying in RV Parks. They are safe in this nutty world. We've never had a problem in a park but still prescribe to the statement of trust your neighbors but lock your door. State and National Parks are good to stay in as are COE parks.

We stay at all of the types of sites you mention. Based upon where we are headed and how long we want to stay and what we want to do and what's convenient nearby and how's the weather (yes, we may or may not need/want utilities) we make a decision as to what makes the most sense for that particular segment of the trip. We traveled with a business partner for a year and while it was necessary, it's not something I would like to have to do in the future. I am always happy to meet someone at the next destination should we both end up there, but how we get there and when will always remain our decision. If we don't make it at all then that's OK, too.

After 8 years we have settled into somewhat of a routine. Spend the winter in Arizona and then up the west coast in the spring. Each spring we take a different route, though it usually involves a few weeks in on of the many wine areas in California We then spend some time in the PNW since my 91 year old mother is there. After the 4th of July we head out for somewhere with the knowledge that we need to be in Tyler, Tx by the 1st of November for our annual checkups. Spend Thanksgiving with our DD and SIL in Tx and then in mid December we head back to Arizona for the winter.We did up the east coast one spring, never again. To many storms to deal with. But the east coast in early fall is great and we have enjoyed it many times. Also have decided we didn't like Florida (to many bugs) nor the Rio Grande Valley in Tx (to much dust) for the winter, but we do like the great Phoenix area.Barb

So how do you full time in your RV? | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

MichiganTravele
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
We will have been fulltiming for three years in May. Our plans are generally pretty broad. We pick some major sites we want to hit and plan around those. Sometimes we plan in detail, generally when reservations are essential. Sometimes we go by the seat of our pants. We have boondocked in the southern Sierra Nevadas in CA and often dry camp. Overnights in a Walmart parking lot are a good option when all we want is a place to sleep and an early start in the next morning.

Check out our blog at www.michigantraveler.org to see some details on how we have lived this great lifestyle.
stamppeddler
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Thanks for sharing your stories :) We will find our way I'm sure. Before starting out on this lifestyle I imagined that we would be constantly moving around and seeing new places. Naturally, being Canadians, our first priority was heading for a warmer clime during the winter months. We are fortunate to have chosen Yuma as our winter destination. The weather has been warm and sunny everyday. Now I find myself thinking about what we ought to do next; hit the road and explore, or fall into the snowbird lifestyle and get involved in the clubs and activities and become seasonal residents. Tough choice eh? Truth be told, sometimes I think this must be a dream. On our way north in the spring we will try using State and COE parks along the coast, and also dry camping on BLM lands. Thanks again for sharing.
ventrman
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
My Wife and I fulltime in a Forest River Sierra 5th Wheel. We are in Hurricane Mills, TN in an RV Park for the Winter. This coming Spring we are heading to Savannah, GA for a Month, then we will head to the East Coast Culminating in Vermont and New Hampshire. This next Winter, we plan on Spending somewhere in South Texas. We really only make General Plans, nothing really that Specific. We do not plan on trying to break out Necks trying to get to a Destination. If we see something Interesting, we will stop and explore. We plan on taking Time to smell the Roses.
gitchermotorrun
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014
We're into our third year full-timing and loving it. First of all it is a blessing to have a spouse that is as enthusiastic about this lifestyle as I am.

We've tried the camp host schpiel with the Forest Service but due to the huge cuts in their budget the camp host positions are beginning to no longer offer the stipend to cover expenses. Aside from the typical government philosophy of "if it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is" we decided to drop the FS affairs and move on to other free enriching enterprises, like setting on our bums for an entire winter in South Texas (fishing and tanning).

My favorite practice, (obsession), is to set down at Google Earth and travel all over finding interesting places to plan ahead for. I go as far as to figure all costs, drive time, and relatives to visit (for a short time) But, living most of my life in Montana and the Idaho Panhandle, I've totally eliminated "SNOW" of any sort or quantity from our lives as nomads. Temps are not to exceed 35 in the winter and no more than a comfortable 90 in summer. That determines where and when we go. Right now we spend our winters in South Texas, (Corpus Christi area). And it looks like Arkansas this coming summer. Then our plans are .......................
soos
Explorer II
Dec 28, 2013
We usually move once a week, summer and winter. The longest we stay is a month. We don't do the same "circuit" every year. We are happy to meet up with friends and travel with them for a few weeks, and then happy to split off and go our own way, when our paths differ. We stay in no frills parks, COE and state parks and once in a while a resort type park with pools and hot tubs. If we're in a place to sight see we really don't care what amenities the park has, because we don't use them.
We've never stayed in a parking lot, but will seek out PPA parks on our route.
We try to adhere to the 2-2-2 rule. Drive no more than 200 miles in a day, get where you are going by 2 pm and stay at least 2 nights.
We anticipate that in the next few years the way we travel will change. We anticipate that we may slow down and volunteer along the way more. But then, we are looking at a truck camper to make our trip to Alaska easier, so who knows what changes that will bring.
We don't like making reservations, but we will if need be, if we want to be located conveniently for family visits etc.
We don't boondock much ( although we should do it more). Mostly just in Q for the cameraderie, or something like the Balloon Fiesta where its easier.
Everyone is different, but thats how WE do it.

Sue
N7SJN
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
We spend most of the year doing volunteer work (?) for various agencies. While this would not appeal to every one it fits our lifestyle. We are in our 70's and find living in a 30'TT with 1 slide gives us adequate room. After 50+ years of marriage we find less is more as we have moved from a large sticks & bricks to our home on wheels. Our travels have taken us coast to coast and presently you will find us in the Northwest at Cape Lookout State Park, OR.
Aridon
Explorer
Dec 27, 2013
We have two permanent sites, one up north and one in WPB FL. We tend to travel mostly between the two and around Florida inbetween. We will arc to the east on the way up and to the west on the way down stopping where we desire to visit but mostly stay east of Texas. We tend to stay in one spot longer and when we go out we go for a couple of months. In between we tend to travel around FL, either going to RV shows, Disney, St Augustine etc..

We are looking to head out to vegas / CA in a year or two but a new baby is keeping us busy with family right now.

The beauty of the lifestyle is there is no "way" to do it. Like you said in your OP, plenty of folks do it very differently and enjoy themselves just the same.
Clay_L
Explorer
Dec 27, 2013
When we full timed (for 11 years - now snowbirds), we started out moving every two weeks or so and in a year or so changed to a yearly circuit that included NH, CO, AZ TX and FL. Summers were off the circuit and were spent someplace cool like ID.

Then as circumstances changed we ended up pretty much going back and forth between CO and AZ with two month or so trips around the country in the summer.

Throughly enjoyed the lifestyle but health and age issues predicated a new direction and we bought a house in western CO and became snow birds.
Roads_Less_Trav
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2013
We mix it up and don't plan much in advance.

We boondock pretty much 100% of the time and decide what to do each day over breakfast.

It's the ability to live without an agenda and with lots flexibility and spontaneity built into our daily lives that keeps us in this full-time traveling lifestyle.
nbargolf
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
We volunteer in State Parks. The campgrounds are the best location you will find in the state. We get free FHU for very little work and enjoy doing something along the way. We always have lots of time off to explore an area and we feel we are helping out. All the parks tell us they couldn't function without the volunteers. We have volunteered in the mountains of northern New Mexico our favorite place so far, Georgia, Texas hill country. We have never had a bad experience. this year after four years summers volunteering in New Mexico, we were presented with a life time pass to all New Mexico state parks. Now that's a perk. We are taking a this summer off and traveling to Alaska, BUCKET LIST. The Rangers and other volunteers are great folks and we have made a lot of lifetime friends. Give it a try you won't regret it and if you do remember you are a volunteer just hook it up and hit the road.