Am getting ready to purchase an RV and was thinking about RVing pretty much full time at least for a year or so and see the country. To save money I was looking at doing a lot of boondocking rather than pay for nights in an RV park.Then I noticed that some parks have monthly rates that are ridiculously low. Some as low as $250/month! Some with full hookups and some have you pay extra for the electric you use.So I'm thinking that I could perhaps see the country at a more leisurely pace, staying at a park for a month or so and explore the surrounding area in my toad then move on to another area.I know snowbirds kind of do this, staying 6 months or so in one park. So, any downside to this? Thx.

Common practice for full timers and snowbirds. If you don't want to stay a month, many have a discounted weekly rate although not as good as the monthly rate.

I did that for about three years, off and on ... and had a great time. Did it in a 4x4 Truck with a Truck Camper so it could go pretty much anywhere, and could also drop it in CG for day trips. Saw a lot of the country, and a lot of the back-country as well. Easily made it a week without hookups, but still used hookups when available, to charge up and dump, fill water, shop, etc.

Yes, a month here, a month there, is a good way to go. And sometimes you don't have to move far for totally different scenery and things to do. Some things, but not a lot, will take some broad planning. * Go to Quartzsite when all the people are there & the big tent is open* Plan to be either in the northern states and at higher elevations when the summer heat starts. Follow the temperature that you like.* Take or get your passport in case you want to go into Canada or Mexico.* A lot of RV parks like in Arizona and especially Florida may get full in the winter, so you may need to make some reservations.* The State and National parks are great. Cheap rates and more room.* Watch out for some locations like Washington DC or Cival War sites in the summer when the kids are out of school and families are traveling. The best time is right before they get or school or just after they start school.Bill

It's a great idea.At commercial campgrounds, monthly rates are the best deal.At most state and federal campgrounds, you are limited to 2 weeks, and no discount for staying longer. BUT a lot of campgrounds are really inexpensive, especially if you have a senior pass. Many US Forest Service campgrounds are in amazing locations. IMHO a mix of the 2 types is the most fun.

We FTd for 7 yrs....after 2 weeks in one spot we got 'itchy feet' syndrome and had to move on.Daily rates---highestWeekly rates...better dealMonthly rates...best dealCheck out PassPort America....Discount camping program 50% discount on daily rates at participating CGs. Cost $44/yrWe used a variety of methods to control nightly feesBoondocking, State/National Parks, COE (Corp of Engineers) CGs (really good places), City Parks, Fairgrounds, PassPort America and 'membership' that we purchased CHEAP via RESALEStaying in one place monthly is a reasonable means of stretching the 'rent money' IF one is so inclined.

Stay at a park a month or more then move on and do it again?

Jedidad
Explorer
Aug 04, 2018
JAXFL wrote:
...it is over 7 years just to get out of the state.

Sometimes it feels that way going up I-75. :)
JAXFL
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Plan to spend a lot of YEARS ding this.... Example there are over 400 campgrounds in the state of Florida that you can spend time at..... At just a week each it is over 7 years just to get out of the state.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2018
There are many many parks with lower rates. Some first time specials on monthly rates that are lower than even their normal monthly rate. You have to research areas and find them, but it can be done. We are currently in a park. FHU at $150 mo + elect. The cheaper parks are usually smaller and tend to be out and away from large towns and tourist locations. We hate the crowds and traffic, so it's no problem for us.
bikendan
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Dennis12 wrote:
State and National parks accept golden age cards. some free and most 1/2 price

ALL state parks do not accept the America the Beautiful Senior Pass(no longer called Golden Age).
I've only found a few that do, since it's for Federal lands.
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2018
Of course, you could drive nearby to the Mojave Preserve and stay for $6 senior or $12 full cost. I stayed for free. There are plenty of dispersed areas to camp in. Deva is nearby. I paid $6 per night there. While you are in the area, there are plenty of other places worth visiting. You don't need to drive back and forth for hours everyday. Just drive, visit and stay for little or no cost.
Jedidad
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
jarata1 wrote:
Yes 250 is a bit low I think your looking at least 500-600 for cheap and a place you would want to stay in

Yeah, 500-700 or thereabouts is what I'm seeing.

Here's the one I found for $250: http://tradewindsrvpark.com/
jarata1
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Yes 250 is a bit low I think your looking at least 500-600 for cheap and a place you would want to stay in
Jedidad
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Thanks all for the replies. Good stuff.
Dennis12
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
State and National parks accept golden age cards. some free and most 1/2 price
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2018
ljr wrote:
....The RV lifestyle is expensive if you avoid the real dumps.

The RV lifestyle can be expensive for those who want to stay in resort style RV parks. Staying in national parks and national forests can be inexpensive. There are lots of BLM campgrounds that are free or very inexpensive. While traveling it costs nothing to stop overnight at Walmart or a truck stop or rest stop.

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