How About California?

[Paleo_Ron]

Well, I've just completed my 3rd winter season. The first was in Florida, the second in Texas, and this past winter I toured Arizona. I have to say that of the three I liked Arizona the best. I prefer state parks and not having things too congested. That being said, how do you think California would stack up? Someone said to me that it was fairly crowded.

Thanks as always for your helpful advice.

[Bumpyroad]

Vulcaneer wrote:
Much nicer ocean than AZ.

just wait for the "big one" and AZ will have better ocean front beaches.
bumpy

[Valkyriebush]

Vulcaneer wrote:
I prefer California to Arizona. Just much more diversified scenery. Big Sur cannot be beat. Much nicer ocean than AZ.

Big Sur. Especially for motorcyclist! Not so for 40 footers.

[CKNSLS]

WA7NDD wrote:
I grew up in California, and left in 1969. It was the worlds largest parking lot then. You said, " I prefer state parks and not having things too congested."

California has added several million people since 1969. The current population is a tad over 38 million......

[Vulcaneer]

I prefer California to Arizona. Just much more diversified scenery. Big Sur cannot be beat. Much nicer ocean than AZ.

[Gonzo42]

Welcome to the Golden State of California. Bring money. We are only $40B in debt now, so we can use the extra taxes.

[ksbowman]

Northern Cali is my favorite part of the state. The redwoods can't be beat. Southern was too crowded and hectic for me. Summer and fall Northern Cali and winter Arizona for me.

[Paleo_Ron]

Hey Jon - nice to see somebody who shares my taste in trailers. I too have the 17' Escape, and really like it.

OK everyone, thanks again for your usual help.

[vermilye]

I also love the Arizona State Parks, and found the ones along the Colorado River to be quite comfortable during the winter. Most have a 2 week limit, however a few provide long term stays (although at little or no reduced cost). I also spent a month at the La Paz County Park near Parker, AZ. Inexpensive, nice people, and a floating bar/restaurant next door that has great daily specials.

I'll agree that the California State Park system is about the most expensive in the country, but there are some beautiful parks. Most do not have hookups, so you are not getting much for your $35.00.

One quiet park that I liked was Red Rock Canyon. More information here.

If you want an interesting place to spend the winter, the Imperial Dam BLM campground is in California on the Colorado River just across the border from Arizona. Yuma is reasonably close for shopping. $40.00 for 2 weeks, or $180.00 for the entire winter (7 months). Lots of activities, and you can be as close (or as far away) from your neighbors as you want. My 2 week stay starts here. More information here.

[arnko37]

If you like to boondock free in a area that has interesting people that would be the slabs. Its is located about three miles east of Niland Cal. It is a former WW2 military base. The Quonset huts are long and the the cement slabs remains, therefore the name. One mile square desert. Water and dump station in town. Park where ever there is a spot. All kinds of people and rigs, some well to do and some with nothing. I stayed there a few months and had no trouble concerning safety.

[Desert_Captain]

lanerd wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:
California can be awesome but everything is very expensive (lived there for 50 years). The state parks are almost all $35 a night and they only discount geezers $2. Gas is the highest in the lower 48 and the cost of everything else, like groceries is much higher than here in Arizona (not sure about the rest of the country).
:C

do they even discount for non-resident geezers?
bumpy

Yep, took my $2 discount and invested wisely. :B

What about the Golden Age Passport?

Thats what we have and the California SP's just take that as verification that you are 62+. No 50% discount like in all of the national forests/parks.
:R

[lanerd]

Desert Captain wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:
California can be awesome but everything is very expensive (lived there for 50 years). The state parks are almost all $35 a night and they only discount geezers $2. Gas is the highest in the lower 48 and the cost of everything else, like groceries is much higher than here in Arizona (not sure about the rest of the country).
:C

do they even discount for non-resident geezers?
bumpy

Yep, took my $2 discount and invested wisely. :B

What about the Golden Age Passport?

[Community Alumni]

Areas where snowbirds concentrate in California are usually in the desert where prices are reasonable and there is no congestion. The metropolitan areas are congested and prices are higher, but there is plenty to see and do. Come on over, we'll leave the light on for you.

[almcc]

Well Ron, as they say: "everything is relative"!

Yes, California is a bit more expensive than other states, diesel fuel was about 25 cents/gallon more expensive than in Yuma Arizona this past winter, I didn't check food prices in detail compared to Arizona but the prices in California are MUCH cheaper than back in Ontario. If the state park rates indicated above are accurate then they are about $15 lower than Ontario provincial parks and we won't talk about food or diesel prices here in Ontario.

We haven't stayed at state parks in California but we stay in Borrego Springs with a state park all around us. In terms of busy/not busy, the place is absolutely quiet, quieter than back home, if we want to experience a more active environment Palm Springs and San Diego is relatively close by.

Bottom line is that as indicated California is quite diverse, you will probably find a place to stay that suits your lifestyle and expectations.

[Desert_Captain]

Bumpyroad wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:
California can be awesome but everything is very expensive (lived there for 50 years). The state parks are almost all $35 a night and they only discount geezers $2. Gas is the highest in the lower 48 and the cost of everything else, like groceries is much higher than here in Arizona (not sure about the rest of the country).
:C

do they even discount for non-resident geezers?
bumpy

Yep, took my $2 discount and invested wisely. :B