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]

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

[korbe]

Not too many snowbirds in the northern part of the state. The south end of the state is where the good winter weather is, and of course, the people.

[Desert_Captain]

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).

You will encounter large crowds just about everywhere you travel throughout the state. Weekends, particularly holiday weekends, are insane. Best to hunker down somewhere and stay off the roads. Now if you can deal with all of that it is hard to imagine a state with more to see and do. I'll never live there again but we do visit often.

As always..... Opinions and YMMV. :C

[jmtandem]

Most of northern California north of Sacramento/San Francisco (generally north of IR 80) is rural. The coast is spectacular, the Avenue of the Giants is majestic and there are many small campgrounds along the coast. There are also many RV parks. Wnters can have rain but it rarely snows along the coast. You will be a few hours from Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Lassen. Lava Beds, and other national treasures if you care to travel although most of the Sierra's have real winters, cold and snow. If you like fishing and water the California Delta is laid back, rural, quiet, and has many RV parks. About the worst winter conditions are fog and rain. It never snows and winter days can easily be 50 degrees F. There are also many nice RV parks and some camping along SR 49 between Mariposa on the south and Auburn/Grass Valley on the north. Winters are very mild along this historical stretch of road. You might look into the Plymouth area as many winter with their RV there. Eastern California along the Colorado River is where many RVers winter, especially in the Lake Havasu area. Warm days with some wind occasionally, mostly desert.

[Valkyriebush]

Expensive fuel and RV parks, I do like the central coast and Northern parts of California. Try it, you might like it. Could be bull, but I heard that if you have an at fault accident and your from out of state you could receive a bill for the emergency services? Any one know if that's true?

[WyoTraveler]

If you are looking for state parks that aren't congested in CA that probably won't happen. If you boondock in the desert there are lots of very remote areas. Some depends on size of your RV. Easier to get smaller RVs into very remote areas.

[hermy]

California is a big state- and as you would expect- quite diversified. Up to this point we have spent most or our snowbirding time in AZ but have ventured into CA now and again. We really like the Palm Springs area (stayed in a wonderful county park) and I think that we will return and I also think that areas outside of San Diego area could be good. CA has a lot of goofy laws that drive the price of things up but if you are careful I think one could stay there in a fairly reasonable manner.

[WA7NDD]

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."

[Fizz]

Haven't been to California.
We have been to AZ and TX many times.
Coming from Ontario that's 1000's of mile of wear annually at HWY speeds.
I would advise getting the wheel and bearings checked by a reputable outfit just about now.
Just saying...