Location advice

RVcrazy wrote:
We enjoyed Bonita Springs just south of Fort Myers.

We have enjoyed this entire area now for a couple of years. Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach (the town), North Fort Myers, Cape Coral.....folks always talk about just Fort Myers in this area but don't realize that Cape Coral is actually the biggest city in this area. Once you get to know this SW Florida area it has a lot to offer IMHO.

RVcrazy wrote:
We enjoyed Bonita Springs just south of Fort Myers.

X's 2! This year in Bonita Springs has been wonderful. Warmer temperatures and more sunny days than even North Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, or the areas inland. Close enough to all the enjoyable parts of surrounding towns, (esp. the Broadway Palms Dinner Theatre), and maneuverable via four north/south roads.

The RV park within Imperial Bonita Estates was fully booked, and our 85+ activities bloomed -- especially from January through March. The bulletin board this spring lists only two mobiles available for sale in the Co-op, and judging from past history, they won't last long.

We enjoyed Bonita Springs just south of Fort Myers.

Wandering view wrote:
dislike Fort Myers....

Just wondering -- Why might that be?

Wandering view wrote:
Have a 30 ft class A towing. What is the best place, in your opinion, to stay for January through Middle of March on the west coast of Florida. We have always stayed at Nettles Island on the East Coast and are looking for some change. Thanks McD ps. Love the Red Sox but dislike Fort Myers....

If you want to stay warmer (south of Tampa) then I would look around Venice, Nokomis, or Punta Gorda. Since you "don't like" Ft. Myers then I guess North Fort Myers and Cape Coral would be out of the question.

We made 1st time reservations next winter for Rock Crusher in Crystal River

I would check out rvparkreviews.com and see what others think of parks that have the amenities that you are looking for. When you find one you will need to book as early as possible; the boomers are entering the RV lifestyle every day and the parks are getting filled up fast.

You might want to list some of your preferences. Further north along the Nature Coast (Cedar Key, Crystal River, etc.) or further south like Sarasota & Naples? Close to the ocean/beaches or a bit further inland? Temps certainly vary north to south as you probably know.

We enjoy the Nature Coast area around Crystal River. It's not as crowded as areas south of Tampa, but it's not so rural that you can't find the usual chain stores. Kayaking and fishing are popular and the seafood is great. The weather is a bit cooler in January and early February, but it warms up into the 60's and low 70's regularly. Most of March was regularly in the 80's with cooler nights.

We've also stayed down in the Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area, but inland a bit. Riverside RV Park (Arcadia) is nice and while the address is Arcadia it's only about 4-5 miles east of I-75.

It's getting busier and reservations are becoming tighter so it's wise to do your research now so you can jump on a reservation for next season. Our park, Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park, saw more people making reservations for next season when they had open sign up in time in late February.

You might like Imperial Bonita Estates situated beside the Imperial River. We have the greatest variety of activities for our 55+ residents of any park or resort in the area.

We are five miles from Bonita Beach Park, next door to the Flamingo Flea, Fruit & Vegetable Market, about two miles from the dog track, and close to many fine restaurants. Fort Myers is twenty miles to our north and Naples is ten miles to our south.

And, we have a fair share of Red Sox fans (with a smattering of Yankee fans here and there)!