Park status sound off.

[John_Joey]

Seems every winter we post this, so might as well keep the cycle of knowledge going. "How full is your park now that the holidays are over?"

Needless to say if your park is RV's that never move, then it will be pretty static (as in "full".) I'm asking only those that are in non owner parks that have transient slots during the year. Reason being when you're in an owner park, the residents have a vested interest in using there slot. They're "loosing money" if they don't use them.

I'm in deep south Texas. I'm seeing a very large number of open spots. Five years ago we were full after the holidays. Each year it seems like more and more spots are coming available. Rumor is there is over 150 open spots out of 600 this winter. There is no way those can all be Canadians either (due to their dollar exchange.)

Texas isn't know for their great weather, but the price reflects it. So I'm guessing that isn't the real reason for the declining rate, but then maybe it is. :h

[pawatt]

The RGV also has World Birding Centers and the International Butterfly Center. Several State Parks and many miles of Sand Beach on South Padre Island and Boca Chica Beach that you can walk or drive. Also surf fishing, fishing piers and bay fishing. And don't forget fun in Mexico. Many museums and nearly weekly festivals.

[her_I]

2gypsies wrote:
Colliehauler: I think we're like you in that we need active things to do. We're 'old' retirees - in our 70's. We tried RGV a few times and just didn't find things that we like to do such as hiking, pickleball etc. Everyone is different. We found that Arizona suits us much better.

There are new indoor pickle ball courts, new bocce court and a RC car track with grandstand along with tennis courts, horseshoe pits, indoor shuffle board, great billiard hall & library. Have separate rec hall and dance hall at Fun & Sun in San Benito, Texas.

[2112]

We have heard from the RGV and AZ area but what about south Florida? Are they still packing them in down there?

[TomG2]

There are tons of things to do for those interested. "Habitat for Humanity" and other such helpful things are available for energetic volunteers. There are countless repair and remodeling projects both with and without pay in most parks. Workcamping is available and most parks can use volunteers for events. Dance or Yoga classes need both teachers and students. Our park has an indoor air rifle range, RC boat/car racing, bicycling club, and water aerobic classes. Music jams are popular. Boring? Not.

[2gypsies1]

Colliehauler: I think we're like you in that we need active things to do. We're 'old' retirees - in our 70's. We tried RGV a few times and just didn't find things that we like to do such as hiking, pickleball etc. Everyone is different. We found that Arizona suits us much better.

[colliehauler]

Building new cabinets for the RV would keep me busy. Having a nice area to take the Collies for a walk. Like to grill as well. Enjoy having people over for morning coffee or evening cocktails as well.

Any bike or walking trails?

[joebedford]

We winter in one of Florida, RGV and Arizona each year (plus lots short visits to other places). One of the things I like about the RGV is that the people here 'seem' younger than the other places. Yes, there are lots of 'traditional' activities in the clubhouse that don't interest us, but everything is available outside the gates.

Yes, there's a 'traditional' woodworking shop here, but we have fun racing our R/C cars too.

[TomG2]

What specific activities are you looking for? We do not have the topography for some sports. The Winter Texans are not going to be in their 20's, 30's, 40's, or even 50's, although there are a few exceptions.

[colliehauler]

TomG2 wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
.....snip......
Are there any parks that cater to the active lifestyle?

There are no ski runs or mountain trails, if those are what you are looking for. Most of the parks are for retirees, not marathon trainees. Having said that, there are facilities for most activities, from swimming to billiards. Like I told a complainer at happy hour on Saturday, "The only bored people are boring people".

Not necessarily the park but the RGV area as a whole. I'm retired not dead. At my seasonal site there are people from there 20's to their 80's and we enjoy each others company. We all like the outdoors. Just wondering if there is anything like that in the RGV. Even a park that has a woodworking shop.

[TomG2]

colliehauler wrote:
.....snip......
Are there any parks that cater to the active lifestyle?

There are no ski runs or mountain trails, if those are what you are looking for. Most of the parks are for retirees, not marathon trainees. Having said that, there are facilities for most activities, from swimming to billiards. Like I told a complainer at happy hour on Saturday, "The only bored people are boring people".

[The_Texan]

Our park had an Elvis impersonator tonight and did NOT sell out. In fact, they were promoting it all over Yuma and still had seats open.

[colliehauler]

I have never been to RGV but it does not sound like it has much to do. Just warm weather is not enough of a draw for me to come down and sit inside my RV.

What activity's are there for people in there 50's? In my summer seasonal site I have a UTV with trails to ride on. A chain of three large lakes to take the pontoon boat on. Lots of scenic roads to ride the motorcycle on. Lots of trails to take the Collies for a walk on.

Are there any parks that cater to the active lifestyle?

It sounds like my parents would have loved the Big Band and dancing but they passed away 20 years ago.

[mamestra]

We are in a park in Indio California, the park is 75-80% full and getting more coming in everyday. Over half the park is Canadian, exchange rate is not great, but 5 months of rain is worse.

[qtla9111]

We're not snowbirds or fulltimers but we have always enjoyed the RGV. For one, I work in that area on occasion and use the rv parks. It's very close to home for us which is less than three hours.

That said, a lot of the parks are outdated and worn out. The events are pretty much standard; shuffle board, country western dancing, mah jong(?), potlucks, and holiday dinners. Nothing too exciting. We like to get out and go to the state parks, birding, riding bikes, exercise, visiting new places, etc. I don't care much for just sitting around.

And being under 60 we find that we are shunned a bit because we are younger to the point that people ask us why we are at the park or using the facilities, "Are you supposed to be here?" and we get that a lot.

We still like it though and everything is cyclical. We will be doing the same someday too I imagine 🙂

[joebedford]

Portugal too.

How can I get my RV to Cuba?