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As the leaves begin to change, there are many people from Canada and the northern states who head south for a sunny retreat, and they set up camp there until spring. These snowbirds seek the warm weather, ocean beaches and outdoor recreation that are hard to come by in colder, snowier states. RV parks and campgrounds are among the most popular ways to enjoy a snowbird winter because of the freedom and flexibility they provide.
Learn more about what makes the perfect snowbird destination, and what you need to know about winter-long travel.
Being a snowbird has many benefits. You enjoy warm weather, of course, but all that extra sunshine is also good for you. You get to meet new people, explore new places and learn new things along the way. The southern snowbird lifestyle is especially rewarding because southern states are full of rich history, year-round entertainment, various wildlife, beautiful landscapes and warm beaches.
Many snowbirds head south to escape harsh northern winters and instead spend the season basking in the warm sun. Since hurricane season is over by the time winter rolls around, many southern and coastal destinations are just the right fit. Snowbirds seek warm weather for various reasons, like medical conditions or to avoid slipping or driving in icy conditions. Studies show that warm weather and sunshine can also positively affect your mood and mental well-being, making it an excellent decision for people who feel the wintertime blues.
Some of the best experiences you will have as a snowbird will be with the other travelers and locals you meet along the way. Since many campgrounds welcome snowbirds each year, you will likely lodge near the same people year after year. These connections will establish a neighborhood and community of friends, even though you are away from home. It also gives you someone to invite over for a barbecue or lawn games.
A winter trip down south is just what you need to get the one-of-a-kind experiences you cannot find back home. You can try new things, take educational tours and even learn new skills that you can take with you long after winter has ended. For example, it is the perfect opportunity to:
With so many exciting and unique places to explore, you might find it challenging to narrow it down to the perfect snowbird spot. Here are a few things to consider to make the decision a little easier:
If you are still not sure where to go RVing in the winter, pick a destination that is a short drive from the other places on your list, so you can visit many destinations in a single season.
What if you could spend your winter exploring the Grand Canyon, or taking in the sights of the red rocks of Sedona? That is what you can expect when you choose Arizona for your snowbird destination. In addition to the sights and sounds of the desert, the Grand Canyon State offers plenty of top restaurants, museums and charming small towns. When considering RV parks in Arizona for snowbirds, look for one that provides the sweeping views of the canyons and endless sky that the state is known for.
Camping is one of the best ways to spend your snowbird winter because you get to be closer to the nature and sunshine you signed up for. Here are some easy ways to make your trip planning process simple and stress-free.
Many snowbird RV parks fill quickly for the season, especially in popular tourist destinations. Once you know which city and state you want to spend the winter in, reserve your spot as soon as you can. While you are at it, reserve a car rental, if necessary, and see if there are any special events you can pre-purchase tickets for, like shows or festivals.
Plan your travel route ahead of time, so you know approximately how long the trip will take if you are driving, as well as how much money to set aside for fuel, toll booths and road food. Mark any places you plan to park for the night, and any unique attractions or roadside stops you want to make along the way.
Trip planners, camping apps and route planning tools can help you get a visual idea of what your trip down south is going to look like. The right apps let you map your travel route, find and reserve your lodging, find restaurants and attractions near you and send you emergency alerts about weather, road closures and other things that may impact your trip:
A month or so before you head down south, prepare your RV for the trip by doing the following:
If you are renting your home to someone else while you are away, make sure you secure a tenant and have some sort of property management in place to address repairs or problems while you are gone. If your house will be vacant, winterize it by:
If you are leaving behind a pet or houseplants — or just want additional security for your home — consider hiring a sitter through an agency or ask a trusted friend, family member or neighbor. At the very minimum, make sure there is someone to stop by and collect newspapers, mail and packages if you’re not forwarding them, so your home does not look vacant. Inform the local neighborhood watch or authorities that your house will be empty and give them your contact information to reach you if necessary.
One of the most important snowbird tips is to make sure you have the correct insurance coverage for yourself, your vehicles and your home. Even if you already have insurance, some policies have limited coverage based on location, so it is always good to give your provider a call and confirm the details before leaving:
While some parts of being a snowbird certainly feel like being on a 24/7 vacation, try not to overextend yourself. Save plenty of time in your daily activities for relaxation and staying at the RV to clean, call family back home or just relax with the TV and your favorite snacks, so you do not return home in the spring feeling exhausted. There is plenty of time to do everything else, so recharge and rest as needed.
While you may go all winter without needing any important documents or paperwork, it is better to have them on hand, so they are easily accessible if necessary. Store them somewhere dry and secure, preferably in your RV or vehicle.
Remember to bring the following important documents on all winter motorhome trips:
Depending on how long your trip is, you might be staying in your snowbird destination for as long as five or six months — make sure it feels like home! There are plenty of things you can do inside and outside your RV to make it feel cozy and comfortable.
For example, you can:
When you stay at KOA, you have your choice between Back-In or Pull-Thru RV Sites that offer full hookups with 30- or 50-amp service. Every campsite is clean, spacious and level enough for all your outdoor entertaining. Enjoy a private fire ring and easy access to nearby restrooms and laundry facilities. Upgrade your stay by choosing an RV Site with a KOA Patio™ or staying at a campground with fun, on-site amenities and planned activities. Visit KOA online to learn why snowbirds love staying at KOA.
Winter will be here before you know it, so reserve your extended stay RV site today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.