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If you’re looking for the cheapest snowbird RV destinations, there are many to choose from. Many of these cheap snowbird RV destinations are a stone’s throw away from where you’d like to be. Grab a pen and notebook, so you can take notes as we show you some of the cheapest snowbird RV destinations in the sunbelt.
Where is the Sunbelt Located?
Depending on who you ask, the Sunbelt is located among the 15 southern states of the continental U.S. They include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
Florida and Arizona are known as the most popular, you’ll find cheap snowbird RV destinations with many fun activities throughout the entire sunbelt.
What is the Snowbird Lifestyle?
People living the RV snowbird lifestyle are those who migrate to the sunbelt during the winter months. They could own, lease, or rent a brick-and-stick home. Others may travel with their RV or have a park model already set in place for the winter.
Snowbirds usually come from the snowbelt states in the US and Canada, to get away from that icky white stuff I heard is called snow. They may head south for a few weeks or even months to get to a warmer destination.
The cheap snowbird RV destinations they go to have a lower cost of living than their northern residence. These places are also alluring because they have easy access to shopping, attractions, and medical care. These are just a few of the reasons they head to a particular destination.
Traditionally, snowbirds are retirees who have a house in the north and head south for the winter. These days, there is a much broader definition of a snowbird. Anyone, of any age who travels south in the winter could be classified as a snowbird.
Where do Snowbirds Go in RVs?
Snowbirds take their RVs where it’s warm. They generally want to find tourist destinations with plenty to do and sites with beautiful water settings or a great view.
They want cheap snowbird RV destinations, but they don’t want to lose all that aforementioned stuff. Finding the perfect balance of things to do and cheap snowbird RV destinations is the key to a great winter location.
How to Be a Snowbird at 30
Thanks to remote jobs and flexible housing options like an RV, the term snowbird is no longer just attached to the retiree who can afford multiple living spaces. From work campers to seasonal workers, you can be mobile even at the age of 30.
Carpe diem is the phrase for many of these working-age folks who would rather not wait until retirement to enjoy life, see this beautiful country, and explore the world.
Even if you have a family, what a great experience for the kids. If you are middle-aged, go ahead and quit the 9-5 for a happier life. If you are single, don’t be afraid to step out and live the life you desire.
Of course, since the definition of a snowbird has changed as the Modern Era (2008-Present) began, how does one go about finding RV parks without age restrictions (55-plus).
Cheap Snowbird RV Destination Tips for Working Age Snowbirds
If you’re a working-age snowbird, here are some cheap snowbird RV destinations tips to help you find an excellent RV park for the winter. Don’t stay in the high-end communities, stay further out of town, or choose communities that aren’t already well-populated with retirees.
Nice places that fit your budget do exist. If you research it well, you will find some great and cheap places. Also, remember that cheap is relative. What may be a great price for someone may not be for others.
If you are 30-something, you will likely work remotely and not be on vacation. You may have work to do but don’t let that keep you from choosing an area that reflects the kinds of activities and lifestyle you most enjoy. Know that while you may not get out every day, you will want to make the most of your time there.
10 Cheap RV Snowbird Destinations in the Sunbelt States
1. California: Destiny McIntyre RV Resort
This beautiful Eastern California area is a mecca of outdoor activities, including water sports and dune exploration. Blythe is in the Palo Verde Valley of the Lower Colorado River Valley region which boasts both agricultural areas and desert. It is about 224 miles east of Los Angeles and 150 miles west of Phoenix.
Check out the Blythe Intaglios while you are there. These are massive geometric figures etched by Native Americans into the earth. In 1975, these figures earned a spot on the US National Register of Historic Places. Bring a drone if you want to see these ancient carvings from above.
The pleasant winter climate ranges from the mid-60s in December and January to the mid-70s in February and March. Enjoy spectacular sunsets and bring your sand toys (side-by-side ATVs, dune buggies, and Jeeps) to explore the nearby BLM deserts. And southern California is another warm snowbird location. Check out our article called 13 Best RV Parks In and Near San Diego for more info.
Where to Stay
Destiny McIntyre RV Resort is a cheap snowbird RV destination that offers access to several outdoor activities and boasts monthly rates of $395 to $445. The resort offers boat ramps, beach areas, free WiFi, and an onsite convenience store.
2. Arizona: Campground USA
Arizona is a great winter destination with many things to see and do. While the state boasts a ton of 55-plus resorts, there are some great places for the younger set and even families to stay as well.
Check out Apache Junction, just 35 miles east of Phoenix, with the nearby Superstition Mountains. Set in the national forest, it has some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Lost Dutchman State Park offers a ton of hiking trails in the 300-acre park.
Don’t miss Tonto National Forest, Goldfield Ghost Town, or the Commemorative Air Force Museum, all close enough for a day trip. Sedona is another very popular RV camping location that is just about 2 hours north. Weather in the Arizona winter is perfect for a hike and usually stays in the mid-60s to low 70s most days.
Where to Stay
Campground USA may not be the least expensive on the list but it has a lot of great pluses for a cheap RV snowbird destination in Arizona. It’s big-rig friendly and boasts spacious back-in and pull-through sites with patios, paved streets, swimming pool and spa, clubhouse, pickleball court, WiFi and Cable for long-term stays, and a dog park, all in a gated community.
Monthly rates for a standard site are $795 and for a premium, the site is $895, including electric. Monthly stays require a $250 deposit.
3. New Mexico: Hacienda RV Resort
Located on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, and bordering Texas, Las Cruces is a great place for snowbirds with winter temperatures of the upper 50s to mid-60s from December through February.
While there, visit the interactive New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum which features livestock and gardens, take a hike, or observe the birds at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park on the Rio Grande River.
The Museum of Nature and Science includes desert animals and hands-on displays. The Railroad Museum, housed in an old depot, has model trains and explores the impact of railways in the area.
Where to Stay
Hacienda RV Resort touts its setting as an excellent place for rest with breathtaking views. High-speed internet makes it the perfect snowbird destination for “tech-savvy tourists” or “work-away-from-home explorers.”
With a monthly rate starting at $500 plus electric, this desert oasis boasts paved roads, extra-long sites, as well as a workout facility, hot tub, dog run, event room for cards and games, fully-stocked gift shop, clubhouse, outdoor patio with fireplace and community room.
4. Texas: Port A RV Resort
Texas is a great, and popular snowbird destination. Like California, it’s a big state, and the further south you go the warmer the weather. I spent eight months in the area of Port Aransas and I can’t say enough about the fun things we did there.
You can kayak or canoe on the inland waterway, fish right off the beach, buy shrimp off the boat, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the island’s restaurants, or explore San Jose Island. A 30-minute drive over the causeway takes you to Corpus Christie which is a great city for sightseeing.
The Port Aransas Ferry will take you off the island to more exploring in nearby Rockport or Aransas Pass. A trip on the free ferry is worth it just to see the dolphins breaching at the front of the boat.
Snowbirds abound in Port Aransas so make your reservation at least a year in advance. While the weather can be a bit windy at times, the temperatures usually stay in the mid-60s in December, January, and February.
If you spend your winter in Texas, be aware that the term there is Winter Texan, not snowbird. Once you get past that, there are several RV resorts on the island but I would not take the cheapest one there or you’ll find some really tight campsites—like, you-can’t-extend-your-awning-or-extend-your-entry-steps-due-to-your-neighbor’s-sewer-hose, tight.
Where to Stay
Check out Port A RV Resort, just a stone’s throw from Port Aransas. WiFi and cable are part of your amenities while you stay at Port A. You can relax by the temperature-controlled pool and spa or head out to the beach. Here, you can drive on the 6 miles of beach and enjoy the warm waters of the gulf. At $749 per month, plus $100 for electricity, Port A is a great place for the sand and sea lover.
5. Louisiana: Midway RV Park & Marina
Don’t forget the great state of Louisiana as a possible snowbird locale and a great place to find some of the cheapest snowbird RV destinations in the sunbelt.
Natchitoches is a favorite destination with so much history to explore. Check out the oldest general store in Louisiana, Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile, established in 1863 at the height of the civil war. This is a must-see and a great place to find souvenirs, toys, and random items you didn’t know you needed or existed.
Check out the Natchitoches Christmas Festival with more than 3,000 lights throughout the downtown district and the Cane River Lake. This 90-year-old festival is celebrated for more than six weeks and features visits from Santa, home tours, carriage rides, parades, fireworks, and more.
The Oakland and Magnolia plantations are part of the Cane River Creole National Historic Park, a 63-acre preservation area that showcases the lives of the Creole people from more than 150 years ago.
Where to Stay
The Red River flows past Midway RV Park & Marina, allowing boating, kayaking, and year-round fishing, which is the biggest draw to the park. Catch bass, perch, and catfish as you relax and watch the river flow past.
The 10-acre campground has full hookup sites at just $400 per month, including electric. That price also includes coffee and biscuits offered every morning and an on-site restaurant that also sells bait for fishing. Pets are welcome and sites are roomy enough for big rigs.
6. Mississippi: Southern Comfort Camping Resort
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great and popular option for a winter stay and there are plenty of cheap snowbird RV destination options as well. Stay near Biloxi and you will find miles of sandy beaches, plenty of sunshine, Cajun food, unique museums, and casinos.
Check out the Walter Anderson Museum of Art where you can see more than 1,000 paintings, wood carvings, and ceramics. The museum also hosts beer tastings, movie nights, and more.
The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will give you a look into the lives of fishermen along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood or take a day trip to New Orleans for historic home tours or a powdered beignet at Café Du Monde.
Where to Stay
Southern Comfort Camping Resort is centrally located, nestled among the oaks, and just steps away from the sugar-white beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Among the 96 sites, you will find amenities such as cable TV and WiFi, propane on-site, swimming pool, rec room, and dog walk.
Enjoy nearby fishing, play golf or throw the dice at a nearby casino. Check out museums, shopping, go-kart tracks, jet skis, and some of the best seafood. With a monthly rate of $650, including electric, this is a great place for snowbirds to spend the winter without breaking the bank.
7. Alabama: Gulf Shores RV Park
For all you water-loving snowbirds, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is another great winter destination with plenty to do and beaches to roam nearby. Gulf Shores is home to beautiful beaches, clear waters, and warm southern hospitality. Explore Gulf Shore’s six distinct ecosystems which include trails through freshwater marshes and swamps, or play golf, boat, snorkel, or sip wine while watching a beautiful sunset.
Explore Alligator Alley and watch the sunset at Orange Beach, kayak, or paddleboard. Average temperatures during the winter range from the mid-60s to the low 70s. Water temperatures can be a bit chilly in December and January but you can always swim in a wetsuit.
Where to Stay
Gulf Shores RV Park has a great and active community of snowbirds in a shady setting that is just four miles from the beach. Amenities include an outdoor and indoor pool and jacuzzi, a clubhouse with a library, TV, and game room, and a large room for community events. Sites are big-rig friendly with cement and grassy areas in between.
An enclosed pavilion is used for games, group exercise, or community activities. The large park has three bathhouses. Free WiFi is available as well. At just $575 for a monthly rate, including electricity, this park has a lot of appeal for a great price.
8. Florida: Ocala Sun RV Resort
Nicknamed the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala is surrounded by thoroughbred farms and some of the most beautiful land in Florida. The Ocklawaha River flows through the area, while Silver Springs State Park is nearby. Don’t forget to check out the Ocala National Forest, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Ocala offers a lower cost of living and is still within reach of Orlando, Tampa, and Daytona Beach.
While there, check out Fort King National Historic Park or enjoy the Silver Springs State Park with a glass-bottom boat tour or a kayak trip. This park is also the gateway to the woods and lakes of the Ocala National Forest. Visit the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The collections include hundreds of vehicles, exhibits, and historical items spread over two buildings.
The Florida Keys are a very popular snowbird location but the RV campgrounds are more expensive. Check out our article called The Best RV Parks in the Florida Keys – A Complete Guide for more info!
Where to Stay
You can walk to the Don Garlits Museum from the Ocala Sun RV Resort and after a busy day of museums, parks, and water fun, enjoy the heated pool and spa, relax with friends at your spacious RV site or join other residents for weekly activities.
The surrounding area is also full of golf courses, restaurants, theaters, shopping centers, and more to keep you busy. The full hookup RV sites are big-rig friendly and extra-long for easy in and out. The monthly rate is $695, including electricity, and is perfect for an affordable winter stay.
9. Georgia: McIntosh Lake RV Park
Snowbirds will love Georgia with its beautiful state parks, quiet beaches, and urban hotspots. Savannah is a popular destination for its coastal location while providing everything you would want in an urban location.
Hop on the Old Savannah Trolley and see some of the city’s prime landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Temple Mickve Israel, the Sorrel Weed House, the Mansion of Forsythe Park and the Mulberry Inn, and the Pirates House. Check out City Market, four blocks of open-air shopping, plus dining and art.
Walk the cobblestone streets on the Savannah River waterfront and enjoy shopping, dining, and more galleries. Winter temperatures range in the low 60s to mid-70s.
Where to Stay
McIntosh Lake RV Park, located in Townsend, Georgia is between St. Simon’s Island and Savannah. This park is great for snowbirds because of its proximity to lots of things to do in the area. At $450 per month and $.013 per KWH, you can stay the entire winter or make it a part of your winter trip to Florida and points south.
Located on the edge of a beautiful spring-fed lake, you can relax here with a deck and free fishing. The park offers free WiFi which supports streaming and full hookup sites with both 30 and 50 amp service. There is an onsite community social hall, as well as a community campfire, laundry, Cable, and plenty of big-rig access sites.
10. South Carolina: Big Cypress Lake RV/ Fishing Retreat
South Carolina boasts several coastal cities that are home to thousands of snowbirds every year. Myrtle Beach is a popular destination with plenty of RV parks and tons to do in the area. On the Atlantic coast, Myrtle Beach is the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches.
Along the beachfront boardwalk are arcades, souvenir stands, and restaurants, as well as Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris Wheels.
If you want to get away from the crowds check out Pawley’s Island for a peaceful getaway. Loggerhead Sea Turtles head to Pawley Island’s shores to nest. It is also known for its beaches and dunes, Brookgreen Gardens zoo, sculptures, and gardens featuring native plants.
Where to Stay
Big Cypress Lake RV/Fishing Retreat provides snowbirds with the benefits of living in coastal South Carolina but with a great monthly rate in a quiet, peaceful setting. Guests can enjoy free fishing on the mile-long spring-fed private fishing lake where you can catch largemouth bass, bream, and crappie.
Free garden spots and lots of open green space are a plus. Take advantage of the walking/bicycle trail in a great climate. Temperatures in the winter are generally in the low 60s. Monthly sites are $725 and include full hookups, electricity, water, and sewer included.
Sites are crushed limestone and include picnic tables, prewired cable TV and Internet for monthly stays, and fire rings. The park is just 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach.
There’s a Cheap Snowbird RV Destination For Everyone
There are some great places to stay in the sunbelt that don’t have to break the bank and you don’t have to be 55 and older to enjoy. If you desire to be a snowbird, whether you are 30 or 60 you can take advantage of some of the places we recommend or do your own research to find something that will fit with your lifestyle.
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20 Best RV Retirement Communities Across the US
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About the Author
Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd are full-time RVers and work campers. They have been living full-time in their RV for nearly three years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.
They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the west for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead. Writing is Terri’s passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.
You completely missed the best deals. Right across the river from Blythe, CA is Quartzsite, AZ. BLM at Q hosts the LaPosa Long Term Visitor Area.
Semi-boondocking. BLM provides water points and dump stations as well as a garbage service for a grand total of $180. for all winter season. Best deal that I know of in the US.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the info about some really cheap places for snowbirds!
Mike
Ocala Sun RV Resort charges a high .17 KWH charge for electricity for thir monthly renters. It is not included in the price. Campground USA in AZ charges .15 KWH for monthly renters.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the info about electric rates at Snowbird destinations in the sun belt…
Mike