Yes, kids are great — but if you're used to senior-oriented living, as in a 55-plus community, then you might want to consider continuing that kid-free lifestyle when on the road. Here are some RV vacation spots across America — warm weather climes host the most, no surprise — where seniors rule, amenities are plentiful, and it's unlikely you'll have a screaming kid as a 5 a.m. alarm clock.
This resident-owned RV community — with sites for sale and rent — offers a prime location on the state's Gulf Coast. Water's Edge is close to shopping, dining, and leisure activities including several beaches and the harbor. The main building has the basics (bathrooms, showers, laundry), plus there's a recreation hall, pavilion, pool, spa, plus a 20-acre fishing lake and dock. The off-season rates ($222/week for full hookup) continue through October. One of many positive reviews noted, "Beautiful location! Sites are well kept and permanent residents are friendly and social. Sites are good size and well spaced out."
This resort, its site notes, is all about "fishing, fun and relaxation." That means this locale on the banks of the Arroyo Colorado River offers lighted fishing piers and boat slips plus a full slate of activities and entertainment. River Ranch is also prime spotting grounds for birders, and the gated community is near to golf courses and has a pool hall to boot. Big on community, there are also potluck and holiday dinners and non-denominational chapel services. (Traveling RV/non-permanent sites go for $195/week). A recent review noted, "Best 55 + park in Rio Grande Valley if you love to fish. Good neighbors and lots of activities. Great management. We came for one season and decided to reserve our lot permanently."
This upscale retirement community and RV park has 115 spaces, ensuring a small-town feel at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Expect year-round sunshine, cool breezy nights and desert views to complement amenities such as a heated pool, fenced pet park, billiards room, indoor Jacuzzi, library, saunas, game room and clubhouse. And gamblers will want to note there's a casino five minutes away. Fees are $400/month plus utilities.
Related: 12 Alternatives to Traditional Retirement Communities
This Boise-area 55-plus community RV park has a reputation of being popular – and peaceful. The $420/month fee includes water and sewer, cable TV, Wi-Fi and use of the community center, salt-water pool and hot tub. A real getaway destination, Leah's Landing is near intriguing attractions including the Warhawk Air Museum, the Canyon County Historical Nampa Train Depot Museum and the Snake River Stampede Rodeo, as well as a wildlife refuge, scenic viewing, hiking, biking, a winery, and more.
Related: 30 Unexpectedly Awesome Places to Retire Across America
This highly rated destination (Trailer Life, Good Sam, and Woodall's) is "tucked away in a quiet corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains" right near Hendersonville. It's 30 minutes south of Asheville (think the Biltmore Estate) and an hour from Smoky Mountain National Park. Filled with scenic views, Lakewood is noted for its tranquility and catering to its adult clientele. Specialties include pull-through sites plus concrete patios and picnic tables, fully wired for cable TV and Wi-Fi, pool, lush landscaping, fitness facilities and countless activities. Weekly rentals are $295 for regular sites, $325 for premium.
This is "where the fun never sets," so that means a recreation complex offering more than 45,000 square feet of activities and amenities set in a home base near shopping, dining, golf, casinos, sports venues, lakes, hiking trails — and the desert (4-wheeling, anyone?). At Superstition Sunrise, nearby destinations include the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Tucson. Cabaret, darts, comedy, concerts, ceramics — the focus is on staying active, so there's also an indoor and outdoor pool. The weekly fee ($250) includes electricity.
If spending time in a "quaint historic river town" is your idea of escape, this well-reviewed, mid-Florida spot that features lush landscaping and a pond may be for you. Whisper Creek's newly renovated facilities include freshly decorated clubhouses, a screened pavilion and heated pool for year-round use. Staff offers the personal touch; and you can use the rec center, computer room, community kitchen and library. Weekly fee is $259 ($299 premium). A June review on Facebook was simple: "Clean park, nice people. Lots of fun activities.
Don't be thrown off by the long driveway — it's just leading to 12 secluded acres where lots of room is the lay of the land. At Sunny Acres, most of the spacious sites also have patios and picnic tables. A clubhouse has plenty of activities, and you'll find yourself in a prime spot to explore Las Cruces' dining and shopping, golf, parks, historic sites, museums and cultural attractions. Rates vary; monthly is $475 standard, $490 large.
This is a destination in the greater Palm Springs area for those who like it big — it's a place for year-round residents, vacationers and RV guests "55 or better." Caliente Springs is a peaceful place to watch the dramatic sunrise, take in stunning views of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountains — or enjoy mineral springs and hot tubs. Sites include spacious patio pads, full hookups with amenities also including clubhouse and atrium, tennis, library and a busy social calendar. Weekly rates are based on season and go by standard (from $320), deluxe (from $340) and elite (from $375) options.
Palm, citrus and shade trees add local color to this convenient spot along the North Black Canyon Highway. Near to shopping and dining, Phoenix Metro offers more than 300 sites with full hookups plus swimming pool, spa, indoor/outdoor recreation, a clubhouse with planned activities, plus casino trips and more. Rate is $300 weekly including tax, water, sewer, and electric. As one reviewer said, "Nice clean park, friendly people and very quiet even though you're close to the freeway and in town."
We bend the rules ever so slightly for this 50-plus RV park that offers paved roads, pull-through spaces, one-third mile of riverfront, paved pads and patios, a pond and island, a lending library — and local artisan wood sculptures throughout the park. And it puts you in the heart of scenic western Colorado, where you can explore more than 20 regional parks and more. All that for the $270 weekly rate.
Fans of wildlife will enjoy a vacation here, where otters, gators, manatee, and more can be found in the waters flowing from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing, boating, and simply watching the world pass by are possible from your perch along the Intracoastal Waterway. Full hookups, a robust activity schedule (gather at the Tiki Hut for everything from cookouts to karaoke), heated pool, horseshoes and boat launches on the canal and river round out the amenities at Meadowlark Shores. Varied rates include $230 weekly.
