Favorite RV destinations in the southwest.

[John How]

I am trying to plan an escape to warmer climates for later this winter. Maybe Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas. We are not interested in staying long term at a single park more than about 1 week or so and are most interested in campground stays, preferably near bodies of water (fresh or salt). What are your favorite destinations in these states.

[WheelingIt]

New Mexico can get pretty seriously cold in winter since most of the state is higher elevation, but if you're going through I highly recommend the State Parks. They are very inexpensive and many of them are near lakes or other bodies of water....Elephant Butte (perfect for visiting Truth or Consequences), Bottomless Lakes (great for Roswell), Brantley Lake (perfect for Carlsbad Caverns) etc.

If you plan to spend more than 3 weeks in NM I highly recommend buying the NM State Park Camping Pass. It allows a whole year of camping for only $225 (electric is $4/day extra). http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/FeesPermits.html

Arizona will be much (much) warmer for winter, especially the western side. Again I like the State Parks here.

[twogypsies]

There are some nice state parks along the Colorado River in Arizona at the California border - around Parker and Havasu City. Arizona also has some great state parks on lakes. Yes, there IS water in Arizona!

As stated, New Mexico is too cold for the winter months.

...and then there's Texas with all different weather. Northern will be cold; mid will be cold nights and cool days; southern can have warm days. All can have rain and wind.

Have a nice winter wherever you land! We like Arizona.

[Air Baron]

This link is a must read:

Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Beartooths

Make reservations now for Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, and Coulter Bay in the Grand Tetons. We stayed at Red Rock RV Park in Island Park, Idaho. Less expensive, but 25 miles further away, which adds 50 miles every day to your 100-125 miles loops in the park.

If you are going to spend 3-4 weeks there next summer, you will get awfully tired of driving around in your toad. Might as well get as close to the action as you can.

I was disappointed in Yellowstone this past July. Way too many tourists and traffic jams, not enough wildlife. In my opinion, Glacier National Park is way more spectacular and far less trampled.

[twogypsies]

Air Baron: It seems you posted your reply into the wrong post.

[t55watson]

Originally Posted by John How

I am trying to plan an escape to warmer climates for later this winter. Maybe Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas. We are not interested in staying long term at a single park more than about 1 week or so and are most interested in campground stays, preferably near bodies of water (fresh or salt). What are your favorite destinations in these states.

For water and beach in TX we love Port Aransas,TX. On the beach near the jetty where the ships come in and out you can stay in a full hookup park or boondock on the beach. There is a good access road all along the beach and you walk or bike for miles. This is still very close to town for food and hardware and restaurants.
Check Nueces County parks on the web.

[Air Baron]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Air Baron: It seems you posted your reply into the wrong post.

oops