55+ campgrounds

[Dejus]

A lot of nice campgrounds in Arizona and other popular snowbird destinations are listed as 55+.

I am currently 52 (and with my long beard and bald head, look older). My wife is a few years younger, and we don't have kids. So that restriction is frustrating. I was wondering how strictly it is enforced? If we booked a 55+ campground, how much risk would there be in being carded and turned away? And do they mean both of us have to be 55 or over, or just one?

No doubt it depends on the individual campgrounds and staff, but I'd appreciate any comments from people in similar situations, or even younger people.

[no3putt]

55+ rv resorts have a bit of a gap, I think to be called a 55+ resort 80% have to be 55 or over and usually only one person. Would call t he resort your interested and check the requirements.

[rjsupersonic]

Originally Posted by Dejus

A lot of nice campgrounds in Arizona and other popular snowbird destinations are listed as 55+.

I am currently 52 (and with my long beard and bald head, look older). My wife is a few years younger, and we don't have kids. So that restriction is frustrating. I was wondering how strictly it is enforced? If we booked a 55+ campground, how much risk would there be in being carded and turned away? And do they mean both of us have to be 55 or over, or just one?

No doubt it depends on the individual campgrounds and staff, but I'd appreciate any comments from people in similar situations, or even younger people.

I have never checked, been to many in Texas and Arizona never even was asked. Some have an online check-in so you don't even go to the office. If you were 23 with 3 kids it may be a problem.

[rk911]

maybe i just look old cuz i've never been carded.

[twogypsies]

This may answer some questions.

https://www.technomadia.com/2016/03/...oure-under-55/

[hamm2018]

We stayed at a 55+ in Goodyear and they wanted to see our drivers license to prove we were over 55. Also the park in Casa Grande wanted to see our license as well.
So it depends on the parks, probably also how full they will be this year.

[cats_aplenty]

Again will vary by place but... The few I have been in there were a number of "residents". Don't worry about getting past the office - the residents spent their time watching for violations of ANY type. They would even just walk in to the camp site to question us on some point or another.

[twogypsies]

OP: You mentioned 'Arizona'. Arizona has some wonderful state parks and the greater Phoenix area has Maricopa County parks which are awesome. Check them out. We've stayed in every one of the state parks and county parks.... excellent hiking opportunities and beautiful scenery.

[rjsupersonic]

I may have to add to my last comment, we just were carded at a park in Mesa, the guard told me they do check and he had one person under 55 attempt three times to get in. Must be a new trend.

[amosnandy]

My question is why do you feel entitled to break the rules. For the most part 55+ park residents play by the rules. I never understand why someone says “I’m almost x years”. Should they give Medicare to someone who is “almost” 65.

Stay in campgrounds that don’t have a restriction and be glad you have your youth.

[Dejus]

I don't feel entitled, that's why I asked. I just wanted to know if it was generally a strict rule, or more of a guideline. Sounds like more often than not on the strict side, so I'll avoid such parks until I am 55.

One example of why it's frustrating is that of the 20 Thousand Trails parks in Arizona, only two are not 55+. And similarly for other parks.

I understand that the area is a popular snowbird destination, and snowbirds were historically older, so it made sense. Nowadays, with more people working remotely, the demographics may be changing. But anyway, yes, we can and do find alternatives.

[dizcom]

You'll be fine. It's not a law, it's up to the discretion of the campground. Most of them are fine with people younger than 55, especially for people just traveling through. Call ahead and ask if you're concerned about being turned away.

[Palmeris]

Actually there is a federal law , enacted by HUD, and there are several requirements the organization must meet in order to segregate by age

[dizcom]

Originally Posted by Palmeris

Actually there is a federal law , enacted by HUD, and there are several requirements the organization must meet in order to segregate by age

That's for people that are residents, not just traveling through. And HUD doesn't enact any laws. That's what congress does.