Community Forums

scrowell52 · 11-30-2016, 09:35 AM

My wife and I are new RVers with little experience in Arizona and would like to spend the winter in either Yuma or Tucson, but aren't sure which would be the best experience. Can I get a discussion going on the merit or lack of in each location. Thanks in advance and looking forward to meeting many of you on the road.

PJStough · 11-30-2016, 09:37 AM

Which one is better depends on what you are looking for. As far as the weather, overall, Yuma will be warmer.

sbleiweiss · 11-30-2016, 09:38 AM

We enjoyed Tucson very much. Pretty views and many good restaurants. Haven't been to Yuma.

twogypsies · 11-30-2016, 11:03 AM

We've been to both and both are completely different in looks and things to do.

Yuma is a farming community so there will be many fields. If windy, there will be dust. I would say there are more RVers in the Yuma area than Tucson mainly because there are many public lands on which to boondock. There are RV parks row after row. If you want to do a day trip in different directions you'll only see desert terrain - no attractions other than hiking or off-roading. We like hiking and Jeeping so that was fine with us but many don't. If you want to experience Mexico, Algondonas is easy to get to and many, many folks walk over daily. You park on the U.S. side and take the short walk along with thousands of others daily. It's very safe. Many go for teeth cleaning and work and also to get cheap medications. Many other just go to experience a little of Mexico, do some shopping for trinkets and enjoy a good lunch with a huge margarita.

Tucson was a true Old Western town years ago and still is, somewhat. The main interstate, I-10, skirts the town but there aren't other interstates within the town like some other bigger cities. Therefore, it can be a little slow-going to get from west to east unless you can use I-10 for part of your drive. It's not a huge city like the greater Phoenix area though. Tucson offers many cultural performances, has a lot more to do than Yuma for outdoor activities such as hiking in the gorgeous mountains or in Saguaro National Park East and West. We prefer the East section for hiking. You also have many wonderful trails within Tucson Mountain Park which is near the awesome Desert Museum and Old Tucson movie studies which the public can enter. There is also Pima County Air Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Mission of San Xavier del Bac called the 'White Dove' of the desert, Catalina State Park for great hiking or Sabino Canyon. Kartchner Caverns tour about 40 miles east at Benson is a worthwhile day trip. Do the 'Throne Room' tour. (We gave it) You can find nice things to do in any direction of Tucson.

Overall, Tucson is our favorite for a long-term stay. (We stayed in Benson - a very tiny town) The Voyager RV Park is very popular and has every kind of activity you'd want.

If this is your first visit I'd highly recommend breaking up your stay by testing out different areas. Then you can also scout the RV parks for your return stay at a place you've chosen. Even Phoenix is nice if you can tolerate the big city traffic. However, if you stay at the far eastern edge around Apache Junction, you'll be right at the base of the Superstition Mountains and it's very scenic. Lost Dutchman State Park would be an excellent place to stay for 2 weeks (the limit) to scout the area. It has some full hookup sites.

CampDaven · 11-30-2016, 11:36 AM

This year we will spend a month in each. Then off to new places and adventures.
Moving to where the outdoor wallpaper is also great but new is not difficult.
Isn't the Journey your destination too?

vsheetz · 11-30-2016, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

We've been to both and both are completely different in looks and things to do.

Yuma is a farming community so there will be many fields. If windy, there will be dust. I would say there are more RVers in the Yuma area than Tucson mainly because there are many public lands on which to boondock. There are RV parks row after row. If you want to do a day trip in different directions you'll only see desert terrain - no attractions other than hiking or off-roading. We like hiking and Jeeping so that was fine with us but many don't. If you want to experience Mexico, Algondonas is easy to get to and many, many folks walk over daily. You park on the U.S. side and take the short walk along with thousands of others daily. It's very safe. Many go for teeth cleaning and work and also to get cheap medications. Many other just go to experience a little of Mexico, do some shopping for trinkets and enjoy a good lunch with a huge margarita.

Tucson was a true Old Western town years ago and still is, somewhat. The main interstate, I-10, skirts the town but there aren't other interstates within the town like some other bigger cities. Therefore, it can be a little slow-going to get from west to east unless you can use I-10 for part of your drive. It's not a huge city like the greater Phoenix area though. Tucson offers many cultural performances, has a lot more to do than Yuma for outdoor activities such as hiking in the gorgeous mountains or in Saguaro National Park East and West. We prefer the East section for hiking. You also have many wonderful trails within Tucson Mountain Park which is near the awesome Desert Museum and Old Tucson movie studies which the public can enter. There is also Pima County Air Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Mission of San Xavier del Bac called the 'White Dove' of the desert, Catalina State Park for great hiking or Sabino Canyon. Kartchner Caverns tour about 40 miles east at Benson is a worthwhile day trip. Do the 'Throne Room' tour. (We gave it) You can find nice things to do in any direction of Tucson.

Overall, Tucson is our favorite for a long-term stay. (We stayed in Benson - a very tiny town) The Voyager RV Park is very popular and has every kind of activity you'd want.

If this is your first visit I'd highly recommend breaking up your stay by testing out different areas. Then you can also scout the RV parks for your return stay at a place you've chosen. Even Phoenix is nice if you can tolerate the big city traffic. However, if you stay at the far eastern edge around Apache Junction, you'll be right at the base of the Superstition Mountains and it's very scenic. Lost Dutchman State Park would be an excellent place to stay for 2 weeks (the limit) to scout the area. It has some full hookup sites.

Wonderful response and advise. Epitomes what makes this site so great. Kudos!

scrowell52 · 11-30-2016, 02:11 PM

Thank you for very detailed and excellent response to our question

Gordon Dewald · 11-30-2016, 02:47 PM

We have stayed in Yuma for a number of years. More to do than just look at farms and stuff growing. Easy distance to Phoenix, San Diego and Palm Springs (all about 2.5 hours). Algodones is really close if you are looking for any dental work or glasses.

Many restaurants in Yuma, all the way from fast food to very good. Prices will be lower than the Phoenix area.

Some dust but since most of the area is growing produce there is not as much as you see in the storms that hit the Phoenix area.

Lots to do if you quad. You can either hit the Imperial Dunes or go dirt crawling.

Number of good golf courses and again some really reasonable prices. Nike Tour used to play here.

Chiefly1 · 11-30-2016, 03:13 PM

We really enjoy both areas and have visited both for eight years running. Some great advice above so I won't repeat. Yuma has the huge outdoor market, easy access to Mexico, nearby ghost towns, the Colorado River, Quartzite, etc.. Tucson is an awesome area to explore and the outdoors has a bit more to offer for us. Love the historical old world vibe. State parks are really nice near here.

Bill & Christine
40 ft Revolution LE Diesel Pusher & Honda Fit Sport
Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum