Community Forums

Summit52 · 05-11-2020, 04:30 PM

Hope everyone who reads this is doing well during this new chapter in history. I am looking for suggestions for the best area's in AZ to spend this coming winter. There are so many parks it's hard to decide. I had plans to visit Tucson/Phoenix this spring to scope out the area. But that kind of fell through.

Any recommendations for staying in AZ through the winter is greatly appreciated. I have stayed at Distant Drum in Camp Verde a couple of times (great park), have friends in Sedona and love that area. But I'm open to new sunrises/sunsets.

Safe travels to all and have a blessed day.

pointrow · 05-11-2020, 04:36 PM

We spent several winters at several areas. Usually 1 month at a stop. Just kept trying different area till we found what we consider our perfect place.
You could follow the temperature. Start in Yuma then work north as things warm up.
Az has it all within a 3 hr drive.

UTTransplant · 05-11-2020, 07:17 PM

Yuma is probably the warmest, and there are lots of options. Not a big city, but enough shopping to keep most satisfied. We stayed at Fortuna de Oro, and it was enjoyable.

twogypsies · 05-11-2020, 11:00 PM

The popular winter cities are the greater Phoenix area, Tucson, Benson, Yuma, Casa Grande, Havasu City. Quartzsite is an 'experience' in mid-January - most people boondock in the surrounding desert. Sedona is too cold for winter if you're seeking warmth.

I'd suggest getting a month in various areas for your first season. Each one is completely different. It just depends what kind of activities you enjoy.

retnasaguy · 05-12-2020, 08:42 AM

Suggest you check out NW Arizona. There are many parks and places to visit. Look into Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu and Golden Valley. All great winter weather places. Good luck on your search. PM me if you would like more info.
Cheers

Summit52 · 05-13-2020, 12:52 PM

Thank you all for responding and your great information and suggestions.
Safe travels.

Fiesta48 · 05-14-2020, 11:01 AM

This year we spent 2.5 months in Tucson. Nice city. Many things to do.
This year it never warmed up as much as we wanted.
Yuma lacks much to do.
Phx too many people.
Benson area higher elevation so not warm.
Lake Havasau hard to find reasonable nice parks.
Ok you find what satisfies you.

partygrrl · 05-14-2020, 12:20 PM

I campground hosted in Quartzsite, it is super neat to see the community spring up almost overnight and watch it change as more people arrive and leave. Not lots to do there, though, but neighbors are great about organizing community get-togethers and shared dinners. Flagstaff is the place I heard the most about and never made it that far.