We are not retired, but want to get to the warmer climate for January and February 2013. We live in Alberta and have visited Phoenix many times, always flew, but want to take the RV south next winter. We enjoy golf, not the country club$, but more the municipal courses, we like to BBQ/grill, sit under the awning, have some adult drinks, and visit with neighbors and not into bingo or crafts. Not knowing the areas well enough, we were thinking of Phoenix/Yuma area or Palm Springs area. Any thoughts on these areas, good or bad, and also any campgrounds that someone could suggest? We are under 55 and so if they limit it to "55+", then these aren't for us. Also, should we book ahead (I've seen members booking a year in advance), or is it better to book later, we will be only booking for 2 months and will this pose a problem? Thanks in advance.
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You're so young so why not enjoy it to the fullest? Head to Seattle and then down the coast on 101. Of course you will have some cool, rainy weather and even fog. So what - you just head south a little quicker. There is so much to see and enjoy even in Jan that I don't even know where to begin. Like wine? Don't get me started. Sure you can hang out in the desert but why not enjoy the coast down to San Diego first???
While I was in phoenix, I stayed at veiwpoint golf and rv resort. It has 2 golf course but one is an executive (9 holes). The sites are large compared to most and thats a plus for extended stays. Plus 24 hour guards at the gates.
I didnt socialize as I was there for work, but man can those conooks party. They seemed to have large groups 15 - 30 people that would rotate between sites depending on who was hosting that night. Even though I wasnt retirement age I never felt that I was out of place with them. Most were from BC, some older, some werent.
Saw my first and only all womens rv club while I was there too. Must have been 40 or 50 rvs in the club.
Palm Springs in expensive and metro. Your best bet is the East Valley of Phoenix. Mesa-Apache Junction-Gold Canyon. Most parks have to let in a small number of under 55 year old's. I have not been to Yuma for twenty years and still do not like it. Warmer, but windy! Call around, and post the place to pick for comment before you book.
Yuma would not be my first choice for wintering in AZ.
Too much traffic, too many snowbirds, packed restaurants and anywhere else, too.
Life in the RV park is fairly nice. We liked Fortuna de Oro RV park, out on the far east side of Yuma, just after you get over Telegraph Pass.
There's a golf course out there, and pool and sauna and a little cafe that does breakfast, a library, etc.
But I prefer Benson AZ, east of Tucson because it still has the small town flavor, but has a walmart, golf course, and several rv parks.
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It may be a little pricey for you but we really enjoyed the Springs at Borrego RV resort in Borrego Springs CA, near the west side of the Salton Sea about 100 miles east of San Diego in the desert.
They have 18 and 9 hole golf courses and the ambiance there is great. Wine tasting and a weekly fireside get together along with other activities, not organized but participate if you want.
The Yuma Foothills area gets my vote. We tried other areas in Az but prefer Yuma Foothills. It gets windy at times but so do other areas. Very little rain and in 60s and 70s during the day. Lot of golf courses , places to eat, mountains to hike.
LOT OF CANIDIANS !!!! Next year will make our 14th year going there
Thanks for the ideas, like the thought of traveling down the west coast, done that when I was 18, but that was also in the summer, and no RV. If I remember correctly, we hit Portland at rushhour and that wasn't too fun, never mind pulling a 40' rv.
We hope to not be staying in one place for the entire time, maybe a week or two or three, depends on area I guess. Is this a problem, or do they only like the "full time" guests? Also, anyone with experience driving from Alberta to the warmth in January? I know what it can be like here and that's not too inviting (unless we have a chinook ). Also, I'm assuming to get to the west coast there must be a pass somewhere along the road, what is it like? Been over the Rogers Pass in BC without the RV in the winter and not sure I would want to tackle that with the rv if there was feet of snow. What would be the easiest route to the south? Not too concerned about the time as long as it is reasonable.
Thanks
Spend the money for the soft side book, "Mountain Directory West" it will list grades/passes of all major routes in 11 western states. Use this web site to check weather/road conditions in Oregon. January travel can be hampered by snow, be sure to check the Oregon Chain Law listed on the above site.
As for places to stay, do a search on "Yuma" on this web site, it will yield 57 pages of questions and answers.
Yuma does get crowded in the winter, but getting around is manageable, plenty of golf available, lots of hiking, biking, boating, fishing...or just loafing. RV resorts abound, as do private lots available for rent that offer huge sites, much more privacy, full hook ups, but no resort type frills (google "Yuma Foothills RV Lots").
We have wintered in Yuma for 5 years....just a beginner, but I can answer most questions/provide links to clear up most questions/concerns.
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). Also, I'm assuming to get to the west coast there must be a pass somewhere along the road, what is it like? Been over the Rogers Pass in BC without the RV in the winter and not sure I would want to tackle that with the rv if there was feet of snow. What would be the easiest route to the south? Not too concerned about the time as long as it is reasonable. 
