My husband (48) and I (35) are in the Tucson area for the winter. Pierre's daughter and her best friend (both 20) are coming out to visit in a couple weeks. Since they are flying into Phoenix we were going to stay in Phoenix both the night they arrive and the night before they leave so we don't have to drive too far at night.
I started looking for a campground today and since we're not over 55 it becomes a very tedious process. I start by finding a campground that looks great, has great reviews, and then come to find out they don't want us there because we're not old enough. Why do so many parks have age restrictions here? My husband and I are pretty quiet, we go to bed by 9:30 usually, and we don't throw wild parties.
Is there a website where you can put in age restrictions (or lack there of) as a search criteria?....this would save a lot of time on my end.
Thanks, Colleen
Judy the Other said
10:33 AM Dec 7, 2008
Perplexing, isn't it? Have you tried looking at Maricopa County Parks? While I have not stayed at any of these parks, I have visited some and they are very nice. From reading blogs, I know others have stayed at Usery (Sandra comes to mind). Anyway, check them out, that might be your best bet.
~Judy
Roz said
10:37 AM Dec 7, 2008
Best I can figure, Colleen, there is a conspiracy by wives over 55 who do not want us to gawk at pretty young ladies! I had to beat Speedy to answering your question, he was the main cause of the wives' original meeting.
Ann and Steve said
11:34 AM Dec 7, 2008
This is an interesting thread. Are you telling us that there is "age discrimination" going on in the campground world? I thought we had laws prohibiting such behavior? Are these private campgrounds? Do we know if anyone has investigated the legal ramifications of this situation? What about non-retirees? When the DW and I start full-timing in 2009, will the fact that I'm moving from real-job to real-job be a restriction? Most curious.
Luvglass said
12:36 PM Dec 7, 2008
Colleen,
Are you saying that they ask your age when you look to make a reservation?
I don't ever remember being asked our agesonce in all of the almost 200 campgrounds we've stayed at so far. Very strange.
bjoyce said
12:41 PM Dec 7, 2008
55+ was the compromise that was reached after years of Del Webb (Sun City) legal fights for senior communities. They don't have to pay school taxes since there are no kids, so it does have financial advantages. The goal was mostly seniors with only visiting kids since no children are allowed to live in these places. They are not required to provide playgrounds, pool access, etc., all of which are required of many places that accept children and families. Once one state, Arizona, settled on 55 then California and Florida adopted about the same guidelines. But they do have to have a certain percentage of under 55 in the park, I think at least 3% and can have up to 20% under 55. Talk to the managers and you often can get in since you are adults with no children. This does affect Diane and I since we are both under 55. We have not had much trouble getting into these places after talking to management but workcampers can be a problem.
Speedhitch said
01:25 PM Dec 7, 2008
Contrary to Roz's belief that I was the reason for the ban....however I still look at pretty young women I just don't remember why...Colleen it has a lot to do with children too. Most parks for us old folks don't cater to young children. Not because anyone hates young kids it is just that most of the entertainent and facilities are for the older people. So they have parks that cater to entertaining young families and some that cater to entertaining old farts like me and Roz. So we have the best of both worlds. We have to hunt out the 55 and older campgrounds and young folks have to hunt out the younger parks. In all my years of camping out I never found this to be a big problem.
Speedy the Gawker...
pierreandcolleen said
02:08 PM Dec 7, 2008
You guys crack me up :) Thanks for the quick responses.
I hadn't called on any of these places....I was just going through the online directory for good sam and also rvparkreviews.com and kept coming across either "age restrictions" or "55+".
I'm just going to find a park that has what we need and give them a call.
Thanks, Colleen
Sandra said
04:24 PM Dec 7, 2008
We stayed at Usery Mountain Park at Mesa, AZ and they have no age restrictions. It is one of the Maricopa County Parks and is in a beautiful setting yet only about 2 miles from shopping. They have only water and electric and you can stay a maximum of 2 wks on one site but if there are sites available you can move to another site within the park. We toured most of the Maricopa Parks and this is the one we liked the best. We wound up staying six weeks last winter just because we loved the setting.
We're well over 55 so could have stayed in any of the other parks, we just preferred this one.
subra1228 said
09:26 PM Dec 7, 2008
Hi,
We've had the same issue; I'm 41 and Brad (husband) is 44, and we plan to stay in southern Arizona this winter. As we were looking for campgrounds, we ran into the same problems as you. After a bit of research, I learned that 55+ restrictions are legal, as it is considered fair-priced housing for the elderly. In order to meet requirements, campgrounds (and housing developments for that amtter) must have 80% of its occupancy rented/leased to those with at least one household member 55+ years of age.
Hpowever, we will be staying at two 55+ campground when we're in Arizona, each for a week as we visit with relatives. I spoke to the manager at each campground and asked if we could stay - we are quiet and have no children. Both managers said yes. So it took a little effort, but we found camping; you may too.
The Fair Housing Act was amended in 1988 to prohibit housing discrimination based on "familial status". In other words, it created a "protected class" so that you can't discriminate against families with children or soon to be with children (pregnant women).
However, the same amendment created an exemption that allowed senior communities to prohibit that new "protected class".
In order to qualify for the exemption, the community has to specifically state in its policies that it is intended to be a community for seniors 55 and over. In addition, at least 80% of the housing units must have at least one person over 55 living there.
So, in order to maintain the exemption, lots of RV parks (especially those with long-term residents) publicize the 55 and over restriction. They enforce the restriction in varying degrees across the country and are more lenient with those traveling through.
The only time our age has been an issue at any of these places is when we have inquired about the purchase or lease of a lot. They are understandably more concerned if they make a commitment of a more permanent nature to someone under 55 as they have to watch their percentages more closely.
So don't take the 55+ restrictions as set in stone. They have to do that legally, but most are not that strict on the enforcement for travelers.
Doncat said
02:04 PM Dec 8, 2008
I was searching the web for RV resorts and found one that was a nudist RV Resort. I am hoping that it was not for 55+ only..........
DaveSam said
04:32 PM Dec 8, 2008
Ouch, that would not be a Kodak moment!
thebearII said
05:04 PM Dec 8, 2008
This string just keeps getting better and better. I don't know why but it brought a smile to my face as I read through it. Maybe I've had a rough day and needed something to lift my mood.
Thanks for the boost.
Judy the Other said
06:51 PM Dec 9, 2008
The responses are interesting. Age restriction is so common here in AZ that I just take it for granted that it's everywhere. I need to get out more! There are still places in AZ you can stay-but most happen to be county, state or national parks.
Len is now at Usery Mtn and has some great photos.
Judy
mcw50 said
09:17 PM Dec 9, 2008
There are quite a few of those nudist RV resorts (although I've never been to one - or plan to!) but in the past they have had a booth for their organization in "The Big Tent" at Quartzsite and pass out flyers with a national directory and those Kodak moments proudly published in them! Made for quite a discussion at our happy hour one day at Quartzsite! We respect everyone's interests!!
Mary
-- Edited by mcw50 at 21:18, 2008-12-09
msg/kimm said
10:54 PM Dec 11, 2008
yeah, there is a rv park here in az(clothing optional)they have a car show every year. they call it show and shine. I call it buff and shine.
pierreandcolleen said
11:48 AM Dec 12, 2008
This just keeps getting better and better. I told hubby about the car show....he's not sure about being nude near cacti....seems dangerous ;)
phyllen said
01:51 PM Dec 12, 2008
Needed a good laugh today after a trying week. Thanks Doncat!
RVDude said
05:57 PM Dec 12, 2008
Oh my!
nwlambear said
04:00 PM Jun 4, 2009
You guys are tooooo funny! Reading these gave a chuckle.....I never realized their was an age restriction. But...it is only those RV parks who have some permanent resident....right? Since 'Bear' and I are well into our 60's, we won't be affected and we plan on sticking to boondocking as much as possible and finding remote (by safe) locations. We'll be on a *t-i-g-h-t* budget. Really enjoy this forum!!! Thanks for being out there everyone!!
TrishsTravco said
06:34 PM Jun 18, 2009
msg/kimm wrote:
there is a rv park here in az(clothing optional) with a car show every year. they call it show and shine. I call it buff and shine.
Anything to keep people from leaning on your hotrod.... ;0)
Truthfully, I understand the "why" of 55+ only.
I'm almost 50 (shhh, don't tell anyone) but I have this tendency to not act my age.
Whatever that means...
It's not hard to understand why folks who have driven 6 days do not want to be camped next to me when I get the bike out... I use it for transport, but that's just my excuse to have another motorcycle because a sane, middle-aged woman would have a civilized 'toad.'
Wait... a sane, middle-aged woman wouldn't have restored a Travco. She'd've stayed home and do worthwhile things...
nah.
phyllen said
06:00 AM Jun 19, 2009
Just reread this thread. In February we moved into a VERY small campground. Only 6 trailers. As Bill Joyce said earlier, there can be restrictions as to allowing children. We pay only $350 a month that includes full hook up, electric and cable and trash pickup at the door. CHEAP!
No children allowed as this campground is exempt from school taxes. Also, to be considered a non-permanent residence no one is supposed to live here during month of February. However, no one really oversees it. We have friends who have lived here 8 years.
We are now fulltime RVers - we just don't travel yet. Still have J O B S. Hopefully, this fall will find us on the road.
Phyllis
Janeen said
05:54 PM Oct 14, 2009
This was hilarious, thanks for the laugh guys. Being from AZ you'd think I'd have heard about the in-the-buff car buffs. No one tells me anything...
Delaine and Lindy said
06:41 PM Oct 16, 2009
When we were at Kerrville they had a 55+ area. Don't know for sure if its still that way. We are over 55+ and have used those RV parks. We like the security aspect most were gated. I don't have a problem either way, we are still in America and for the time being do have choices. But we really liked the Casa Grande area, close to Phoenix area. GBY.....
RodnReal said
06:48 PM Oct 16, 2009
One word......................Jealousy!
Damn I wish I could lose a few years and be excluded.
--Rod
retread said
03:49 PM Oct 18, 2009
We need to stay in the north Phoenix area at Christmas to be near family. We're both under 55 AND we have our kids with us. We read this thread with amusement some time ago, but now it's not as amusing b/c we are too YOUNG?
We're looking at a Maricopa County park at McDowell Mtn Regional Park. The RVParkReviews site raves about it - the only problems being that there is no sewer connection (manageable) and they take no reservations. Apparently big rigs aren't a problem either (whew!) A recording for the park states that they've only been at capacity in February/March and they provide an overflow area.
Any thoughts on risking having no place to stay in the Phoenix area at Christmas? Are we foolish to plan on this first-come/first-serve locale for a major holiday?
Thanks in advance for any comments...
-- Edited by retread on Sunday 18th of October 2009 03:52:19 PM
azrving said
04:44 PM Oct 18, 2009
retread wrote:
We need to stay in the north Phoenix area at Christmas to be near family. We're both under 55 AND we have our kids with us. We read this thread with amusement some time ago, but now it's not as amusing b/c we are too YOUNG?
We're looking at a Maricopa County park at McDowell Mtn Regional Park. The RVParkReviews site raves about it - the only problems being that there is no sewer connection (manageable) and they take no reservations. Apparently big rigs aren't a problem either (whew!) A recording for the park states that they've only been at capacity in February/March and they provide an overflow area.
Any thoughts on risking having no place to stay in the Phoenix area at Christmas? Are we foolish to plan on this first-come/first-serve locale for a major holiday?
Thanks in advance for any comments...
-- Edited by retread on Sunday 18th of October 2009 03:52:19 PM
Shouldn't be a problem, check out the link. There are a lot of Parks north of Phoenix too and the weather will be cooler (more like Christmas weather) also.
http://www.azrvparks.com/
-- Edited by azrving on Sunday 18th of October 2009 04:45:57 PM
-- Edited by azrving on Sunday 18th of October 2009 04:48:54 PM
djpotts55 said
06:56 PM Nov 22, 2009
I'm 49 with a head full of gray hair and the wife is 45. I would love to be discriminated by a 55 and older crowd. In a few more years, I will not have that luxury any longer and unless they card me, I am afraid they won't discriminate against me even now.
Kerri said
12:42 PM Nov 25, 2009
I'm 45 WITH a young child, a dog and a cat... I may never get to stay ANY where!!
We aren't planning to stay in many places which cater to young children, because many are way too rowdy and loud for us! My dd is 9 going on 30 and is very ladylike and quiet, but campgrounds (and other RVers) won't know that unless they give us a chance. Don't get me wrong, she loves a playground or a pool as much as most kids, but hates it when others are loud and rough. She'd rather have the place to herself!
Speedy, WHY did you have to go and cause all these problems????? Oh yeah, that's right. You don't remember...
Please give me some ideas of websites/guidebooks that will point me toward the THREE campgrounds in America that will accept us!! Have a feeling it will be a loooong drive in between them...
Luvglass said
03:07 PM Nov 25, 2009
Far and away the majority of campgrounds inn this country are open to people of all ages and welcome children. When you get into snowbird winter locations, Arizona, RGV of Texas and Florida for instance, there you will find a lot of 55 only campgrounds. But even in those areas you can still find some that are welcoming to children.
There are over 10,000 campgrounds in the US, don't worry about it.
Onawave said
08:09 AM Feb 9, 2010
Nine years ago, we started planing for an RV life. Sold the BIG house with the BIG yard with the BIG payments with the BIG taxes and bought a new double wide. We wanted to put it in a 55+ park, as we didn't want to move again, nor have a large lawn or property to maintain.
I was 40, and the time, my wife 39. There are nice tax breaks for owners of parks to have them a 55+, but 20% can be 40+ and they still have that tax break. That's how we got in where we did.
Now, we are almost 100% ready to hit the road. We are keeping the house in the park, but just plan on taking our 5th wheel where ever, when ever for a long as we want.
(by the way... selling our BIG house and so on, and moving in this park, is the best thing we feel we have ever done. By doing that we semi retired early, and got a great head start on the RV living).
TXRVr said
11:21 AM Feb 10, 2010
Luvglass wrote:
Far and away the majority of campgrounds inn this country are open to people of all ages and welcome children. When you get into snowbird winter locations, Arizona, RGV of Texas and Florida for instance, there you will find a lot of 55 only campgrounds. But even in those areas you can still find some that are welcoming to children.
There are over 10,000 campgrounds in the US, don't worry about it.
Texas isn't much of a 55+ state except perhaps down around Harlingen. However, if you are one of those "clothing optional" types, I'd suggest bringing a BBQ apron. Standing near a hot BBQ grill could prove painful regardless of age. And you might want to be careful around those who wear spurs.
Kerri said
08:33 PM Feb 14, 2010
Somehow I missed Luvglass' response to my response on here... sorry! Thank you for reminding me just how many campgrounds there are in this wonderful country!
Good advice about the "clothing optional" places, TXRVr!!! Too funny! I can safely say that I won't be frequenting one of those. If that was the only place available, I guess we would be looking for a Walmart!!
heyduke said
11:00 PM Feb 15, 2010
now this here is just one funny thread ... I don't care who you are...
-- Edited by heyduke on Monday 15th of February 2010 11:00:31 PM
I started looking for a campground today and since we're not over 55 it becomes a very tedious process. I start by finding a campground that looks great, has great reviews, and then come to find out they don't want us there because we're not old enough. Why do so many parks have age restrictions here? My husband and I are pretty quiet, we go to bed by 9:30 usually, and we don't throw wild parties.
Is there a website where you can put in age restrictions (or lack there of) as a search criteria?....this would save a lot of time on my end.
Thanks,
Colleen
Anyway, check them out, that might be your best bet.
~Judy
But they do have to have a certain percentage of under 55 in the park, I think at least 3% and can have up to 20% under 55. Talk to the managers and you often can get in since you are adults with no children.
This does affect Diane and I since we are both under 55. We have not had much trouble getting into these places after talking to management but workcampers can be a problem.
I hadn't called on any of these places....I was just going through the online directory for good sam and also rvparkreviews.com and kept coming across either "age restrictions" or "55+".
I'm just going to find a park that has what we need and give them a call.
Thanks,
Colleen
We've had the same issue; I'm 41 and Brad (husband) is 44, and we plan to stay in southern Arizona this winter. As we were looking for campgrounds, we ran into the same problems as you. After a bit of research, I learned that 55+ restrictions are legal, as it is considered fair-priced housing for the elderly. In order to meet requirements, campgrounds (and housing developments for that amtter) must have 80% of its occupancy rented/leased to those with at least one household member 55+ years of age.
Hpowever, we will be staying at two 55+ campground when we're in Arizona, each for a week as we visit with relatives. I spoke to the manager at each campground and asked if we could stay - we are quiet and have no children. Both managers said yes. So it took a little effort, but we found camping; you may too.
Good luck!
Suzanne
http://campingandtravels.blogspot.com
Len is now at Usery Mtn and has some great photos.
Judy
Mary
-- Edited by mcw50 at 21:18, 2008-12-09
Truthfully, I understand the "why" of 55+ only.
I'm almost 50 (shhh, don't tell anyone) but I have this tendency to not act my age.
Whatever that means...
It's not hard to understand why folks who have driven 6 days do not want to be camped next to me when I get the bike out... I use it for transport, but that's just my excuse to have another motorcycle because a sane, middle-aged woman would have a civilized 'toad.'
Wait... a sane, middle-aged woman wouldn't have restored a Travco. She'd've stayed home and do worthwhile things...
nah.
We're looking at a Maricopa County park at McDowell Mtn Regional Park. The RVParkReviews site raves about it - the only problems being that there is no sewer connection (manageable) and they take no reservations. Apparently big rigs aren't a problem either (whew!) A recording for the park states that they've only been at capacity in February/March and they provide an overflow area.
Any thoughts on risking having no place to stay in the Phoenix area at Christmas? Are we foolish to plan on this first-come/first-serve locale for a major holiday?
Thanks in advance for any comments...
-- Edited by retread on Sunday 18th of October 2009 03:52:19 PM
We need to stay in the north Phoenix area at Christmas to be near family. We're both under 55 AND we have our kids with us. We read this thread with amusement some time ago, but now it's not as amusing b/c we are too YOUNG?
We're looking at a Maricopa County park at McDowell Mtn Regional Park. The RVParkReviews site raves about it - the only problems being that there is no sewer connection (manageable) and they take no reservations. Apparently big rigs aren't a problem either (whew!) A recording for the park states that they've only been at capacity in February/March and they provide an overflow area.
Any thoughts on risking having no place to stay in the Phoenix area at Christmas? Are we foolish to plan on this first-come/first-serve locale for a major holiday?
Thanks in advance for any comments...
-- Edited by retread on Sunday 18th of October 2009 03:52:19 PM
Shouldn't be a problem, check out the link. There are a lot of Parks north of Phoenix too and the weather will be cooler (more like Christmas weatherhttp://www.azrvparks.com/
-- Edited by azrving on Sunday 18th of October 2009 04:45:57 PM
-- Edited by azrving on Sunday 18th of October 2009 04:48:54 PM
We aren't planning to stay in many places which cater to young children, because many are way too rowdy and loud for us! My dd is 9 going on 30 and is very ladylike and quiet, but campgrounds (and other RVers) won't know that unless they give us a chance. Don't get me wrong, she loves a playground or a pool as much as most kids, but hates it when others are loud and rough. She'd rather have the place to herself!
Speedy, WHY did you have to go and cause all these problems????? Oh yeah, that's right. You don't remember...
Please give me some ideas of websites/guidebooks that will point me toward the THREE campgrounds in America that will accept us!! Have a feeling it will be a loooong drive in between them...
I was 40, and the time, my wife 39. There are nice tax breaks for owners of parks to have them a 55+, but 20% can be 40+ and they still have that tax break. That's how we got in where we did.
Now, we are almost 100% ready to hit the road. We are keeping the house in the park, but just plan on taking our 5th wheel where ever, when ever for a long as we want.
(by the way... selling our BIG house and so on, and moving in this park, is the best thing we feel we have ever done. By doing that we semi retired early, and got a great head start on the RV living).
Texas isn't much of a 55+ state except perhaps down around Harlingen. However, if you are one of those "clothing optional" types, I'd suggest bringing a BBQ apron. Standing near a hot BBQ grill could prove painful regardless of age. And you might want to be careful around those who wear spurs.
Good advice about the "clothing optional" places, TXRVr!!! Too funny! I can safely say that I won't be frequenting one of those. If that was the only place available, I guess we would be looking for a Walmart!!
-- Edited by heyduke on Monday 15th of February 2010 11:00:31 PM