RV resort/campground in AZ. What's the secret to get in? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

RV resort/campground in AZ. What's the secret to get in?

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not sure why you are having such a problem. We have full timed for over 5 years and not really had much problem. If we want to stay a month we usually make a reservation about a month in advance....for shorter stays maybe a few days in advance or not at all. Yes there have been a few places we picked that we could not get in, but not many. All I can say is keep trying...it shouldn't be that hard. Not sure where in AZ you are looking but examples of places we have been multiple times without any reservation problems are : Lazydays Tucson, Voyager/Tucson, Leaf Verde/Buckeye. Havasu Falls/Lake Havasu, Butterfields/Benson, 88 Shades/Quartzsite, Araby Acres/Yuma, Palm Creek/Casa Grande, Los Calinas/Casa Grande.

-- Edited by igotjam on Thursday 9th of August 2012 07:38:58 AM

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

Because my husband is still working for several months (I can telecommute from anywhere) we can use our RV only on week-ends.

We’d like to find a space to rent by the month where we can leave it.

I am wondering... how to do to find a space? I read reviews of people who have been in campground they say are great, but when I call, I hear I have to take reservations 3 years in advance!

Right now, we are cramped in the Orchard park in Dewey since 3 months for $500 per month for a tiny unleveled space, and there is no better space available. They said we are lucky to have what we have.... Yet, sounds like new people are always moving in.

I called other places, nothing available for months either.

What is the secret? bribe? flattery? how are these people who report they stay here and there do? plan 3 years in advance? I am new with RVing and I’d like to know how it works. When we bought the RV, I would never have thought this would have been such an issue to find a place to stay.

Thank you!

PS: by the way, if you know of a good place in the north of Phoenix (south too far for week-ends), I will gladly take recommendations. Thanks.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another thought, which may not be available to you, would be a mobile home park. I don't know how it is elsewhere, but here in the Oklahoma City area, there are several mobile home parks that can accomodate RV's.

Also, what we found here was that they were cheaper than the RV parks. We are currently in a small one in OKC that is right next to a large RV park that is under $200 a month and includes water and sewer and trash. Others in this area went for between $250 to $350 a month. I don't know what the "supplied" utilities were in those parks.

Where one is going to be in the same area for several months to a year, this may be a possibility for you.

Terry

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for all the replies.

The Bear II, this is what we do... and somehow, when we find a good one, it's always full. Maybe this is because it is a good one....

Mobile home parks... I guess we are in one of those right now (the Orchards next to Prescott). They have a lot of people who stay year round (some even have little houses) and they definitely favor them and also the people who stay overnight or just few days. When you want to stay a few months.... sounds like they are not interested into your business.

We certainly won't commit to a full year at the Orchards (it's not that good anyway). We'd like to change and plan to stay this winter at the Escapees in Congress. They don't take reservation but say this is easy to get a lease space. Let's hope so...

I think I found a good place in Cottonwood and we'll stop by this week-end. Otherwise, we have nowhere else to go and may have to put the RV in storage. This is definitely not why we bought it...

Never thought this was going to be so hard :(

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds like you've hit the snowbird wall. The areas you are looking in must be popular with snowbirds.

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

There is a Thousand Trails park north of Cottonwood. If you haven't looked into those types of memberships and could use other locations, it's something some RVers use when looking for a low-cost RV park.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

When did TT become low-cost?

To the OP, I would have thought summer time in Phoenix would be the off season with plenty of spots available. I could understand having problems in the winter. We spent part of a winter in Benson at the SKP park and they seemed to stay busy, the no-vacancy sign was out a few times in January/February.

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

We spent two winters snowbirding in Arizona and have wintered there since going fulltime. We used RV Park Reviews to find a few places but ventured out on our own. The best experience was to spend a month in different locations and find a place you like with the amenities you want. Some places are less expensive but farther from towns and shopping. We had heard it was hard to find places to stay but it just isn't true. Sometimes you have to make phone calls, talk to your neighbors (at Orchard or the park you are in), and also talk to the people working in the stores in towns surrounding the area you want to be in. We have some friends at Orchard and looked at park models there also. Friends like it but it is not for me. Good luck and hope this helps.

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, I already do all of that... my problem is not to find nice places, but to find nice places who will accept us for a few months. As a matter of fact, I was reading a discussion on the SKP forum where a few people reported the same issue. People think that campgrounds are much more crowded nowadays than they were before. A combination of baby boomers rving more and workers going to find jobs further away from home. I start to understand...

About the TT in Cottonwood... if you rent by the month, you do not need to be a member of TT. I called them already. However, they have bad reviews and the office is closed on week-ends so I cannot stop by to look around. We are off work only on week-ends. IF my other prospects don't work, I may try though.

About reviews... I look at reviews but take them with a grain of salt. For example... Orchard ranch has great reviews... even at the top on Woodalls... and I do not like it. The hosts are not hospitable. Well, the manager is nice but never here when I call or stop by. The one I always have to deal with is definitely not helpful. I think she is certainly a nice person but does not understand me because I speak with a foreign accent. And the reaction is to turn me off. I am used to that. There are places more touristic where people are used to diversity and I have no problem, but Dewey AZ is definitely not.

I am not especially looking for a low cost campground. Of course, who wants to spend more money than they should? not me. But I can and will definitely pay the right price for the right place.

Thanks!

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

Orchard Park in Dewey isn't worth $500 per month! It seems most of the long term parks around here cater to the 55+ campers so we don't know a bunch about them. Nothing in Dewey, AZ is worth $500 per month IMO:) Maybe this link will help.

http://www.whenwerv.com/campgrounds_destination/north_america/united_states/arizona_az/1_324_1025/long_term_rv_parks.jsp

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mark and Nancy,

Thanks for the link. That should come in handy for us when we finally get to travel as we will likely stay in one area for 3 to 6 months while we check out all the area attractions and state and federal parks. Now, if they only had something like that on a national basis.

I guess I need to check out that possibility on the internet.

Terry

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

patoneill wrote:
Thanks for the link, azrving! bookmarked it!
Yes, I think that Orchards is a ripp-off. I was a newbie, was open about it and now I believe they abused of it. We'll be gone in 2 weeks and will never come back. We have been visiting other campgrounds this week-end and have found one in Cottonwood (lovely site, shade trees and we'll have a spot just next to the river) for the fall and spring, and another one in Wickenburg for the winter.
Both are less that $500 and most of all MUCH MORE friendly. I start to understand how it works and I will manage better in the future.
I aggree that Dewey is a dump and I'll write my reviews about Orchards on woodalls and parkreviews. The host was awfull with us when we stopped by Saturday to say we are leaving. She even lied to my husband about the phone conversation I had with her. What they do not understand is that nowadays with the forums, online reviews and social medias, words go around very fast.
To top it all, I had an encounter with the local customers this afternoon. I was out emptying the tanks (that was my turn) when a truck stopped by. The lady pointed her finger at me and folded it back and forth to ask me to come close by. I think this is really rude, but I also know we do not have the same culture. So... I went to see what they wanted. "do you know where is cracker barrel?" she asked. "no, I do not" I answered. Just 3 words and they got I was not from here (I am French). The lady asked "habla inglese?". "Yes, I do speak english but I still do not know where is cracker barrel". They left without a thank you. I was offended. Licence plate from Arkansas.... I hope that in our future travels we'll meet nicer people... Don't be surprised if I say "ola" ;)

LOL.... The Cracker Barrel is located in Prescott Valley, about 5-10 miles west of Dewey on Highway 69!

-- Edited by azrving on Sunday 12th of August 2012 08:39:46 PM

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the link, azrving! bookmarked it!

Yes, I think that Orchards is a ripp-off. I was a newbie, was open about it and now I believe they abused of it. We'll be gone in 2 weeks and will never come back. We have been visiting other campgrounds this week-end and have found one in Cottonwood (lovely site, shade trees and we'll have a spot just next to the river) for the fall and spring, and another one in Wickenburg for the winter.
Both are less that $500 and most of all MUCH MORE friendly. I start to understand how it works and I will manage better in the future.

I aggree that Dewey is a dump and I'll write my reviews about Orchards on woodalls and parkreviews. The host was awfull with us when we stopped by Saturday to say we are leaving. She even lied to my husband about the phone conversation I had with her. What they do not understand is that nowadays with the forums, online reviews and social medias, words go around very fast.

To top it all, I had an encounter with the local customers this afternoon. I was out emptying the tanks (that was my turn) when a truck stopped by. The lady pointed her finger at me and folded it back and forth to ask me to come close by. I think this is really rude, but I also know we do not have the same culture. So... I went to see what they wanted. "do you know where is cracker barrel?" she asked. "no, I do not" I answered. Just 3 words and they got I was not from here (I am French). The lady asked "habla inglese?". "Yes, I do speak english but I still do not know where is cracker barrel". They left without a thank you. I was offended. Licence plate from Arkansas.... I hope that in our future travels we'll meet nicer people... Don't be surprised if I say "ola" ;)

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pat, welcome soon to Cottonwood!

I can't believe how incredibly rude that Arkansas and the manager of your campground. I think you'll find Cottonwood much friendlier. Think fall & spring here is a great idea and Wickenburg for the winter is a good idea. Jan. thru March here can be lovely & we can get some freezes.

~Sherry

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

azrving wrote:
patoneill wrote:
Thanks for the link, azrving! bookmarked it!
Yes, I think that Orchards is a ripp-off. I was a newbie, was open about it and now I believe they abused of it. We'll be gone in 2 weeks and will never come back. We have been visiting other campgrounds this week-end and have found one in Cottonwood (lovely site, shade trees and we'll have a spot just next to the river) for the fall and spring, and another one in Wickenburg for the winter.
Both are less that $500 and most of all MUCH MORE friendly. I start to understand how it works and I will manage better in the future.
I aggree that Dewey is a dump and I'll write my reviews about Orchards on woodalls and parkreviews. The host was awfull with us when we stopped by Saturday to say we are leaving. She even lied to my husband about the phone conversation I had with her. What they do not understand is that nowadays with the forums, online reviews and social medias, words go around very fast.
To top it all, I had an encounter with the local customers this afternoon. I was out emptying the tanks (that was my turn) when a truck stopped by. The lady pointed her finger at me and folded it back and forth to ask me to come close by. I think this is really rude, but I also know we do not have the same culture. So... I went to see what they wanted. "do you know where is cracker barrel?" she asked. "no, I do not" I answered. Just 3 words and they got I was not from here (I am French). The lady asked "habla inglese?". "Yes, I do speak english but I still do not know where is cracker barrel". They left without a thank you. I was offended. Licence plate from Arkansas.... I hope that in our future travels we'll meet nicer people... Don't be surprised if I say "ola" ;)

LOL.... The Cracker Barrel is located in Prescott Valley, about 5-10 miles west of Dewey on Highway 69!

-- Edited by azrving on Sunday 12th of August 2012 08:39:46 PM

How do you say that in Spanish? LOL

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Sherry!

Thank you for the warm welcome.

We are thrilled with the campground we have found. It is called Rancho Verde. It is quite small and full and I do not think we would have found any space available. But they just have finished building a new area. It is separated from the rest of the campground and has a separate gate. Spaces are levelled and roomy with a concrete patio and a patch of grass. Lots of trees for shade. There is a small canal that takes water from the Verde River to the surrounding farms. And our spot will be right next to the canal. Because of the trees and the water, it feels much cooler than the rest of the campground.

The park is very clean, as well as the laundry and the bathrooms. The host, a workamper, is nice and helpful. And I've heard good things about the owner as well.

So far so good ;) We very much love the area around Jerome and Sedona. The campground proposed us a storage area to leave our big truck so that we can bring our Jeep to go around. I would not even try to park in Jerome with the long bed truck...

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Wow, Pat, thats great! Don't even know that park & we live here! I'll have to check it out for friends coming thru. (we're in a HOA - rules don't cha know. :) According to Yahoo travel site it's 5 stars and actually in Camp Verde. Sounds terrific.

I forget (I do that often) are you going to the Rally in Harrisburg? If not perhaps we can get together for a meal in Jerome before we head out? Thursday night 1/2 price ribs at Haunted Hamburger or $5.00 pizza & $5.00 wine at Grapes both in Jerome are just a couple of ideas.

patoneill · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry, no, we do not go to the rally. It is way too far for us right now. Hopefully later... RV rallies are great. We've been to one in March and really enjoyed it.

Meeting you in Jerome sounds great! We'd love to. We are moving to Rancho Verde on August, 25th and will be there every week-end afterward, in september and october for sure. Maybe longer. But in the week, we have to be in Phoenix. My husband is still working until the end of the year. Please, let me know (private message?). Thanks!

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pat, You bet. Just posted those specials for other readers who may be in the area. It will be nice to meet another Dreams member!

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

WestWardHo wrote:

Thursday night 1/2 price ribs at Haunted Hamburger or $5.00 pizza & $5.00 wine at Grapes both in Jerome are just a couple of ideas.

Jerome is a cool place to visit! Love the Haunted Hamburger and Grapes...I think the same family owns both. Didn't know about the specials, thanks for the heads up:)

I can see the road leading to Jerome from our backyard, I take the bike up Mingus Mountain every chance I get.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mark & Nancy,

We must be neighbors! We look up on Mingus from our back windows.
Yup, H.H. And Grapes owned by same guy. He also owns Nick's and The Tavern in Old Town Cottonwood. Also know many restaurants & stores around here offer discounts if you're a "local". Must show ID but it doesn't hurt to ask.

We could have our own Verde Valley Chapter of RV-Dreamers! :)

~Sherry

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

WestWardHo wrote:
Mark & Nancy,

We must be neighbors! We look up on Mingus from our back windows.
Yup, H.H. And Grapes owned by same guy. He also owns Nick's and The Tavern in Old Town Cottonwood. Also know many restaurants & stores around here offer discounts if you're a "local". Must show ID but it doesn't hurt to ask.

We could have our own Verde Valley Chapter of RV-Dreamers! :)

~Sherry

I'll have to ask about the discounts...I don't know if they consider us Prescott Valley residents "local" to the Verde Valley area but it's worth a shot.

We are trying to plan a trip to the Potato Patch this month or in October, have you ever stayed at this campground?

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't know the potatoe patch campground, sorry.