Fisherman's Cove RV Resort in Palmetto

Trip Planning

Snowbird Sunbelt Parks With Vacancies

Are you a snowbird looking for a warm retreat this winter? Check out Jeff Crider's list of Sunbelt-based campground vacancies!

It’s not too late for RV enthusiasts looking to escape winter’s chill to make their reservations at campgrounds and RV resorts. Managers of nearly 100 RV parks and resorts across the Sunbelt have told GoRVing.com they still have room for Snowbirds during the popular January-to-March period. But if you’re planning to venture South, you’d better reserve your RV sites as soon as possible because competition for these sites will intensify after New Year’s.

Below are descriptions of nearly 100 parks across the Sunbelt, from Florida to California, that recently had at least a few spaces available for snowbirds, including spaces for extended stays:

(Photo courtesy of Borrego RV Resort in Borrego Springs, California)

South Carolina

Florida

  • Fisherman's Cove RV Resort in PalmettoThis park partners with guides who can lead private fishing and nature tours through the Terra Ceia State Park Preserve and other nearby locations. The resort is surrounded by 24,900 contiguous acres of serene aquatic preserve as well as county and state parks such as Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point and Terra Ceia State Park. As such, the resort can serve as a base camp for hiking, biking, boating, fishing and kayaking trips.
     
  • Breezy Oaks RV Park in Bushnell: All 217 sites in this park have been hard wired with high-speed Internet service. Park owner Mike Wood is also planning to expand park next year with another 181 sites available during the winter of 2023-2024.
     
  • Champions RV Resort in Ocala: Sunlight Resorts opened park in January with 407 sites but expects to expand up to 483 sites by winter. Amenities include a full-service tiki bar, a large swimming pool and hot tub, a full fitness center and pickleball courts.
     
  • Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort in Clermont: This 287-acre Orlando area Encore RV resort features 1,250 RV sites as well as cabin, cottage and villa rentals. Currently under renovation, the pride of the resort is the challenging, on-site 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush vegetation, interconnecting ponds and canals, and majestic trees. The renovation includes a new course-wide irrigation system, reconstructed greens, an updated driving range, a makeover of the cart paths, and a brand-new fleet of golf carts, with an anticipated reopening this fall.
     
  • Davie / Ft. Lauderdale KOA Holiday in Davie: Amenities at this campground include a heated pool that’s open year-round, a walking / bike trail and a fenced dog park. 
     
  • Encore Sunshine Travel RV Resort in Vero Beach: This resort added 23 50-amp, full hookup sites in an expansion earlier this summer and they are ready for Snowbirds. The angled concrete sites surround a lake and bring the total number of sites at this resort to more than 300. Park amenities include a swimming pool, mini golf, bocce ball, and a dog park.
     
  • Encore Terra Ceia Village RV Resort in Palmetto : This park recently completed an expansion of 188 full hookup RV sites. The expansion includes a new outdoor area with a pool, deck, and spacious pavilion along with a new clubhouse and four new pickleball courts. The clubhouse features a large space perfect for gatherings and events, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center.
     
  • Encore Tranquility Lakes RV Resort in Cape Coral: Cape Coral’s newest luxury RV resort is situated on a picturesque 90-acre lake. The resort features waterfront sites with concrete pads, 50-amp full hookup pedestals and stamped concrete picnic areas. Resort amenities, which are expected to open in December, include multiple swimming pools and whirlpool spa, a 10,000-square foot luxurious clubhouse with a fitness center overlooking the lake, a 2,000-square-foot covered outdoor space for dining or relaxing, 10 pickleball courts, bocce ball, a billiards and card room, a dog park for the four-legged guests and a gathering space overlooking the pool.
     
  • Encore Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee: This 69-acre Encore resort is located just a few miles from the Walt Disney World Resort and the Orange County Convention Center. The resort offers a mix of RV sites and colorful vacation cottages, which include a full kitchen, a full bath, flat-screen TV, a sleeper sofa, and a private deck. With 343 total sites, including full hook up RV sites, Tropical Palms is suitable for all types of camping guests who are looking to enjoy all that Central Florida offers at an affordable price. Guests have complete access to all the onsite amenities as well, which includes access to the swimming pool with splash fountain, café, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, live entertainment, on-site laundry and planned social events. Tropical Palms is also pet friendly and features an onsite dog park.  
     
  • Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina in Long Key: This resort features more than 300 full-hookup RV sites on a tropical island of its own. Surrounded by incredible ocean views, the resort offers the convenience of an on-site restaurant, beach bar, free Wi-Fi hotspots, a swimming pool, hot tubs, as well as a playground and marina.
     
  • Fort Myers / Pine Island KOA in St. James City: Amenities at this campground include a hot tub / sauna, a fenced dog park, a dog wash station and a fish cleaning station.
  • Indian Mound Fish Camp in Oak Hill: This park has many sites available for up to three weeks in the January to March period. Both waterfront and nature preserve sites are available.
     
  • Milton / Gulf Pines KOA Holiday in Milton: Amenities at this campground include cornhole, horseshoes and miniature golf.
     
  • Moore Haven KOA Holiday in Moore Haven: Amenities at this campground include five fishing ponds, shuffleboard, two pool tables and a petanque game. The park also has fiber optic cable and WiFi. 
     
  • Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday in Davenport: This campground has a swimming pool that’s open year round as well as a fenced dog park, a dog wash station, and numerous games, including miniature golf, pickleball, cornhole, foosball, ping pong and ladder ball. The campground is close to many events taking place in the greater Orlando area.
     
  • Fisherman's Cove RV Resort in PalmettoThis park partners with guides who can lead private fishing and nature tours through the Terra Ceia State Park Preserve and other nearby locations. The resort is surrounded by 24,900 contiguous acres of serene aquatic preserve as well as county and state parks such as Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point and Terra Ceia State Park. As such, the resort can serve as a base camp for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and kayaking trips.
     
  • Southern Sands RV Resort in Arcadia: Zeman RV Resorts built this 184-site resort, which opened Dec. 1, as the latest addition to its Signature RV Resorts series. The resort opened with an introductory construction rate as the park’s amenities are built out. The park’s amenities are expected to be completed by May.
     
  • The Surf RV Resort in Palmetto: Amenities at this park include a resort-style swimming pool and tiki bar; a clubhouse and fitness center, pickleball courts, and dog parks. Organized activities and special events will also be scheduled throughout the winter months.
     
  • Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort in Clermont: This 255-acre RV campground has a 60-acre spring-fed lake with white sandy beaches where you can sunbathe or just cast a line. Guests can rent a boat right at the campground, enjoy the resort-style swimming pool, take in a round of pickleball, or spend some quality time with their furry friends at the dog park. 
     
  • Travelers Campground in Alachua: All 158 sites in this park have been hard wired with high-speed Internet service. Park owner Mike Wood plans to eventually expand the park with another 50 to 200 sites. 
     
  • Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs: This park features RV sites and a variety of rental accommodations, including glamping tents. Campground amenities include boat and kayak rentals, an activity center with kitchen facilities, a swimming pool, and a beautiful bathhouse with wine barrel sinks with copper basins.
     
  • West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA Journey in Loxahatchee: This campground is right next to the 600-acre Lion Country Safari, a drive-through zoo with hundreds of wild animals. Nearby events include the annual Mardi Gras Celebration in West Palm Beach on Feb. 24 and the annual Delray Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on March 16.
     
  • Yacht Haven Park & Marina in Fort Lauderdale: This 250-site park offers a renovated pool framed by a sleek wooden sundeck, a poolside Tiki Hut with hammocks, and a nautical-themed bar. Steps away is a sunny recreation area with cornhole, shuffleboard, and plenty of open space to unwind. The resort also has kayak and paddleboard rentals, pontoon boat rentals, and a sensational 35-foot center console motorboat that can be chartered for sightseeing and fun on the water. Concierge services are onsite to help guests plan their days and nights, and upgraded laundry and restroom facilities, as well valet trash service, provide added comfort and convenience.
     
  • Zachary Taylor Waterfront Resort in Okeechobee : This park has sporadic vacancies during the January-to-March period. Park amenities include a half mile of waterfront, a 100-foot lighted pier, a fitness center, a heated swimming pool, a recreation hall and organized activities.

(Photo courtesy of Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV Resort in Okeechobee, Florida)

Georgia

  • Hiawassee KOA Holiday in Hiawassee: This campground offers a variety of outdoor games, including giant outdoor chess, outdoor bowling, miniature golf, volleyball, and a baseball field. The park also has a fenced dog park and a stocked fishing pond.
     
  • Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bremen: This park outside Atlanta offers monthly RV site rentals. Amenities include miniature golf, basketball, corn hole, horseshoes, and a dog run.

Alabama  

  • Great Escapes RV Resort Chestnut Bay in Leesburg:  Located on Weiss Lake, this park is 75 miles northeast of Birmingham and 84 miles from Atlanta. The park includes watercraft rentals, two miles of walking trails and other amenities, including sand volleyball courts.
     
  • Island Retreat RV Park in Gulf Shores: This park has 173 pull-through and back-in sites. Amenities include horseshoe game pits, basketball, and corn hole.
     
  • Kick Back Ranch & Event Center in Ramer: This 125-acre park recently opened 17 additional full hookup 30/50 RV sites. The park also has rental accommodations. Guests enjoy walking paths around the property, riding the stationary bikes or exercising in the park’s fitness center, which has an array of glass windows overlooking the lake. 
     
  • Homestead RV Community in Theodore: This park features exceptionally large RV sites with the smallest being 40 by 82 feet. Amenities include fiber optic WiFi and private therapeutic jetted hot tubs.

Mississippi

(Photo courtesy of The Surf RV Resort in Palmetto)

Texas

  • Al's Hideaway Cabin and RV Rentals in Pipe Creek: This Texas Hill Country park reported eight RV sites available in December, January and the first two weeks of February.
     
  • Austin East KOA Holiday in Austin: Amenities at this campground include a large, fenced dog park.
     
  • Back 40 RV Park in Quanah: This 40-acre park is located on U.S. Highway 287 between Amarillo and Dallas/Fort Worth, a rural location offering wide open skies, amazing sunsets, and beautiful sunrises. The park has 40 gravel pads, 12 pull through sites and 28 back-ins. 
     
  • Brookeland / Lake Sam Rayburn KOA Holiday in Brookeland: Campers at this park enjoy fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn. Campground amenities include a fenced dog park and a 45-stall horse barn.  
     
  • Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels: This park has 1,000 feet of frontage along the Guadalupe River. Amenities include miniature golf, pickleball and tennis courts, and yard games.
     
  • Camp Fimfo in Waco: Amenities at this park include pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, yard games, and a tavern.
     
  • Camp Margaritaville in Crystal Beach: This brand new, 204-site park, previously known as Bolivar Beach Club, opened last summer. The park is expected to double in size next year and additional amenities will be added, including a restaurant, a second bar, an arcade, and pickleball courts.
     
  • Canton KOA Holiday in Canton: Amenities at this campground include two catch-and-release fishing ponds, human foosball, and horseshoe pits. This campground is also planning an eclipse party over the weekend of April 6-8, when a total eclipse will take place.
     
  • Corpus Christi KOA Journey in Corpus Christi: Amenities at this campground include a fenced dog park and a swimming pool that’s open year round as well as cornhole, a sandy beach and fishing. Nearby attractions include Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park, and, for sporting events, Whataburger Field.  
     
  • Dallas / Arlington KOA Holiday in Arlington: This campground’s amenities include a fenced dog park, horseshoe pits and a ladder ball game. Special onsite events include a chili cookoff Feb. 24 and a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 16.
     
  • Fun-N-Sun RV Resort in San Benito: This 1,435-site, pet-friendly, 55-and-over resort features both RV sites and rental accommodations. Amenities include a brand new, state-of-the-art fitness center. Popular onsite sports activities include bocce ball, tennis, pickleball, horseshoes, softball, volleyball, and water volleyball. This resort also has a dance hall and offers line, country western and swing dance lessons as well as square, round and ballroom dancing. Other activities include RC racing on an RV racetrack and plane runways.
     
  • Great Escapes RV Park Austin Oaks in Cedar Creek: Located just outside Austin, this park features 135 extended stay, full-hookup RV sites, shady oak trees and a dog wash station, among other amenities.
     
  • Great Escapes RV Resorts Bryan-College Station in Bryan: Amenities at this park include a resort style swimming pool, a sports court, basketball and corn hole.
     
  • Great Escapes RV Resorts North Texas in Perrin: Located about an hour northwest of Fort Worth, this park features numerous extended-stay sites and an off-leash dog park, among other amenities.
     
  • Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy: This park began as a Texan ranch on the Medina River at the Garza River Crossing, close to where Mexican General Santa Anna crossed the river in the days before the Alamo became famous. The park features RV sites, rental trailers and cottages.
     
  • Kingtown RV Park in Nacogdoches: This 31-site park opened this year. The park is next to the Kingtown boat ramp with direct access to the Angelina River and Lake Sam Rayburn.
     
  • LaFitte's Hideout RV Resort in Port Aransas: This park features individual and group RV sites, a clubhouse, a large recreation hall and kitchen, outdoor cooking, and patio areas.
     
  • Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort in Burnet: This park’s amenities include a deluxe pool and hot tub, private boat launch, dog walk and nature trail.
     
  • Lake Conroe / Houston North KOA in Montgomery: Amenities at this campground include a 10,000-square-foot fenced play area for dogs, with activities including horseshoes and fishing.
     
  • Lufkin KOA Journey in Lufkin: This campground offers daily trash pickup on site, specialty food items, a stocked fishing pond and a fenced dog park. 
     
  • Nueces River RV & Cabin Resort in Camp Wood: This park features RV sites and rental accommodations along one quarter mile of riverfront on the Nueces River, which is suitable for tubing and kayaking. Other amenities include a swimming pool, dog park, corn hole, sand volleyball and a driving range.
     
  • On the Beach RV Park in Port Aransas: This park offers RV sites. Nearby attractions include Leonabelle Turnbull’s Birding Center, which is home to native coastal wetlands and all the creatures that inhabit it.
     
  • On the Lake RV and Cabin Resort in Onalaska: Located on Lake Livingston roughly 90 minutes north of Houston, this park features RV sites and rental accommodations, a marina and private boat dock, boat slips, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a dog walk.
     
  • Port Lavaca / Matagorda Bay Holiday in Port Lavaca: Amenities at this park include a heated saltwater swimming pool, pickleball, a sauna / hot tub, specialty food items, a fishing pier, watercraft rentals, and a fenced dog park. 
     
  • Rockport KOA Holiday in Rockport: This park’s amenities include a catch-and-release fishing pond, two swimming pools, cornhole, a kayak launch and fenced dog park. 
     
  • San Angelo KOA Holiday in San Angelo: Fun and games at this park include washer pitching, basketball, and horseshoes. The campground’s second annual polar plunge is set for 8 to 11 a.m. Jan. 6 at the park pool, followed by biscuits and gravy, which will be served in the Recreation Room.
     
  • San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday in San Antonio: This campground has a swimming pool that’s open year-round as well as a stocked fishing pond. The park is also next to an eight-mile bicycle trail. 
     
  • Sanger / Denton North KOA Journey in Sanger: Amenities at this campground include two off-leash dog parks, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and a ladder ball game.
     
  • Summer Breeze USA Resort in Katy: Located just outside Houston, this park features a 50,000-gallon swimming pool with a slide and cave area and a Texas-sized covered hot tub that is open year-round. The park also has a covered concrete basketball court, high-speed fiber optic WiFi, and a bark park area with sidewalks, benches, lighting, and complimentary doggy bags.
     
  • Sunshine RV Resort in Harlingen: Following a recent expansion, this resort now features 1,027 sites, including pull-through sites and rental accommodations. Amenities include a fitness center, a craft and woodshop, an on-site restaurant, and a dance hall with a stage. Activities include Zumba, water aerobics, weekly dances and jam sessions and other live entertainment. The park also offers guided tours.
     
  • Thousand Trails Lake Conroe in Willis: This resort has added 32 new full hookup, 50-amp RV sites as well as 53 cottage sites. Included with this development is a new pavilion for resort guests and a recent marina expansion with beach access. Resort amenities include a swimming pool with cabanas, pickleball and tennis courts, mini golf, basketball courts, and a recreation hall, as well as an enclosed agility course for four-legged visitors.
     
  • Tropic Winds RV Resort in HarlingenThis 531-site, 55-and-over resort is just 45 minutes from South Padre Island. Park amenities include a fitness center, swimming pool and spa as well as bocce ball, pickleball and horseshoes. Guests enjoy onsite amenities and planned activities in addition to exploring the sandy beaches of South Padre Island, where fishing, boating and water skiing are in abundance. 
     
  • Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna: This 1,122-site, pet-friendly, 55-and-over resort offers RV sites and rental accommodations and year-round entertainment, including game shows, concerts, Karaoke and jam sessions, and activities ranging from organized bike trips to dance lessons, water aerobics and water volleyball. Amenities include a fitness center, bike trails as well as pickleball, tennis, bocce ball, shuffleboard courts and horseshoes. The mayor attended the recent grand re-opening of the newly renovated Activity Center. The improvements included new flooring installed throughout the entire building, including the restaurant and business offices, fresh paint, as well as the redesign and upgrade of the lobby layout which now features digital displays.

(Photo courtesy of Victoria Palms Encore RV Resorts)

New Mexico

Arizona

  • Encore Capri RV Resort in Yuma: This is an age-qualified RV resort that offers guests planned activities and a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool and spa and hiking trails.
     
  • Encore Meridian RV Resort in Apache Junction: This Apache Junction resort features 258, 30–50-amp sites. Amenities include an inviting clubhouse and a tranquil lagoon pool and spa.
     
  • Gold Canyon RV Resort in Gold Canyon: This resort complements its 9-hole executive golf course with two swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a batting cage, men’s and coed softball teams, hiking and biking groups, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 40,000-square foot clubhouse and onsite bar and bistro.
     
  • Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort in El Mirage: This park features RV sites with sheds and barbecue pits on site. Resort amenities include a championship golf course, resort style pool and spa, fitness center, event halls and organized activities.  
     
  • River Sand RV Resort in Ehrenberg: This park opened in the spring with 266 sites, including eight park model cabins. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tubs, a clubhouse, fitness center and river recreation.
     
  • Sunrise RV Resort in Apache Junction: Amenities at this park include a heated swimming pool and hot tub, an exercise center, tennis and pickleball courts, a biking group and many activities, including RC car racing, woodshop, stained glass, and sewing workshops.

(Photo courtesy of Terra Ceia Village RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida)

California

  • Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort in Borrego SpringsThis Borrego Springs park features RV sites as well as retro-style RV rentals.
     
  • Bakersfield KOA Journey in Bakersfield: Amenities at this campground include a bar and grill, a clubhouse, a hot tub and miniature golf.
     
  • Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campgound in San Dimas: This campground is located in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, which will be the site of mountain biking events in the 2020 Olympics. The park has 504 paved full-hookup sites and views of Puddingstone Lake.
     
  • Boulevard / Cleveland National Forest KOA Holiday in Boulevard: Campground amenities include a koi pond, a meditation labyrinth, disc golf, hiking trails, and horseshoes. 
     
  • Coachella Lakes RV Resort in Coachella: This new 375-acre RV resort with four manmade lakes opened in September. Amenities will include two heated swimming pools and hot tubs, pickleball courts, a 24-hour fitness center, a fitness trail, an outdoor exercise circuit and a world class putting course and a clubhouse, among other amenities. The park has 360 RV sites and 15 park model rentals.
     
  • Flying Flags Avila Beach in Port San Luis: This campground overlooks San Luis Obispo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Almost every campsite has an ocean view.
     
  • Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton: This resort offers RV sites and a variety of rental accommodations, including park models and Airstream trailers. Amenities include a swimming pool and an onsite restaurant and a camp store with local wines.
     
  • Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet: This resort features RV sites and park model rental accommodations as well as park models for sale. Amenities include swimming pools, pickleball courts and a world class fitness center. The resort offers many activities during the winter months, including water aerobics, water volleyball and sand volleyball, and a concert series with professional entertainers. The park kicks off the winter season with a moonlight masquerade party in early January.
     
  • Oroville / Feather Falls Casino KOA Journey in Oroville: Amenities at this campground include a hot tub / sauna, a swimming pool that’s open year-round, and a fenced dog park.
     
  • Pacific Dunes Ranch Campground in Oceano: Located adjacent to Pismo State Beach, this is one of the most unique RV resorts in California’s Pismo Beach region. Guests can enjoy numerous water sports and activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and surfing. Other popular activities are the trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
     
  • Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday in Desert Hot Springs: This park features RV sites and rental accommodations. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub and sauna, miniature golf and a cafe that serves breakfast poolside on weekends during the winter months. Some lunch menu items are also available.
     
  • Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort in Borrego Springs: This Borrego Springs park features RV sites as well as retro-style RV rentals. 
     
  • Prado Regional Park in Chino: RVers can stay at this campground for up for 14 days at a time. Nearby activities include two 18-hole golf courses at El Prado Golf Course, an Olympic shooting range at Shoot Prado, an equestrian center at Prado Park Equestrian Center, and an archery range by Oranco Bowmen Archery Club.
     
  • San Diego Metro KOA Resort in Chula Vista: This park features RV sites and rental accommodations. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. The park also has an onsite restaurant that is open for breakfast every day. Dinners are available Friday and Saturday.
     
  • Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course in Borrego Springs: This park has both RV sites and park model rentals. Amenities include a saltwater swimming pool and wellness center that offers hot mineral baths and massage therapy. A resort also has a 9-hole championship golf course.
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  • Temecula KOA at Vail Lake in Temecula: Located near the Temecula wine country, this campground is located in a rural area with mature oak trees. Hot air balloon rides are also available in the wine country area during the winter months. Amenities at this campground include swimming pools, hiking trails, disc golf, horseshoes, and a bike park.
     
  • Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon in Acton: This park plans to open 125 new RV sites in December. Park amenities include miniature golf, pickleball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes.
     
  • Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday in Santa Paula: This campground complements its RV sites and park model RV rentals with a ropes course, zip lines and a meditation-inducing labyrinth.
     
  • Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Journey in Visalia: Amenities at this campground include exercise machines, horseshoes, volleyball, and a fenced dog park. 
Jeff Crider

Author

Jeff Crider, President and CEO of Crider Public Relations, has been involved in covering the campground industry for over 25 years. Jeff has worked as a freelance writer for publications such as RV Business, Motor Home Magazine, Trailer Life, Highways and other Affinity Group Inc. publications since 1995. He has also successfully pitched many of the nation's top tier media outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The Financial Times, Reuters, The Associated Press and National Public Radio. In addition to writing, Jeff is also a talented photographer and humanitarian.