Are you ready for a season of record-breaking cold weather? I’m not. That’s why I’m a snowbird, and I’m pointing my RV to these top rated Southwest camping resorts for winter.
Where to Go RVing to the Southwest in Winter
There are two reasons why going RVing to the Southwest in winter is a smart idea (especially in 2022).
One: Hurricane Ian damaged many of the best RV parks along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Unfortunately it will be some time before Florida’s best RV resorts in Fort Meyers and nearby southwest destinations can host winter snowbirds again. As of November 2022, the Southwest beach communities on the Gulf Coast are packed with workers cleaning up the damage. If you usually visit Florida in winter, now’s a good time to point west and explore other sunbelt RV getaways.
Two: Winter weather predictions are not good.
The 2022 – 2023 winter weather predictions by meteorological experts tell us that driving west is a smart move for snowbirds. For instance:
- AccuWeather predicts a cold, wet, and rainy winter from Florida to Tennessee in 2022-2023
- The LaNina weather pattern is bringing continued drought, and warmer temperatures to the Southwest.
If you’ve never gone west during the coldest months of the year, now’s the time. Drive your RV to awesome and affordable Southwest RV snowbird destinations in California, Arizona, and New Mexico and you won’t be disappointed. Kick back in warm sunshine all winter to enjoy all that RVing offers.
Three Top Rated Southwest RV Camping Resorts for Winter
Whether you decide to go RVing in southern Arizona, visit gorgeous California beaches, or winter in the warmest parts of Southern New Mexico, our top rated Southwest RV camping resorts for winter make great getaways for snowbird RVers.
Arizona: De Anza RV Resort (Near Tucson)
They say it’s “City close, country quiet,” and De Anza RV Resort lives up to the reputation. This snowbird resort is located the town of Amado, about 45 minutes south of Tucson. The pet-friendly campground has 186 large full-hookup campsites for RVs of almost every length. And the amenities keep snowbirds entertained all season.
De Anza RV Resort Amenities Include:
- 38,000 sq. Ft. Clubhouse
- Heated Sauna Room, Swimming Pool & Spa
- Greyhound Room Restaurant, Bar & Patio
- Two indoor pickle ball courts
- Indoor heated pool/spa
- Modern and spacious exercise room
- Fitness classes, group tours, and special events
- Billiards & cards game room
- Sewing Room
- Community Garden
- TV/library with movies
- Near golf courses, hiking trails, ATV riding, and world-class birding.
- Located near old town Tubac, with restaurants and shopping
Southern California: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
Located in the most southwest corner of the United States on the coast, the Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay RV Resort opened in 2021 and the rave reviews keep coming. Stay in this luxury RV resort on the edge of the San Diego Bay coastal wetlands for the solitude. And when you want city life, you’re just minutes from the best San Diego attractions that snowbirds love.
Book far in advance at this popular destination to choose from five different types of full-hookup campsites. There’s something for every RV lifestyle and budget, including large patios, comfy Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, propane fire pits, and luxury sites with barbecue grills too.
Amenities at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
- On-site cafe and outdoor patio
- Splash pad and outdoor pool with cabanas and poolside service on request
- Adjacent access to the Living Coast Discovery Center and the Sweetwater March Bike and Walking Path
- Indoor / outdoor fitness center and ball game courts
- Two dog parks
- Meeting space
- Convenience store
- Laundromat
New Mexico: Rusty’s RV Ranch (in Rodeo)
This is not your typical RV resort in New Mexico. Rusty’s RV Ranch in the small community of Rodeo is a blend of remote camping with full-hookup comforts. It’s located in the “boot heel” southwest corner of the state, between the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountain Ranges in the San Simon Valley. Rusty’s is a birder and astronomer’s paradise. If you love quiet places and quiet, starry-filled night skies, this is one of the best southwest RV camping resorts for snowbirds like you.
Rusty’s RV Ranch Amenities
This is remote, comfortable camping at its best so stock up on groceries and everything you need before arriving. Then kick back and and enjoy amenities including:
- 200′ long pull-thru sites with full hook-ups can accommodate even the largest RVs
- large dog park
- hiking trails
- bicycle loaners
- 24hr clubhouse with kitchenette, shower/bath, and laundry
- on-site store, movie rentals, lending library, family games
- swimming pool and spa
- koi fish and duck ponds
Tips to Find More Great Winter RV Resorts in the Southwest
The Southwest is so spread out that it’s relatively easy to find last-minute snowbird destination RV parks in Arizona, California, and New Mexico. But if you don’t already have reservations somewhere, your best bet to land a spot is to stick to RV resorts outside of the most popular cities like Palm Desert and San Diego. Find your ideal winter campground at Campground Reviews, where RVers like us share all the details about their stays at great parks around the US and Canada.
