Campground Strategy by Region
Where to go, when to go, what it costs, and what full-timers actually know about each region.
Southwest
The full-timer's winter headquarters. Arizona and New Mexico offer affordable long-term parks and extensive public land for free dry camping. Quartzsite's LTVA permits season-long free camping. Utah and Nevada offer spectacular off-grid camping for the warmer months.
What Full-Timers Know
- → Quartzsite, AZ: LTVA permit (~$180/season) for January–April camping near the desert gathering
- → Tucson, AZ: monthly RV parks from $400–700/mo, full hookups, mild winter temps
- → Albuquerque, NM: Kirtland AFB campground for military vets; city amenities at campground prices
- → Moab, UT: spring and fall only — summer temperatures are extreme, crowds are intense
Best Seasons
October–April (desert floor); May–September (higher elevations)
Cost Note
Lowest cost-of-living region for full-timers. Monthly parks run $400–800.
Southeast
Mild winters and extensive state park systems make the Southeast a full-timer favorite. Florida has the most RV parks per square mile of any state. North Carolina and Tennessee offer excellent mountain camping in spring and fall.
What Full-Timers Know
- → Sarasota, FL: full-timer hotspot with ocean access, multiple 55+ communities, warm winters
- → Myrtle Beach, SC: affordable campgrounds with long-term rates well below national average
- → Smoky Mountains, TN/NC: spectacular fall camping; reservations essential months in advance
- → Okefenokee, GA: spring shoulder season before summer crowds hit Florida
Best Seasons
November–April (Florida coasts); April–October (mountains)
Cost Note
Florida sites can be expensive December–March. Monthly rates drop significantly May–October.
Pacific Northwest
Summer paradise with national forests, dramatic coastline, and abundant free camping. The shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) offer the best combination of mild weather and low crowds. Winters west of the Cascades are wet — most full-timers head south.
What Full-Timers Know
- → Olympic Peninsula, WA: rain forest, rugged coast, and uncrowded national park camping
- → Oregon Coast: state parks with beach access at modest rates; some allow long-term stays
- → Central Oregon (Bend area): high desert with 300 days of sun and access to Cascades
- → Idaho panhandle: underrated summer camping with rivers, lakes, and significantly lower crowds than neighboring states
Best Seasons
May–October (optimal); November–April (wet, cold west of Cascades)
Cost Note
National Forest free camping is widely available. State parks run $25–45/night.
Mountain West
High elevation camping with dramatic scenery and cooler summer temperatures. Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks anchor the region. Free off-grid camping on national forest land is abundant. Winter access is limited at high elevation — most full-timers move out by October.
What Full-Timers Know
- → Colorado: national forests offer free primitive camping throughout the summer; Telluride, Durango, and Crested Butte areas are spectacular
- → Montana: Glacier National Park requires advance permits but surrounding national forest land is free and gorgeous
- → Wyoming: Grand Teton and Yellowstone command most attention, but the Wind River Range has comparable scenery with fewer crowds
- → Average elevation of 7,000–10,000 ft means cool nights even in July
Best Seasons
June–September (optimal); high passes can snow in July — check conditions
Cost Note
Dispersed camping is free. Developed sites in national parks often require reservations 6+ months ahead.
Central
Often overlooked but practically essential for full-timer domicile logistics. South Texas (McAllen, Harlingen) is one of the most affordable winter RV destinations in the country. Texas is the most common domicile state for full-timers — Escapees HQ is in Livingston. The region connects the winter Southwest with summer destinations north and east.
What Full-Timers Know
- → Rio Grande Valley, TX: the most affordable full-hookup winter camping in the country — nightly rates from $25, monthly from $350
- → Livingston, TX: Escapees RV Club headquarters; easiest Texas domicile establishment point
- → Branson, MO: underrated spring stop with campground variety and entertainment
- → Oklahoma: state parks with full hookups at some of the best state park rates in the country
Best Seasons
October–April (South Texas); April–October (central and northern)
Cost Note
South Texas has some of the lowest long-term campsite rates in the US.
Northeast
The Northeast is a summer destination for most full-timers — shoulder season in May–June and September–October is the sweet spot before crowds and after. Fall foliage in October is spectacular but campsites fill fast. State parks in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire offer quality camping at reasonable rates.
What Full-Timers Know
- → Acadia National Park, ME: one of the most popular national parks on the east coast — reservations essential in summer
- → Vermont fall foliage: October week touring the state is a full-timer bucket list item
- → Shenandoah Valley, VA: accessible from I-81 corridor, moderate camping costs, beautiful spring wildflowers
- → Delaware Water Gap, NJ/PA: underrated; close to NYC but feels remote
Best Seasons
May–October (optimal); November–April (cold, many parks closed)
Cost Note
Summer rates in New England can be high ($50–80/night). May and September offer 30–40% lower rates.
The Classic Full-Timer Annual Route
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Southwest / South Texas
Arizona, New Mexico, or Rio Grande Valley. Warmth + affordability.
Spring (Apr–May)
Southeast / Mid-Atlantic
Florida, Georgia, Virginia. Moving north with the warm weather.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Mountain West / Northwest
Colorado, Montana, Pacific Northwest. Cool temps, national parks.
Fall (Sep–Oct)
Northeast / Central
New England foliage or heading back south via the Central corridor.
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