Winterizing isn’t a welcome time

For many campers and RVers, putting away the gear for winter is a chore that must be done, but not without remorse that the camping season is over.

While many Snowbirds take to the road and head to warm weather states for the winter, many of us are still tied to a job or kids in school, or both, and must put our rigs away for the next camping season. It’s almost like putting the Christmas and New Year’s decorations away after a festive holiday season.

But when it comes to winterizing your RV, there are items you shouldn’t forget.

Winterizing the RVs water system is the most important piece of winterizing your unit.

Complete steps should be in your RV owner information.

There are also suggestions for RVs not stored inside, such as wheel covers and tarps to protect it from the elements.

While instructions and suggestions for preparing your unit for winter can be found in your owner’s manual or RV papers, don’t fear, if this is something you don’t want to do yourself, or don’t feel confident. Most RV service centers offer winterizing services, and can give you suggestions for storage. Just make an appointment, hitch up your RV one more time, and take it to the pros. Once it’s done, you can take it home for winter storage.

For those of you who can still get out and enjoy the RV, there are some great winter destinations, and below are just a few of the many great parks available.

Florida:

Whispering Palms in Sebastian, Fla. caters to the 55-plus crowd with 572 sites in its RV resort and manufactured home community. Situated along Florida's Treasure Coast, Sebastian offers beaches, fishing, and an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees. Whispering Palms amenities include: activities, billiards, dancing, outdoor games, a lake, Internet access, tennis and pets are welcome. In addition, there is a recreation room and library. There is also nearby golfing, sailing and windsurfing and numerous fishing and sightseeing opportunities.

Whispering Palms Mobile Home and RV Community, 10305 US Hwy #1, Sebastian, Fla. 32958; (800) 414-0814, (772) 589-3481; fax: (772) 589-3477; e-mail whisperingpalms@bellsouth.net

Indian Creek RV Resort is a Florida 55+ Community with numerous amenities, including shuffleboard courts, five tennis courts, three heated pools, spas, 21 private lakes and Wi-Fi, and just a short bike ride form Ft. Myers Beach. Nearby activities are boating, fishing, shelling, golf, museums, historic homes, nature preserves, dog racing, and major league baseball spring training.

The resort offers 1,204 sites, with various options, including pull-thru sites, 50-amp service and full hookups. Other site amenities include phone service, cable TV and Internet access.

Indian Creek, 17340 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach, Fla. 33931; (800) 967-0138.

Arizona:

Prospectors RV Resort is a two-season park open year-round with activities planned for each season. The 96 full hookup sites include cable TV, Internet access and phone service. Other amenities include a heated pool, spa, game room, laundry room, fitness room, and organized activities that include ice cream socials, bingo, popcorn and movie night and organized dinners and holiday events.

Prospectors RV Resort, 4750 N. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Ariz. 86404; (928) 764-2000, fax: (928) 764-2108.

Voyager at Juniper Ridge is in the White Mountains and offers a 9-hole golf course, tennis court, bocce, shuffleboard, billiards, pool, hot tub, craft rooms, entertainment, and a fishing lake. The 529 sites include 17 pull thru sites, 125 50-amp sites and 125 full hookups. There are also four Cabins and six RV rentals available.

Voyager is an adult Park.

Voyager at Juniper Ridge, 1993 Juniper Ridge Drive, Show Low, Ariz. 85901; (186) 653-4345; info@juniperridgerv.com; www.juniperridgerv.com.

Shangri-La RV Resort is family-owned and operated with a swimming pool and spa, planned activities, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball and free cable TV. The 302-site resort offers 18 pull thru sites; 302 30-amp, 302 50-amp, and 302 full hookup sites, as well as an RV rental. Additional amenities include concrete patios, a marina, planned recreation and it is equestrian friendly.

Shangri-La RV Resort, 10498 North Frontage Road, Yuma, Ariz. 85365; (928) 342-9123; info@shangrilarv.com; www.shangrilarv.com.

Texas:

Bay Colony RV Resort is located just 20 minutes outside of Houston and offers 71 full hookup sites with private patios. Amenities include: cable TV hookup, swimming, Internet access, laundry and a pool, and pets are welcome. The resort is also near the ocean, surfing, fishing, golf, shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Bay Colony RV Resort, 217 FM 517 W, Dickinson, Texas 77539; (866) 442-2978, (281) 614-5252, fax: (281) 614-1999; e-mail: bay_colony@verizon.net.

Amarillo Ranch RV Park has large pull-thru sites, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, and is pet friendly. With 64 full hookup sites, 25 offer pull thru access. Amenities include cable TV, Internet access, phone service and complimentary coffee and donuts.

Amarillo Ranch RV Park, 1414 Sunrise Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79104; (806) 373-4962; info@amarillorvranch.com; www.amarillorvranch.com

Have a great winter camping season!