The south end of the beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Hua Hin, Thailand.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Maldives on March 23rd.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Anybody been to one of the Carefree RV Resorts?

When we were asked to write about an RV resort, I almost turned down the opportunity. Because any of our regular readers know that this type of place is simply not our style. We're much more into the great outdoors and being away from it all when we're RV'ing.

However, I know that there are many different ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle, and that staying at an RV resort is a very popular thing to do. So I was curious as to how many of our regular readers would actually be interested in this type of place.

First, have a look at the following link and peruse their website...

Carefree RV Resorts

I'm impressed that they have a lot of different options. They even have quite a few resorts in Ontario, Canada! It's not just an American thing. And, they have some resorts that are for age 55+ (we can't use them yet!) and other resorts that are for the whole family. They call the over 55 ones "Age Qualified Resorts". Too funny. Someone was pretty creative to come up with that term!

It's a big thing in Florida. There are 36 different resorts there. Anybody been to one?

There's something for everyone in Florida...

I didn't check the cost of an RV site here, but if you have to ask, you can't afford it!
Really nice though, isn't it?

Carefree is currently running a special called “Start Your Journey with a Passport to Savings!”

For RV sites, this includes a Stay at 3, get 1 free offer. This gives you the opportunity to sample a few different Carefree RV Resorts and get a bonus out of it. 

This offer is based on the number of parks you visits, not the length of your stay.

The parks definitely have a lot of amenities.

I'm surprised there isn't a presence in Arizona. And they only have one in California. Florida is definitely their big thing, although they also have some northern parks, including two in New Jersey.

And besides the RV resorts, they also have manufactured home communities. You can buy there pretty cheap, but of course you still have to pay the monthly site rental. I can see the attraction for older people who have given up RV'ing.

A dip in the pool on a hot day?

I see monthly site prices ranging from $350 to over $1,500 so they obviously have a wide range of places to stay for any budget.

I was surprised, but these are not "membership" parks. So there's no huge upfront fee to join anything. But, they do seem to all have the same attitude, and that's what the "Carefree" lifestyle is trying to promote.

"The lifestyle is really what sets Carefree RV Resorts apart. For those in or nearing retirement, this is their time to do the things they’ve always wanted to do. Learn how to play the guitar, join the pickleball team, finally take a class on using your new iPad… its all up to you! With our wide range of lifestyle offerings you can be as active as you want to be!"

I know that some of our readers are currently inspecting retirement communities in the Arizona area. Have any of you ever looked at some of these ones in Florida?

They do make them look really nice.

So have a look at their website, and tell me what you think.


Thanks to Carefree RV Resorts for sponsoring today's discussion!


21 comments:

  1. I don't think I would spend my hard earned money at one of these fancy places. But I might not mind spending Uncle Sam's money at one (once I start collecting Social Security).

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    1. Yes...I'm on your side Doug. Treat yourself when somebody else is paying!

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    2. I look at SS as my hard earned money. I have been paying into it since the 1960s. But I agree with you on being careful how you spend it.

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  2. We have never been to them, we have our own membership parks with access to over 700 mostly $10.00 a night or free. Also been to Florida much prefer Arizona, mind you there may come a time when we can only get to Florida. But there is so many options there, its not a problem.

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    1. Always keeping in mind of course your membership costs to begin with. :-)

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  3. We have stayed at Sun-n-Fun in Sarasota while visiting family. It is a very active place. Two pools,fitness, spas,outdoor bar, etc. Any activity you can imagine they have and everyone is friendly and social.

    With that said the sites are very close with little privacy. Its almost overload with the number of people!

    Our take was if you can't stand to be alone this is the place to be!

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    1. Yes, a lot of people seem to like that kind of thing. If they didn't, the park obviously wouldn't be so busy. I wonder if they have a seasonal slow period...

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  4. The problem I have right off the bat is that there is no information on their website...or did I overlook something? It looks to me that one has to send in personal information to find out anything at all about Carefee. No thanks. They need to broaden the website to include an overview of what "Carefree" actually is and what they offer.

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    1. Good feedback rhondalyn...I felt the same way.

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  5. No interest in wintering in Florida. There are already many parks that offer the same amenities and classes, nothing new.

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    1. Yes, there are a lot of choices out there, that's for sure.

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  6. They look nice, I bet they have age limits for your RV, don't want the regular folk camping there! We have an RPI membership, bought used, and for $10/night can stay in places with a pool, hot tub, nice enough for me!

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    1. Again, keeping in mind your upfront costs to begin with...

      I don't know about age restrictions for RV's. When they say that some of their resorts are "all age friendly", maybe they're including RV's in that!

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    2. True, there are upfront costs, about $210/a year, I can break even in about 6 nights of staying at an RPI park, and my home park gives me 2 free weeks/year, I plan on getting my $ worth this year!! My last RV would've been "too old" for some of the fancier RV parks, Sad!

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    3. Don't forget to though Leah, you still have the initial cost of the membership. If you use their parks a lot then it is worth it too you although then you also feel locked in to using just their parks.

      Sherman would be too old for many "RV Resorts/Parks" as well. Have to say that we prefer boondocking to staying in most parks anyways.

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    4. When our last motorhome neared 10 years of age (the cutoff for some resorts) I PhotoShopped a copy of the registration and changed it from a 1994 model to a 1999 model year. It worked just fine.

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  7. We were asked to stay a while back, but never got round to it. We rarely stay at parks unless there's something specific about where they are located. We rarely use amenities either unless it's a hot tub. Maybe one day...
    Nina

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    1. We are totally the same. We don't mind staying and paying in some of the Nat'l/State Forests if the price is $10 or less. The odd time we have stayed in State/Nat'l Parks if there is lots to see or do, as it just makes it easier than driving in and out of the park each day. Private parks it is rare and if we do we try to see first if we can dry camp for a cheaper rate. We love the big outdoors so much better!

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  8. We have been in their site at Huntsville Ontario as a seaonal for about five years. http://www.carefreervresorts.com/rv-parks/ontario/deer-lake/ Very nice park. Carefree just took over ownership last season but have already been working at improvements. We have just put our park model up for sale as we are ready to buy a motor home and go fulltime. Been planning this for some time. :)

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    1. Good to know that you have enjoyed the park and that Carefree is already making improvements to the park since they took over ownership.

      Nice to hear that you are going to get back out on the road fulltiming. It is always nice to change things up.

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