This article was originally published in the September/October 2014 issue of Escapees magazine. As the pandemic continues, we see more and more RVers considering finding a home base from where they can comfortably stay until they feel safe enough to travel freely again. We hope Ron’s advice below is helpful for those in this position!

For hundreds of reasons, Americans are retiring earlier than ever. While some stay in their brick-and-mortar stick houses to become more involved in their communities, churches and social clubs, others have stepped out to enjoy the freedom and adventure of full-time RVing

Yet, while traveling around the country following the sun is an amazing way to live, going from one RV park to another, you may find yourself desiring to find a home base among other RVers, a place to hunker down during the cold winter months, a place to rest and recharge your batteries, clean up and plan to head out again

There are places where you can buy a site within an RV park, and there are places where you can rent. Then there are membership parks where you only own a membership, not property (no taxes and residency issues that come with ownership). Then there are membership plans where you have access to many parks around the country for a few weeks at nominal cost. Each plan has advantages and disadvantages. It all depends upon what you want and what fits your needs

The decision to find an RV home base can be a complicated one, as there are many things to consider. Here’s a short checklist of the major considerations to help organize your thoughts. Perhaps, some things you might not have even thought of.

Personal Considerations

• Do you want to be close to family?
• Do you need medical services within a reasonable distance?
• Do you need VA (Veterans Affairs) medical services within a reasonable distance?
• Do you want to own, rent or have a membership?
• How many months will you be on the road vs home base?
• Do you prefer a member- or privately owned community?

Photo of Jojoba Hills courtesy of Jojoba Hills SKP RV Resort

Choosing a Location

• What environment would you prefer? (ocean, mountain, lake, forest, desert, near large city or remote)

• What’s the year-round weather?
• Where’s the shopping? (near, far, good roads, malls)
• Is there cell phone service with your carrier?
• Is high-speed Internet service available?
• Are there opportunities for exploration?
• Are there entertainment opportunities in the area?
• Is the area quiet or near local annoyances?
• Are there cultural/sports activities nearby?
• Are there large cities or airports nearby?
• Is the area safe or near a high crime area?

Choosing a Community

• Is the facility financially secure?
• Is the size of the community cost efficient?
• Do they have a strong reserve fund?
• Does the facility have good management?
• Do the members have any say in the operation of the facility?
• What’s the annual cost considering how much time you’d be spending there?
• Would there be taxes to pay?
• What’s the character of the community? (old, young, active, friendly, welcoming)
• Are there cultural/social activities in the park?
• Are your special interests covered and are they available in the facility?
• Are sites roomy or lined up side by side?
• What site modifications are allowed?
• Is there a place for storage?
• Might there be an opportunity to volunteer your skills, experience and/or education?
• Does the facility have organized activities, dinners, excursions, dancing, music?
• Are there organized sport activities?
• Are there exercise facilities and activities?
• Are tools available for member usage? (garden, auto, RV maintenance)
• Is there an area on site for wood or metal-working and vehicle maintenance?
• Are there laundry, bathroom and shower facilities conveniently located nearby?
• Are the roads paved?
• Do they have dependable utilities (water, electric, sewer)

My wife, Evelyn, and I chose Jojoba Hills Resort SKP Co-Op, an active 55+ RV resort and Escapees park in Southern California. It is located about 75 miles northeast of San Diego and 105 miles SE from Los Angeles. It is a membership park with a buy-in that is returned to you when you leave (when a new member takes over your membership). In addition, there’s a monthly maintenance fee ($253 in 2014), which includes water, sewage, trash pick-up, cable TV, phone and access to all amenities. High-speed Internet service is available. You can visit online at www.jojobahills.com for more information. If you’re in the area, stop by this winter.