Despite the shifting demographics of ownership, RV travel still remains a popular activity for retirees who have the time and adventurous spirit to enjoy a more nomadic lifestyle. For seniors who are looking to downsize in retirement while still maintaining the option to travel with the comforts of home, RV retirement communities can be an attractive option.
Senior RV parks are where seniors can live in their motorhomes or trailered campers for long- or short-term periods or permanently. The parks may choose to only allow residents who are age 55 or older, and the communities typically provide a range of amenities like laundry centers, swimming pools, clubhouses, libraries, fitness centers and other offerings that keep visitors and residents comfortable while helping them stay socially active. RV retirement parks are often located in areas of the country with warmer climates, such as Florida, California, Arizona and Texas.[1]
Senior RV communities and full-time RV living in general offer a number of appealing benefits, including[2]:
- Lower cost of living — for example, renting a parking space typically costs less than making a mortgage payment
- Tight-knit community and ample opportunities for socializing that create a true neighborhood feel and prevent isolation
- Less indoor and outdoor space to have to maintain
- Well-kept shared amenities in easily accessible locations around the park
However, those who aren’t interested in committing to full-time park life still have a range of options for enjoying RVing with likeminded seniors, too.
Senior traveling groups and RV clubs
Some retirees may be interested in RV travel but don’t necessarily want to head out on solo expeditions. Others might appreciate having access to travel discounts and an age-specific network of RVers they can explore the country with.[3] In these cases, joining a senior RV club or travel group can provide a comfortable way to see North America in a more secure, guided way while making social connections.
Senior RV clubs are organizations dedicated to helping retirees and other older adults build friendships with people who have common interests in camping and traveling. Some clubs offer discounts to members, making it more affordable to camp in certain spots. Others focus on the networking or community-building aspects of belonging to a club and celebrate the camaraderie of heading to new destinations together.[4] It’s possible to find RV clubs for seniors tailored to an array of interests and lifestyles, and clubs even exist for full-time RVers.[5]
Joining the club
Becoming a member of an RV club is a relatively straightforward process, but there are some key elements to consider before joining one. These include:
- Customer service — Is the club more informal, or is it organized enough to provide customer service with travel agents who can help with things like reservations or setting up mail-forwarding services?[6] How does the club assist members in staying safe?
- Discounts and costs — How much is the club’s annual membership fee? What discounts to campgrounds and other services does membership provide access to? Are there fuel discounts?[7]
- Park access — What parks does the membership provide discounted access to? Are they in preferred travel destinations?
- Social opportunities — How do members contact each other and stay in touch? Is there a large social media presence? Does the club provide any ways for them to facilitate trip planning together? Are there common destinations the club typically visits?
Depending on the club, it may be possible to join via phone or online by filling out an application and paying any relevant signup fees.[8] If the club provides customer service, a representative can explain the process in depth.
An RV lifestyle can be a fun and fulfilling way to enjoy retirement. When you’re ready to add an RV to your fleet, make sure you look into a reliable RV insurance policy to provide your recreational vehicle with the coverage it needs.
[1] https://seniors.lovetoknow.com/RV_Camping
[2] https://www.seniorliving.org/rv-trailer-parks/
[3] https://www.rvseniors.com/rv-clubs.html
[4] https://www.roverpass.com/blog/rv-clubs/
[5] https://www.roverpass.com/blog/rv-clubs/
[6] https://www.roverpass.com/blog/rv-clubs/
[7] https://wheelingit.us/2016/01/07/rv-camping-club-memberships-are-they-worth-it/
