Arizona, Campgrounds

Resort Living in a RV

by Ingrid
RV Park

I promised Al I would approach the RV Park with an open mind.  Life around a full-fledged RV Park is very different from that of a National Forest Campground, State Park, or parking on BLM Land.

Don’t get me wrong, the full hook-ups are wonderful.  I don’t have to worry about water usage.  This particular RV Park is also loaded with amenities.  I guess that’s why they call it a RV Resort.

Phoenix RV Park
Entrance to Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, Phoenix AZ

When we first turned into the Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, we were greeted by a grand, Halloween decorated, security entrance complete with “guard” aka volunteer workamper.  We were enthusiastically welcomed and escorted to our site.  Once we were parked, we headed to the registration office.  Check-in was quick and we were given our ‘welcome packet’ complete with name badges and event schedule.

RV Park Phoenix
Registration Building

RV Park El MirageHum, event schedule?  First let’s start with the fact the RV Park Resort has its own 18 hole golf course complete with restaurant.  Many of the guests have their own golf carts; whether they play golf or not. This is a large park and golf carts seem to be the popular mode of transportation.   More than half the park consists of Park Models (mobile homes) and the rest are RVer’s like myself.

RVer’s are able to book their stay nightly, weekly, or monthly.   Somehow we heard of the special the Pueblo El Mirage Resort was running for the fall season.  Stay for 4 months during September, October, November, and December for a total cost of $750.00.  That figures out to be less than $190 a month.

RV ParkWhen we hit the road at the end of June, we were in a daze and state of exhaustion.  The idea of parking in one spot not far from our son’s home and the sweet deal on price sounded perfect.  We booked our reservation, but decided Phoenix was still too warm in September, as well as I had way to many other exciting places I wanted to visit along the way.   Therefore, we showed up October 2 bringing our monthly stay to $250 a month; still a heck of a deal.  Once January rolls around, this same RV site goes for more than $800 a month….yikes.

golf
Pueblo El Mirage 18 hole golf course

The mass RV migration to Phoenix happens right after the Christmas holiday.  We learned the hard way last winter to make reservations for the months of January, February, and March or you’ll need to find a spot out in the desert and boondock…. which in itself does have its perk’s, but in a very different way.

RV Park
You won’t find this boondocking in the middle of the desert

Back to the resort life……. The grounds are beautiful.  The buildings, restrooms, pool area, and workout facility are kept spotless.  Plenty of shopping is nearby.  I even went to my very first “Trader Joe’s“.

Since it’s still considered early in the ‘season’, for now we have plenty of elbow room with no immediate neighbors to our sides.  However, each day more and more rigs pull-in so that could change any day.

Our view and neighbor behind us
Our view to the north toward the activity building. Park Models are located close to pool, activity buildings, and golf course
our front view

There is one major drawback to the Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort location; it’s very close to Luke Air Force Base.  Now mind you living with a former Naval Aviator, the low flying jets roaring above the RV don’t seem to bother us as much as some of the other guests.  Saturdays and Sundays are quiet but Monday through Friday the boys might start flying as early as 7 in the morning.  How loud are these guys?  Loud enough to be forced to stop a conversation mid sentence, unless you’re good at reading lips.

Sitting in my chair outside the rig snapping photos
Sitting outside enjoying the roar of engines
View from my patio, wish I could share sound !

For Al and I it’s a form of entertainment as we watch these young men and women practice their maneuver’s and live their dream.  Al remembers the excitement and adrenaline rush these young folks are experiencing.  In a strange way it makes us feel young each time our head tilts skyward.  I did say ‘strange’.

We reminisce about our airline days and how our dreams have changed over the years.  We haven’t lost our wanderlust, we’ve just changed the mode of transportation and sleeping accommodation’s.   No bed bugs to worry about in the RV.

Although the Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort wasn’t my first choice of places to call home, it is growing on me.  Besides, in two months it’ll be time to roll on down the road.  I do believe I’ll end the post here…..that pool is calling to me……

RV Park
80 degrees, sunny, and no crowd

89 thoughts on “Resort Living in a RV”

  1. Pingback: A Year of Highs and Lows | Live Laugh RV

  3. Hi Ingrid, I have never stay there but you may run into a fellow by the name of Bruce that gives photo classes and if you do tell him RVJohn says Hello. It looks like a beautiful place, My friend Bruce did the same thing as you guys on the 4 month deal and ended up buying a park mobile there and lives there now. Nice photos!

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  4. Thanks for commenting on our blog, we looked into El Mirage for our Phoenix stay but don’t meet the age restrictions yet, have to keep it in mind for 2015 when we’ll qualify. We’re staying in Goodyear at Destiny RV resort for a week and looking forward to the pool and hot tub, then we’ll head to Port Aransas TX for Christmas and a 6 week stay, then who knows were just eastward along the coast. Looking forward to the warm weather 🙂

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    1. Hubby meets the age restriction…hehe. We’ll be in Rockport in Jan. then we’ll meander around TX. Still not sure where. My folks used to stay at the Pioneer RV Park on Mustang Island/Port Aransas and we may head there for a week then San Antonio. Isn’t it fun to have choices?

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    1. This is probably the nicest RV Park we’ve ever stayed in. Lots of amenities too. Can’t beat the AZ weather this time of year so we’re heading over to Lake Havasu for a few days to meet friends 🙂

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  8. Hi there, boy that sure looks like a great way to spend the next few months and very reasonably priced. Well its getting cold here and the snow is a comin. Not sure I am looking forward to it at all. Where will you guys head in January. I know it willnot be up here. Jan and Feb Mar are usualy our coldest months. We are having nice days and cold nights and the wind has picked up. We may have some snow next week. Who knows, the weathermen still cannot figure it out . Its hit and miss. Well enjoy it for me. I am looking forward to it someday. I have to keep working for alittle while longer but the money is good now.so I will take advantage of it. Pueblo is still real slow. Your not missing anything. Have ffun:) Merry Sue

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    1. We’ve been keeping an eye on things in Pueblo and you’re just confirming. The weather in Phx is gorgeous and we are definitely enjoying. We also love seeing Logan once a week….he’s such a good son putting up with us. We’re heading to the Gulf in Jan….Rockport TX. A little ocean/beach time to bring in the New Year 🙂

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  9. When I first started to read your post I got a sense of deja vu. I realized that we had stayed in this resort for a short time right after we bought our first RV. It was close to the couple we purchased it from and they also wanted us to stay close just in case we had any issues or questions. How ironic with so many RV parks in the area that it is the same one! I say enjoy the full amenities for the time you are there! You can rough it after that. 🙂

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    1. Small world. I’ve actually settled in and finding what works for me. We’ll be back on the road soon enough. I do enjoy how well maintained everything is here. It really is a pretty park. We hope to get in some hikes at the White Tank Mtns now that the days are cooling.

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      1. The beauty of RVing is that we can boondock, stay for awhile in a no-frills park, or live it up at an RV resort. Glad to see you have joined the Trader Joe’s groupies. 🙂

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  11. Now that’s a resort and a great deal for the price you paid, even missing a month. I think it would have been nice to know that you had a place waiting for you should something have upset your September travel plans. Thankfully, nothing did but it never hurts to have a back-up plan. I hope you enjoy the remainder of your stay there.

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    1. Since I’m a planner and organized person, it was difficult in the beginning not having a long range plan of where we’d be living/parking. Thus, it was nice knowing we had the reservation, but now I’m getting in a mode of winging it. Somehow I think I’ll need to find a balance somewhere in between…lol. We’ll see how the ‘winging it’ scenario plays out in Feb. Stay tuned 🙂

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  12. We try to stay away from anything that ends in “resorts”…Give us the Army Corps parks and the State parks…I do not need a pool, golf course or clubhouse..However, if it were cheap enough, we are all over it…Hickiwan Trails Rv Park in Why, AZ was $276 a month..and we stayed 2 months..No pools, no clubhouse, but full hook ups…We loved it just for it’s location..Thanks for sharing your great digs, and we would probably do it if it were cheap enough..

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    1. I’m with you…normally I wouldn’t want to stay at a place like this but the price was too good to pass up. Plus we wanted to catch up on some things as well as spend time with our son. So far its a win, win. I’ll need to look up Why, AZ. 🙂

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  14. Now that’s my kind of park! Many places attach the word “Resort” to their name and they are anything put. This is a “Resort.” Very nice place… except for those jets! We did that at Blue Water Key in Key West.

    Those prices are beyond amazing! Even the inseason price isn’t bad.

    I know you will have a great time with all the luxuries such as water and sewer:)

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    1. Oh, trust me I’m taking full advantage of all the hook-ups. It definitely is a “resort” and the grounds are kept beautifully. Now all we need to do is seek out some great hiking….next on the list 🙂

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  15. Why is it that the first thought I had when looking at the top image was drive in movie theater…not sure I could get into that type of place.

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    1. A drive-in? lol…… This kind of place isn’t for everyone. Another benefit of this lifestyle, if we don’t like an area, we get to hook-up and move. Moving after Christmas 🙂

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    1. You never know when these places are going to run a special. We were told this is a one time special for new visitors.
      Its always fun spending time with one of our kids.

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  18. Ingrid, it looks beautiful! I am glad to hear that you are liking it more and more. You and hubby got a wonderful deal for sure. This type of camping is not for everyone and good thing, because it would be even more crowded. Enjoy your time there visiting with family! Take a dive in the pool and drink a great glass of Trader Joe wine for me!!

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    1. Its actually fun to enjoy a variety of places to call ‘home’. At first it was difficult to adjust to the RV Park especially after staying in Moab at a BLM Campground, but its grown on me. I’ll be ready for Texas and the ocean come January 🙂

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  19. The resort looks so wonderful, even with the low-flying jets. You could always wear ear plugs by the pool. 🙂 I have yet to experience a Trader Joe’s. 😦

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    1. We’re actually used to the jets now and not bothered by them. The facilities are very nice and extremely well maintained so no complaints. I went to Trader Joe’s twice and just don’t get it….probably won’t go back!

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    1. If it weren’t for the price, Al would’ve had a hard time selling me on it. Still wish we had stayed longer in Moab. Oh well, there’s spring 🙂

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    1. I’d rather stay at Cave Creek Reg Park or Lost Dutchman SP but this RV Resort does offer its benefits and I’m starting to enjoy it. AND it is nice to spend time with our son. We were just at the driving range with him Saturday for some fun 🙂

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  23. Beautiful spot! And a great rate — just before the crowds arrive 🙂 Your mention of Trader Joe’s made me miss their “Vanana” yogurt — combination of vanilla and banana, a flavor in (I believe) organic yogurt we’ve never been able to find anywhere else. If you like yogurt, give it a try 🙂 Pool, pickleball… all good!

    Depending on where you are in the Phoenix area, you might still be able to do day trips to the Superstition Mountains — great hiking out there, Ingrid!

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    1. Thanks for the info…we love hiking the Superstition Mountains. We’ve stayed at Lost Dutchman State Park in the past and really enjoyed it. This RV Park is east of the White Tank Mountains and we hope to get over there for some hiking. The weather is just starting to cool, making it perfect hiking weather.

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    1. Hum, I must be missing something…..Trader Joe’s was ok. The pool and grounds around here are beautiful and very well maintained, but its no Monument Valley 🙂

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    1. You won’t have to tell me twice to ‘enjoy the pool’. I’m taking advantage of it. This gorgeous Phoenix weather will eventually cool off just like Las Vegas 🙂

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  27. I had never checked into the resorts. Never thought it would be possible to get a deal like that. Thanks for that info, we may have a resort stay in our future someday! Enjoy the pool.

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        1. Our neighbor informed us of another Park that also offers a special, but I’m not sure if this is typical. October is still pretty slow around Phx. Come Jan, Feb, Mar prices sky rocket and its elbow to elbow RV’s around here.

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    1. I’ve watched several of your videos in the past when we were in our sticks n bricks home. We have to avoid running video on our current internet plan. The video takes up too much data and our plan is limited. So until I can get to a library or other source, I’m unable to watch, sorry.

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  29. I enjoy roughing it too, however; there are times rolling into an RV Park/Resort is pretty nice, especially all the amenities:) What a Beautiful Place to Call Home for now! Happy Hump Day:)

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    1. The RV Park is nice to get caught up on cleaning and reorganizing….doing paperwork etc. So I can’t complain but I’ll be ready for some remoteness come the end of Dec. 🙂

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  31. Great deal! It’s nice to have a choice. We love state parks when we’re traveling but I’m really bad with the water issue, so we only manage two or three nights before we move on. In Texas we stay put in a nice park, not a resort by any means, but it has a pool and a hot tub. With only a shower in the rig being immersed in hot water feels really good.
    Ruth from At Home on the Road

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    1. You are so right; its nice to have choices. We’re hoping to hit some Texas State Parks in Feb and Mar. We don’t really use many of the amenities or get involved in the activities in the RV Resort…..kind of not our cup of tea.

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  32. Looks like a nice place to hang out for a while. I read somewhere how many 1000’s of sites there were in AZ mostly for the RV snowbirds.

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    1. Well you heard right. This place is real popular with snowbirders. Then in March more folks flock to the area for baseball Spring training.

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    1. Its amazing all the activities that are available. On our walk this morning, there was a tap dancing class going on. Jan, Feb, and Mar the park will be packed. Not sure if I’d like it then. That pool won’t be so quiet 🙂

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  34. Not exactly roughing it, but I could see how some one who lives on the road in an RV would like to spend a few months in a place like that for the added amenities. My uncle and aunt lived in an RV after retirement, they spent their winters in one park similar to that in Texas, and made many friends over the years.

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    1. My folks would also winter in TX in a similar park. I still have way too much wanderlust to park this long in one spot. We’re making it work though.

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  36. Well can’t think of anything your lacking there…what a beauty! Nice to be neighborless for a while longer! And what a deal. My Trader Joe stash is fading and nothing even close till TX. Did you love it? Another few days in the forest if Mississippi for us…haven’t even left for sightseeing in a few days, and still not bored. That swimming pool would be a nice added punch though 🙂

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    1. I thought Trader Joes’ was ok. I guess it depends on what one is shopping for. The pool has been a nice bonus. Looking forward to your posts on Mississippi….a state I have never visited.

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  37. I have a love/hate relationship with RV parks in general. I really would love to be in more natural settings but I hate having to constantly manage water usage. I am by no means a “water hog”, but if you want to camp dry, you gotta practice serious conservation. So, Hans and I stay mostly in RV parks and I manage my dislike by getting out into nature as much as humanly possible. It also helps that I really like hanging out inside my RV if the space outside my RV is not as pleasant as I’d like. Your place looks pretty darn comfortable for a few months stay!

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    1. I can totally relate and feel similar. We’re still in the process of finding the balance that works for us. This place is growing on me especially with the great price.:-)

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    1. Sure is a great rate and we’ve heard mixed info on whether they will offer it again next year. It’s worth checking into thought. Thanks for stopping by,

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  40. What a great deal! You can’t beat the price and you guys would be able to overlook the noise of the planes. I’m green with envy seeing the Pickleball court signs…but then again we have a court here also but no one to play with because it’s not full season yet.

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    1. There’s a bunch of Pickleball courts here. Most of the activities and leagues don’t even get going for another couple of weeks. Just like FL, the snowbirders are showing up little by little. I guess this place is packed come Jan.

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  41. Now that is indeed resort living! Wow! I will keep this in mind in case we get to that area in the far future. I think however the loud noise from these jets can get old in a day. Or the longer you stay you cant hear them anymore 🙂

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