Phoenix metropolitan area

Continuing with the Theme

December 17, 2013December 13, 2013by Ingrid42 Comments

RV Park near Phoenix — Pool side cabana at the RV Resort

It seems I have a theme carrying on here with the last couple of posts regarding RVing in the Phoenix Metro area. Perhaps I should have titled these posts Part 1, 2 and now 3. Oh well, twenty, twenty hind sight!!!

So let’s continue with the theme…….what makes the Phoenix Metropolitan area so RV friendly?

Maricopa County Regional Parks
Lost Dutchman State Park
The multitude of Private RV Parks

Rumor has it there are more than 600 RV Parks in Phoenix and Maricopa County. Although I don’t find that hard to believe, what I will dispute is the title “RV Park”. I personally feel there is a definite distinction between a “mobile home park” and a “RV Park” (recreational vehicle). That said, the majority of the private parks have mobile homes on site, quite often referred to as “Park Models”……kind of a fancy term for a mobile home, single or double wide.

Ah, but these parks aren’t your average run of the mill trailer park. Nope, most are geared toward retirees and intended as second homes with a Resort style atmosphere. When a lot is vacant, the site is offered to those of us in RV’s. We are able to rent nightly, weekly, monthly, or extended. Gosh, one could live in a spot year round if they wanted to.

It is in one of these RV Resorts, the Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, that I find myself parked for the months of October, November, and December. I’m amazed with the amount of amenities and social functions available. One can choose to be as social or anti-social as one cares to be. The east valley in the towns of Mesa and Apache Junction have more of these RV Resorts than I can count. Just be prepared to have a Park Model as your neighbor and most have an age restriction of 55 plus.

There are always pluses and minuses in every situation and what works for one person may not work for another. My personal experience is the atmosphere is very different at a resort with Park Models than one without. Since Park Models are not easily moved, the resort feels more residential with guests well established. With a 2 week maximum stay in a state park, folks are more transient and all passing through within days. Short term verses long-term!

There are very few Private RV Parks in the Phoenix area that do not have Park Models. They do exist with a little research and one we’ve enjoyed staying at in the past is Deserts Edge RV Park . The big plus for us is its close proximity to our son’s home.

Deserts Edge RV Park located on the north side of Phoenix off Interstate 17 and Deer Valley Road is referred to as the Purple Park. We love the location plus it’s a super dog friendly place. So friendly, they have 3 dog runs and a dog washing station.

This is a small RV park. They have a bunch of pull-thru sites perfect for a short stay and back-in sites for longer stays. Spacing is typical. They have a swimming pool, very small workout room, and a onsite laundry facility. As I said, it’s a small park but with no age restrictions and no Park Models.

Other pluses; there’s great shopping nearby, RV Dealer Little Dealer Little Prices is located just down the street, and great hiking within a short drive at Thunderbird Conservation Park.

RV Parks in Phoenix — We’re on the left…..Destiny RV Resort

Another RV Park we’ve stayed at is the Destiny RV Resort located in Goodyear, south-west of Phoenix. We attended a Good Sam Rally last year and this RV Park was conveniently located to the event. Our stay was short and we spent most of our time at the Rally and not at the park. So I can’t offer any further info on this place other than we prefer staying in other parts of the valley. However, the park is conveniently located off Interstate 10 and for those heading toward California this could be the perfect stop.

With all the variety and options of places to park your RV in Maricopa County, it’s no wonder this is such a popular winter destination. But the fun doesn’t end with the parking of the RV….it’s just the beginning…….

Arizona, Campgrounds

Magical, Spiritual, or just Beautiful

December 13, 2013December 8, 2013by Ingrid60 Comments

As we approach the Lost Dutchman State Park, we are awed by the imposing Superstition Mountain looming in the distance. We are on the far east side of Phoenix near the town of Apache Junction, Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park sits at the base of the intriguing Superstition Mountain and campers are graced with its beauty.

I’m drawn to this place. There’s something magical, maybe even spiritual about the Superstition Mountain and camping at its base at Lost Dutchman State Park affords a visitor an up close experience to its varying personality. Weather and light have an impact on the character and mood of this unique mountain.

The campground has 104 campsites, 35 of which have electric and water. Most of the sites are level and paved. There’s nice spacing between sites and all offer great views. Yep, it’s all about the view!

Our first visit to this lovely place was in the Spring of 2011. The campground was booked but we were able to dry camp in the overflow lot. We planned on staying four days but ended up staying ten. I remember talking to my dad on the phone who lives in the Chicago area. It was mid March and my dad was enjoying a warm 80 degree day and wearing shorts. I was sitting in Phoenix, Arizona, wearing a winter coat and watching snow fall. What’s wrong with this picture? It was a very funny situation and although initially I wasn’t too thrilled about the cold temps, witnessing the rare beauty of it all was well worth the bundling up that was required.

camping near Phoenix — A rare spring snowstorm hits the Superstition Mountain – March 2011

I tell you, there is nothing like waking up to this vision. As the sun rises on the far side of the Superstition Mountain, it lights up the valley leaving those of us camped at the mountain’s base still clouded in its shadow. As the day progresses, shadows seem to play a game of hide and go seek…. a constant moving of shade. Later in the day when the sun is to the west, the mountain glows in a varying array of color.

camping in Phoenix — As the sun sets, the Superstition Mountain glows

RVing in Phoenix — As the sun moves throughout the day, so does the shade and shadows on the Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman State Park offers a picnic area for day use for those unable to spend the night. So whether you are an overnighter or a day user, you will love the hiking and photographic opportunities here. I know it is one of our favorites. There are trails for every level of hiker. If you only have time to pass through the area, I would highly recommend a short stroll on the “Discovery Trail”. This easy interpretative trail meanders between the day use parking lot and the campground. Along the way are plaques detailing sights, vegetation, and wildlife.

I believe the best vantage point for capturing the entire Superstition Mountain is at the Coyote sundial located off the Discovery Trail. I found myself meandering along this trail several times a day throughout our past visits.

Another plus to staying at Lost Dutchman State Park are all the other sights to see in the area. That in itself will require a separate post(s). We were never at a loss of things to see and do, but our favorite time was spent enjoying meals at the picnic table or drinks around the campfire. With a view like this, what’s not to love!

No trip to the Phoenix metropolitan area would be complete without a visit to the Superstition Mountain. Whether you find it magical, spiritual, or just plan beautiful, this is a sight not to be missed. I’m saddened that our adventures this year will not include a stop at Lost Dutchman State Park. The memories of our past visits will need to hold me over until next years journey. For now, I remain camped on the far west side of the valley watching the cotton being harvested 🙂

Arizona

Valley of the Sun

December 28, 2012December 28, 2012by Ingrid26 Comments

Our journey takes us to Phoenix, Arizona, aka Valley of the Sun, the capital city of Arizona. This sprawling city sits at an elevation of 1,117 feet surrounded by the Sonoran Desert.

Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the United States and boasts a population of 1.47 million people. I’m sure the population increases substantially during the winter months as the subtropical climate attracts thousands of retirees otherwise know as “snowbirds” – folks escaping the cold and flocking to the desert southwest for the winter.

Winter high temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees with 85% sunshine. Phoenix gets on average a mere 8 inches of rain per year. During our second week in Phoenix we encountered a couple of overcast and rainy days.

Al and I watch the local news and weather on our television. The rain was the main news story. Folks on the street were interviewed…..Did you know they actually had to use their windshield wipers? I know, wow – now that was news worthy!

I will admit after the good drenching of rain, the desert appears more brilliant. The cacti more colorful. The trails no longer dusty. The sky clear and blue. The rain made everyone and everything smile (moi excluded).

The warmth and sunshine are always quick to return making Lake Pleasant, located northwest of the Phoenix valley, the perfect spot to call home for a few days.