Sunlight is great for both your physical and mental health. In addition to generating the production of Vitamin D, lowering blood pressure, and supporting bone health, a daily dose of sunshine increases the body’s production of serotonin, which is known for mood boosting. So, if you’re looking for a healthy, uplifting camping location, follow the sunshine.
Yuma, Arizona, is the winner when it comes to sunny days, with a whopping 308 sunny days per year. Winter days average 11 hours while sunny summer offers 13 beautiful hours of sunshine. Outdoor fun in Yuma should include Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area with its massive dunes and ATV opportunities. Hiking is great here – consider the East Wetlands Interpretive Trail (2.6 miles and considered an easy hike) or the moderate Jasper Trail at 3.8 miles. Book a stay at Foothill Village RV Resort to soak up the Yuma sun.
Las Vegas, Nevada, ranks as the 4th sunniest city in the USA with approximately 294 days of sunshine annually. Book at stay at Las Vegas RV Resort and take in the sunshine. Ways to do so include a stroll down the famed Strip, which is just about 4 miles long, a rugged hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, water fun on Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and a trip to see the Seven Magic Mountains, a unique art installation in the desert just outside the city.
Reno, Nevada: Another sunny city in Nevada is Reno. The “Biggest Little City in the World” is big on sunshine with 252 days of sunlight annually. Just over the California border, Reno is close to a favorite sunny camping spot in Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Valley Campground. Reno is home to the Nevada Art Museum, the National Automobile Museum and plenty of casinos if all that sunshine makes you feel lucky. Nearby Truckee is great for hiking and rafting. As for Lake Tahoe, don’t miss the drive around the lake, billed as the “Most Beautiful Drive in America” with plenty of highlights to be found as you cruise around in the sun.
Sacramento, California: 269 sunny days for California’s capital city, Sacramento. All that sunshine combines to make a year-round growing season and that is very possibly why the city is considered the “Farm-to-Fork” capital. More than 160 crops are grown on the 1.5 million farm acres here. With that being said, you know eating at the many farm-to-fork restaurants here is a must, but so is a visit to the neoclassical State Capitol building, the California state Railroad Museum and the Crocker Art Museum. Camping options include Lake Minden RV Resort (about 26 miles from the city) or Ponderosa RV Resort (about 35 miles from the city.)
Great News for Snowbirds
Just in time for winter fun in the sun, Thousand Trails is opening six sunny sunbelt locations to all Thousand Trails members regardless of membership level. Most of the resorts are age-qualified (55 and older) but one of them offers fun in the sun for everyone. This great deal is available starting December 1, 2022.
ARIZONA
Cactus Gardens (Yuma; age-qualified)
Foothill Village (Yuma; all ages)
TEXAS
Alamo Palms (Alamo; age qualified)
Fun-n-Sun (San Benito; age-qualified)
Sunshine RV (Harlingen; age-qualified)
Tropic Winds RV (Harlingen; age-qualified)
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