When camping in the Thousand Trails network, there are so many options available. Not only do we have campgrounds in more than 200 locations around the United States in sought-after destination locations, but we also offer a variety of ways to stay. Did you know that you can book seasonal and annual sites to stay longer at your favorite locations? If that sounds like something you want to sign up for, visit https://thousandtrails.com/annualsites for more details. For now, it’s the season when people like to follow the sun, so we’ll highlight seasonal stay locations with us until Old Man Winter hits the road.
Our popular destinations this time of year are of course located where the sun shining and snow is typically not something you have to deal with. Instead, this extended trip includes outdoor adventures, sightseeing without snow boots and guaranteed fun in the sun. For locations and deals, check out thousandtrails.com/spendwinterdifferently.
Arizona
With eight resorts in and near Yuma and a few more in the Apache Junction area, a seasonal stay in the sunny, dry climate of Arizona may be just what you need this winter. Yuma offers desert hikes, ghost town visits, sand dunes and plenty of bird watching. Check out Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, which was built in 1876 and initially served as the only prison in the Arizona Territory. Today visitors can walk through cells, visit the “Dark Cell” used for solitary confinement, and even have their mug shot taken (for more details go to azstateparks.com/yuma-territorial). Hike, bird watch and check out the wildlife found in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge or see what mining life was like at Castle Dome Mine Museum & Ghost Town, an open-air museum that depicts a miner’s life in the 1800s. It’s no surprise what you’ll find at Imperial Sand Dunes State Park so get ready for some amazing pics of the sand dunes and Star Wars fans will be interested to know that this area was used to shoot scenes on the planet Tatooine. Apache Junction highlights include Lost Dutchman State Park, the Superstition Mountain Museum, which has exhibits and structures related to Apacheland Movie Ranch, a big location for Western genre movies from the 1950s and 60s. There is also Goldfield Ghost Town, water activities on Canyon Lake, and the Treasure Lake Loop for hiking.
Resorts in these areas include Encore Araby Acres, Encore Cactus Gardens, Encore Capri, Encore Desert Paradise, Encore Foothill Village, Encore Mesa Verde, and Encore Suni Sands. Encore Countryside, Encore Golden Sun, and Encore Meridian.
Florida
There are plenty of sunny spots at our properties around the state of Florida, so highlighting them here would take all winter long! What we can say is that the locations are not only near all the Florida attractions but also that staying close to home is great fun thanks to all the onsite amenities. Encore Terra Ceia Village in Palmetto on the Gulf side has the super popular pickle ball courts, shuffleboard, billiards and a very inviting pool! Plus, it’s close to the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key. The attractions of Tampa, which are less than a 45-minute drive, include the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile path that includes shopping, dining, the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Bay History Center. Another Gulf Coast favorite is the Fort Myers area and we have several options here where you will be close to the award-winning beaches of Captiva and Sanibel Island, plus popular attractions like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Lovers Key State Park for all kinds of water sports, and Manatee Park, both great for watching manatees. If you’re a baseball fan, note that you are near to Spring Training camps, aka the Grapefruit League teams, for many teams including the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins. Plan your Fort Myers stay at Encore Fort Myers Beach, Encore Gulf Air, Encore Gulf View, Encore Harbor Lakes, Encore Pioneer Village, Encore Sunseekers, or Encore Tranquility Lakes.
Texas
There’s a reason the population of the South Texas area increases by roughly 100,000 people from October through March each year. It’s the weather and the general feeling of “winter, what winter?”. Fishing, birding, golfing, water sports, history, and culture can all be found here, plus the fabulous beaches of nearby South Padre Island, or SPI as it is known. As far as highlights of SPI, don’t miss the opportunity to parasail, snorkel, and fish in the warm waters here or enjoy the Sandcastle Trail, with its unique sand sculptures or visit Sea Turtle Inc. to learn about the rescue and rehab of these delightful sea creatures. The many small towns of the Rio Grande Valley offer a variety of things to do from the cool art scene in McAllen to Hidalgo and San Benito, two towns steeped in Tejano culture with the food and music offerings to prove it!
Resorts in these areas include Encore Alamo Palms, Encore Country Sunshine, Encore Fun-N-Sun, Encore Lakewood, Encore Leisure World, Encore Paradise Park, Encore Paradise South, Encore Southern Comfort, Encore Sunshine, Encore Trails End, Encore Tropic Winds, and Victoria Palms RV Resort.
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- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.