Toni T
Kansas
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We are fulltimers. For various reasons, we are considering wintering in California. Is it do-able? Where are potential locations? Is it too cold? We welcome any advice or thoughts on the topic.
Thanks,
Toni T
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derf464
Sonora, CA
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Joined: 07/31/2008
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It is certainly doable. Just depends what you are looking for. You can find any climate you are looking for here in the winter. Anywere along the coast, or southern calif, stays pretty mild.
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Enjoying the Lagniappe
Destin,FL,US
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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We are wintering on the Southern Oregon Coast, so California is certainly doable.
Enjoying the Lagniappe
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rhillx4
Huntington Beach ,CA
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All along the coast. Pismo, Huntington Beach, SanDiego, or you could go inland.
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Gary Franks
Pacific Northwest
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The common California destination for snowbirds is the Palm Springs area (desert). In fact, many coastal Californians move to Palm Springs for the winter too. There are numerous RV parks in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Cathedral City.
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missourijan
Wherever our coach is
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We spend every winter in Ventura County, north of LA. Last year all the snowbirds complained because it was so cool and rainy. Sometimes it's like that, sometimes warm all the time. The rv parks are expensive, but what isn't. We visited some friends spending the winter in Mesa/Gold Canyon, AZ, that's really nice. We go because we have grandchildren there, but hate having to drive in the traffic in the area.
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donn0128
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Didn't I read somewhere that if you are parked in California for 6 months you MUST license your vehicles in the state? And of course pay the appropriate taxes.
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Happy_Trails
Fulltime, USA
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donn0128 wrote:Didn't I read somewhere that if you are parked in California for 6 months you MUST license your vehicles in the state? And of course pay the appropriate taxes.
Law was recently changed in CA, if you stay in the state over 20 days, it must be registered in CA. That is aimed mostly at CA residents who buy out of state, then register it elsewhere to avoid taxes, and bring it right into the state.
Believe you can stay in AZ for six months with out of state plates.
New speed law, if you have three axles or tow, regardless of length, speed limit is 55mph. They have had too many RV accidents in CA at higher speeds.
No one staying in a park would probably be hassled, only those parking them in their homes or on the street for long periods of time. But, there are no guarantees.
People can contact the Bureau of Land Management and get permits for long stays on Govt land. Don't know the cost this year, last year it was $140 for six months. They also have permits for shorter times.
In many National Park and Forest areas, you can do what is called "dispersed camping." But, you should check in each park with rangers to see what local reg's. are. Most will allow parking within a certain distance of any park road, if it is evident others have parked there before. There are also some free campgrounds with minimum facilities. No e/w/s on site, some have dump stations and water available, others add primitive restrooms.
With a senior pass, $10 fee for life, you get free admission to National Parks and Forests, etc., and a 50% discount on camping fees.
* This post was
edited 10/06/08 02:17pm by Happy_Trails *
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firedude
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Happy_Trails wrote:Law was recently changed in CA, if you stay in the state over 20 days, it must be registered in CA. That is aimed mostly at CA residents who buy out of state, then register it elsewhere to avoid taxes, and bring it right into the state.
This is only partially correct and only applies to Californians who have bought an RV out of state only and those from out of state working and receiving wages in Ca.. It does NOT apply to residents of other states and Canada if simply traveling or wintering and not working. The California vehicle code still applies however if you remain in the state longer than 6 months you must register it in the state. To clarify...
* Now IF you work for wages in California the 20 day rule applies as well.
* Camp hosting where you are NOT paid a wage ie; a Volunteer position the 20 day rule does NOT apply. The 6 month rule does.
* If you are neither working or Volunteering and just traveling in California the 6 month rule applies.
Just thought I'd clarify that. It's up to the law enforcement agencies to enforce the 6 month rule/law which I've seldom seen done, BUT it can so beware.
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Toni T
Kansas
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Thanks to everyone for all of the useful information.We appreciate your input.
Toni T
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