The sun is high, the temperatures up north are finally warm, and the last thing on your mind is probably next winter. But here's a little secret that seasoned snowbirds know well: the best time to secure your spot for next season is right now, in June, while everyone else is still thinking about summer. Here's why early booking pays off — and how to make sure you don't get left out in the cold.
The most popular 55+ RV resorts in Arizona, Florida, and Texas don't wait for fall to fill their sites. Many snowbirds reserve their winter spot the moment they leave in the spring, locking in their preferred site before the next guest even has a chance to ask. Popular RV destinations can see reservations open — and fill — as early as January or February for the following winter season. If you're waiting until September or October to start looking, you may find that the best options are already gone.
This is especially true for premium sites: the corner spots with extra space, the pull-throughs with the best views, the sites closest to the pool or clubhouse. Those go first, and they go fast.
If you're still shopping around or considering a change of scenery for next season, summer is a great time to do your homework. Here's what matters most for an extended winter stay:
• Age-restricted communities (55+). If a quieter, more like-minded community is important to you, look for resorts with age restrictions rather than general campgrounds. The atmosphere is noticeably different.
• Full hookups and reliable utilities. For a stay measured in months rather than days, 50-amp service, water, and sewer hookups at your site are essential.
• On-site activities and social programming. The best snowbird resorts aren't just a place to park — they're communities with organized activities, clubs, and events that give your winter season structure and connection.
• Location relative to services. Proximity to grocery stores, medical facilities, and restaurants matters more for a five-month stay than a weekend trip. Yuma, Arizona offers all of this plus mild winters and over 300 sunny days a year.
• Seasonal pricing and what's included. Monthly rates, utility policies, and included amenities can vary significantly between resorts — get the full picture before committing.
When you do reach out to reserve, don't just ask about availability — ask for specifics. Request a site map if the resort offers one. Ask which sites have the most shade, which are closest to amenities, and whether your preferred spot from last season is available again. Many resorts give returning guests first priority on their previous site, so it pays to call early and express your intent to return.
It's also worth asking about what's new for the coming season. Resorts that invest in their facilities and programming year over year are the ones that build long-term communities. New amenities, updated common areas, or expanded activities can make a familiar resort feel fresh again.
Reaching out in June and July has a practical benefit beyond just securing availability: resort staff actually have time to talk. During snowbird season, the front desk and management team are busy with hundreds of guests. In the summer, they can answer your questions thoughtfully, walk you through options, and give you the kind of personalized attention that makes you feel confident about your choice.
It's also a good time to ask about any changes to pricing, policies, or resort rules for the coming season. Better to know now than to show up in November with surprises.
Here's our simple advice: before the end of June, put a reminder on your calendar to contact your resort of choice and get your reservation locked in. It takes one phone call or a few minutes online, and it guarantees that when the weather starts turning cold up north in September and October, you already have somewhere warm waiting for you.
Shangri-La RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona is already taking reservations for the 2026–2027 snowbird season. Our 55+ community offers full hookups, resort-style amenities, organized activities, and the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year. Visit shangrilarv.com or call 877-742-6474 to reserve your spot today — before your favorite site is gone.
