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March 24, 2021 by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types

What comes to mind when you hear the term Luxury RV Resort? Have you ever wondered what sets them apart from a regular campground or RV park? In this article, we’re going cover what you can expect at an RV resort, how to find the best ones, and we’ll share some of our favorites.

What is a Luxury RV Resort?

There are many things that make an RV resort luxurious. The first things you’ll notice are well manicured grounds and large, paved sites with deluxe patios. Some even have casitas, outdoor kitchens, or other structures for the discerning RV owner.

Amenities are another important factor. Luxury RV resorts typically have large pools, hot tubs, club houses, restaurants, and even golf courses.

And all of our recommendations have a prime location from California wine country to waterfront Key West RV sites.

How Much do Luxury RV Resorts Cost?

Nightly rates at luxury RV resorts typically start at around $70 and go up from there. It is important to note that the price per night varies not only by resort, but by site and time of year. For example, the Bluewater Key RV Resort in Key West, Florida has two different seasons and 4 different site types, each with a different cost. Regardless of which type of site you choose, it will come with 30 and 50 amp electric service, public water/sewer, HD cable TV, free WIFI, and tiki huts with exterior lighting and outdoor seating. Many sites are right on the water with a private deck.

Where Can I Find Luxury RV Resorts?

You can find a luxury RV resort the same way you find any other type of RV park or campground.

Trip planning sites like RV Trip Wizard or RV Life allow you to search by location and rating. As you might imagine, RV resorts will have higher ratings (if they don’t, they aren’t truly resorts).
One of the best ways to find great RV resorts is through the recommendations of other RVers. Anytime someone recommends a truly spectacular space to us, we make a pin in Google Maps, which also allows you to add notes.

Recommended RV Resorts

We’ll share six luxury RV resorts across the country. Three we have stayed at ourselves and three are on our bucket list after receiving recommendations from friends. Watch the video below or read on to learn about each resort.

Cava Robles RV Resort

This RV resort is located in Paso Robles Wine Country in Central California. The region has approximately 33,000 vineyard acres planted with wine grapes, and is well known for its heritage varietal Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rhône-style wines, so as you might imagine, wine tasting is a top activity at the beautifully appointed community center.

Built for relaxation, Cava Robles is the peak destination for RV camping in California. This luxury resort is nestled in the Paso Robles wine region, near the Pacific coast. Cava Robles boasts numerous amenities, including pools, spas, fire pits, a wellness center, and dog parks. From wine tasting to outdoor movies, there’s an option for all.

It is a large resort that offers a little bit of everything including a gorgeous swimming pool and hot tub area, an outdoor play area for children, walking trails, and two dog parks.

The sites themselves are large with full hook-ups, but they don’t have the extra casitas or outdoor kitchens that you’ll see at some of the other resorts. What you’re paying for here is the location and fabulous climate.

Learn more: Cava Robles RV Resort

Tucson Lazy Days RV Resort

This is actually a KOA, but it is not a franchise location. Instead, it is the company’s flagship resort. We’ve stayed here a few times and it is one of our absolute favorite destinations.

Amenities include two pool areas with hot tubs, a restaurant and bar, mini golf, tennis courts, and community fire pit areas. One of our favorite parts of staying at this RV resort is direct access to The Loop, a system of more than 100 miles of paved bike paths around Tucson and Pima County.

There are also many different type of sites from standard back-in’s to allow you save money while enjoying the amenities at the resort, to deluxe and premium sites with elaborate outdoor kitchens, private pet yards, and even second floor balconies.

Learn more: Tucson Lazy Days RV Resort

Gulf Waters Beachfront Resort

This resort is located on Mustang Island beach in Port Aransas, Texas, which is right on the Gulf Coast. In addition to boardwalk access to the beach, the resort itself is beautifully landscaped palm trees beside and ponds.

Gulf Waters Beachfront RV Resort is located on Mustang Island beach in Port Aransas, Texas, which is right on the Gulf Coast. In addition to boardwalk access to the beach, the resort itself is beautifully landscaped palm trees beside and ponds. Walk to the beach right from your RV!

The resort offers 158 uniquely designed RV sites, many with lush tropical vegetation, pond-view patios, pergolas, fire pits, wet bars, and outdoor kitchens.

Learn More: Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort

Catherine’s Landing RV Resort

This is a wonderful RV resort for those who enjoy active vacations. It is a large, but quiet area just outside Hot Springs, Arkansas with 400 pastoral acres and surrounded by one mile of water frontage on beautiful Lake Catherine. The premium sites back right up to the water.

The resort has pontoon boats and kayaks to rent if you’d like to enjoy an outing on the lake. There is also a zip line for the more adventurous guests. If you want to enjoy the free activities, you can take a walk on the 3-mile hike around the property or relax at the large swimming pool, which also includes a splash pad for the younger kids.

Learn more: Catherine’s Landing RV Resort

Bluewater Key RV Resort

This resort is on our bucket list. While we stayed at the military campground in Key West, our friends were at the Bluewater Key RV Resort. You won’t find a site here for under $100 a night, but you certainly get luxury for your money. This resort is located on its own peninsula in the Saddlebunch Bay.

All sites have their own tiki huts with outdoor seating and many have private docks. If you want to splurge on luxury while enjoying some fabulous weather and the laid back Key West vibe, this is the place to do it.

Each lot is individually owned so they have their own style and decor. Most have pavers and lush tropical landscaping. The tiki huts often include outdoor kitchens with ceiling fans and televisions. The website is really easy to manage so you can choose the site that is right for you. Rates vary by location within the resort — obviously waterfront is a premium.

The resort also has a heated pool, dog park, and a 200’ community dock.

Learn more: Bluewater Key RV Resort

Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort at Disney World

This last one is our annual splurge. Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort is located on the Disney World property in Orlando, Florida. When staying at the “Fort” as it’s affectionately known, you get all the perks of being a resort guest like the extra magic hours at the parks and the ability to make dining reservations and fast pass selections early. Most importantly, the Disney Magic is alive here. I especially enjoy the Chip & Dale Campfire and Sing Along that is held each evening. There are also two pools, one with a water slide and very large splash pad. Finally, you can enjoy the Disney fireworks and the Electric Water Parade each evening from the beach at Fort Wilderness.

The Fort also offers two restaurants one of which has a take out window if you’d like to enjoy your meal back at the RV. You can rent bikes (although I recommend bringing your own), golf carts, boats, fishing gear, and more. Some people love Fort Wilderness so much they never even go to the Disney theme parks. However, if you do want to enjoy the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios, you can take advantage of the free transportation which includes a boat ride to the Magic Kingdom and busses to the other parks and Disney Springs Dining & Entertainment complex. There is even a doggy daycare / boarding facility so you don’t have to leave your puppies cooped up in the RV while you’re out enjoying the parks.

This is Disney, so it’s not going to be cheap. There are different prices depending on time of year and site type:

Pop-Up / Tent Campsite: Water and power only sites with room for a pop-up camper or a camper van-type vehicle and up to 2 tents. Accommodates equipment on a concrete pad up to 10 feet by 25 feet.
Full Hook-Up Campsite: Full hook-up (water/power/sewer) sites with room for an RV plus a tent with water, power, and sewer. Accommodates equipment on a concrete pad up to 10 feet by 50 feet.
Preferred Campsite: Full hook-up (water/power/sewer) sites close to the marina with room for an RV plus a small tent. Accommodates equipment on a concrete pad up to 10 feet by 45 feet.
Premium Campsite: These full hook-up (water/power/sewer) sites have room for larger style RVs. Accommodates equipment on a concrete pad up to 18 feet by 60 feet.
Premium Meadow Campsite. These full hook-up (water/power/sewer) sites have room for larger style RVs and are close to the Meadow Trading Post, Meadow Recreation Area, Bike Barn and Campfire Area. Accommodates equipment on a concrete pad up to 18 feet by 60 feet.

Learn more: Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Other Luxury RV Resorts

There are many other wonderful RV resorts that we’ve heard about over the years. Unfortunately for us, many are motorhome only, which is why we didn’t include them in this article. Please share your recommendations in the comments below.

Sharing is Caring!

Feel free to share this article on social media. Saving it to Pinterest is a good way to have it when you’re ready to book that luxurious stay!

Looking for a luxury RV resort with a private tiki hut or your own dock in Key West? This article shares all you need to know about the best luxury RV resorts in the US.

August 3, 2020 by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

A Guide to Grilling Lobster Tails

Lobster makes the perfect summertime treat no matter how you make it. There’s nothing that quite matches the unique flavor and texture of meaty, fresh-caught lobster tail off the New England coast. And even if you live a thousand miles from the coast on all sides, there are plenty of fresh seafood solutions for lobster delivery anywhere in the United States.

Grilled seafood is a delicacy that mainlanders don’t often get to enjoy, and when they do, they rarely get the authentic experience. If you’ve never cooked a lobster tail on the barbecue before, then you haven’t seen just how easy it can be to mess up. Let’s make sure you know the perils and pitfalls to avoid so you can grill those expensive lobster tails to perfection every time.

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Kill Humanely, Cook Fresh

Lobsters notoriously spoil faster than almost any other meat you’ve ever cooked. Once they die and begin to decompose, their meat quickly loses the rich flavor and tender texture that makes lobsters worth their high price. To properly and humanely kill your lobster, put it in your freezer for around five minutes. This will numb out your lobster. Alternatively, you can boil a pot of water and dunk your lobster for up to 3 minutes. Remove the lobster from the pot and immediately transfer to a freezing ice bath.

Separate the tail from the body by bending the body and the tail across the lobster’s back. This is the stage where you’re more likely to ruin your lobster tail, so proceed with caution but deliberation. Use some muscle and apply a twisting motion to help pull the tail free. You don’t want to crack and shatter the lobster, but don’t be gentle. Once you’ve separated the body, pull the fins off.

With a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen shears, cut the shell cleanly down the middle, but not through the meat inside the tail. Then spread the tail open, a process called butterflying your lobster tail.

Prepping Your Grill and Lobster Tails

While some people like a “well-seasoned grill,” there’s nothing quite like the fresh, unadulterated flavor of grilled lobster from a clean grill surface. Before firing up your barbecue, clean the grate thoroughly with canola oil. You may also want to consult your barbecue’s owner’s manual for advice on the best methods of cleaning the grill top. For safety purposes, wipe it down and dry completely before you turn on the grill.

Turn on the flame to about medium to medium-high. Let the grill get good and hot. While it’s warming up, grease up your lobster! A delicious garlic butter glaze adds a rich flavor, but a little olive oil with salt and pepper will do just as nicely. Lobster tail is a delicacy that is uniquely flavorful without the need for much enhancement.

Grilling Your Lobster Tails

Now all you’ve got to do is keep your eye on the grill and cook up the lobster tails. But the hardest part isn’t behind you just yet. Remember that lobster is so fragile that it will spoil if left uncooked for even a few minutes too long. A similar principle applies to cooking your lobster tails, too. If you overcook the tails by even one or two minutes, the meat will get tough and dry, losing its delicate texture and most of the rich signature flavor.

For 8oz pieces, place the tails directly over the flame and grill with the flesh side down for about six minutes. Flip the tails over and allow them to cook for another five minutes.

Grill tails directly over a flame and grill with the flesh side down for about six minutes. Flip the tails over and allow them to cook for another five minutes.

You should take them off of the grill with the flesh side now pointing up, having cooked directly over the flame the entire time. You can be sure that your lobster tails are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of at least 140°F.

Serving Your Lobster Tails

Before they cool, you should drizzle your lobster tails with some more of the garlic butter glaze we recommended. Some recipes will call for a sprinkling of shallots, chives, minced garlic, or even red pepper flakes for a little kick. This is where you have the opportunity to get creative and find the perfect flair for your grilled lobster.

Garnish with a couple of lemon wedges, and you’ve got the perfect grilled lobster tails! They’re best paired with a light-bodied white wine and commonly served with other shellfish delights like steamed mussels, crab cakes, or clam chowder. Coming off of the barbecue, you could also pair with picnic favorites like a handmade old-country coleslaw or Boston-style baked beans.

Grilling fresh lobster tails is hard to do the first time without any guidance. Follow the instructions closely, and don’t get discouraged if you bust a tail or two before you get it right. You can always purchase prepared lobster tails, but there’s nothing quite as delicious and satisfying as preparing the meal fresh with your own two hands from start to finish.

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There’s nothing that quite matches the unique flavor and texture of meaty, fresh-caught lobster tail off the New England coast. Follow this guide to grilling your lobster tails to perfection every time.

May 17, 2020 by Julie Leave a Comment

All About Workamping

One thing that extended or full-time RV travelers are concerned about is making their money last. That is where workamping comes into play. It provides a way to reduce expenses or even earn extra money by working at the campground or a local business.

What is workamping?

The term “workamper” was trademarked by Workamper News in 1987. They define it as “individuals, couples and families who combine ANY kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping.” Now at this point you may be asking, “why would I want to work while I’m camping?” The simple answer is that it allows you to stay out on the road longer. As a workamper, you can supplement retirement income, earn a full income, or even trade your services in exchange for a campsite.

Even better, you can do it in the location of your choosing. If you’ve always wanted to visit a particular area, you might be able to find a position that will provide a free or discounted site, as well as free or discounted activities.

What kind of jobs are available?

If you can imagine it, there is most likely a job for you. Our friends, Levi & Natalie have tried many of them too. In fact, they have been workamping year round for almost six years now. They wrote a book about their experiences, Seasonal Workamping for a Living.

We recently interviewed them about the book and some of their jobs:

Here are some of the more common opportunities:

Amazon CamperForce

This is a common one for RVers to earn money over the holidays. It includes long days in a warehouse doing repetitive work, but can be a good way to pile up some cash over just a couple of months.

Sugar Beet Harvest

This is another example of a way to earn money in a short period of time. In fact, it typically only lasts a couple of weeks. While you’ll work 12-hour shifts, you can earn up to $8,000 in that time period.

Holiday Lots

Another short term seasonal workamping job is managing a holiday lot selling pumpkins in the fall, Christmas trees in the winter, or even fireworks in the summer. These positions typically require the RVer to park on the lot. Compensation can be in the form of a specific wage or commission. Levi and Natalie did a great video series on their experience running a Christmas tree lot.

Camp Host

Serving as a camp host is a very common workamping position. Both public and private campgrounds employ RVers to perform tasks such as taking reservations, checking in campers, cleaning the campground facilities, and various maintenance tasks.

Many of the public campgrounds like state and national parks provide a site in exchange for the work, rather than pay an hourly wage. However, they typically require substantially less hours – often 15 to 20 hours per week. Private RV resorts and campgrounds may provide a site or discount one while also providing an hourly wage (averaging $10 per hour), but expect full-time employees.

If this is something you think you might be interested in, we recommend watching the video below where our friends Phil & Stacy share their experiences camp hosting.

Visitor Information & Interpretation

We’re still working full-time (read more about that here), but when we retire this is the position that appeals to me the most: providing visitor information and interpretation at a National Park. As previously mentioned, these positions are typically considered “volunteer” and compensation includes a free full hook-up site and a good feeling in your heart for supporting the National Parks. Duties typically include staffing the visitor center, answering questions, and giving informal interpretive talks a few days a week.

How to get a workamping position

Review job listings on Workamper News and choose a few that best meet your travel schedule and work preferences.
Apply early. You won’t be the only one that wants to work at the bucket list destinations like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon.
Create a resume that highlights your experience. Once again, I highly recommend Workamper News resources for helping you create a resume that translates your previous work history to suit the needs of common workamping jobs.

Questions to ask during the interview

You should not take a position without an interview. These will typically occur via telephone or video call. In addition to answering the prospective employer’s questions, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of your own. Here are a few things you may want to know.

How many hours per week are required per person/couple?
Will couples be on the same schedule?
How many days per week are required?
Will a full hookup site be provided? If so, will the value be deducted from any pay.
What is the pay structure (if any)?
Will you have access to Wifi and a cell signal?
What other amenities are available – laundry, bath house, etc.?
Are pets allowed?

Learn more about Workamping from the experts

Join us at the 10^thannual Workamper Rendezvous in Heber Springs, Arkansas October 17 – 23, 2020. The eventfeatures a variety of seminars, group activities, workshops, and social gatherings all geared towards delivering the information and resources you need to take off on your RVing adventures. They even have a job fair on the last day!

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