tbutler

Hello Doc Mike,

The park where we stay each winter is inland, on the north side of Edinburg.  We're about 80 miles from the Gulf.  There are plenty of parks in the Mission/McAllen/Edinburg area that are quite reasonable.  From there east you will find many parks. the total number of parks in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is near 100.  They vary in price and quality so you should be able to pick almost any price/quality range you want.  Some parks have no organized programs, others have an extensive set of activities planned in the park.  The communities in the area are quite receptive to "Winter Texans" as we bring an economic boon to the area. 

Weather where we stay varies from year to year.  We've had very dry weather for several years then the 14-15 winter was wet and it stayed wet most of the summer of '15.  This winter the weather was dry and unusually warm.  We never had anything below freezing (3 to 5 days would be normal for a winter).  Our winter usually starts in December and the cold weather is rare after February.  In the RGV we call 50 degrees cold and the natives are wearing coats when the temperature is in the low 60's!

Generally the cost of living in the RGV is very low.  You will find rates for parks much lower for extended stays than you would in other areas.  We have an annual contract on a lot for our mobile home and we are able to park our motor home on that lot as well.  We pay just over $3000 for the whole year.  An RV lot with an annual was about $2500 this year I believe.  You don't have to take an annual but doing so allows you to have a spot reserved for the coming year.  In the park where we stay, during peak times there will be only a few lots available, the peak being January - March.

If you want a place to stay nearer the Gulf, Harlingen is about 40 minutes from South Padre Island, Port Isabel is just across the causeway from South Padre Island.  There are quality parks in Port Isabel, one park has slips for your boat at your site.  From there you have access to the Gulf of Mexico and also Laguna Madre which is the coastal waterway between South Padre Island and the mainland.  There is great fishing and kite surfing in the area.  The whole RGV is known for its rich variety of birds, butterflies and dragonflies.  There are many tropical species that are found no where else in the US.  There are many nature parks in the RGV if that is your interest.  There are golf courses and we play golf all winter long. 

There are many resources for RV Parks in the RGV.  This is the link to RV Park Reviews which is one of my favorites.