Snowbird Schedule - Winter: Part 5

The video provides detailed advice for nomads or snowbirds planning where to spend their winters in comfortable climates, focusing primarily on the western United States. Key points include:

Snowbird Lifestyle Tips:

• Avoid extreme heat or cold by moving seasonally, especially by changing elevation rather than just latitude.
• Elevation changes on the West Coast provide diverse temperature options (roughly 3.5°F cooler per 1,000 feet).
• The West Coast is ideal due to abundant public lands (BLM, National Forest) allowing free or low-cost dispersed camping.
• The East Coast offers limited elevation and camping opportunities, making it less suitable for snowbird nomads seeking free camping.

Winter Travel & Camping Recommendations:

• Desert Southwest (California, Arizona, Nevada) is the best region for reasonably warm winter camping.
• The desert can be cold at night (teens Fahrenheit), so be prepared with warm clothing and blankets.
• The Colorado River Valley is a prime winter camping corridor, running north-south along the Arizona-California border.
• Wind is a common issue in desert areas, especially near Las Vegas and Pahrump; southern spots tend to be warmer and less windy.

Notable Winter Camping Locations:

• Lake Mead (near Las Vegas, NV): Popular dispersed camping but windy.
• Lake Havasu City, AZ: Highly recommended for winter camping with good amenities and shopping.
• Parker, AZ: Good camping, Walmart and Safeway nearby for supplies.
• Blythe, CA / Ehrenberg, AZ / Quartzsite, AZ: Known for Long-term visitor areas (LTVAs) with affordable extended stays.
• Yuma, AZ: Sunniest place in the U.S., many camping options including LTVAs.
• Holtville, CA: Hot springs and dispersed camping near the Pacific.
• Slab City, CA: Famous off-grid camping spot.
• Anza Borrego State Park, CA: Cooler but popular for winter dispersed camping.
• San Diego, CA: Possible for winter camping but requires stealth and caution.
• Ajo, AZ: Good camping near the border, but expect Border Patrol visits.
• Tucson, AZ: Nice for visits but cooler and less ideal for full winter stays.
• Bisbee and Tombstone, AZ: Higher elevation, better for spring/fall.
• Phoenix area (Wickenburg, Congress, Cottonwood, Sedona): Higher elevations, colder winters, better for transitional seasons.

Additional Advice:

• Always check local regulations and resources for dispersed camping spots.
• Be prepared for wind and chilly desert nights.
• Consider proximity to shopping and supplies (Walmart, Safeway) when choosing a location.
• Expect occasional Border Patrol encounters near the southern border.
• Long-term visitor areas (LTVAs) offer affordable extended stays (e.g., $180 for 7 months).

Notable Resources and References:

• RV Sue and Crew’s blog for detailed dispersed camping info and internet availability.
• Interstate 8 and Interstate 10 corridors in California and Arizona as main travel routes.
• Emphasis on the "up and down" elevation travel strategy rather than north-south.

Overall, the video encourages nomads to embrace the snowbird lifestyle by moving seasonally within the West Coast’s diverse elevations and camping options to maintain comfort year-round.