The Wendlands spent time in two different Florida RV resorts this past winter and discovered the fun and amenities they offer.
By Mike Wendland, F426141
May 2014
The motorhome lifestyle comes in many different flavors. Up to now, most of our experience has been on-the-go; traveling; sight-seeing; and, most often, boondocking or dry camping far off the beaten path and away from civilization. But, recently, we’ve discovered a new way to enjoy our motorhome. We experienced two very different Florida motorhome resort communities meant for longer stays and offering luxury, peaceful surroundings, and so many social activities that we had trouble taking them all in.
Both resorts are part of the Sunland RV Resorts group, which operates high-end RV resorts in Florida, California, and northern Michigan.
Our first stop was the Naples Motorcoach Resort in Naples, Florida. Naples is the crown jewel of southwest Florida, a Gulf of Mexico coastal town known for upscale dining and shopping, designer golf courses, awesome boating and fishing, and fantastic weather in a state that is built around tourism and sunny skies.
In late February, when the Midwest was still gripped by that subzero polar vortex, the 83-degree temperatures we enjoyed in Naples provided a most welcome thaw.
We did a lot of exploring while there, visiting the Everglades, nearby Marco Island, and the Isles of Capri for fishing and for dining at a couple of fun restaurants along fashionable Fifth Avenue South.
But it was the motor coach resort itself that most surprised us. This sure was no campground, at least of the type we had experienced before. Naples Motorcoach Resort is a five-star, gated community with beautiful, spacious lots; lush landscaping; a large man-made lake with a lighted fountain; three swimming pools; a full fitness center; a deluxe clubhouse with free breakfasts each morning; and numerous activities for guests and owners every day.
We were surrounded by snowbirds. Most of our neighbors were either seasonal renters or had purchased a lot for their motorhome. The basic lot sells for $99,000. Lakefront and other prime locations cost more than $150,000. Rental spots are available as well, starting at about $85 a night. Many lots cost as much or more than a four-star hotel room does in some places.
Naples Motorcoach Resort allows only Type A motorhomes, but we were given a special media exemption to stay a few days in our Type B Roadtrek eTrek. Everyone was amazingly nice and polite to us, although there were several double takes when people saw that a Type B had been allowed in. But no one complained to us. And as we got to know the other RVers — the clubhouse accommodates numerous meet-and-greet events, parties, receptions, games, and social gatherings — we realized that these people were having a ball.
The majority were there for the winter season, arriving in November or December and departing for their northern homes at the end of March or early April. But because they towed vehicles, they were able to range far and wide from the resort. These folks were active. They were hikers, bikers, golfers, fishers, and — thanks to a creek that leads to the extensive canal system around the area — boaters.
From Naples, we drove northeast about 100 miles or so to the northern shore of Lake Okeechobee and another Sunland property — Silver Palms RV Resort.
I didn’t know what to expect when I pulled into the town of Okeechobee, but I can definitely say that I didn’t expect it to remind me of West Texas, right down to the city calling itself “Cow Town.” This is a Western-style town in the middle of the Sunshine State. It’s dry and breezy, with wide-open spaces and lots and lots of cows. Rodeos are a big deal here and take place year-round. The name of the best restaurant in town — The Cowboy — tells you about the local culture. In July, a big cattle drive takes place right down the main streets of town.
The Okeechobee area has several other RV resorts, and right across the street from Silver Palms RV Resort is a KOA Resort park. Silver Palms caters to RV owners who wish to buy a lot, as well as to renters. Overnight rentals start with a 40-by-70-foot spot on the grass with a brick-paver pad for $35 a night. Silver Palms is a master-planned, gated community. Lot ownership starts at $56,000 and runs to $82,000, depending on lot size and location. An aggressive expansion will soon give the place well over 300 lots and a major footprint on the local economy.
Okeechobee, with a population of just under 6,000, is located smack in the middle of south Florida, about equal distance from both coasts and hard up against the shoreline of Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the seventh largest in the United States.
This is country out here, and if touristy hustle and bustle is what you seek, better head elsewhere. If, however, you are looking to slow down, chill out, warm up, and enjoy an area where the attraction is fresh air and lots of social activities with your RVing neighbors, this may be your diamond in the rough.
What the town may lack in activities, the RV resort more than makes up for in planned parties, events, and gatherings around the swimming pool, at the clubhouse, and in the members lounge area. On the week we were there, activities included a classic car show on Sunday; Margarita Monday — with free drinks and nachos from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.; a Mardi Gras parade and potluck party with free hurricanes on Tuesday; and a boat tour of the lake on Wednesday. There were poolside lunches three days a week and a big Saturday night dinner party.
And every day, starting early in the morning and going until dark, there are pickleball games. Pickleball, a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis and is played on outdoor courts, is reputed to be the fastest-growing sport in America. The folks here take their pickleball very seriously but are always glad to explain it to a newcomer and offer newbie tips.
These people may like to party, but they are also pretty fit. Offerings include water exercise classes, line dancing lessons, a fitness center, and fishing around several man-made lakes that are stocked with largemouth bass, some reputed to be in the 10-pound range.
Silver Palms permits Type A, B, and C motorhomes, as well as fifth-wheel trailers. The more deluxe lots have pavers, and owners can enhance the property to suit their needs. Many have installed tiki huts and small cabanas that hold washers and dryers or serve as an extra sleeping room for guests. Many of the residents also have their own golf carts; some have scooters; and everyone seems to ride a bike.
One morning, I borrowed a bike and rode a dozen miles or so along the Florida Trail, also known as the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Built atop the 35-foot-high dike that surrounds the lake and protects the nearby community from flooding, this trail runs for more than 110 miles. It’s pancake flat and offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding wetlands.
We found the town and area to be refreshingly unlike any other place we’ve visited in Florida. The residents I got to know during our stay said they never intended to end up here, but the quieter pace of life and the friendliness of the people at Silver Palms kept them coming back, year after year. The whole complex is extremely well-maintained, and the rest rooms and showers are spotless.
I have to say, our experience at these two RV resorts was a delight. It introduced us to still another side of RVing and convinced us again that the motorhome lifestyle offers something for everyone.
Veteran journalist Mike Wendland, F426141, FMCA’s official on-the-road reporter, travels the country with his wife, Jennifer, and their Norwegian elkhound, Tai, aboard the couple’s Roadtrek Type B motorhome. Mike can be reached at openmike@fmca.com.