Where 55-and-over RVers Stay in the Texas Rio Grande Valley
Many snowbirds head down south every winter to the sunny Rio Grande Valley in the southern tip of Texas. This area renowned for its beautiful scenery and exotic birds has lots to see and do including scenic hiking and biking trails, historic sites, golf courses, a diverse food scene, shopping destinations and more. It’s also within a day’s drive of the scenic beaches on South Padre Island as well as the US-Mexico border.
Several resorts make a great home base while exploring the Valley, including 10 luxurious Encore RV Resorts for those 55 and older. With a Thousand Trails Camping Pass and The Trails Collection Reciprocal Program, you can access any of these resorts, in addition to all the campgrounds in your zone, without having to pay nightly fees for a full year! Here’s what each one of their locations has to offer.
1. Alamo Palms RV Resort, Alamo
Alamo Palms RV Resort earns its name from its location in Alamo, just east of Pharr, and its luxurious tropical setting filled with palm trees and citrus groves. They offer over 600 RV sites as well as rental accommodations for annual and seasonal guests.
Alamo Palms RV Resort. Photo via RVOnTheGo.com
Resort amenities include a heated swimming pool, laundry facilities, professional tennis courts, and a dog park. While you’re here, take part in one of their special events and activities such as the potlucks, farmer’s market, dance hall, Bingo games, or card playing.
2. Country Sunshine RV Resort, Weslaco
Country Sunshine RV Resort is only 20 minutes east of Alamo Palms via Interstate 2. They offer almost 400 large grassy RV sites as well as fully furnished cottage rentals. Amenities range from a swimming pool to a private mailbox and mail center.
Country Sunshine RV Resort. Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails
Stay awhile and enjoy their community events like weekly dancing, potlucks, arts and crafts, beach fishing and more. Also be sure to plan a visit to Estero Llano Grande State Park only a few miles away. This state park has great nature trails, birdwatching, and ranger programs.
3. Southern Comfort RV Resort, Weslaco
Right next door to Country Sunshine Resort is Southern Comfort RV Resort with 400+ more RV sites and cottage rentals. Guests are welcome to use the clubhouse, swimming pool, laundry, library, and game room. They also offer RV storage, a private mailbox/mail center, and regular activities such as a craft shop, Red Hat Society, exercise classes, and guided tours.
Southern Comfort RV Resort. Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails
The 385-square-foot cottages are fully furnished with a queen bed and spacious kitchen. They each have their own full-size refrigerator, TV, coffee maker, microwave, and oven. Linens, towels, and cable TV are also included.
4. Fun N Sun RV Resort, San Benito
About 5 miles south of Harlingen, Fun N Sun RV Resort in San Benito lives up to its name with a wide variety of activities and amenities. Over 1400 spacious RV sites are available year-round along with pet-friendly, one-bedroom cottages.
Fun-N-Sun RV Resort. Photo via RVOnTheGo.com
Try your hand at their many on-site activities such as volleyball, table tennis, woodworking, pickleball, Bocci ball, or softball. Swing by their scheduled ice cream socials and planned activities to meet fellow RVers and snowbirds.
5. Lakewood RV Resort, Harlingen
The capital of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, has quite a few resorts with RV accommodations. One of those is Lakewood RV Resort, with 301 sites as well as cottages and fun on-site amenities like a swimming pool and fitness center.
Lakewood RV Resort. Photo via RVOnTheGo.com
Join in on the fun in their art classes, exercise classes, and guided tours. They also offer ceramics, wood carving, and several different dance lessons. Play a round at the nearby Tony Butler Golf Course or take one of the hiking trails through the woods at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park.
6. Paradise Park RV Resort, Harlingen
Also located in Harlingen is Paradise Park RV Resort along Interstate 69E. Over 500 RV sites are available as well as one-bedroom cottage rentals.
Paradise RV Park. Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails
Take a dip in the pool, catch up on laundry, or grab a new read in their library. Activities around the resort include arts and crafts, water aerobics, sightseeing tours, Bingo/card playing, dancing, and weekly potlucks, to name a few. Plan a visit to see the Iwo Jima Monument or Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum nearby.
7. Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen
Sunshine RV Resort is only a couple of miles north of Paradise RV Park along Interstate 69E. Over 1,000 RV sites are available including big rig-friendly pull-thrus and full hookups. They also offer pet-friendly, one-bedroom cottages that can each sleep about four people.
Sunshine RV Resort. Photo via RVOnTheGo.com
Their activities include Zumba, various types of dancing, and creative art classes like wood carving. Be sure to also join in on the sightseeing tours, potlucks, and the occasional live entertainment.
8. Tropic Winds RV Resort, Harlingen
The highly-rated Tropic Winds RV Resort is also located in Harlingen. This beautifully landscaped RV resort has over 500 RV sites, 400 sq. ft cottages, and luxurious amenities like a swimming pool, game room, and library for guests.
Tropic Winds RV Resort – Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
Their community activities include a woodshop club, workshop club, garden club, a remote control race track and more. For a great workout, join in on their recreational activities like yoga, water volleyball, or water aerobics.
9. Paradise South RV Resort, Mercedes
Just west of Harlingen, Paradise South RV Resort is conveniently located off Interstate 2 in Mercedes. Nearly 500 RV sites are offered at Paradise South in addition to amenities like a swimming pool, laundry room, and a dog park.
Paradise South RV Resort. Photo via CampgroundReviews.com
In addition to their amenities, Paradise South has plenty of planned activities from karaoke to weekly potlucks. When you’re not enjoying time around the property, check out the walking trails and butterfly garden at La Feria Nature Center or go on a guided tour with Texas Border Tours.
10. Victoria Palms RV Resort, Donna
If you take Interstate 2 eastbound from McAllen you’ll reach Victoria Palms RV Resort conveniently right off the highway in Donna. This top-rated resort offers over 1,100 RV sites including concrete pull-thrus and back-ins with full hookups. They also have furnished rental cottages for rent or sale, hotel rooms and suites, as well as manufactured homes.
Victoria Palms RV Resort. Photo via RVOnTheGo.com
Visitors can enjoy amenities like a full restaurant, a fitness center, and a two-story craft center. Take a ride on their new bike trail or go for a dip in their tropical pool and outdoor spa. Their extensive list of activities includes everything from poolside movies and organized bike trips to crafts like sewing, quilting, and stitching.
Find More RV Resorts in the Texas Rio Grande Valley
For more information on these resorts, visit RVOnTheGo.com, and WinterDifferently.com. Start planning your trip and find more great destinations in the Rio Grande Valley with RV LIFE Trip Wizard and the RV LIFE App.
