This Emmy award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and natural storyteller shines the media spotlight on people, places, and issues. Her compelling news reports have aired on CNN, PBS, The Weather Channel, and many network-affiliated stations across the country.
When Contemporary Resorts and Residences opened the Verde Ranch RV Resort (central Arizona) in August 2019, the company did not account for the pandemic in its business plan—first, the shutdown of business in spring 2020 and then the surge in RV sales and rentals as the home-weary headed out to explore the world in their own space.
“I don’t think people realized how popular RV-ing was prior to the pandemic and how easy, comfortable, and accommodating it is to do,” said Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing Erin Forrest. “Our very large full-time community of RV-ers definitely got bigger with the pandemic. And there certainly is a shortage right now of RV resorts, especially those with all the amenities.”
Erin Forrest, Director of Sales and Marketing, Contemporary Resorts and Residences
Verde Ranch RV Resort, located in Camp Verde, with its beautiful clubhouse, WiFi, heated pool, two hot tubs, fitness center, game and craft rooms, dive-in movies, ice cream socials, walking trail along the Verde River, coordinated activities and 5,000-square-foot dog park, has taken life on the road to a new level of accessible luxury. “I look at our property as a high-end hotel you bring your own room to,” she said.
The resort with its 399 full-hook-up sites and 16 fully furnished vacation rental cabins ended 2020 with a big fourth quarter, reaching 9% above expected occupancy and seeing no slowdown in sight. “As we maximized our marketing efforts, combined with our guest reviews and recommendations, our expectations have far exceeded our 2021 projections for the first three months and we are planning for a very strong 2021 all year,” said Forrest.
The RV resort has two different kinds of visitors who come from all over, those transient travelers who stay for two weeks or less and those who make the property their home for months at a time, often snowbirds looking for a warm place to winter.
“The common perception is people in RVs are older, retired and traveling the country,” said Forrest. “But I’ve learned there is a huge population of full-time families and young professionals who either work on the road or go from job to job as workcampers. The pandemic has only increased those numbers.”
Erin Forrest, Director of Sales and Marketing, Contemporary Resorts and Residences
“RV-ing has really taken off in the last year,” confirms Wendy Bryant, a geologist and avid traveler who works for a California environmental consulting firm. She found the Verde Valley RV Resort last month while looking for a site large enough to host “a trailer rally” for herself and her group of friends who travel together in their own campers.
“It was super packed but surprisingly quiet. We were able to book five sites next to each other,” said Bryant. “Kids were out riding their bikes and walking their dogs, and the amenities were amazing.”
“What makes us unique is that we’re a family and pet-friendly atmosphere. There are always people out and about doing something,” said Forrest. “Also, we have a great location – 40 minutes to Sedona, an hour to Flagstaff, a quick day-trip to the Grand Canyon. There’s so much to do in the Verde Valley area.”
Wendy Bryant, Avid Traveler
Prices range from $40 to $90 per night depending on the size of the space. “Guests with big motor homes, fifth wheels, toy haulers and those towing a car really like the 75-foot sites,” said Forrest. Cabins range from $115 to $210 per night.
Both Forrest and Bryant recommend booking in advance. For more information, visit verderanchrvresort.com.
This Emmy award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and natural storyteller shines the media spotlight on people, places, and issues. Her compelling news reports have aired on CNN, PBS, The Weather Channel, and many network-affiliated stations across the country.
