Last Updated: May 2, 2026
Yuma, Arizona was our final overnight stop before returning to California — about a four-hour drive from Tucson, and a natural last pause before crossing the Colorado River into the California desert. Our house in San Diego had been sitting vacant for over a year while we traveled — before that it had been a rental property — and it was time to return, check on things, unload the Airstream, and begin the long list of small projects that accumulate when a house sits empty. Yuma made for a comfortable overnight before the final push west to Santee Lakes.
Yuma, Arizona: A Brief History
Yuma sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Gila Rivers in the extreme southwestern corner of Arizona — one of the hottest cities in North America, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F, but mild and sunny in winter, which makes it one of the most popular snowbird destinations in the entire Southwest. The city has a long and colorful history: it was a critical Colorado River crossing point during the California Gold Rush of 1849, later the site of the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison (1876–1909), and a key agricultural hub that has grown to become one of the most productive farming regions in the country — over 90% of the winter leafy vegetables consumed in the United States are grown in the Yuma area.
We were only here overnight — not nearly enough time to do justice to everything Yuma offers — but enough to appreciate its position as a gateway between the Arizona desert and California, and to enjoy a genuinely good RV stop before the final drive home.
The Palms RV Resort: A Welcome Overnight
Our first stay at The Palms RV Resort in Yuma was a pleasant surprise. The site had 50-amp electric, good water pressure, sewer, and working internet — all the basics done right. But it was the amenities that elevated it above a standard overnight stop: two pools, a hot tub, a gym that was genuinely welcome after weeks on the road, and a bar serving food that made dinner easy and relaxed.
We’d stay here again without hesitation. For a Yuma overnight or a longer winter stay, The Palms is a genuinely well-run resort — the kind of place where the difference between “RV park” and “RV resort” is actually meaningful.
The Palms RV Resort visitor details: Located in Yuma, AZ — full hookups with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. Pools, hot tub, gym, and on-site bar with food. Popular snowbird destination — book well ahead for winter stays (November through March). More information at yumapalmsrvresort.com.
Santee Lakes: Our Third Stay
From Yuma it was about a three-hour drive to Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve — our third stay at this San Diego-area RV park. We chose it as a transitional base while we got our San Diego house back in order, giving us a comfortable home base without committing to the house before it was ready.
Our honest assessment after three visits: we like Santee Lakes for its large well-spaced sites, ample walking areas for Jake, solid hookups (50-amp electric, sewer, good water pressure, and working internet), and the genuinely pleasant lakeside setting. What we don’t love is that the park tends to have a significant long-term family population — kids playing in the streets, noise that can drift into your site, and a general energy that feels more like a neighborhood than a peaceful retreat. On weekends the fishing crowd adds another layer of activity. None of it is a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing if quiet is your priority.
Coming Home
It was good to see our house again. Fortunately — and gratefully — there was no major damage after more than a year away. But a vacant house accumulates needs in quiet ways: the yard had grown wild, small things had shifted or stopped working, and the long list of projects that had been mentally parked for the duration of our travels was now front and center. We needed to restart internet service, restart trash service, and begin working through everything systematically. The Airstream went to Temecula for service work before our next adventure could begin.
On our first night back, there were deer on the hillside. We rarely see them. It felt like a welcome home.
This was the end of one of our most rewarding Arizona seasons — a journey that took us from the southeastern corner of the state through Tombstone, Bisbee, Sonoita, Dragoon, Prescott, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the Phoenix area before finally pointing west. Every mile of it was worth it. The Airstream was getting serviced, the house was getting attention, and the next adventure was already taking shape in the back of our minds.
Practical Tips for Visiting Yuma
Best time to visit: November through March — Yuma winters are warm, sunny, and genuinely beautiful. Summers are brutally hot (110°F+) and most snowbirds have long gone. Don’t miss: The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park — one of the most atmospheric frontier history sites in Arizona, open daily. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area covers the historic Colorado River crossing that was critical to westward migration. Agriculture: The Yuma area’s winter farming operations are remarkable in scale — the desert surrounding the irrigated fields is a striking visual contrast. For RVers: Yuma is one of the most popular snowbird destinations in North America — book early for winter stays as good parks fill by October. The Palms RV Resort is one of the better full-service options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yuma, Arizona
What is Yuma, Arizona known for? Yuma is known for its extreme heat, extraordinary sunshine (it holds the record for the sunniest city on Earth), the historic Yuma Territorial Prison, its position as a gateway between Arizona and California, and its massive agricultural industry — the Yuma Valley produces the majority of winter leafy vegetables consumed in the United States.
Is Yuma a good RV destination? Yes — especially in winter. Yuma is one of the top snowbird destinations in North America with a large selection of full-service RV resorts, warm sunny weather, and easy access to both California and Mexico. The Palms RV Resort is a reliable full-service option worth considering.
How far is Yuma from Tucson? Yuma is approximately 240 miles west of Tucson — about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive via I-10 and I-8. It makes a natural overnight stop on a westbound drive from Tucson toward San Diego or Los Angeles.
How far is Yuma from San Diego? Yuma is approximately 170 miles east of San Diego — about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via I-8. It’s the last major Arizona stop before crossing into California, making it a popular overnight for eastbound travelers leaving Southern California.
The final stop of our 2022–2023 Arizona season — from Cave Creek through Tucson to Yuma, and home to San Diego.
