When you find an RV park with the right mix of people, it’s hard to leave. That’s the sentiment at Riverside RV Resort and Campground in Arcadia, Florida. With 602 sites, this pet-friendly, close-knit community is a popular destination amongst RVers, especially Canadian snowbirds, many of whom have been wintering in the park since it first opened twenty years ago.

“We feel like we have found a small slice of ‘heaven’ at the Riverside RV Resort,” say Ben and Sandy Milburn, who are spending their tenth year at Riverside. “The most wonderful thing about this resort is the wonderful group of people that we have met here, who have become our snowbird family.”

Why do people come back to Riverside RV year after year? According to Sue Spalding, Riverside’s manager, the breathtaking scenery, beautiful landscape, top-notch amenities and fun activities help, but it’s really the strong sense of community that keeps people coming back. “The campers have really developed a winter community here. There is a camaraderie and helpfulness amongst our guests that you just won’t find elsewhere,” she says.

Enjoy Peace and Quiet in the Country

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll find it here. Riverside RV Resort and Campground is located directly on the Peace River, which flows past the west side of Arcadia and southwest towards the tidewater at Punta Gorda.

Located northwest of DeSoto County and 44 miles (71 km) west of South Sarasota, Arcadia is a great spot to dig for fossilized shark teeth. In addition to shark tooth hunting, locals love to canoe, boat and fish on the Peace River.

Arcadia offers the low-key, slow pace of the country, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t lots to do during the winter months. The small town of about 8,000 hosts DeSoto County’s annual fair in January, which boasts a carnival-like atmosphere as well as livestock shows presented by local 4-H and FFA members, and in March the local rodeo association puts on a charity rodeo enjoyed by park and community members alike.

A Hidden Antique Town

Do you love antiquing? Arcadia has one of the largest groupings of antique dealers in the state of Florida, and they’re all conveniently located in the downtown area. Campers at Riverside RV look forward to the 4th Saturday Antique Fair, which is held each month from 8 am to 3 pm. Find the perfect treasures and knick knacks as gifts, for your RV, or to take back home.

A Community That’s Driven by Fun

Arcadia has lots to offer, but there’s lots going on in Riverside RV Resort and Campground too. With a large proportion of Canadian guests, particularly from Ontario and Nova Scotia, the campground hosts a Canadian party as well as a number of estate parties throughout the season.  Of course, in this close-knit community everyone is welcome and intermingles, and the name of the game is fun. That’s why, at Riverside all the Canadian regulars who were able to come back this year have made the trip. At a time when other RV parks are losing some of their Canadian bookings because of the politicized climate and Canadian dollar, Riverside’s Canadian community remains vibrant, Spalding says.

And with plenty of swimming pools, a picnic grove, and an activity centre, games room, table tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes and pickle ball courts why wouldn’t you come back? At Riverside RV there is never a dull moment – you can choose to enjoy the weekly entertainment, or take it easy at your own pace with a leisurely walk, relaxing boat ride or a day fishing on the water.

Breathtaking Views for All

Because Riverside RV is located directly on the Peace River, there’s a calm, relaxing vibe at the park that keeps people coming back. It’s the pristine landscape and beautiful views that make Riverside special, Spalding says. In addition to the lull of river life, guests enjoy ponds with waterfalls and palm trees that host a wide variety of bird species, all located throughout the park, so that all guests can enjoy an amazing view, no matter which site they reserve.

A Fisherman’s Paradise

If you love fishing, then there’s no better way to spend your winter. Riverside offers fishing ponds (where you can try your luck with the bass), and direct access to the Peace River with brackish water (a mix of fresh water and salt water). The Peace River is home to snook, red fish, pike and blue gill. The park’s boat ramp offers direct access on and off the water, making it easy to spend the day fishing.

Riverside RV Resort and Campground in Arcadia, Florida has all the activities and amenities that you could ask for. But, the most surprising part of this park is that you may find a second home and a community that feels like family. It’s this close-knit community that keeps guests coming back year, after year to spend the winters with their snowbird family.

Interested in visiting Arcadia, Florida? Want to stay at Riverside RV Resort? Let us know in the comments below!