Courtesy Westwind Enterprises
Golfing is one of the most popular pastimes with its beautiful fairways and greens.
Words by Steve Fennell
There’s something special about visiting Southern California. Beautiful weather, plenty to see, and a slow pace in its rural communities all combine to provide a unique, exciting snowbird destination.
El Centro, CA, in Imperial County, is 185 km (115 mi) from San Diego that’s home to the Rio Bend RV and Golf Resort, a first-class destination that enhances ‘SoCal’ experiences for Canadian snowbirds. Its relaxing atmosphere, numerous services, scheduled social events, and variety of leisure activities make it a prime lifestyle community through the winter.
When you arrive at the Rio Bend RV and Golf Resort, your snowbird getaway starts when you drive among its opulent grounds and pull into one of the designated RV sites. There are 450 locations across its 49 ha (120 ac); 23 are pull-through and the remainder are back-in. Each one has 50-amp power, WiFi, sewer and water, and the maximum length is 20 m (65 ft) (*Note: fees for water, power, sewage and trash collection only apply if you stay longer than one month).
All sites are also spacious to park secondary vehicles and create an inviting outdoor living space. Some even have natural shade and storage sheds are permitted for added convenience.
Photo Courtesy Westwind Enterprises
Pickleball is popular and Rio Bend is one of the few resorts in the area that hosts the sport.
Resort Attractions, Sports Activities, and Social Events
Perhaps the heart of the resort is the administration and activity building. This is where the expansive pool and patio entertain guests with various events and where a library, computer room, laundry/restroom facilities, and snack bar are located. As golfing is one of the appealing draws, enthusiasts will often be seen coming and going from the building’s pro shop before or after playing a round on the Rio Bend Golf Course.
Centred around Drew Lake, this nine-hole, 2,176-yard par 33 track is open all year and seasonal rates are available from October through to March. One- to five-month memberships are convenient and ladies, men's, and mixed leagues always welcome new players.
After a morning or afternoon on the links - or even a day of fishing on the resort’s two well-stocked lakes - the on-site Rio Bend Bar and Grill is an excellent space to unwind, cool off and enjoy a great meal. An array of menu items are served and be sure not to miss ‘Fish Fry Fridays’ with live entertainment.
Photo Courtesy Westwind Enterprises
The in-ground pool hosts many activities throughout the week.
Beyond the Lakes and Links
The Rio Bend RV and Golf Resort has a full schedule of daily activities and social events. They range from billiards and bingo to bocce ball and shuffleboard, in addition to card games, exercise and fitness classes, and even carnival days and ice cream socials.
Of course, Pickleball is popular and Rio Bend is one of the few RV resorts in the region that can host the sport. According to resort management, a new court has been added to better accommodate the huge demand.
Other additions for 2023/2024 include an upgraded pool area as well as park model and tiny home rental options, which have proven to be very popular in recent years. Returning this season, however, is the series of popular themed festive socials to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras and other holidays.
Photo Courtesy Westwind Enterprises
Fishing is also popular with well-stocked lakes.
Local festivals in the surrounding area are also exciting among the Rio Bend crowd. In February there’s the Holtville Carrot Festival and Parade and in March is the California Mid-Winter County Fair and the El Centro Air Show featuring the Blue Angels.
With its special atmosphere and number of daily and weekly activities, the resort grounds offer everything snowbirds need. With other nearby area attractions like Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - with San Diego to the west and the Senator Wash Reservoir to the east - The Rio Bend is a well-rounded destination to visit every year.
Daily, weekly, and monthly RV site rentals are available and for information visit www.riobendrvgolfresort.com