Modern Campground spoke with Maria Tascon, general manager of Navarre Beach Camping Resort, about how her team prepares to welcome snowbirds each year. Navarre Beach Camping Resort is managed by the IVEE Management Group and is part of the Turnstone-Blue Vista portfolio, a joint venture that features an extensive array of campgrounds and RV resorts.
“Our snowbird season starts in October and ends March 1,” said Tascon. “In these five months, we receive around 25 monthly snowbirds that we prepare the whole calendar for them in advance—we have activities planned for every single day of the week for them. And we make sure the campground is up to a standard to host these wonderful people that spend the winter with us.
Photo courtesy of Navarre Beach Camping Resort
The resort has 118 full hookup RV sites, 29 pet-friendly cabins, 2 rustic cabins, 5 rental travel trailers, tent sites, as well as a vacation house that can sleep up to 16 guests. For winter visitors, Tascon said that reservations open 11 months in advance, and most snowbirds typically book their stays starting a full year ahead.
“The majority, about 90% of our snowbirds, are concentrated in RV sites, with some in cabins,” the general manager explained.
Creating Community
A major focus for Tascon is cultivating a sense of community so snowbirds feel at home during their month-long stay.
“Everything is about hospitality. We are in a hospitality business and we are here to provide them with the best service and make them feel welcome and part of our family,” said Tascon.
Activities bring guests together, from morning yoga sessions to karaoke. A new patio area also opened this summer as a communal space for guests to gather. On the weekends, the resort hosts breakfasts. There are also crafting events, live music, football watch parties, and more.
Photo courtesy of Navarre Beach Camping Resort
Keeping guests engaged all season long is key, and Navarre delivers that not just through activities but also their park facilities. Snowbirds especially enjoy amenities like the heated pool, large clubhouse hosting activities, and private fishing pier.
Navarre also just revamped its playground with a new beautiful fence and lightning. For four-legged friends, there is also a dog park on-site.
Recent upgrades include more landscaping, improving the office and entrance, and more.
Collaborating Locally
Behind the scenes, preparation for snowbirds this year started in early August. Tascon’s team focused on amenity upgrades and extensive staff training on hospitality and customer service.
The resort also collaborates with local businesses, including the Navarre Chamber of Commerce, visitor’s center, and nearby restaurants.
“My team and I are focused on providing the best time for our customers. We’ll do everything necessary for them to come back and feel comfortable telling others about their great experience here,” she told Modern Campground.
As for snowbirds looking into visiting Florida this year, Tascon said that Navarre Beach Camping Resort still has some availability remaining for the snowbird season. “We have last-minute reservations too, and they are completely welcome to book with us!”
And for snowbirds that want to experience Navarre before winter, the campground is introducing extended stays during high season.
“The snowbirds love it because they were like […] ‘I don’t have to wait until October to come. I can [go] two months before and get a taste of what Navarre Beach feels in the summer.’”
Photo courtesy of Navarre Beach Camping Resort
RV travelers looking for sunshine, amenities, and community have to look no further than Navarre Beach Camping Resort. Based on the dedicated preparations by Tascon and her team, snowbirds can expect first-class service and hospitality during their winter escape.
The management prowess at Navarre Beach Camping Resort is part of a larger network of excellence. The park is a key property in the Turnstone-Blue Vista portfolio, a joint venture that boasts an impressive collection of campgrounds and RV resorts.
Each with its unique charm and amenities, the portfolio includes American RV Resort, Bonanza Camping Resort, Gulf Beach RV Resort, Milton/Gulf Pines KOA Holiday, Sugar Sands RV Resort, Panama City Beach RV Resort, Port St. Joe RV Resort, Basswood Resort, and Pikes Peak RV Park.
Building on this foundation of quality, Navarre Beach Camping Resort has ambitious plans for the future.
To learn more, visit navbeach.com.
Featured image from Navarre Beach Camping Resort.