Even the baths–and there are often two–are as opulent as those in upscale homes, with full-sized marble showers, subdued lighting and exquisite fixtures.

River rafting, rock climbing, tailgating, NASCAR races, and windsurfing—these are but a few of the pursuits of today’s active RVing baby boomers. Just as boomers have changed our culture at every stage of their lives, they are now changing the face of RVing. The highest ownership rates of RVs is currently the 55 to 64 demographic—mostly empty nesters, mostly married and with an average income of $68,000. Those who the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) considers to be “nature lovers,” a very adventurous group, have a higher average income of more than $90,000 a year.

With so many travel choices from cruise ships to luxury resorts, why would this age group decide on RVing as a compelling choice for their recreation dollars? The answers may be as varied as the boomers themselves, but mostly, RVing appeals to the independent spirit of boomers. With today’s luxury RVs, active travelers are able to have the comforts of home around them, yet pursue their passions any place, any time. No more waiting in lines at airports, no more dining on someone else’s schedule; RV travelers have the total independence to live life on their own terms. Although RV travel continues to be a good value even with today’s higher gas prices, many boomers are less concerned with the economics and are quickly finding the up-scale end of the RV industry to be just what they desire. According to Beth Stegall, Marketing Manager of Marathon Coach, purchasers of upper-end coaches are not particularly concerned with gas prices; they are more focused on having the latest amenities. Some coach owners come back to the factory to have the latest feature retrofitted to their coach, or decide to buy a new one.

Many coaches today are in the same price range as an upscale house and their “campgrounds” have the same amenities found in many upscale resorts. LCD TVs, king-sized beds, washers and dryers, hi-tech navigation systems, fireplaces, granite and marble counters and floors, and original artwork are common at the upper end of RV units. Those who have spent $500,000 to $1 million or more for their moving home are looking for resorts to match their dream home in sunny areas across the nation—and developers are scrambling to keep up with this high-end demand.

One such location is the Desert Shores Motor Coach Resort in Indio, California. The lots here, all of which include a “casita”, have been snapped up by eager boomers who want the flexibility of the RV lifestyle with the resort amenities to match their luxury coach. They want to have a high entertainment value along with their RVing experience.

In addition to having immaculately maintained grounds and large lots, these resorts often feature built-in, outdoor entertainment centers with barbecue grills, fireplaces, special lighting, misters, heaters and storage units or even a casita next to your RV home. Manmade lakes, golf courses, pools, elegant clubhouses, concierge services, fitness centers, business centers, high-speed internet access and more are included in these playgrounds for luxury RVers. Other than the “rolling homes,” these resorts would be indistinguishable from any other high-end resort. These new communities are mostly deeded land or fractional ownership arrangements, although there are timeshare and regular membership clubs that are emerging to serve the more mobile, upscale RV enthusiast.

Today’s high-end coaches include such luxury features as marble flooring, granite countertops, recessed lighting and designer furnishings.

But these high-living travelers don’t always head for their favorite luxury resort; many are also adventurers who want to spend time exploring the great outdoors throughout the U.S. and beyond and will take their RV home closer to nature and “boondock” where they have only their on-board generator to power their conveniences. With large water and waste holding tanks, these nature lovers can pursue their favorite pastime, yet return to the comforts of their RV home for a multiple night stay in any allowable outdoor setting of their choosing. Where might these adventurous RVers head? Our national parks, forests and seashores are, of course, perennial favorites, but others prefer to participate in, or watch, their favorite sporting activities. NASCAR races, college and pro football games, PGA golf tournaments and even pro bowling attract both players and spectators who travel in their luxury coaches to enjoy their favorite pursuits. Other RVers use their home to visit friends and family (and have their own quarters, thank you!) or escape the winter cold and become “snowbirds,” following the sun to a warm locale to enjoy hobbies and the RV lifestyle. Some of this new breed of upscale RVer own space in various parts of the country and simply move from one “home” to the next as the mood strikes them—without all of the hassle of packing and unpacking.

The RVer of today is a far cry from a generation ago, when RVing was considered to be a frugal living arrangement, and the trailers and motorhomes were much more modest than today’s behemoths that feature sides that slide out and are as long as a freight truck. In addition to several types of motorhomes, classified by the designations A, B and C; there are fifth-wheel trailers, regular trailers, pop-up units and the newest entry, the toy hauler—part RV and part trailer for hauling motorcycles, ATVs, kayaks or even your horses in specially designed units.

RVing for today’s boomers is all about activities and comfort. This generation has enjoyed the highest standard of living ever, and their approaching retirement will look nothing like that of their parents. Even though many financial analysts say that the boomers won’t be ready for retirement, it hasn’t slowed down their appetite for living life to the fullest. And now that they have more free-time with the kids grown and gone, and the longest life expectancy ever, boomers are out to live their retirement dreams, and many are choosing the convenience and adventure of the RV lifestyle.