Living and traveling in a Recreational Vehicle may seem too transient a lifestyle for some.

But for the nomadic retired folk, vacationers and even RV camp owners in Tombstone, RV living simply means living against the grain.

The natural environment entices vagabonds from all different places.

“People are coming because of the weather,” Russell Jennings, owner and manager of Tombstone RV Park and Resort said. “Tombstone’s temperatures are milder than the rest of Arizona.”

Jennings, who sported a comfortably fitting hat that read, “I’m your Huckleberry,” also said the wildlife of Southern Arizona attracts business. He particularly likes spotting different varieties of birds and roadrunners, because they keep the snakes out.

 In general, people come to visit Tombstone from all over. The most common “RV-ers” come from Arizona, the Midwest, Canada and Europe.

“Lots of Europeans rent RVs in the summer and they love the swimming pool,” Jennings said with a grin. “But men should not wear Speedos and women should shave under their arms and legs.”

Although the occupants at Jennings’ park are almost always regular, retired RV travelers, there are a few residents. Veteran Tombstone Tommy, who goes by nothing else in order to keep a western persona, and his dog Merle reside at Tombstone park.

Retired Jim Lovell and karaoke singer Nancy Chadwick also live here.

Moe Sinsley, owner and manager of Stampede RV Park in Tombstone, said many people from Alberta, Canada have stayed at his park during the past three weeks.

His approach on bringing in people and keeping guests is simple.

“Treat them like a relative,” Sinsley said merrily. “Make them feel welcome.”

While Tombstone RV Resort is the largest RV camp in Tombstone, Stampede RV Park also serves as a bed and breakfast.

A visitor choosing to eat breakfast at 6 a.m. in Stampede’s dining room does so surrounded by Sinsley’s numerous train sets.  They may also hear Sinsley talk about his days at UCLA and the University of Arizona, the Korean War or how proud he is of his racecar-driving son, David Sinsley.  

The third RV camp in Tombstone, Wells Fargo RV Park, offers convenience. Situated on Fremont Street, a half-block from the O.K. Corral, this centrally located park keeps Tombstone’s family-like mentality.

“There is a park full of history right across the street,” said Lynn Pate, Wells Fargo RV Park owner. “And, you don’t have to worry about DUIs because you don’t need to drive anywhere.”

Husband and wife, Dan and Sue Vetter, have managed the park since December and have done a great job so far, Pate said.

Ironically, Pate and Jennings attended high school together.

Jennings calls the two of them the “Casa Grande Mafia.”

“I think he’s making things up,” chuckled Pate.

Wells Fargo sees a lot of returning visitors, but a few new ones too, Pate explained.

Current Wells Fargo occupant, Tim Palmer, manages an RV camp in Illinois from April through October, but keeps coming back to stay at Wells Fargo in Tombstone.

“Wanted to go to either Vegas or Tombstone this year,” Palmer said. “I decided after a flip of a quarter and I also know too many people here.”

John Vetter, 24, also currently resides at Wells Fargo. Spending a vacation away from Wyoming, while helping his parents, he has only enjoyed one meal on Allen St. and has yet to party.

“I don’t have a whole lot of time and there are not a whole lot of people my age here,” Vetter said. “I hang out with 50-year-olds a lot.”

Vetter said that 10 p.m. means quiet time at Wells Fargo. The occupants at Tombstone RV Park need to shush it down at 9 p.m., but Stampede has no set hour of quiet.  

Jennings said he has to be adamant about rules in order to have a successful business. He also explained how you would not be able to recognize Tombstone RV Park from when he first opened five years ago.

“It was hillbilly haven,” Jennings said. “We became very selective because we don’t want the local rif-raf.”

Both Pate and Sinsley have yet to have problems with rules when regarding their parks.

RV camping in Tombstone is in season from January to May, but October is the biggest month. Helldorado and Corvettes and Ghost Riders are just some of the events that bring business to Jennings, Pate and Sinsley.

“Word of mouth is very important for RV camp sales,” Jennings said. “If visitors like the site they will get word out, if they don’t like it, you will definitely know.”