When the camping bug bites in winter, you might wish it were summer so that you could just pack your camping gear and head to the outdoors.
But who says you can’t go winter camping? As long as you have your RV ready to roll, you can take advantage of the winter wonderland outside.
What are the benefits of RV camping in the winter? Not only will you have beautiful scenery, but you’ll be able to enjoy quieter campgrounds because these tend to be busier in the warmer months of the year.
Not sure where to go RV camping in the winter? Here’s our guide to the best RV winter camping spots that offer creature comforts, convenient hookups, and allow you to take a step into nature’s delights.
1. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado
You might find that some Colorado RV camps close during the winter, but there are fantastic ones that remain open. A prime example is the Cheyenne Mountain State Park that boasts 3,000 acres (1214 hectares) of land.
It’s filled with 20 miles (32 km) of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. There are over 50 campsites where you can make use of facilities that are provided, such as picnic tables and fire pits.
Most of the campsites are full-service ones that will make your camping trip more comfortable because they offer electrical, sewer, and water RV hookups.
If you don’t want to leave your pet at home, you’ll be pleased to know that you can bring your dog to camp at Cheyenne Mountain State Park – Fido’s welcome in the campgrounds, picnic sites, and even some of the hiking trails, but remember to bring your six-foot leash as you can’t let him or her run unattended.
2. Joshua Tree National Park, California
California is one of the most well-positioned locations for year-round camping. This is thanks to its diverse landscape. If you want to go winter camping, you’ll love the Joshua Tree National Park.
This is filled with various ecosystems to enjoy, such as the San Bernardino Mountains and the lower Colorado Desert. You’ll love the volcanic rock formations that are always Instagram-worthy no matter what time of the year it is.
Choosing a campground such as the Cottonwood campground will give you the adventure of experiencing below-freezing temperatures during the winter. There are various amenities available, such as potable water, a dump station, flush toilets, and trash/recycling collection. Cottonwood is one of the best campgrounds in the park because of how it’s completely separate from main attractions, so it’s the best place to go if you’re looking to get away and be in a remote location.
3. Tahoe Valley Campground, California
Staying within California, this campground is a must-see during the winter because it boasts the gorgeous Lake Tahoe. The campground is surrounded by trees and you’ll have tons of RV (and tent camping!) sites to choose from.
If you’re looking for a bit of extra comfort, you’ll especially love making use of the heated cabins that are available for rent. That’s ideal if you’ve tried RV camping and have found that it’s not for you, but before making your final decision it’s worth knowing more about the campgrounds.
The RV campgrounds in Tahoe Valley offer quick and easy access to the lake and there are winter activities you and the kids will really enjoy, like the sledding hill. There are over 400 campsites available, and some offer full hookups for the ultimate convenience.
You’ll even be able to enjoy Wi-Fi so you won’t have to completely log off from your life back home, but we suggest switching off your devices and enjoying the beautiful mountain vistas and majestic pine trees.
4. Green Mountain Family Campground, Vermont
Take a breath and enjoy the amazing winter views of RV camping in Vermont, at the Green Mountain Family Campground. It’s a private campground that’s made up of 42 acres (16 hectares) that are nestled right in the Green Mountain National Forest.
This forest is almost as large as two-thirds of Vermont’s length and it offers a fantastic all-around outdoor experience. When visiting during the cold months, you’ll love the snow-covered slopes. Try to make your trip start a bit earlier, in the Autumn, so you’ll be able to view the beautiful colors in nature.
The campgrounds are clean, well-maintained, and offer a variety of facilities. These include a general store, dump station, flush bathrooms, outdoor swimming pool, and water supplies. You can also bring your pet along.
5. Deception Pass State Park, Washington State
If you’ve previously tried to camp in Deception Pass during the warmer months, chances are you were put off by the crowds that were there.
This is why you should go back for winter camping – just remember to dress in layers or bring your weatherproof jacket because it can rain a lot.
There are 134 partial hook-up sites in Deception Pass State Park, but the campsites are spread out. During winter, camping is allowed in Quarry Pond, which has 60 sites on offer. The campground offers showers, restrooms, and a dump station for greater convenience.
You’ll love that the park has a marine and camping park that offers a massive 77,000 feet (23,470 m) of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet (10,333 m) of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Interestingly, the park is actually two islands that are connected by bridges, so there’s lots to explore.
6. Lake Louise Trailer Campground, Alberta
If you’re looking for a more glamorous RV camping experience, you’ll love going to Lake Louise for the winter. Here you’ll find campsites that offer electrical, water, and sewer hookups, but there are also heated washrooms and flush toilets.
The campground is located next to the Lake Louise village, so it’s convenient if you’re interested in partaking in other winter activities, such as skiing.
You can choose from 189 campsites at these campgrounds. The location looks like a perfect winter wonderland when temperatures take a dive, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world – especially because it’s quite close to the train tracks and you’ll hear the musical train whistle regularly (yes, it can be noisy, but it adds to the ambiance).
Close to the RV campground is the Bow river that offers beautiful hiking trails. Just four kilometers away you’ll find the town of Lake Louise, which makes topping up on supplies like groceries a breeze after you’ve enjoyed doing your winter activities.
7. MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Ontario
This park is an exceptional camping spot to try if you own an RV. It’s located right on Lake Huron and the park displays seven kilometers of coastline so there are lots of camping opportunities of which you can take advantage.
The park has three campgrounds that are reserved for RV camping. These offer electric hookups and other amenities, such as yurts, water taps, vault/pit toilets, group camps, showers, and laundry facilities. You’ll also be able to make use of a handy garbage disposal station.
With its private, rustic, and family compound campsites, there are various ways to settle in and enjoy the winter in Ontario. The park has trails, a playground, and its own private beach, so you’ll also be able to enjoy the sites in a totally unique way.
Other park recreational activities include biking, bird viewing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, photography, fishing, and more. It’s the perfect place to go if you want an activity-filled vacation.
8. Winter Garden Resort, Florida
Located a stone’s throw from Disney World, Winter Garden is an RV resort that’s ideal for taking your family on a winter RV camping trip they’ll never forget. The resort is surrounded by beautiful pine trees so you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a peaceful new world.
There are tons of amenities available, such as laundry facilities, a swimming pool, RV storage, Wi-Fi, a clubhouse, and more. You’re also allowed to bring your pets, so it’s the perfect vacation destination.
While winters are short and cool in Orlando, Florida, taking your family to Winter Garden will enable you to pretend it’s not even happening because you’ll be having so much fun with the activities that are offered.
These include planned outings, weekly potlucks, bingo, and more. You can also leave the campgrounds and head out to the beach – you’ll find a coastline just 90 miles (144 km) away so it makes for a perfect day trip.
9. Hocking Hills, Ohio
This campground caters to both tent and RV campers, and it’s been named the best campground in the U.S. by Trailblazer. You can choose how much you want to rough it in the RV site by choosing between full hook up sites or primitive ones.
If you want a few creature comforts, you’ll want to enjoy the swimming pools and game rooms. Other amenities that are available include flush toilets, hot showers, camp stores, vending machines, and more.
But don’t forget to get out into nature! Hocking Hills has some amazing winter views on display. You’ll love getting into the outdoors and enjoying 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails that show you the beautiful waterfalls that freeze over in winter as well as the intriguing cave recesses.
10. Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort, South Carolina
What could be more beautiful than a charming woodland resort? This one is found in Hilton Head island and it boasts 50 acres (20 hectares) of land.
The RV campsite has a range of exciting activities available, such as tennis courts, a spa and fitness center, and nearby shops and restaurants. You can also jump on your bike and go to the beach that’s right on your doorstep.
While all this might sound more like a luxurious vacation than roughing it in the outdoors, Hilton Head island offers a range of fun activities that will get the sun’s rays on your skin and the breeze in your hair, such as kayaking on the salt marsh creeks, skating in the skateboard park, running around a baseball or soccer park, and going boating or fishing on the Intercoastal Waterway.
But what about the actual RV sites? The resort offers more than 400 RV sites for Class A and C motorcoaches. Here you’ll get beautiful lake and forest views and enjoy complete hookups with cable. If it’s too cold to take advantage of the outdoor activities, you can head over to the hot tub, sauna, or clubhouse.
11. Hadley’s Point Campground, Bar Harbor, Maine
You might think that this is the perfect summer campground because of its shores, but it’s great for heading out to in the winter. You’ll enjoy seeing how the snow flutters onto the shore and coats the mountains and forests in beautiful white flakes.
This campground caters to a variety of campers’ needs: if you want to camp in a tent, you can make use of their primitive campsite; if you’re interested in RV camping, you’ll love their full hookup sites that offer winter campers hot showers and fire pits for the coziest winter. Inside the campground, the trails are wooded and charming to make you feel like you’re in a peaceful sanctuary.
The campground is located in the northern point of Mt. Desert Island. It’s a few minutes away from the Acadia National Park. You can make the most of the oceanside trails that come with the bonus of being exceptionally quiet in winter because not many people are around.
12. East Jordan Tourist Park Campground & Beach, Michigan
If you love taking part in winter activities while traveling in your RV, Boyne Falls in Michigan is a worthwhile place to visit.
It’s got the Boyne Mountain ski resort that’s closely located to the East Jordan Tourist Park Campground where you’re welcome to camp with your RV all year round. Enjoy full or partial hookups in the campsites, or rough it a bit by making use of the tent campground.
The RV park is filled with clean and well-maintained amenities, and you’ll be right on the shore of the Lake Charlevoix, which has been voted the most beautiful freshwater lake in America.
Natural wonders aside, you’ll get to enjoy some comforts from back home, such as TV and Wi-Fi, while being able to make the most of the surrounding delights and activities.
Go hiking and biking in Boyne City or visit the castle at Castle Farms with the kids. This is the winter RV camping experience that the entire family will love so don’t be surprised if it’s really hard to make your way back home when it’s over.
You may also like: 11 Best Winter Camp Destinations
Winter RV Camping FAQS
How do you prevent running out of propane when winter RV camping?
Propane that’s used to heat your rig will last a few days when it’s really cold outside, so you should check that there’s a refill station nearby or plan ahead for the trip by ensuring you carry a few extra propane tanks. Find out if you can rent propane bottles from your campground.
How can you ensure you properly maintain your RV during the winter?
A useful tool to get is the Maintain My RV online tool. This ensures you keep all your documents and records in the same place and it will send you notification emails when RV maintenance is due so you avoid problems, accidents, and expensive repairs.
Conclusion
If you want to camp with your RV in the winter, you might wonder where you should go.
After reading this guide to the best winter RV camping spots, you have 12 beautiful and enjoyable campgrounds to explore so that you can make the most of what winter has to offer.
Many campgrounds offer convenient and comfortable amenities so that you can feel like you’re in a home away from home, while others give you a chance to have a bit of a more rustic experience.
