There’s just something about camping in the winter. Maybe it’s the quiet of the snow or the new appreciation for cowboy coffee and the overwhelming coziness of a sleeping bag. Camping in the winter is a unique way to appreciate the outdoors in a time in which most people are hunkering down indoors.
What else makes winter camping worthwhile? Campgrounds are more affordable and available for reservations than in the busy summer months, with fewer pesky bugs or loud crowds. Have you always dreamed of camping lift-side? Do you want to experience a campground twinkling with holiday light displays? Have you ever wanted to visit a busy summer destination but couldn’t score a last-minute reservation? Here are seven of the best campgrounds for winter camping.
How to Get Your Rig Winter Ready
1. Apple Hill Campground, Bethlehem, New Hampshire
Number of Sites: 68
Pad Type: Mixed
Reservations: Yes
Tent Camping: Yes
Apple Hill Campground is full of quintessential New England charm, especially in the winter.
The four-season property offers full hookups, pull-through sites, a general store, full-service restrooms, and group sites.
Nearby you’ll find Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods Ski Area, Mount Washington, and miles of cross-country and snowmobile trails.
2. Crooked River State Park, St. Mary’s, Georgia
Number of Sites: 62
Pad Type: Gravel
Reservations: Yes
Tent Camping: Yes
Do you hate the cold? Consider winter camping in warmer locations where you can still experience mild temperatures and fewer bugs and crowds. Crooked River State Park rests on the southern tip of Georgia’s coast and waterway.
The campground in the park offers electric and water hookups, full-service restrooms, and big rig sites. It also has access to a boat ramp, boat rentals, recreational trails, a playground, and mini golf. Nearby is the Cumberland Island National Seashore, a secluded beach oasis with wild horses.
The 8 Best Locations and Campgrounds for Snowbirds
3. Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, Texas
Number of Sites: N/A
Pad Type: Sand
Reservations: Yes; permits are required
Tent Camping: Yes
Beach camping in the winter is worth it at Padre Island National Seashore, a 70-mile stretch of coastline that runs along the Gulf of Mexico. The winter is the best time to visit this location because permits are easier to acquire, the crowds and traffic are lighter, and beachfront camping is free.
“The first few days held 75-degree sunny days in the middle of winter, and as the vortex came through only a few hours of below freezing temperatures with most days getting to at least the mid 40s (remember this is a worst-case winter situation here) so no worries about freezing tanks and excess propane usage,” says one Campendium reviewer.
There are two camping locations in the park: South Beach has showers and vault toilets, while North Beach only offers dry camping. The access and location to the ocean make up for the lack of amenities.
4. Tiger Run RV Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado
Number of Sites: 200
Pad Type: Concrete
Reservations: Yes
Tent Camping: No
Tiger Run RV Resort is situated near Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Copper, and Vail ski areas. Although it is more expensive than most RV parks, it’s cheaper than other accommodations in the area during peak ski season.
The resort offers full hookups, WiFi, big rig sites, pull-through access, laundry, and full-service restrooms. On the grounds, there is access to a hot tub, indoor pool, game room, and cabins.
Take note that Tiger Run RV Resort sits around 9,500 feet. At high altitudes, the weather is highly variable, cold, and windy. To keep yourself and your plumbing warm, you will need to bring plenty of propane and be prepared to take other cold weather camping precautions.
5. Angel Fire RV Resort, Taos, New Mexico
Number of Sites: 102
Pad Type: Concrete
Reservations: Yes
Tent Camping: No
Are you looking for a holiday ski vacation? Stay at Angel Fire RV Resort in Taos, New Mexico. The ski town turns lifts and lights up with holiday displays during the winter.
Angel Fire RV Resort offers full hookups, big rig sites, pull-through access, full-service restrooms, a general store, and laundry. On site, there is also a hot tub, WiFi, and pet-friendly amenities.
You can celebrate the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years with a holiday market arts and crafts fair, Christmas party, tree lighting, incredible light displays, bonfires, and other festive events.
6. Atlatl Rock Campground, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Number of Sites: 44
Pad Type: Gravel
Reservations: No
Tent Camping: Yes
Valley of Fire State Park is open year round with camping options. It’s a desert escape with sandstone outcrops, petrified trees, and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs.
“We stayed here from right before Christmas all the way to January,” says one Campendium reviewer. “Our campsite was spacious, facing the beautiful rock formations, and private.”
Atlatl Rock Campground has electric and water hookups and dry camping options. Big rig sites, pull-through access, camping with sweeping views, group sites, and full-service restrooms are all available.
7. Page Springs Campground, Harney, Oregon
Number of Sites: 36
Pad Type: Gravel
Reservations: No
Tent Camping: Yes
Imagine submerging in a warm natural hot spring during a cold day. It’s not only idyllic, but also possible when you camp at Page Springs Campground nestled at the base of Steens Mountain in Oregon. It only offers dry camping with water, vault toilets, a picnic table and fire ring, and pet access.
Explore Blitzen River Trail and Wilderness Trail right from the campground. Nearby is Willow Creek Hot Spring which overlooks Oregon’s high desert region. This hot spring is quiet and private, especially during the winter. Other more accessible hot springs can be found nearby in Mickey and Alvord.
Tips for Winter Camping
- Download a weather app like Weatherbug. Winter weather conditions are constantly changing, and this will help you stay informed.
- Keep your gas tank full. A full or half-full tank will prevent ice from forming and improve your vehicle’s overall performance.
- Plan before you go. National and state parks, roads, trails, and other areas adjust their hours or may close entirely during the winter months.
- Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car or RV.
