10 Best Destinations for Winter RV Camping
There are two very different schools of thought when it comes to winter RV camping. Some people can’t get enough of cold, snowy winter wonderland scenery and actually seek it out. Others want to get as far away from dreary, frigid days as possible and spend their time in warm destinations.
Either way, winter RV camping can be a fantastic, unique way to see some amazing scenery that you might not get to otherwise. Plus, many destinations experience their slower “shoulder seasons” during the winter months, allowing you to enjoy a place with fewer crowds and traffic.
Here are 10 of our top recommendations for winter RV camping, with options for both winter and summer seekers.
Cold-Weather Winter RV Camping in North America
1. Yellowstone National Park
Iconic Yellowstone transforms into a winter wonderland at some point in October or November, and winter RV camping is a great way to experience it.
Yellowstone is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife in the winter, as many animals come down from the mountains to the massive valleys to forage for food. You can also go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in Yellowstone, or book a unique SnowCat tour to travel through some of the park’s backcountry.
One important thing to note: only the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, is open year-round, and much of the park is inaccessible. You’ll need to do plenty of research and be prepared to be mostly self-sufficient in your rig.
Where to Stay Near Yellowstone
Boondockers Welcome location
Sourdough Landing, Bozeman: Bozeman is a great basecamp for exploring the northern section of Yellowstone, with access to skiing in nearby Big Sky or Bridger Bowl. This 6-acre property on farmland lets you enjoy the area’s peaceful tranquility, plus all of Bozeman’s amenities.
Campgrounds
Mammoth Campground: The only in-park campground open year-round. In the winter, there are flush toilets available but you’ll need to be self-sufficient otherwise, as there are no hookups available or park rangers onsite. *Note that Mammoth is closed through 2022 due to the historic flooding in the summer, but is scheduled to reopen in 2023.
Yellowstone Hot Springs RV Park: Adjacent to Yellowstone Hot Springs and overlooking the river, some of the sites at this campground are open year-round for winter RV camping. Be sure to save time for a soak!
2. Whitefish, Montana
From far southern Montana to far northern Montana — Whitefish is a fantastic place to visit in the winter months. The star of the show is undeniably Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, locally referred to as “Big Mountain” and sometimes even just “the mountain.” Skiing here is unique and special for several reasons, but the biggest is perhaps the authentic laid-back, local feel. The resort isn’t part of the big IKON or Epic ski passes, which means it’s rarely ultra-crowded and it remains relatively affordable.
Even if the slopes aren’t really your thing, Whitefish is a fantastic winter destination. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park in the town’s backyard (keep in mind only Lake Mcdonald and Apgar Village are accessible in the park during the winter). Downtown Whitefish is charming, too, with a great mix of restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, and galleries.
Where to Stay in Whitefish
Boondockers Welcome locations
Pinesong, Columbia Falls: Perfectly positioned between Whitefish and Glacier, this lovely home sits at the base of a mountain near a creek, in a postcard-worthy setting.
Marty’s, Kalispell: This centrally-located host can accommodate two big rigs in an area that’s convenient to the national park, Whitefish, Kalispell, and nearby lakes.
Campground
Whitefish RV Park: Full-service, year-round RV park just one mile south of downtown and within walking distance of several great restaurants and shops.
3. White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s rugged White Mountains are a fantastic place for winter camping and exploration, as there are plenty of winter activities to keep you busy. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice climbing and dog sledding…it’s all here in the winter!
The mountain town of Conway serves as the perfect basecamp, with easy access to many of the area’s mountains, forests, and lakes, plus all the other winter essentials including breweries and cozy restaurants.
Where to Stay in the White Mountains
Boondockers Welcome locations
A New Day Farm, Conway: Small community-sustained agriculture (CSA) farm with an onsite pottery studio and wooded walking trails, with quick access to skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports, plus the New England Ski Museum.
Able Acres, Wolfeboro: This is a perfect jumping-off point for exploring all that New England has to offer, with a LONG list of attractions within one hour and a variety of level parking spaces and setups.
Campground
Blackberry Crossing, Conway: If your rig has a good winter setup for boondocking, this campground in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest is hard to top. There are no services, but the scenery is incredible!
4. Okanagan Valley, Canada
Affectionately referred to as “Napa North,” Okanagan Valley is western Canada’s wine country, tucked into southern British Columbia. Anchored by the larger towns of Kelowna, Oliver, and Osoyoos, this valley enjoys a significantly milder climate than many other parts of Canada. This creates a best-of-both-worlds environment, with some snow and cold temperatures, but mostly sunny, bluebird days to enjoy the outdoor attractions. The weather is so sought-after that many local “snowbirds” are actually Canadians from other provinces!
In town, enjoy hiking, fat biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and warming up with local craft beer and ice wine. Within an hour’s drive, you can enjoy skiing or exploring the mountains.
Where to Stay in the Okanagan Valley
Boondockers Welcome locations
Myra Canyon, Kelowna: Just 15 minutes from downtown Kelowna, this host location puts you close to golf, wineries, lakes, and outdoor recreation galore. They have space for one big rig, for up to two nights.
Camp Cariboo, Osoyoos: For travelers with RVs on the smaller side, this host location with walking distance of downtown Osoyoos is a wonderful basecamp for exploring wine country!
Campground
Maple Leaf Motel & RV Campground Resort: Right on Oliver near the lake, this year-round RV site offers amenities including wi-fi, onsite laundry, fire pits, and being within walking distance of wineries.
5. Acadia National Park
Many people think Acadia is actually at its best in the winter months. Although it’s cold, the park has very little (if any!) crowds and traffic, offers epic hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and the scenery is breathtaking. Snow blanketing the rugged cliffs, with blue waves crashing against them, is pretty magical!
Like many other national parks, Acadia isn’t fully open and accessible in the winter. Many businesses in Bar Harbor close seasonally, as well as some trails and park roads, but there’s still plenty to explore.
Where to Stay Near Acadia
Boondockers Welcome locations
Shalom Organic Orchard & Winery, Franklin: Both a Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts location, this winery is open year-round, offers gorgeous views, and can accommodate three RVs.
A Few Acres by the River, Stockton Springs: About one hour, 15 minutes from Acadia, this lovely location is ideally located for exploring not only the park, but other parts of the coast as well as Bangor.
Best Warm-Weather Winter RV Camping Destinations
Are you tired of the cold, dreary winter weather? Why not escape to a warm, tropical destination for some winter RV camping?
6. Pensacola, Florida
Sugar-fine white sand beaches, beautiful weather year-round, and a location mostly sheltered from hurricanes. It’s no wonder Pensacola is one of the best winter destinations for RVers! The city is also lesser-known than cities like Tampa and neighboring Gulf Shores, Alabama, so it’s rarely crowded.
There are numerous state parks in Pensacola, plus Gulf Islands National Seashore, all with excellent camping (including several beachfront sites!). Here you can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, relaxing on the beach, and more. Notably, Pensacola is also the year-round home of the Blue Angels!
Psst…interested in other Florida cities with Boondockers Welcome locations? Check out this guide!
Where to Stay in Pensacola
Boondockers Welcome locations
Lollar’s Roost, Pensacola: This host location is nestled in a residential neighborhood about 15 minutes from the beach. Enjoy everything Pensacola has to offer, with a variety of parking setup options.
Wanderlust, Gulf Breeze: If your plans are flexible, this host location close to beaches is available last-minute. There’s also a great seafood restaurant within walking distance.
Campground
Perdido Key RV Resort & Marina: A fairly small RV park, visitors will feel right at home here. The park is on the Intercoastal Waterway and offers RVers full hookups, a pool, picnic tables, access to the marina, and lots of fun community events.
7. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson isn’t a hidden gem by any means; the city has a population of over half a million people. It’s also home to a major university and a national park. Yet, it’s largely overlooked, with most RVers favoring Scottsdale, Mesa, or Quartzsite. That means Tucson offers a quieter, but just as sunny and warm, respite.
There are several great parts of town, but the east, west, and north foothills offer the best scenery. Plus, you’ll have easy access to the highway for day trips up north or across the Mexico border.
Where to Stay in Tucson
Boondockers Welcome locations
House on the Hill: In a gorgeous area overlooking the city, this host location feels like a botanical garden. You’ll also be within 15 minutes of just about everything.
Our Casa: Stay at the base of Mt. Lemmon, one block from Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens. This location adjacent to Catalina State Park has plenty of space and is at higher elevation, enjoying all four seasons.
Campground
Gilbert Ray Campground: On the west side of town in Tucson Mountains Park, this campground is a desert oasis. Sites have lots of amenities and campers will enjoy frequent wildlife sightings (watch out for rattlesnakes!).
8. Victoria, Texas
One of the oldest towns in Texas is also one of the best destinations for winter RV camping. Victoria is right between Houston and Corpus Christi and just 30 miles off the coast, offering an endless parade of attractions and activities. Austin, San Antonio, and Galveston are all also within 2-3 hours.
If you like interesting historic architecture, outdoor recreation, zesty Tex-Mex food (who doesn’t?!), and festivals, you’ll love Victoria. The Guadalupe River runs through town and Victoria is also home to the Texas Zoo. And don’t miss checking out a few stops on the Coastal Texas Barbecue Trail!
Where to Stay in Victoria
Boondockers Welcome locations
Jinx’s Seafront, Port Lavaca: This waterfront campsite is on Magnolia Beach in Port Lavaca, just outside Victoria. It’s the very definition of a hidden gem, enjoying quiet coastal life with a marina, pier, and restaurant nearby.
TexBon’s Host Location, Edna: 20 minutes from Victoria, this host can accommodate rigs up to 38 feet for two nights. Boondockers Welcome guests rave about the hosts’ hospitality and quiet location.
Campground
Port Lavaca/Matagorda Bay KOA Holiday: A large RV park offering waterfront sites on the bay, which connects directly to the Gulf of Mexico. Sites here are gravel and there’s a playground and camp store.
9. Biloxi, Mississippi
Known as the “Secret Coast,” Biloxi is an ideal destination for winter RV camping. It’s not nearly as busy as Gulf Shores or New Orleans, both less than two hours away, but offers just as much warm Gulf Coast fun.
In Biloxi, you can enjoy fresh seafood, riverboat casinos, shopping, and nice beaches. All this, without insane crowds or high prices, plus a healthy dash of Southern hospitality! The water may be too cold for comfortably swimming, but the average 60-degree temps are nice enough for lounging on the beach.
Where to Stay in Biloxi
Boondockers Welcome locations
Just Off the Biloxi Beach: This host location can accommodate rigs smaller than 30 feet at a home just one block off the beach. Enjoy being within walking distance of many great attractions, including a dog-friendly beach!
Fort Bayou Brewing Company, Ocean Springs: Both a Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts location, this nano-brewery can accommodate multiple rigs up to 45 feet. There’s also a full restaurant and it’s within walking distance of downtown and casinos.
Campground
Gulf Beach Resort: The RV resort overlooks the Gulf and has amenities including a pool, onsite restaurant, and massive party deck. It’s no wonder it’s consistently named one of the country’s top resorts!
10. South Carolina Coast
South Carolina is home to some of America’s most popular coastal towns: Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston, to name a few. However, many are frequented primarily by locals and only during the summer, which means they’re quiet in the winter — but still warm and picture-perfect. Plus, oyster season falls during the winter and there are several festivals to enjoy. Also, it’s always the right time for Lowcountry food.
Other than the “big three,” consider visiting less-frequented beach towns for winter RV camping. Think Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms just outside Charleston, Litchfield Beach, Surfside Beach, and Murrells Inlet.
Where to Stay in Coastal South Carolina
Boondockers Welcome locations
Down From the Beachfront, Surfside Beach: 7 blocks from the beach in a quiet residential neighborhood, perfectly situated just away from the busy tourist hotspots.
Bugtussle, Awendaw: A secluded 5-acre farm with plenty of space to accommodate RVers and quick, convenient access to Charleston.
Campground
Huntington Beach State Park: Open year-round, this park in Murrells Inlet is a tranquil paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Yet, it’s also close enough to big cities to enjoy every possible amenity. At the park, try surf fishing, hike, and keep your eyes open for loggerhead turtles and alligators (in the freshwater lake).
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