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Wondering where to camp in the winter? Here are some of the best RV road trip ideas as well as a list of the best RV trip routes for the winter.
Who says you can only go RV camping in the summer? Winter RV road trips are becoming more and more popular as new and experienced RVers embrace the #vanlife for full-time living. But where do you go to scratch that winter camping itch? If you're looking for the perfect winter getaway, look no further. Read on as we explore the best RV winter road trip routes in the US (perfect for both winter campers and snowbirds).
West Coast Winter RV Trip Routes
Tucson, Arizona
Arizona offers you the chance to have one of the best RV trips in the West. You get to visit Flagstaff for great skiing and see the Grand Canyon covered in snow, and then return to the desert to enjoy warmer weather. Tucson is a popular place to winter camp because of its ideal temperature (a cozy 66 degrees in January) and wonderful attractions, there is something for everyone. You can take a drive through beautiful Saguaro National Park and witness beautiful sunsets at Picacho Peak State Park. If you head there in February, you can catch the Spring Training and see the flowers on the saguaros bloom. Other top attractions in the city include the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Recommended Route: Tucson to Bisbee (104 miles one-way)
Southern California
The Pacific Coast Highway is on everyone's RV road-trip bucket-list, and with good cause. Southern California offers mild winters and beaches that can be enjoyed year-round. What more can a snowbird ask for? Almost every stop along the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles is a great RV destination. If you want to venture a little up north you can visit two National Parks that are a must-visit: Joshua National Tree Park and Death Valley Park. Both parks offer a number of different activities and scenic sites.
Recommended Route: Los Angeles to San Diego (120 miles one-way)
Southern Utah
Southern Utah is perfect for RVers who want to enjoy winter camping at its best. Dubbed as the Big Five, the five national parks in Southern Utah boast all kinds of winter activities. The five national parks include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Go hiking on Angel’s Landing in the Zion National Park or visit the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth’s surface in Capitol Reef, there's so much to do. With smaller crowds and amazing views of snow on red stone, this is one of the best RV trips for families.
Recommended Route: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park (86 miles one-way)
Bend, Oregon
Oregon is often a popular destination for RVers looking for moss-covered green lush trees and lots of rain. But head east toward Bend in the central part of Oregon and you can witness a real winter wonderland. The 30-minute stretch of road north from Bend to Sisters is perfect for winter activities like snowshoeing, sledding, and fishing. The more adventurous RVers can stopover at Mount Bachelor (30 minutes west of Bend) for some classic Pacific Northwest skiing, best winter RV road trip. Just remember that some routes may not be safe to travel on in winters, always remember to carry road-safety gear with you when you travel.
Recommended Route: Bend to Sisters (23.3 miles one-way)
New Mexico
While most RVers consider New Mexico to be a drive-through state, it actually boasts quite a few attractions for winter camping. You can head over to Taos Ski Valley and get your skiing on. Then turn your rig towards Santa Fe and the White Sands National Park. The park offers stark-white gypsum sand dunes over a 275-square-mile region that is open to exploration and camping. Just choose the right rig for traveling in winter and install a proper RV heating system before hitting the sites in New Mexico for a winter adventure.
Recommended Route: Taos Ski Valley to White Sands National Park (322 miles one-way)
Winter RV Trips East Coast Routes
Florida Keys
An RV trip in Florida is always a good idea and the Florida Keys are the perfect winter getaway for snowbirds. The warm weather, beautiful beaches, water sports, and other fun activities, make the Florida Keys a popular destination for RVers looking to escape the cold winter. Apart from beautiful sunsets, each Key also boasts many state parks that offer beach-front camping and many RV resorts that have all the amenities required for a relaxing vacation. Make sure you hit all the Keys since each one has something unique to offer.
Recommended Route: Key Largo to Key West (97 miles one-way)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Music, food, and history are just some of the things you can enjoy by going on a winter RV road trip to Louisiana. Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is one of the most iconic cities of the state. The melting pot of French, African and American cultures boasts a number of RV parks and campgrounds where you can park your RV for the winter as you explore the state’s Creole and Cajun way of life. If you're planning a family RV trip in the Winter, count Louisiana in.
Recommended Route: Baton Rouge to New Orleans (87 miles one-way)
Tips for Planning a RV Trip Across America
Wondering how to plan an RV trip across America this winter? Here is all you need to know.
RV Pre-Trip Checklist
Check your RV engine, tyres, holding tanks, electrical system, all moving parts, and fuel tank.
Make sure the RV roof, windows, and doors don't have any leaks or holes.
Check all faucets and working parts of the RV like refrigerator, cooking station, RV slides, AC unit, and more.
Make sure the RV is fully insulated and the RV heating system is working. Pack window sunshades, skylight insulators, vent insulators, windshield cover, heat tape etc.
Lay down fresh bedding. Pack extra bedding, blankets, and towels.
Check that you have packed all kitchen essentials.
Check that you have packed all electronics and accessories like cameras, phones, chargers for everything, etc.
Make sure you have packed all camping essentials like tents, RV rugs, camping furniture, portable fire pit, etc.
Make sure you have packed all your adventure gear.
Check to see if you have all your keys and key fobs.
Make sure you are carrying road safety and RV maintenance gear.
Make sure you are carrying an RV cover.
Make sure you are carrying your driving licence, RV insurance card, any membership cards you may have
Winter RV Trip Packing List
Battery Pack / Jumper Cables
Ice Scraper
Shovel
Flashlight and Flares
Spare Tire
Hot Packs
Electric Blankets
Multitool
Spare Tire
Tire Chains
Kleenex and Wet Wipes
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Food and Snacks
Clothes and Shoes
The Last Word
A winter RV trip is a great way to get away from the crowds, relax, and enjoy some winter activities. Winter camping can seem daunting but some planning and prepping your RV for the winter can go a long way. Whether you decide to hit a resort or boondock, an RV winter road trip will leave you memories that last a lifetime.