What Are the Best Winter Camping Spots in the US?

Camping isn’t always something you think about doing in the winter. After all, if you live somewhere cold and snowy, you might worry about braving the frigid outdoor weather. However, more and more van lifers and outdoor enthusiasts are finding that it can be a terrific experience, especially when prepared for cold weather.

For one, many campgrounds in colder areas are great places to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on snow-covered trails. Plus, if you want to escape the cold, many places in warmer climates offer a relaxing winter camping experience. Therefore, there’s a little bit of something for everyone when you camp during the winter.

Here’s a full list of great U.S. winter camping spots to help you plan your trip.

Where to Camp in Winter in the USA

When you’re looking for the best winter camping in the United States, you’ll find many options that’ll provide different experiences. National parks are notable destinations for winter camping, offering scenic beauty and a range of outdoor activities. So, whether you’re searching for “places to camp in the winter near me” or warm winter camping destinations, you’re sure to find a great place that suits your interests. Here are some top choices: 

Best Cold Climate Camping Locations for Winter Activities

First, let’s review some great winter camping locations if you enjoy winter activities like skiing and snow-shoeing.

• Denver and Aspen, Colorado: Denver and Aspen are top destinations for those who love skiing and snowboarding. With many top ski resorts, snow-covered mountains, and other great outdoor activities, you’re sure to have a blast camping in this area.
• Upstate New York and New York City: The state of New York can be a great place to explore during winter. Upstate New York is known for great camping and skiing. You can also visit popular waterfalls like Niagra Falls to get the unique experience of seeing them frozen during the winter. Plus, if you want experiences right in New York City, you’ll find some fun ice skating spots here.
• Seattle, Washington: When you take a camping trip in Seattle during winter, you’re sure to catch some stunning views and find great opportunities for skiing and snowmobiling. Some of the top ski resorts in the Seattle area are The Summit, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain.
• Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park offers a unique winter camping experience with nearby campgrounds providing amenities and access to activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. The park’s natural beauty is especially captivating during the winter season.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is ideal for winter camping, particularly at Morsefield Campground. Visiting during the early winter season offers a more comfortable and less crowded experience compared to the summer months.

Best Warm Winter Camping Locations

Here are some great camping spots to escape the cold during the winter.

• Orlando, Florida: Camping in Orlando during winter can be a terrific experience. Since the temperatures are a bit milder, you can partake in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or even playing a round of golf.
• Phoenix or Sedona, Arizona: Like Florida, the winter can be a perfect time for camping in Arizona when the temperatures are cooler. Whether you want to take some nice hikes or see scenic mountain ranges and nature preserves, you will surely have a great experience in top camping spots in Phoenix or Sedona.
• Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles has moderate winter temperatures, averaging about 68℉. During this time of year, you’ll often be able to relax on beaches, visit popular sights, and hike top trails with fewer crowds for a relaxing getaway.
• Everglades National Park, Florida: The Everglades National Park offers a unique warm climate and large size, allowing for various camping experiences without the crowds. Enjoy activities like kayaking and exploring the park’s diverse natural landscapes.
• Joshua Tree National Park, California: Joshua Tree National Park is an ideal winter camping destination with its favorable warm weather and proximity to Los Angeles. The park’s unique desert landscape and open-air experience under the skies make it a must-visit.

Where Is the Best Place to RV in the Winter?

When searching for “the best winter camping near me,” you may also wonder about great winter campsites that can accommodate RVs or camper vans. Fortunately, you’ll have many options near each of the locations we covered in the previous section. Here’s a full list of the best places to enjoy RV camping in December or other winter months when you’re using an RV:

Denver and Aspen, Colorado

• Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, CO – 30-minute drive to Denver
• Dakota Ridge RV Park in Golden, CO – 25-minute drive to Denver
• Gateway RV Park in Carbondale, CO – 40-minute drive to Aspen

Upstate New York and New York City

• Old Forge Camping Resort in Old Forge, NY (Upstate NY)
• Tall Pines Campground in Bainbridge, NY (Upstate NY)
• Skyline RV Camp in Brooklyn, NY – 35-minute drive to NYC
• Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, NJ – 20-minute drive to NYC

Seattle, Washington

• Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell, WA – a 35-minute drive from Seattle
• Issaquah Village RV Park in Issaquah, WA – a 20-minute drive from Seattle
• Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort in Fall City, WA – a 35-minute drive from Seattle

Orlando, Florida

• Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake in Orlando, FL
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Orlando RV Resort

Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona

• Desert Shadows RV Resort in Phoenix, AZ
• Desert’s Edge RV Park in Phoenix, AZ
• Rancho Sedona RV Park in Sedona, AZ

Los Angeles, California

• Golden Shores RV Park in Long Beach, CA – 40 minutes from Los Angeles
• Dockweiler RV Park in Playa Del Rey, CA – 40 minutes from Los Angeles
• Orangeland RV Park in Orange, CA – 40 minutes from Los Angeles

Is Camping a Good Idea in Winter? 

You may have seen a growing trend of people looking for places to camp during Christmas and other colder times of the year. While looking for the best winter camping in the US, you may still wonder, “Is it safe or a good idea?” Winter wilderness offers unique experiences such as sled dog driving and winter camping, making it an enticing option for adventure seekers.

In general, winter camping can be safe and a great adventure as long as you take proper precautions. Here are some tips for safety and comfort if you go camping somewhere cold during the winter:

• Check the weather before you leave. If there will be a big blizzard or severe below-zero temperatures, you may want to postpone your trip, stay off the roads during that time, or plan an alternate route to a different, warmer destination.
• Use the hot water bottle trick at night. You can heat water in a coffee maker, pour it into a plastic water bottle, and place it near your feet to stay warm.
• Dress in multiple layers of warm clothing.
• Bring an insulated sleeping bag and lots of blankets.
• Eat enough calories to give your body energy to stay warm. Winter hiking is also an appealing option for outdoor enthusiasts, offering benefits like cooler temperatures, stunning snow-covered landscapes, and reduced crowds.

What Is the Best State for Tent Camping? 

When you’re wondering, “What are the best winter camping spots in the US for families?” you might also consider the top states. California, Washington, Texas, Florida, and New York consistently rank among the top 5 US states for year-round tent camping.

Florida is a top choice for the best winter camping in the Southeast, where it’s warmer. Southern California and Texas also have great warmer climates for tent camping in the winter. Hiking trails are essential features of various states and national parks, offering abundant opportunities for exploration and stunning scenic views.

On the other hand, New York and Washington are great choices for campers who want to participate in winter activities like skiing and ice skating. The winter season is an advantageous time for camping in various locations, with places like Joshua Tree National Park and Padre Island attracting visitors seeking outdoor activities without cold conditions.

That said, setting up a tent can be more of a hassle during the winter, especially if there’s snow on the ground. Therefore, many campers prefer the ease of renting an affordable camper van that has comfy beds and holds all their essentials.

Get Equipped for a Successful Winter Camping Trip with an Escape Camper Van

When you want a great winter camping experience, Escape Camper Vans has you covered. We have ten rental locations across the US, including in or near many of the top winter camping destinations we discussed throughout this article. Outdoor activities during your trip can help combat the winter blues by enhancing serotonin production and improving overall well-being through increased sunlight exposure. Our vans come equipped with helpful features like:

• Queen-size beds
• Propane stove
• Extra storage
• Refrigerator
• Sink with a water tank
• Foldaway tables and benches
• And more

Ready to plan your winter camping adventure? Reserve yours today, or contact us with any other questions.