Winter Camping Adventures
While we’re just now escaping the summer heat and starting to set our sights on foliage, football, and all things pumpkin, the reality is that winter will be here before you know it. With that, it’s never too soon to start planning that next great cold weather (or in some cases just “slightly colder weather”) camping adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s snow-capped and traditional, or something a bit more temperate, we have you covered with a hand-picked starter park of activities and campgrounds to elevate the season.
Arizona
Say what you will about the high desert temps in the summer, but during the winter Arizona is immaculate, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s – perfect for hiking, golfing, and not feeling like a melted popsicle.
Activities.
Camelback Mountain.
If the adrenaline of a holiday season isn’t enough for you, consider an extra 2,704 feet of elevated soul-searching via Camelback Mountain. With two challenging trails and plenty of distinct desert flora, this is a must for any avid hiker.
Desert Botanical Garden.
Founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society, this 140-acre botanical garden has preserved the beauty of more than 50,000 plants for over 85 years. Come for the vegetation, stay for a cocktail, and leave with some prickly pear jelly. Just what the doctor ordered.
Campgrounds nearby.
California
To say that California has a little bit of everything is an understatement. No other state has quite the same diversity of climate, elevation, or activity – meaning you can literally do whatever you want during the winter. Want to go skiing? Check. Want to hop in the ocean? No problem. Want to spend a day with Mickey Mouse? They’ve got you covered.
Activities.
Palisades Tahoe.
Easily one of the best ski resorts in the country Palisades Tahoe combines cold-weather adventure with a rich cultural appreciation of the Washoe Tribe. Enjoy resort-style amenities, shopping, and family-friendly dining all while taking in some prolific mountain views.
San Diego.
Dreaming of a warm Christmas (or at least “warm-er”)? San Diego has perfect weather all year. If you’re looking to escape frigid temps, you would do well to head to La Jolla for some surfing, outdoor dining, and miles of biking along the beach.
Campgrounds nearby.
Connecticut
Connecticut is always lovely, but there’s something about the fall dipping into winter that makes it exceptionally magical. It literally feels like a Hallmark movie (or Gilmore Girls if that’s more your speed), and has plenty of quaint opportunities to take in the snowy aeasthetic while strolling around with a hot cup of cocoa.
Activities.
Mystic.
Living up to its name, there really is something enchanting about spending a day or two in Mystic. Whether you’re strolling down the Bascule Bridge, checking out the wildlife at the Aquarium, or grabbing a slice from the iconic Mystic Pizza, it’ll be time well spent. Plus, there’s really nothing as adorable as Olde Mistick Village around the holidays.
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce.
Get in the Christmas spirit while perusing the oldest amusement park in America. Featuring the tallest Christmas tree in Connecituct, meet-and-greets with Santa, and family-friendly plans for New Year’s Eve, you really can’t go wrong.
Campground nearby.
Montana
Believe it or not, Montana was cool even before Kevin Costner and Yellowstone (although that show admittedly made it even cooler). As far as winter scenery goes, it’s other-wordly – especially if you want to be knee-deep in powder while taking in the majesty of the mountains. But rest assured it has plenty of snowboarding, skiing, and other frosted adventures to keep you going.
Activities.
Bozeman Hot Springs.
For over 100 years, Bozeman has been offering a geothermal respite from the elements right in the center of the Gallatin Valley. And considering it’s merely minutes away from Yellowstone or Big Sky, you can really kill two birds with one stone.
Dog sledding.
No it’s not the Iditarod, but it’s not far off because Montana offers the same level of K9 adventure for those looking to traverse snowy plains with a team of 4-legged companions. Plus imagine the watercooler conversations when you get back from vacation. Sure, everyone went skiing, but how many of your friends or coworkers can say they sled across Montana Honestly, I think I just figured out what I’m doing with the rest of my PTO for the year.
Campgrounds nearby.
- Big Arm Resort & Casino
- Choteau Mountain View RV Campground
- Rocky Mountain ‘Hi’ RV Park and Campground
North Carolina
Once the weather turns, North Carolina quickly turns into a winter wonderland chock full of epic slopes, frozen waterfalls, and cozy spots to warm up over a meal.
Activities.
The Blue Ridge Mountains.
Venture out to one of the most stunning mountain chains in America for your fair share of skiing, snowboarding, and sledding (or whatever means of cruising down snowcapped mountains you fancy the most). If you’re really adventurous you can even try your hand at ice climbing – although I would advise you keep a close eye on safety conditions, as well as demonstrate and knack for climbing when it’s not freezing out.
The Polar Express (Great Smoky Mountains Railroad).
Get in the Christmas spirit and share a train ride with Santa to the North Pole, just like in the creepy-yet-oddly-endearing animated film (I guess it was technically a book before that). Beyond that it’s a wonderful excuse for you and your kids to trek through beautiful western North Carolina in your pajamas. Sounds like a core memory!
Campgrounds nearby.
Nevada
Believe it or not, Nevada boasts more than just Vegas (which there’s nothing wrong if that’s how you’d rather spend your winter). But if you want to expand your horizons beyond Sin City you’ll find there’s actually a lot to do in the chillier months of the year.
Activities.
The Ruby Mountains.
Off the beaten path in northeastern Nevada, you’ll find some of the best powder in the country. And if you really want to ramp up the adventure (and sign a few safety waivers), you could consider jumping out of a helicopter for some heli-skiing. Sounds terrifying to me, but to each their own.
Fire & Ice Winter Festival.
Make your way through the mountains to downtown Ely for their annual family-friendly festival brimming with food, live music, bowling, train rides and art sculpture bonfires (which is something I didn’t know I needed in my life until right now).
Campgrounds nearby.
Oregon
Whether you’re looking for a coastal adventure to the west, mountainous terrain to the east, or just a cool town to post up for some festive vibes, Oregon really stands out in colder weather.
Activities.
Coffee tour of Portland.
I’ll admit, I tried to find the most Portland thing to do on this list, and honestly, I’m not mad at it. With 80 roasters and 200 speciality spots for some “jitter juice”, Rose City lives up to its coffee reputation. If you’re aficionado, you would do well to check out Third Wave Coffee Tours for a closer look.
Take a sleigh ride.
Picture this: a horsedrawn carriage pulling you and your loved one through the snow enn route to the Geiser Grand Hotel, while you bundle up and sip on some organic cocoa. I think I just described the perfect winter date. I might have to try this one on my wife.
Campgrounds nearby.
Tennessee
While Nashville is great no matter when you go, Tennessee is rich with music, mountains, and winter fun.
Activities.
Great Smoky Mountains.
From November to February, Pigeon Forge literally shines with light displays, holiday festivities, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Also, for all of you Dolly fans (which should be everyone), Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is right around the same time. So you have options.
Catch a hockey game.
If you find yourself in Guitar Town when the weather dips, you might as well rally with the rest of the city and cheer on the Preds at Bridgestone Arena. Afterwards you can stroll around Broadway and eat hot chicken to your heart’s content.
Campground nearby.
Utah
From ice skating to ice castles, tubing to snowmobiles, and everything in between, Utah knows how to properly play in the snow.
Activities.
Olympic Park.
Celebrate our olympic victories from 2002 while gearing up for the excitement of 2034, which a trip to Salt Lake City. With museums, host venues, and more, you’ll have John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare” stuck in your head all day.
Midway Ice Castles.
If you or your child is a fan of the movie Frozen, then this is a must. Featuring 25 million pounds of ice transformed into mazes and archways, it’ll be a conversation starter for quite a while. People might have to tell you to “let it go.” Okay, I know that was a bad joke, but I stand by it.
Campgrounds nearby.
- Blue Mountain RV and Trading
- Canyons of Escalante RV Park
- Crazy Horse RV Resort
- Fossil Valley RV Park
- Grand Plateau RV Resort at Kanab
- Lakeside RV Campground
- Mountain Valley RV Resort
- Color Canyon RV Resor
- Shady Acres RV Park
- Spanish Trail RV Park
- Wagons West RV Park and Campground
- WillowWind RV Park
Washington
For my money, nothing compares to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest – especially when the evergreens are glazed with snow. Whether you’re looking for a festive trip to Seattle, or wanting to explore and marvel at the beauty of the wilderness, Washington is a premier winter destination.
Activities.
Whale watching.
The Pudget Sound is amazing in and of itself, but when you add in orcas or gray whales it makes for an indelible memory. Book a boat tour to get even closer to these majestic creatures. You’ll definitely have a few stories to tell.
Go ice fishing.
If you’re a fan of drilling a hole into the ice and casting a line to see what bites, then you’ll want to head to Eastern Washington to catch a few perch or rainbow trout. Also the fishing is great whenever it’s not frozen outside, but it’s really whatever floats your boat.
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