The Best Winter Camping Destinations In The USA

Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland or warm winter camping destination, you’re sure to find a great place. Here’s our list of the best winter camping in the U.S.

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

Benefits Of Winter Camping Trips

Bugs: The insects seem to disappear in cold weather so you won’t have to worry about flies and mosquitoes like you do when camping in the summer months.

People: If you choose to camp in a location with cold temperatures, you’ll find fewer people during the winter season. When the crowds at campgrounds are smaller, it’s easier to make reservations and you can often get the perfect spot because the best camping sites are not booked months in advance like they are in warmer months.

The opposite is true: If you’re joining the thousands of winter campers escaping to mild temperatures in warmer climates. Arizona and Florida tend to have the largest crowds of “snowbirds” who escape the cold conditions of winter weather in the northern parts of North America in order to spend the entire season in milder climates.

Best Places For Camping In The Winter Months

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park (south rim)

Did you know there are 31+ Arizona National Parks And Monuments? Of course, the Grand Canyon is the most well known of all of them. The north rim is closed in the winter while the south rim is open year-round. The scenic views are phenomenal after winter storms that dust the canyon with fluffy white snow.

Don’t miss this: Wildlife viewing, especially mule deer and bald eagles. Exhibits at the South Rim’s Visitor Center, Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower. Enjoy a meal or hot drink at the Sky View Restaurant and take in the canyon views. Hiking trails and roads can be full of snow and ice so be extra cautious when walking, hiking and driving at this time of year.

Mather Campground

• Is open all year.
• It is a centrally located large campground without hookups.
• 327 sites, each includes a campfire ring/cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to six people, three tents and two vehicles.
• Flush toilets and drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Most RV spaces are pull-through. No hookups are available, there is a free dump station.

Trailer Village

• Is open all year.
• This RV park is operated by a National Park Service authorized concessioner.
• It is the only campground in the park with full hookups for RV campers.
• This RV park can handle big rigs.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

This national monument is the perfect picture of Sonoran desert landscape. Located in southern Arizona, this destination has earned international significance with its International Biosphere Reserve designation.

Don’t miss this: Take a hike, the easy ones are great: Nature Trail and Desert View Trail. Take a drive along the Ajo Mountain Scenic Route and stop at the pullouts to enjoy the views along this 21-mile drive. Gaze into the star-filled night skies.

Twin Peaks Campground

• 208 sites (34 tent-only sites, 174 RV sites some can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet)

Alamo Canyon Campground

• Alamo campground only has 4 tent-only campsites.
• The rugged tent sites have charcoal grills, tables, a pit toilet and trash cans.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

This is one of the prettiest places in the state. It also happens to be the land where so many of John Wayne’s western movies were shot. This destination is on the Navajo Nation so you’re National Park Pass is not valid here (nor any discounts).

Don’t miss this: The self-guided 17-mile loop road driving tour is breathtaking, take your camera so you can capture the views along the various pullouts. Check out the displays in the museum and stop in at the trading post. Enjoy a meal or a drink at The View Restaurant.

The View Campground

• This campground has RV sites and wilderness camp sites.
• All campground sites are dry RV sites with no hookups.
• The wilderness sites have a maximum allowed tent size of 10’x10’, a full restroom and shower facility is available.

When we visited here the campground was closed, so, we camped on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property and boondocked for FREE at Valley of the Gods. This was one of our favorite spots to camp on our trip through Arizona and Utah.

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Long Term Seasonal Arizona Destinations

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA)

Quartzsite is a great spot for snowbirds who want an affordable long-term desert winter campsite. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) operates several Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA) locations in the southern half of the state and into California. Some of these locations are close to the Mexican border while other are further north.

Here’s a map to the main long-term visitor areas including:

• IMPERIAL
• MIDLAND
• MULE MOUNTAIN
• PILOT KNOB
• TAMARISK
• HOT SPRING
• LA POSA

The La Posa Long Term Visitor Area is managed by the BLM Yuma Field Office. It is the most popular location for snowbirds who want to park in the desert for the entire season.

• This location is approximately 2 miles south of the town of Quartzsite, AZ where you can find shopping, laundromat and other services.
• The campground is approximately 11,400 acres. A long-term visitor pass allows for continuous use of BLM LTVAs, for 7 months between September 15 – April 15 and currently costs $180. You can purchase permits online or at the field office.

Don’t miss this: Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show (usually happens in late January), mineral shows, Castle Dome Museum and the Dripping Springs Petroglyphs.

For campers who prefer pavement, the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas are filled with RV parks that offer seasonal spaces for winter visitors.

Leisure Valley RV Resort

• This destination is clean and managed well.
• The location is between the two largest metro areas (Phoenix and Tucson) in the state. It’s a bit more laid back but still has all of the services and shopping a visitor may need.

Don’t miss this: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park which is an outdoor museum with signs that have been salvaged from historic sites in the area.

Sunrise RV Resort

• This destination focuses on activities like tennis, pickle ball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, sewing room, woodshop, dinners and dances.
• It’s a short drive to town and has easy access to the Phoenix valley via the highway system.

Don’t miss this: Hike in the Superstition Mountains, visit the Lost Dutchman State Park, tour the Superstition Mountain Museum and take a tour on the Dolly Steamboat.

Rincon Country West RV Resort

• This destination caters to seasonal residents and visitors.
• You can rent an RV spot or one of their park models.
• There are plenty of restaurants and stores within a 10 minute drive.

Don’t miss this: Visit the Saguaro National Park, Pima Air and Space Museum and the Titan Missile Museum.

Arizona has many regional parks and state parks across the state. Check out the Arizona State Parks for day trips and camping opportunities too.

Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park

The thermal springs, babbling creeks and forest of trees draw people to the area to experience magnificent hikes with views of the surrounding mountains.

Don’t miss this: You can’t soak in the hot springs outdoors but you can enjoy a time of relaxation in the thermal water that’s piped inside the two bathhouses: The Buckstaff Bathhouse and The Quapaw Bathhouse. If you don’t want to soak, you’ll still enjoy the grand architecture of these historic bathhouses. Explore the area along the self-guided scenic drives: Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive & West Mountain Scenic Drive. Enjoy 360 degree views from the observation decks at the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Overlook. Take a hike along the Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails, they are easy and provide magnificent scenic views.

Gulpha Gorge Campground

• All sites can accommodate tent camping and RV camping.
• Every site has full hookups: 30 and 50 amp electric, water and sewer connections.
• Every campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill and water.
• There are modern restrooms in the campground but no showers.

California

Death Valley National Park

This park spans across the two states of CA and NV. The best time to experience Death Valley is during the coldest part of the year. Why? Because it is the hottest and driest national park in the United States. July and August high temperatures hover around 115 F degrees at this park! The basin actually sits below sea level. The high temperatures on winter days are typically between 65-75 degrees and are really comfortable.

Don’t miss this: Take the scenic drive along Artists Drive Scenic Loop and make sure you stop at Artists Palette. This area has been colored by volcanic deposits, the red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and green colors create a rainbow effect on the hills. See the 200 square miles of salt flats at Badwater Basin. Hike the easy Natural Bridge trail. Enjoy bicycling along the bike paths and roads or hit the mountain biking trails.

Furnace Creek Campground

• The only campground that takes reservations.
• RV length restriction of 100 feet.

Sunset Campground and Stovepipe Wells Campground

• Not reservable – first come, first served.
• Do not have RV length restrictions.

Texas Springs Campground and Mesquite Springs Campground

• Not reservable – first come, first served.
• RV length restriction of 35 feet.

Mahogany Flats Campground, Thorndike Campground and Wildrose Campground

• Not reservable – first come, first served.
• RV length restriction of 25 feet.

Emigrant Campground

• Not reservable – first come, first served.
• Tent-only campground.

Joshua Tree National Park

Don’t miss this: Take advantage of some of the darkest nights in Southern California and enjoy the stargazing. Take a hike along some trails, there are 300 miles to choose from! Go horseback riding along the 250 miles of equestrian trails. Other popular activities at this park include biking, birding and rock climbing.

• On our personal Joshua Tree National Park camping experience, we stayed one night at Jumbo Rocks then the rest of our trip was spent in a BLM dispersed area just outside the park’s entrance. We were there in March. Check out our entire blog post and our VIDEO for trip tips.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 124 sites.
• Reservations are required during the busy season.
• Max RV length: 40 feet.
• 4,400 feet in elevation.
• Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates.
• No water.

Cottonwood Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 62 sites.
• Reservations are required during the busy season.
• Max RV length: 35 feet.
• 3,000 feet in elevation (closest metropolitan area is Indio).
• Water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates, and a dump station.

Black Rock Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 99 sites.
• Reservations are required year-round.
• Max RV length: 35 feet.
• 4,000 feet in elevation.
• Water, flush toilets, tables, fire grates, and a dump station.
• A separate area is provided for horse owners for camping or staging a ride.

Indian Cove Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 101 sites.
• Reservations are required year-round.
• Max RV length: 35 feet.
• 3,200 feet in elevation (closest metropolitan area is Twentynine Palms).
• Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates.
• No water.

Ryan Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 31 sites.
• Reservations are required year-round.
• Max RV length: 32 feet.
• 4,300 feet in elevation.
• Pit toilets, tables, and fire grates.
• No water.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Don’t miss this: Snow-lovers have tons of activities to choose from like sledding, snowshoeing (including ranger-led snowshoe walks), cross-country skiing and backcountry skiing/snowboarding. You can snowshoe or ski one mile from the visitor center to the Sulphur Works Hydrothermal Area. At this steamy spot you’ll see, hear and smell the park’s most accessible hydrothermal area. Keep your eyes open for wildlife including a wide variety of birds and the Sierra Nevada Red Fox.

Southwest Walk-In Campground

• Tent and RV camping is available, this is the only year-round campground in the park.
• Water is not available in the campground.
• Water and restrooms are available inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center 24-hour vestibule.

The other campgrounds at Lassen National Park are only open during the summer season which starts in approximately May/June and runs through approximately September/October. The actual dates depend on snow depth and other conditions. Those seasonal campgrounds include:

• Butte Lake Campground
• Juniper Lake Campground
• Manzanita Lake Campground
• Summit Lake Campground
• Warner Valley Campground
• Lost Creek Group Campground

Yosemite National Park

Don’t miss this: Most of Yosemite is open year round but snow closes some roads from approximately November-May or June. Be sure to check out the Badger Pass Ski Area if you like downhill or cross-country skiing. If you enjoy hiking, your best bet to find open trails is in Yosemite Valley. Lace-up some skates and hit the ice rink in Curry Village. Most of all, pack your camera and binoculars because birding and photography are excellent during the winter when there are less visitors in the park.

• Check out our entire blog post and VIDEO that includes a Yosemite itinerary for a 1, 2 and 7 day trip.

Yosemite Campgrounds

There are 3 different areas in the park with campgrounds:

Yosemite Valley Campgrounds

• Upper Pines (open all year), max RV length: 35 feet.
• Lower Pines (open seasonally).
• North Pines (open seasonally).
• Camp 4 (open all year), tent camping only.

Campgrounds South of Yosemite Valley

• Wawona (open all year), max RV length: 35 feet.
• Bridalveil Creek (open seasonally).

Campgrounds North of Yosemite Valley

• Hodgdon Meadow (open all year), max RV length: 35 feet.
• Crane Flat (open seasonally).
• Tamarack Flat (open seasonally).
• White Wolf (open seasonally).
• Yosemite Creek (open seasonally).
• Porcupine Flat (open seasonally).
• Tuolumne Meadows (open seasonally).

Regional Campgrounds

County of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department Campgrounds

San Diego, California

• January Average Temperatures
  • High: 66 F degrees
  • Low: 50 F degrees

Don’t miss this: With mild temperatures, this sea level city is popular all year. Check out the awesome beaches, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway which is an aircraft-carrier that has been turned into a museum.

Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Don’t miss this: You will see snow in the winter months here, so, hiking can be challenging. The trails in the mountains are covered with deep snow, but, the trails along the foothills usually have shallow snow and are usable. If the dunes are covered with freshly fallen snow, they are great for snow sledding, snowboarding or cross-country skiing. Also, during the wintertime when the sand is firmer and partially frozen, it’s actually easier to hike them than it is during the summer season. In the early morning or evening hours, visitors in the grasslands can usually get a glimpse of elk and pronghorn.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Campgrounds

Most of the campgrounds in the park are closed during the winter season. Nearby private campgrounds and RV parks are open in the town of Mosca.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Don’t miss this: This winter wonderland is popular with people who like to go snowshoeing, cross country skiing and sledding. The ranger-led snowshoe walks are in high demand and require reservations. The wildlife watching is superb! Be on the lookout for snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, coyote, elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes and various birds.

Moraine Park Campground

• This is the only campground that’s open during the winter season. Max RV length: 40 feet.
• During the winter, campsites are not reservable, they are first-come, first-served. And, only about 70 of the sites are open.
• The vault toilets are open in the winter, but, the water and the dump stations are closed.
• There is a water spigot that is open year-round near the ranger station.

Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park

Don’t miss this: When you visit any island in the Florida Keys, you probably have the typical activities on your list: fishing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and wildlife viewing. This 100-square mile park consists of mostly open water with 7 small islands. Don’t miss Fort Jefferson. This historic 19th century fort is located on Garden Key and is one of the nation’s largest forts from that era.

There are 4 ways to get to this island:

1. Personal boat
2. Chartered tour boat
3. Commercial ferry boat (compressed gas canisters are not allowed onboard)
4. Chartered seaplane

Garden Key Campground

• All of the campsites are tent-only sites that are first-come, first served.
• Composting toilets are located in the campground.
• There are no public showers, when the ferry is docked at Garden Key, visitors are allowed to use the boat’s fresh water rinse.
• There is no electricity, internet or cell service.
• Campsites include picnic tables and elevated grills for charcoal fires.
• For campers who use the ferry to get to the island, remember compressed gas canisters are not allowed on the ferry so bring charcoal for grilling.

Additional camping and RV options are available in Key West.

Everglades National Park

Homestead, Florida

• January Average Temperatures
  • High: 76 F degrees
  • Low: 54 F degrees

The winter season is also the dry season which begins in December and lasts through April. It is the busy season. The Everglades National Park covers 1.5 million acres located in the southern part of Florida. There are 3 main entrances:

1. South Entrance: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, near Homestead Florida, this is the main park entrance
2. North Entrance: Shark Valley Visitor Center, near Miami Florida
3. North West Entrance: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, near Everglades City Florida

Don’t miss this: Enjoy the water at this park! Popular activities include saltwater and freshwater sport fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. If you want to experience the water but don’t want to “drive” yourself, take one of the boat or tram tours.

Staying on land allows you to enjoy bicycling, birdwatching and standard trail hiking or off-trail hiking, called slogging, which brings you closer to the park’s more obscure species. See the largest variety of wading birds and their predators in the winter months.

Flamingo Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 274 sites.
• Picnic tables, grills, trash/recycling collection, dump station, potable water, flush toilets and showers.

Long Pine Key Campground

• Tent and RV camping, 108 sites.
• Trash/recycling collection, dump station, potable water, flush toilets and showers.

Maine

Acadia National Park

Don’t miss this: Take the self-guided winter walk around Otter Point, then, warm up in your vehicle and experience the sights along one of the magnificent scenic drives. Keep your eyes open and you might spot one of Acadia’s Snowy Owls, these beautiful creatures travel thousands of miles to get to Acadia National Park for the winter! Other popular activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Acadia Campgrounds

All of the campgrounds inside Acadia National Park close during the winter season. Campgrounds and RV parks can be found in nearby communities. Many of the Maine’s State Parks & Public Lands are open during the winter for off season camping.

New Mexico

White Sands National Park

Don’t miss this: Stop by the Spanish Pueblo-style adobe architecture structure that houses the visitor center and watch the orientation film: “A Land in Motion”. Take the eight-mile scenic drive along Dunes Drive and leave time for getting out of your vehicle to experience the dunes and take some photos. Hiking is popular in the summer but more difficult than it is in the winter because the freezing winter temperatures actually freeze the sand making it easier to hike on the hard surface. Riding bicycles and horseback riding are also popular activities.

White Sands National Park Camping

Backcountry camping is the only type of camping allowed inside the park. There are several car and RV camping options:

Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

Don’t miss this: Winter activity enthusiasts love this park because of the wide range of snow-focused adventures like: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ranger-guided snowshoe walks, snowboarding, sledding and snowmobiling.

Winter Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed during the winter months but the park’s campgrounds are closed. You can find car and RV camping in the nearby towns of Chiloquin, OR (try Sportsman’s River Retreat or Walt’s RV Park) and Prospect, OR (try Crater Lake RV Park).

Texas

Padre Island National Seashore

Don’t miss this: If you have a 4WD vehicle, take a drive down the 60 miles of beach. Beachcombing, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities. Attend one of the ranger-led deck talks, beach walks and bird tours. You’ll learn about the 380+ species of migratory birds that inhabit this park.

Padre Island National Seashore Camping

The campgrounds are open year-round and all are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available.

A centrally located RV dump station and a water filling station are available for all campers staying in the park.

Malaquite Campground

• RV and tent camping sites.
• Flush toilets, cold-water rinse showers and picnic table.

Bird Island Basin Campground

• RV and tent camping sites.
• Chemical toilets.

South Beach Camping

• Primitive RV and tent camping.
• No paved roads or amenities, all driving is on the beach.
• High-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is needed to reach most of South Beach.
• Chemical toilet and large dumpster.

North Beach Camping

• Primitive RV and tent camping.
• No facilities and no designated sites.

Yarborough Pass Camping

• Access to this area is only possible through the 4-wheel drive area of South Beach or by boating down the Laguna Madre.
• Primitive camping.

Big Bend National Park

Don’t miss this:

Bring your bathing suit and take a soak in the hot spring! Watch the scenery transition before your eyes when you take a drive along the 6 mile Chisos Basin Road that begins in the arid desert and climbs into cooler mountain habitats. Take a river trip on the Rio Grande and enjoy a half-day float or a longer adventure on a raft, canoe or kayak. The more traditional activities of hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing and stargazing are great activities too.

Big Bend National Park Campgrounds

Chisos Basin Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• Reservations REQUIRED.
• Max RV length: 24 feet.

Rio Grande Village Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• Reservations REQUIRED.
• Accommodates large vehicles and RVs.

Cottonwood Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• Reservations REQUIRED.
• Accommodates all but the largest RVs.

Rio Grande Village RV Park

• RV camping, tents are NOT permitted.
• Reservations REQUIRED. You must call 432-477-2293 to prearrange camping at this facility.
• Full hook ups available, max RV length: 40 feet.

State Parks

Don’t miss this: Take one of the cultural tours of Austin on a Segway, visit the LBJ Presidential Library, hike or bike the Lady Bird Lake Trail and experience the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Texas State Parks Camping

If you’re looking for a more urban experience, try camping in Texas State Parks. There are 18 parks near the Austin area!

1. Bastrop State Park (512) 321-2101
2. Blanco State Park (830) 833-4333
3. Buescher State Park (512) 237-2241
4. Colorado Bend State Park (325) 628-3240
5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (830) 685-3636
6. Government Canyon State Natural Area (210) 688-9055
7. Guadalupe River State Park (830) 438-2656
8. Honey Creek State Natural Area (830) 438-2656
9. Inks Lake State Park (512) 793-2223
10. Lake Somerville State Park – Birch Creek (979) 535-7763
11. Lake Somerville State Park – Nails Creek (979) 289-2392
12. Lockhart State Park (512) 398-3479
13. Longhorn Cavern State Park (512) 715-9000
14. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (830) 644-2252
15. Mckinney Falls State Park (512) 243-1643
16. Old Tunnel State Park (866) 978-2287
17. Palmetto State Park (830) 672-3266
18. Pedernales Falls State Park (830) 868-7304

Utah

Capitol Reef National Park

Don’t miss this: Take a ride along The Scenic Drive which is a 7.9 mile journey with 11 stops along the route that will introduce you to the geology, vegetation, landscape and history of this beautiful area. Hiking, wildlife-viewing, horseback riding and rock climbing are also great activities.

Fruita Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• November 1-February 28, all campsites are first come, first served (during the busy season, reservations are required).
• Accommodates large vehicles and RVs.
• A dump station and RV water tank refill are available.

Canyonlands National Park

Don’t miss this: Stop at the visitor’s center to check current road and trail conditions in the park for closures based on weather and snowfall. Auto touring, bicycling, hiking and climbing are popular activates here.

Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• 12 sites, first-come, first-served.
• Max RV length: 28 feet.
• Trash/recycling collection, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.

The Needles Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• 29 sites, first-come, first-served during winter season.
• Max RV length: 28 feet.
• Toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.

Backcountry Camping is also an option in Canyonlands National Park.

For longer RVs, there are many options for camping on public land managed by BLM (Bureau of Land Management). See our review and VIDEO, when we visited the area we stayed at Goose Island Campground Moab Utah.

Zion National Park

Don’t miss this: During the busy summer season, the only way you can get around the park is on shuttle buses, driving your personal vehicle is prohibited. But, during the winter, it’s a different story so take advantage of it by driving the 6.5 mile route along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You can also drive your vehicle right to the trailheads for some peaceful hiking. Try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing too. Keep an eye out for the winter wildlife, you’re likely to see some Golden eagles, Bighorn sheep, deer and elk.

South Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• 117 sites, first-come, first-served during winter season.
• Max RV length: 40 feet.
• The trash collection, potable water and dump station are only open seasonally, so you must make other arrangements in the winter.
• Flush toilets are open year round.

Watchman Campground

• Tent and RV camping.
• 95 sites, require reservations year-round.
• Max RV length: 40 feet.
• The trash collection, potable water, dump station and flush toilets are open year round.

Lava Point Campground

• Closed during the winter season, it is typically open May through September, as weather allows.

Washington

Mount Rainier National Park

Don’t miss this: Explore the Longmire area and take a hike or snowshoe through the forest that provides views of Mount Rainier and the bubbling mineral springs. Stop in to see the Longmire Historic District and enjoy a drink or meal at the National Park Inn. Take one of the ranger-guided snowshoe walks, enjoy sledding and sliding in the Paradise area, go snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling.

Winter Camping

Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh and White River Campgrounds are closed for the season, but, after sufficient snowfall, you can tent camp almost anywhere in the park.

Camping may be available in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Private RV parks and campgrounds are open year round in the nearby communities of Randle and Packwood.

Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park

Don’t miss this: Take a guided trip to see Old Faithful, stop in and explore the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. See the Mammoth Hot Springs and enjoy a hot meal or warm drink in the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room. Go skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Make sure you keep an eye out for the local buffalo trotting down the roads!

Mammoth Campground

Most of Yellowstone’s campgrounds close for the winter season, but, Mammoth stays open year round.

• Tent and RV camping.
• 85 sites, require reservations during the summer season.
• Max RV length in winter: 30 feet.
• The trash collection and flush toilets are open year round.

Winter Backcountry Camping is also available.

Northern Lights Destinations

The winter conditions on clear, dark, cold nights can reveal an awesome night sky. If you want to look up and see aurora borealis, timing your trip to coincide with a new moon is best. Don’t know where to see the Northern Lights? Here are some of the best places in the country!

Denali National Park and Preserve

Camping

The Riley Creek Campground is the only one that stays open year round.

Wilderness Camping is also an option in the winter season.

White Mountains National Recreation Area

Camping

In the winter season, visitors can enjoy the 12 public-use cabins and 250 miles of groomed trails. (This is a great way to experience the Northern Lights without letting your body heat get too low. ha ha)

Priest Lake State Park

Camping

Priest Lake State Park’s campgrounds are closed in the winter. You can find camping options in nearby Oldtown and Newport.

Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness

Camping

This wilderness area is located on land that is managed by the White Mountain National Forest. Winter camping is available in some Maine state parks and public lands.

Isle Royale National Park

Camping

The park’s Houghton visitor center is open year-round even though the park closes during the winter season. They will provide information about where to see Northern Lights in the area. Michigan winter camping is available in select campgrounds, cabins, yurts, geodesic domes and lodges.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest

Camping

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in northeastern Minnesota and sits within the Superior National Forest. There are many winter campsites available at various Minnesota State Parks.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Camping

Many Minnesota State Park Campgrounds stay open year-round.

Voyageurs National Park

Camping

Many Minnesota State Park Campgrounds are open year-round.

Glacier National Park

Camping

Frontcountry and backcountry camping is available for winter visitors inside the park.

Cold-Weather Camping Tips

If your winter adventures normally consist of cabins and yurts with heaters and fireplaces, you’ll need to do a little extra preparation and carry the right equipment for your trip.

Necessary camping gear

If this is your first time car camping in cold weather you’ll want to have:

• Bring a good sleeping bag (rated for the proper temperature range of your trip).
• Bring camp stoves with white gas or propane (make sure you carry enough fuel).
• Toilet paper (even if you’re camping in a campground with bathroom facilities, they are not always well-stocked in the off-season).
• Portable space heater (carry a good heater, there are multiple ways you can heat your living space even if you don’t have electricity.
• Bring proper clothing and footwear.
• Plan warm and hearty meals.
  • 75+ Winter Camping Recipes: They’ll keep you warm while camping in cold weather. Early mornings call for a hot cup of coffee or campfire hot cocoa. You may want to make a big batch of each in case you have unexpected guests at your picnic area!

Early winter may be the perfect time to spend a long weekend in the great outdoors. But, don’t rush in before you are fully prepared. Get all of our tips so your winter camping experiences are fun, safe and stress-free!

FREE Camping Trip Planner

Don’t be caught off-guard if the unthinkable happens on your winter camping adventure. Use our trip planner to help you plan your route, destination, experiences, budget and more.

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