Do you have that camping itch, but feel like winter weather is trapping you inside? Are you looking for an RVing adventure for your new travel trailer, class C motorhome, or other RV that includes snow? No problem! RVT has gathered a list of eight gorgeous snowy camping destinations in the United States and Canada that can help you scratch that itch.
Winter Camping Destinations in the United States
1. Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, Ohio
Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is a perfect place to discover frozen waterfalls and hike picturesque snow-covered trails. Located next to Old Man’s Cave, the Hocking Hills State Park Campground is open year-round. During the off-season, electrical hookups, heated showers, flush toilets, and the dump station are all available. The camp store is also open. Water is only available at the shower house. RV pads are paved and feature fire rings. Pets are permitted.
2. Boyne Falls, Michigan
Near the beautiful Boyne Mountain Ski Resort, the East Jordan Tourist Park Campground offers year-round amenities, including Wi-Fi. Full hookups are available at many of their campsites. The campground is family friendly and pet friendly. If you’ve been out in the snow all day, the nearby Avalanche Bay indoor waterpark will help you thaw. Featuring pools, hot tubs and waterslides, there’s plenty of adventure to be had.
3. Bar Harbor, Maine
Nestled close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Hadley’s Point Campground offers a milder winter camping experience. Featuring sites with electric and water and some with full hook-ups, this family-friendly park offers many amenities for your winter adventure. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and coin-op laundry are some of the services available. The camp store is also open. Contrary to popular belief, Bar Harbor does not close in the winter. Many shops and restaurants are still open during the off-peak months. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice climbing are some of the adventures available.
4. Yellowstone National Park
Experience the stunning beauty of one of the nation’s most popular national parks during the winter. See the geysers erupt in a snowy landscape, go for a ranger-led excursion to see wolf pups, bison and elk. There’s lots to see in Yellowstone in the winter. The north entrance to the north east entrance is open during the off-season. Five miles south of the park’s north entrance is the Mammoth Campground, the only year-round campground in Yellowstone. Cell service, food-storage lockers, potable water, trash/recycling service, and flush toilets are available in winter months. There is no dump station, no showers, and no camp store at Mammoth in the winter.
5. Copper River Valley, Alaska
If you’re looking for a real winter-camping challenge, the beautiful Copper River Valley in Alaska is wintery seven months out of the year, with the average temperature below freezing. Many of the businesses in the area are run by longtime, year-round residents, providing a particularly authentic view of Alaskan life. Snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling are all popular pursuits in this snowy northern destination. In early January, you can experience the Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race, a 300-mile qualifying race for the famous Iditarod Race which takes place later in the year. The Kenny Lake Mercantile and RV Park in Copper Center, Alaska offers big rig access, pull-thru sites, full hookups, showers, laundry, dump station, fire pits and Wi-Fi. A general store and gas station are also onsite.
Winter Camping Destinations in Canada
6. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Nestled in the splendor of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff townsite offers all the shopping and restaurants and other amenities that most towns have. World-class ski resorts, Banff Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay are located near the townsite. Lake Louise ski resort is about 40 minutes west of Banff; shuttle bus service is available. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dogsled tours, and a dip in the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs are some of the other activities available in the area. Tunnel Mountain Village 2 campground is just minutes from Banff and can accommodate RVs up to 50 ft. Features include electrical hookups, a shower building, hot/cold running water, fire pits, picnic tables and flush toilets. Disabled access sites are available upon request.
7. Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Fernie is a winter paradise tucked in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Many winter activities are available in the popular ski town, including snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, Catskiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and more. Historic downtown Fernie offers many amenities, including shopping, restaurants and a movie theater. Fernie RV Resort is open all winter and offers winterized sites with all-weather plumbing and electrical hookups, free high speed Wi-Fi, commercial laundry, family-style private washrooms, and direct access to groomed trails.
8. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
Beautiful Alonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most popular parks. The winter landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for a variety of winter activities including a ski trail network and snowshoeing. Wildlife watching is also at its peak. A winter festival also happens in the park during Ontario’s Family Day weekend (mid-February). The Mew Lake Campground is the only year-round campground in the Park. Features include electrical sites, flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a store. The Algonquin Visitor Centre is also open year-round.
Next time you have that winter camping itch, we hope this list will help you find some gorgeous winter landscapes in which you can camp and play. And if you’re looking for a new or used RV, check out the latest listings available on RVT.com.