Camping in the Snow: Our Best Tips For Winter RVing Trips
For many of us in the colder climates, it’s easy to get jealous of all the southern campers this time of year. Winter is prime Arizona and Florida camping season. But we don’t let cold temperatures or a little snow stop us from using our RV and you shouldn’t either.
There are many reasons to go camping in the winter without being a snowbird!
You’ll experience fewer crowds since most campgrounds are less crowded during the winter months, which means you'll have more space and privacy. Winter camping offers more unique experiences than camping during other seasons. You might get to see wildlife in a different setting, enjoy snow sports, or experience the beauty of the winter landscape. Generally, the costs are lower as well - campground fees are often lower during the winter months, which means you can save money on your trip. Some campgrounds even offer special events or activities during the winter months, such as guided snowshoe hikes or cross-country skiing. And best of all the peaceful, quiet atmosphere of a winter camping trip can be a great way to relax and unwind.
Our best tips for RVing in the winter:
Make sure your RV is prepared for cold weather - Before setting out on a winter RV trip, make sure that your RV is in good condition and well-prepared for cold weather. This includes checking the tires, making sure the roof and windows are in good condition and ensuring that the heating system is working properly. DON’T FORGET to refill your propane tanks before you head out.
Pack lots of warm clothing- It's important to pack warm clothing and blankets to keep yourself and your family warm during the trip. Layering is key, as it allows you to adjust your clothing as needed to stay comfortable.
Keep a designated spot for snow boots - We keep our boots on an indoor tray near a floor vent to melt them quickly and keep everything contained.
Protect your water pipes - Frozen water pipes can be a major issue for RVs in the winter. To prevent this, make sure to insulate your water pipes and consider using heating pads or heated tape to keep them warm. It's also a good idea to keep a small amount of water running through the pipes to help prevent them from freezing.
OR do not de-winterize - Instead of worrying about freezing temps and protecting our pipes, we choose to use no water in our camper at all and use the campground facilities when necessary. We book a campsite close to the bathrooms/shower house and treat our RV more like an insulated tent with electrical conveniences. This isn’t an issue for us because we were tent campers for well over a decade and being resourceful helps us grow our knowledge as campers.
Keep your RV well-ventilated - Proper ventilation is important to prevent condensation and moisture build-up inside your RV. This can help prevent mold and other issues that can arise in cold, damp conditions. We like to use a de-humidifier in our camper to help with condensation - this is the one we have.
Plan a warm menu - we prefer to eat meals like oatmeal, soup, stews, or roasts while winter camping which keep us warm on the inside. We bring plenty of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate as well.
Set the mood - we bring in plenty of warm blankets, a portable heater, pillows, slippers, and candles to help us with our own RVing hygge feel. I also add a few battery-operated fairy lights around the camper for a cozy glowy feel during those long winter nights.
Use a portable generator - If you'll be camping in a remote location or if you're worried about losing power, it can be helpful to bring a portable generator with you. This will allow you to power your RV and keep warm if the electricity goes out.
Avoid driving in adverse weather conditions - It's important to be cautious when driving an RV in the winter, especially in adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow or ice. It's generally best to avoid driving in these conditions if possible or to take extra precautions such as using chains on your tires. We avoid towing in the mountains during the winter months, but if you can’t avoid it, at least allow storms to pass or use tire chains.
HAVE FUN! Most importantly, have a few outdoor and indoor activities planned for your RV trip. Don’t just sit around.
Fun Winter Activities While RVing
Though many people stay locked up in their RV and watch movies we tend to feel like that gets monotonous over the days, instead, we bundle up and get outside to explore and have fun. These are a few ideas to help keep you active and enjoying nature because that’s why you camp anyway. Right?
Skiing or snowboarding - Find campsites located near ski resorts making it easy to hit the slopes during your camping trip.
Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wilderness and is a relatively easy activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You can find complete snowshoe sets for less than $50 on Amazon or check locally to rent a set before you buy.
Ice skating - Locate an outdoor ice rink near your campground or bring your own ice skates and find a frozen pond or lake to skate on. Make sure you know how to properly test the ice before skating.
Sledding - Sledding is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Some campgrounds may have designated sledding hills or you can bring your own sled and find a hill nearby.
Building a snowman - Building a snowman is a classic winter activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Snowmobile - We love snowmobiling! It’s an easy way to guarantee some family fun. Even the kids love it.
Having a snowball fight - A snowball fight is a fun and playful activity that can be fun for the whole family.
Reading by the fire - Cuddling up with a good book by the warmth of the fire is a great way to relax and unwind during your winter camping trip.
Playing board games - Board games are a great way to pass the time and have fun with family and friends during your winter camping trip.
Stargazing - The clear, crisp winter air makes for great stargazing conditions. Grab some extra blankets and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
Take the dog for a walk - if you’re still not convinced about any of these winter activities at least take the dog for a 20-minute walk to get in your daily sunlight.
I hope these tips give you some ideas of why camping in the winter can be a great experience! Overall, being prepared for snow and ice in the winter is just as important as being prepared for heat waves and tornadoes in the summer. But once you’re ready to go; winter camping can open up a whole new world of fun. There are many great activities to enjoy when camping in the winter, including skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and more. So we encourage you to get outside and enjoy the other seasons of camping!