What To Know About Cold Weather RV Camping

Some people take their RVs down south for the winter, snowbirding in Florida or Arizona or California to escape the cold weather. Some people store their RV safely away at home, winterizing the whole thing to prepare it for hibernation. But if you’re reading this, we bet you’re in a third category – fearless adventurers who want to try RV camping in the winter months, braving cold weather, ice and snow. Maybe you’re a winter sports enthusiast looking for the best slopes to ski or snowboard, hunting down the best trails to snowshoe. Or maybe you just want to take your RV to a family member’s property to be near them over the winter holidays. Whatever your reason, we’re here to share tips and considerations for what you need to know about cold weather RV camping.

WHAT IS COLD WEATHER WHEN IT COMES TO RV CAMPING?

The definition of cold is really subjective. What’s freezing to someone from Los Angeles could feel like flip-flop weather for a Midwesterner. If you’re used to winters that regularly dip into the negative temperatures, you may have a higher tolerance for cold than your RV does.

So, for the sake of this article, cold weather camping is camping in weather above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures lower than that will make it a challenge to camp comfortably, and camping in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit will require more planning and care.

Cold weather also includes considerations like snow and ice, which can make RV travel trickier, even if the temps hang right around freezing.

One thing to remember as you begin preparing for cold weather camping is that you must prepare for the worst case scenario. Winter weather can close roads, knock out electricity, and pose a real danger to the health and safety of anyone who’s unprepared for the worst. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

The Crockers cold weather camping through Alaska

ARE RVs RATED FOR COLD WEATHER TRAVEL? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

The majority of people camp during spring, summer or fall. And that means that most RVs are built for spring, summer or fall weather. However, manufacturers build some RV models to allow for camping in colder weather.  While manufacturers have different labels for colder weather camping packages, some common names are “yeti”, “arctic”, “polar”, “all weather”, and “four season".

Things to look for in an RV that would allow for camping in colder weather are higher power furnace, such as 35,000 BTUs; thicker insulation in walls and doors; heated and enclosed underbelly to help insulate pipes and tanks; dual pane thermal windows that insulate against the cold; and PEX plumbing to protect water lines from freezing, just to name a few features.  Always research all of the standard components in addition to the options that an RV has to see what features it includes that will help you camp in whatever season you pick.

WHAT KIND OF GEAR SHOULD I BUY TO OPTIMIZE CAMPING IN COLDER TEMPERATURES?

In addition to buying an appropriately rated RV for winter camping, there are a number of other items and gear that can help make cold weather camping a bit easier. They fall into a few different categories.

RV CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Even with RVs specially manufactured for four season use, there are a few things you might want to do to help it function optimally. For example, buying wooden blocks to place underneath your jacks, which will help keep them from freezing to the ground when you’re parked – especially if you plan on staying in one place for a while.

Have silicone caulk on hand to reseal any cracks or crevices in advance of your trip, giving it time to cure properly, as caulk may not function optimally in colder temperatures. There are also covers you can buy for your AC unit to keep that from becoming drafty as well.

You’ll also want to add non-toxic RV antifreeze to your plumbing to help avoid frozen lines and tank contents. You can pour up to 2 quarts down the sink and shower drains and the toilet. Antifreeze in your black and gray water tanks will also help ensure that you can empty them at dump stations like you normally would. Just make sure it’s specifically non-toxic and designed for RVs with propylene glycol and not ethanol. One final tip – emptying your tanks less frequently is better in winter, since it takes longer for a larger body of liquid to freeze than a smaller one.

GEAR FOR STAYING WARM

If you have a permanent residence in a state with cold winters, you may already be familiar with the way small changes and optimizations inside can lead to a huge reduction in energy costs. You can winter-prep your RV with the same kind of solutions.

WINDOW WRAPS

Throughout the RV, you can add plastic window wraps to provide a layer of insulation at a point that commonly loses heat. (Just be careful that the wraps don’t interfere with emergency exit windows, and ensure the windows still function as designed.) You can find the supplies for this at just about any hardware or big-box construction store in colder climates.

But you don’t have to stop there, either. Consider upgrading your RV curtains to thermal curtains that help trap cold air between the curtains and the window, rather than letting it cool your interior. Keeping them closed at night will keep your coach warmer, and opening them to let the sun in during the day will help the sun assist in heating your space.

SLEEPING BAGS AND ELECTRIC BLANKETS

Sleeping when you’re freezing is nearly impossible. Luckily, there are more options than ever around how to stay warm while you’re in bed. One option is to use a sleeping bag instead of traditional bedding. They’re designed specifically for cooler temperatures, and the bag helps create a cocoon of body heat that stays within the bag, right where you want it most.

Electric blankets and mattress pads are also great options for staying warm overnight. If you haven’t bought an electric blanket in a while, they’ve come a long way in the past few decades. Most models nowadays have auto-shut off after a certain amount of hours, as well as controls for each side of a king or queen-sized bed, and up to 10 levels of heat, so you can find your perfect temperature.

You can even get electric throw blankets, which are a perfect addition to any living area, especially if you’re traveling with pets. Animals love to curl up somewhere warm when it’s cold outside.

Since electric blankets draw on electricity to run, they’re probably best suited for people who prefer camping with electric hookups, or anyone who has a solar power or generator setup when they’re camping off grid.

LOW TECH SOLUTIONS

If you’re the kind of person who prefers the “old fashioned” way, with no interest in electric blankets or space heaters, there are still plenty of strategies that will keep you warm. Wool blankets are a great choice as bedding or throws, and you can find them cheaply at Army surplus stores. Thick wool socks or slippers will keep your feet both dry and warm, insulating them against cold floors in the morning. And a hot water bottle filled with hot water can go just about anywhere with you – into the bed, on the couch, in a chair outside. Plus, they’re great for any aches and pains, as well.

SNOW AND MITIGATION

If your winter camping takes you to a location that gets a lot of snow and ice, there are a few more things to prepare for. You should always check your exhaust areas to ensure they are unblocked, and a good shovel can help you remove snow build up that may build up and block the exhaust. And a long handled bristle brush can help you remove excess snow from your RV roof and slides to keep ice from building up.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Enough snow can close roads or make them unpassable with your RV, and ice can knock out power at a moment’s notice. So, when you’re camping in unpredictable cold weather, your best bet is to have enough emergency supplies on hand to stay safe, warm and fed for several days without electricity.

We recommend stocking up on fresh water to drink, candles to use if there’s no power, and food to tide you over if you can’t get to a store for a while. The good news is that any snow bank can transform into a makeshift cooler, perfect for keeping drinks and perishable foods cold outside. As long as you have a gas stove or an outdoor grill, you’ll still be able to cook meals and heat water. A box of long matches can help you light a gas burner safely even without power.

We also recommend you keep a full tank of propane gas on hand, as well as any gasoline that may fuel a generator. Flashlights and battery operated lanterns are great for finding things in the dark – and the further north you travel, the fewer hours of daylight you’ll get in the winter.

Finally, keeping small power banks fully charged is a great way to ensure you can keep your phones or other important electronics charged when there’s no electricity. Staying connected to the world – to GPS, Google Maps, and the internet – can make it easier to find your way to a new, more hospitable location after a big storm.

WHERE SHOULD I TRAVEL FOR COLD WEATHER CAMPING?

With all these recommendations, you’re well on your way to conquering winter camping. If you’re looking for inspiration for camping in cold temps and snow this year, these are some of our favorite destinations:

EAST COAST:

• Durham Leisure Campground, Durham, Maine: This year-round campground allows self-contained RVs in the winter months, with full hook-ups, an onsite playground and hot tub, and free WiFi. It’s centrally located to visit Freeport, Maine (L.L. Bean, anyone?), Pineland Farms, which offers cross-country skiing, and additional skiing and snowshoeing trails within an easy distance.
• Apple Hill Campground, White Mountains, New Hampshire: Apple Hill is nestled in a winter wonderland that offers skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and tobogganing (sledding) across abundant fresh snow. The site offers pull-through trailer sites, full hook-ups and a dumping station, and fire pits for staying warm outside.
• Green Mountain Family Campground, Bristol, Vermont: Hidden away in Green Mountain National Forest is this four-season campground with full hook-ups, including electric. The surrounding area offers backcountry skiing, including downhill and skinning, and a variety of beautiful snow shoeing trails. When you stay here, you’re just a 30 minute drive to Breadloaf Wilderness and Mad River Glen, and a 45 minute drive from Sugarbush.

Apple Hill Campground

MIDWEST:

• East Jordan Tourist Park Campground, Boyne Falls, Michigan: If you like ice skating, you’ll love this winter campground that has access to Lake Charlevoix. It offers 75 RV campsites with full hook-ups, free WiFi, a playground, camp store and a dump station. Boyne Mountain Resort is nearby with beginner-friendly ski slopes, and there are even cabins for rent, in case you want to meet up with friends for a winter weekend together.
• Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, Ohio: Hocking Hills is one of the most beautiful state parks in the midwest, and it’s open year-round for campers who want to experience it thoroughly. The campground has 156 paved sites with full hook-ups, and can accommodate RVs up to 50’ long. There’s also a laundry facility, playgrounds, and a dump station onsite for your convenience.
• Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Although this campground has 129 premium RV sites, during the winter, only the West Loop is open – so make your reservations in advance. Sites are paved and include electric hook-ups, and there’s a dump station on the grounds. There’s cross-country skiing at the nearby Matthiessen State Park, and Starved Rock allows ice climbing the multiple frozen waterfalls (as long as you’re experienced).

Hocking Hills State Park

PACIFIC NORTHWEST:

• Mounthaven Resort, Ashford, Washington: If you’re looking for a winter spot where you can get close to Mt. Rainier, this is it. Shaded by old cedar trees, Mounthaven can accommodate RVs up to 40’ long with back-in sites that include full hook-ups. Mt. Rainier itself has areas for cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding and more, and there are 300+ miles of hiking trails for those who don’t mind the cold.
• Phoenix RV Park, Salem, Oregon: Phoenix RV Park is a five-star RV resort that’s consistently rated as one of the best parks in the Northwest. There are 107 full hook-up sites, with both pull-through and back-in configurations, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, fitness equipment and two enclosed dog runs. Plus, there’s onsite RV repair, in case you need it. Not into snow sports? Kick back at one of the multiple hot springs in Willamette Valley and take winter at your own pace.

MOUNTAIN WEST:

• Pony Express RV Park, West Yellowstone, Montana: Have you ever seen a steaming geyser surrounded by ice? Or a buffalo walking through snow? Even if you’ve been to Yellowstone before, visiting in winter is a totally different experience. While Mammoth Campground inside Yellowstone is closed for all of 2022, check out the Pony Express RV Park instead. It’s only 2 blocks from the Yellowstone entrance, and features full hook-ups, cable, laundry facilities and pull-through campsites. Whether you’re into traditional winter sports or just wildlife tours, camping at Yellowstone in winter never disappoints.
• Manor RV Park, Estes Park, Colorado: Only recently open for year-round camping, this campground has a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains that will take your breath away. All campsites have full hook-ups, including the riverfront sites, and all RVs need to be smaller than 38’ feet to enter. Stay here and it’s an easy ride to the Rocky Mountain National Park where you can snowshoe, hike or just find some peace and quiet on a trail.
• Wasatch Mountain State Park, Utah: Past November 1, camping at Wasatch Mountain State Park is on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll want to have a self-contained RV, as they turn off water to the campground bathhouses when the temperature drops. There are sites with both full hook-ups and partial hook-ups, so book carefully. But if you’ve ever dreamed about sledding or snowmobiling down a mountain, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Pony Express RV park

Once you’ve done your homework and thoroughly prepared for camping in cold weather, it’s time to plan your trip! What other gear would you take with you when you’re winter camping? Where do you plan to visit?