Best Cold Weather RV Road Trips

Are you looking to add some adventure to your winter vacation this year? Why not try a road trip in an RV rental? Many people shy away from taking an RV out on the open road as the temperatures dip. But winter can be one of the best times to explore America in an RV, taking in wintry sights while staying warm and comfortable. 

Winter travel also helps you avoid the crowds and traffic typical of summer getaways. So, escape the grind, jump into winter activities, or flee the cold in your hometown by visiting locations that offer unique experiences and stunning scenery on a winter road trip. 

Where Should You Go? 

As far as possibilities go, cold weather RV road trips have endless itineraries. That being said, national parks and coastal destinations are top-rated. Visiting a national park is an appealing way to get away from it all and appreciate nature’s beauty in its purest form. Plus, many national parks have special events during the winter season that you may want to take advantage of. But if you’d prefer to escape chilly climates, consider a coastal road trip. 

Read on to learn about top suggestions for an unforgettable US road trip this winter!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The winter months at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming offer visitors the unique chance to experience its breathtaking winter beauty and the activities you expect with colder temperatures. It’s home to various wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Visitors can also enjoy geothermal features such as hot springs and geysers.

Although winter is generally snowy with the occasional winter storm, you can better enjoy this famous national park by bringing along appropriate winter gear (like snowshoes and sleds). Or take advantage of the various winter tours provided by companies operating around the park. 

Yellowstone is vast, spanning 2.2 million acres. But visiting in the winter can deliver an intimate experience without the throngs of visitors that descend during warmer weather. Picture geysers against a snowy backdrop and dark-coated wildlife in the bright snow. Remember to plan a stop at the Mammoth Hot Springs.

Where to stay: Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds, but full RV hookups are only available at Fishing Bridge RV Park. However, a few RV parks are nearby, like Fox Den RV Campground in West Yellowstone.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is the ideal destination for those seeking a winter escape steeped in natural beauty. Rugged mountain peaks, snow-covered valleys, and shimmering glaciers characterize this majestic landscape, home to native wildlife long before humans arrived. In addition, this park is only an hour’s drive from Yellowstone, making this area an excellent choice for a 7-day trip. 

From the crisp elevated air to views of snowy mountain tops, this destination will take your breath away. There’s enough to keep your group entertained all winter, with seemingly endless trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Many campgrounds are open year-round and offer picturesque views of the surrounding mountain ranges. RV travelers will find plenty of roads maintained throughout the winter months, allowing easy park exploration. 

Campground amenities offer the comforts of home, including electric and water hookups, so visitors can stay as long as they like. Relax and take in the serene atmosphere only an alpine valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks can provide. 

Where to stay: This area boasts more than 30 RV parks and campgrounds. Six of the seven campgrounds within the park are RV-friendly. 

Zion National Park, Utah

Winter can be a great time to experience the beauty of Zion National Park in an RV. Many activities remain available during the cooler months, such as hiking and climbing through stunning sandstone formations, horseback riding, bird watching, and exploring the vast landscape. Even when activities inside the park are restricted due to hazardous conditions caused by snowfall and cold temperatures, sightseeing around its gorgeous landscape is still possible.

Zion National Park in winter presents sights that no other season can offer. For example, you can enjoy views of cascading waterfalls framed by snow-covered trees to towering sandstone cliffs illuminated by sunlight. Due to the colder weather and snow, hiking up to Angel’s Landing or the Emerald Pools has a distinctive edge. It’s almost like being in another world. 

Visitors can take advantage of picture-perfect views with haunting narrow sandstone passages, rock tunnels, and mysterious hidden grottos. You can also explore nearby locations like Bryce Canyon National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike through the red mountains to bathe in soaking pools at the Snow Canyon State Park.

Where to stay: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers full hookups, wifi, off-season rates, and other amenities. It’s located just east of the Zion Park entrance.  

The Pacific Coast Highway in California 

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a real-life showstopper and one of the most majestic drives in the country. For inspired RV travelers, winter provides a memorable experience as the fog rolls onto the rocky coast and snow caps the nearby hills. 

This route features unending vistas of dramatic sea cliffs, wild beaches, towering redwoods, hidden coves, and stunning tunnels into the mountain shoreline. It’s no wonder it’s known as one of the most beautiful vistas in America. 

You’ll find hidden towns with unique cultures and culinary delights up and down the coast. Plenty of places to fish, trek, and explore are tucked away along the route. So be sure to pull over to investigate. 

Where to stay: Whether you stop in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park or meander down to Big Sur, each locale presents something unique and unforgettable. You’ll also find many campgrounds and RV parks perfect for your journey up and down the coast. For exceptional ocean views, consider Malibu Beach RV Park, Rincon Parkway Campground, and Smithwoods RV Park.

The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

For travelers looking to experience the beauty of this part of Virginia, winter months are some of the best times to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of evergreens and craggy summits. Fun-filled activities include fishing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding, making it a perfect getaway for the whole family. 

Stopping at overlooks on the Parkway will reveal gorgeous views that show off nature’s winter wonderland, including snow-topped mountains and frozen lakes surrounded by foggy mist. Exploring historical sites, lodges, and quaint towns along the way adds to the adventure. Go joyriding on snowmobiles through snow-capped lanes, shop at local stores, and dine in cozy restaurants.

The winter brings special bonus activities, including wildlife watching, biking, and hiking trails with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding outdoors. 

Where to stay: RV parks are abundant and provide rustic comfort while you explore activities that the surrounding area offers. Additionally, many inviting amenities are available, like geothermal pools and hot tubs.

The Overseas Highway in Florida

RVing along the Overseas Highway in Florida is an unforgettable experience. The highway provides access to captivating scenery that’s particularly enjoyable during the winter due to mild temperatures, low humidity, and fewer crowds.

Winter vacationers can find a wonderful mix of activities near the Florida Keys. Enjoy access to direct beachfront views, exceptional fishing opportunities, and numerous lively cities along the way. You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and outdoor dining on the stunning Key Largo islands. 

Where to stay: RV parks near or around the Overseas Highway provide easy access to all the activities. Many offer their own attractions, like beach excursions, golf outings, shopping trips, and fascinating cultural opportunities.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, and North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina, featuring 522,000 acres of pristine beauty. Tourists are often amazed by the diverse glacially formed landscape with lush mountain valleys and meadows teeming with wildlife like black bears and elk. 

The park is an iconic scenic winter getaway with snow-kissed valleys, towering mountain peaks, and rolling hillsides. There are also numerous restaurants near some campgrounds that offer traditional Southern cooking like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, topped off with sweet tea. 

Where to stay: Half of the park’s ten campgrounds offer RV sites. Balsam Mountain, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemount campgrounds can accommodate RVs but have no hookups. However, Look Rock Campground has electric and water hookups for up to 3 RVs.

Renting an RV for your Cold Weather RV Road Trip this Winter

Taking an RV on a winter road trip can be an exciting experience full of fun and adventure! It’s a vacation you can enjoy even if you don’t own an RV. Find and book the perfect RV rental for your trip with RVnGO.

P.S.

Do you dream of getting away this winter but want to avoid dealing with the hassle and expense of flying? An RV winter road trip is an excellent option. You can explore new places at your own pace without worrying about finding a spot to stay or eating out all the time.  These Winter Destinations are perfect for RVers.

You’ll encounter less traffic, fewer crowds, and no shortage of enticing destinations. If you seek the sun, head out along California’s stunning Pacific coastline or the overseas highway in Florida. For wintry spots, consider top destinations like Grand Teton National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains. So, what are you waiting for? The open road awaits. Happy travels!