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Top 8 Coolest Places to Camp in the Winter 

  • Post category:Adventures

Whether you prefer cold-weather adventures or warmer winter getaways, we’ve rounded up eight of the best camping destinations to explore this winter.  

All three Encore RV models (RŎG, VENŪ , and REVUE) are well suited for cold-weather camping. You can adventure year-round without worrying about leaky roofs, poor insulation, or an overly loud A/C. With powerful furnaces, insulated walls, and winter-ready layouts, these adventure trailers are designed to keep you comfortable no matter where the road takes you, even in cold weather.  

First up, we’re highlighting five camping destinations that deliver the peace of a snowy retreat, with snow-covered mountains and frozen waterfalls, listed in no particular order.  

Cold Weather Camping Destinations

Zion National Park in Utah 

One of the best winter camping destinations in Utah is the Zion National Park because of the mild weather yet unique snow dusted scenery. There are 3 campgrounds, but only 1 of them is currently open all year round, The Watchman Campground. A few other reasons The Zion is a great winter camping destination is because fewer crowds make wildlife viewing easier. You do need to make reservations up to 6 months in advance. It’s also worth noting that only one RV per campsite is allowed.   

Snow Covered Mountains in Zion National Park

Photo Source: Visit Utah

Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan

Midwestern explorers will love Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan, where frozen waterfalls create a truly unique experience. There are endless amenities, including cross-country skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, and hunting. Plus, each Saturday in February 2026, you can enjoy a 1-mile self-guided snowshoe hike on a trail that is lit by kerosene lanterns.   

When it comes to camping, you can stay at the Lower Falls or Rivermouth Modern Campground for a more modern campground experience. You can also take the primitive route and camp at the Rivermouth Rustic Campground, which only allows self-contained RVs or smaller trailers, as it lacks electric or water hookups at the sites. Most campsites don’t have strict size limits, but a few are limited to RVs 40 feet or shorter, so be sure to check  the specific site before reserving.   

Photo Source: Tahquamenon Country   

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming 

For an unforgettable winter camping experience, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is hard to beat. Winter transforms the park into a quiet, snow-covered landscape filled with steaming geysers, dramatic scenery, and unique wildlife sightings such as elk and bison, all with far fewer crowds than peak season. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of seasonal outdoor activities, but should be prepared for extreme cold and heavy snowfall.  

Mammoth Campground is the only one of Yellowstone’s 11 campgrounds that remains open year-round. During the winter season (mid-October through April), the maximum total vehicle length allowed is 30 feet (9.1 m).  

All Encore RV models fit well within these limits. All RŎG models are comfortably under the maximum length, with the two of the largest (the RŎG 16RB and RŎG 16FB) measuring just 19′ 5″. The VENŪ  and  REVUE models also meet the requirements, with a maximum length of 23′ 11″, making them excellent options for winter camping at Mammoth Campground.  

Photo Source: Travel + Leisure   

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

During the winter camping season Moraine Park Campground is the only campground open in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This peace and quiet that this campground offers is an unmatched way to explore the Rocky Mountains in the winter.   

When planning your trip here, keep in mind camp sites are on a first come first serve basis only through May 18, 2026 and out of the 244 sites, 88 of them are RV only.   

Maximum RV length in Rocky Mountain National Park varies by campground. Luckily, Moraine Park Campground can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, making it a great option for campers of all sizes during the winter.   

East Portal Campground, which is closed in the winter, has a maximum RV length of just 22 feet. We include it here because it’s a great example of a campground where smaller RVs shine. If you plan to visit East Portal when it reopens in the spring, the ROG 12RK, measuring just 15′, is a perfect fit.  

Photo Source: National Park Service   

Glacier National Park in Montana

The Glacier National Park is another destination for breathtaking mountain and forest adventures. You have the choice between developed campgrounds like Apgar Campground or backcountry camping for more rugged exploration. However, when camping in the backcountry, you are required to have a permit or “dispersed camping” (for free in nearby areas outside of the park). One spot to do that is along the Flathead RiverBoth of these options do not have electric or water hook ups, so you will need to either use a generator (during permitted hours) or operate from solar power.   

Photo Source: PhotoJeepers 

Essentials for Off Grid Camping

If you’re camping in a lot of sites without any utility hook-ups, upgrading to our power up packages comes is change word to “AS” a must especially in the winter when staying warm is a priority.  

The standard Power Up Package upgrade includes:  

  • MPPT Solar Controller  
  • DC-to-DC Charger (Up to 62-Amps Through 7-Way Plug & Front Anderson Connector)  
  • (1) 100aH Lithium Battery w/Built-In Heater  
  • Custom Battery Tray – Holds up to (4) 100aH Lithium Batteries  
  • (1) 200-Watt Solar Panel w/Shade Technology  
  • Slide-Out Solar Panel System – Hold up to (2) 200-Watt Solar Panels This comes out and now a part of the Power+Plus Package  
  • Waterproof 120-Amp Anderson Connector (For DC-to-DC Charging from Tow Vehicle)  

The Power+Plus Package upgrade includes all of the above and the following:   

  • 3,000-Watt Inverter w/Auto Transfer Switch  
  • w/Auto Transfer Switch Delete this, and add w/Auto Transfer Switch above  
  • (3) 100aH Lithium Batteries – Total of 400aH  
  • (1) 200-Watt Solar Panel – Total of 400-Watts  
  • ADD Slide-Out Solar Panel System – Hold (2) 200-Watt Solar Panels  

Warm Weather Camping Destinations

Now, let’s shift to destinations that offer warm-weather camping for those looking to escape the winter cold.  

Sedona, Arizona

Chavez Crossing Group Campground is a group campground that accommodates small RVs with a max length of 25 to 35 feet, depending on the specific group site. There are no utility hookups (electric, water, or sewer) available at the campsites. Reservations are required. Best suited for those seeking a rustic experience.   

For a more modern camping experience near Sedona, you should check out Munds RV Park or Sedona View RV Resort. These campgrounds offer all the hookups and quick access to explore and adventure around beautiful Sedona.  

Corpus Christi, TX

For campers looking to enjoy mild winter temperatures and coastal scenery, Corpus Christi, Texas is an excellent warm-weather camping destination. Lake Corpus Christi State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, making it ideal for winter travelers who still want time on the water.  

The park provides several camping options, including sites with water-only hookups, water and electric hookups, and full hookup sites with sewer access. This flexibility makes it easy to find a setup that works for both short stays and extended winter camping trips. With comfortable winter weather and easy access to the Texas coast, Corpus Christi is a great choice for escaping colder climates while still enjoying the outdoors.  

Photo Source: TPWD Texas 

Mojave Road, CA

For a true desert adventure with comfortable winter temperatures, Mojave Road in California offers a unique winter camping experience. Located within the Mojave National Preserve, this area is ideal for off-grid campers, overlanders, and those seeking wide-open landscapes and fewer crowds during the winter months.  

Campers can choose from developed campgrounds like Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, which features 35 campsites for RVs and tents and allows a maximum RV or trailer length of 30 feet. Mid Hills Campground is another option, though its unpaved access road makes it better suited for smaller, self-contained RVs and trailers.   

For experienced campers, roadside and undeveloped camping areas along Black Canyon Road, Cima Road, and Kelbaker Road provide dispersed camping with no amenities. These sites are best suited for self-contained rigs and campers prepared for off-grid travel.  

Photo Source: California.com 

If you’re planning to camp at one of these destinations but don’t have an RV built for off-grid adventures, or your current RV is too long, explore our full lineup of adventure trailers. Each model is built tough for any adventure while staying compact, so length restrictions are never an issue when choosing your campsite.  

We offer a range of sizes to suit every type of camper. The RŎG 10MC is the smallest RŎG model at 12′ 9¾″. While one of the smallest VENŪ’s, the VENŪ 10RKS, measures 13′ 8½″.  These are discontinued models…you can leave them up because they’re listed on the website and dealers have some inventory, but on future posts, we don’t want to promote any of these models.  

For those looking for a larger setup, consider the VENŪ 17TB or the VENŪ 17QB which are both 21′ 7″ long. Then there is the RŎG 20TH, which comes in at 23′ 11″, and is the longest adventure trailer we manufacture and perfect for bringing along your full-size, four-door, side-by-side while remaining ½ ton towable!  

No matter your winter adventure, there’s an Encore RV built to fit your needs!