Are you an RV enthusiast looking for a great place to take your rig during the winter? Don't worry; you're not alone. If so, you'll want to check out some of the best RV winter locations throughout the United States! From California to Florida, we've got you covered with some of the top spots to spend your winter. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today!
Guest Post By The Adventure Detour
Best Places To Escape The Cold In Your RV This Winter
Whether you are looking for a quick RV trip or a place to spend the whole winter in your RV, there are some amazing options in the Southern United States. With so many options to choose from, how do you decide? We have you covered with these top winter destinations.
Florida
Why Florida Is The Most Visited Winter RV Location
Florida is the most popular winter RV state. With its mild weather and miles of beaches, RVers often flock down to the Sunshine State to enjoy the sun and fun. It's the warmest winter state on our list, which is another reason it appeals to winter RV travelers.
Drawbacks To Florida Winter Travel
There is one drawback to Florida winter RV travel, and that is camping reservations. Since Florida is so popular with RVers, it can be difficult at times to find an open reservation. Make all Florida camping reservations as soon as possible so you can make sure to find a great spot!
Best Florida Winter RV Locations
With its endless array of attractions, Florida offers some of the best RV experiences to be had in the United States. Winter RVers looking for warm weather and plenty of outdoor fun will want to check out sites like Key West, where paddleboarding and beach-combing are just a few favorite activities.
Meanwhile, Honeymoon Island State Parks's remote beaches offer a tranquil getaway that nature lovers won't want to miss. Further inland, Orlando is a great spot for families and offers up iconic theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Nature lovers might also put Ocala National Forest on their list. Situated in the north-central part of Florida, the forest is known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and freshwater springs. Also, be sure to check out one of Florida's incredible national parks. The Everglades are perfect for exploring during winter when the weather is comfortable, and the bugs are fewer.
The Gulf Coast
Why The Gulf Coast Is A Great Winter Getaway
The Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle are very popular areas for winter RVers. The Gulf Coast is a great option for RVers who love the beach but are looking for a less crowded and less expensive camping option. The Gulf Coast beaches are just as incredible as many Florida beaches without all of the people. Camping reservations are also much cheaper than staying farther south in Florida.
Drawbacks To Gulf Coast Winter Travel
Winter RV travels on the Gulf Coast are often much colder than heading farther south into Florida. It gets below freezing more often in these areas. There are also fewer campgrounds and RV resources along the Gulf Coast than in the rest of Florida, where campgrounds, RV supplies, and repair facilities are more abundant.
Best Gulf Coast Winter RV Locations
Gulfport, Mississippi, is a great spot for winter RV travelers. With its miles of beautiful beaches and excellent seafood restaurants, Gulfport offers an incredibly relaxing experience. The city also has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment and shopping opportunities. This area also offers plenty of recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Buccaneer State Park offers waterfront RV camping and has a fun waterpark! Also, don't miss a visit to the Mississippi part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which includes a historic fort and a series of beautiful barrier islands to explore.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is another must-see area for RVers visiting the Gulf Coast. Gulf State Park is a great spot for RVers looking to get out in nature and explore the wildlife and local flora. It has a great campground near the beach with a pool which is rare for state park camping. Dauphin Island is another popular nearby location for beaches and outdoor activities. Check out the scenic Fort Morgan, which is accessible by ferry from Dauphin Island.
The Florida Panhandle portion of the Gulf Coast area is known for its famous beaches with white sand and greenish-blue water. For a less crowded and more natural beach experience, check out the Florida section of the Gulf Coast National Seashore. For a beautiful state park camping experience near the beach, you just can't beat Henderson Beach State Park.
South Texas
South Texas is where many RVers from the Midwest flock for a winter getaway. For those that live in the central United States, it is closer to get to than the other popular southern RV destinations and still offers beaches. Texas is also one of the cheapest places to winter in your RV.
Drawbacks To Gulf Coast Winter Travel
South Texas winters can be much colder than most areas in Florida and sometimes colder than the Gulf Coast. Texas in general, is more prone to freezing and occasionally ice. Usually, the cold snaps don't hang around long though, and it is still a great winter travel option.
Best South Texas Winter RV Locations
South Padre Island, Texas, is the most popular part of the state for RV winter travels. This southern tip of the state is known for being the warmest oceanfront area for RV beachgoers. Check out the RV camping at Isla Blanca Park. This country park on the ocean has an enormous campground and even a waterpark! For a nature beach experience, spend some time exploring Padre Island National Seashore.
Port Aransas, Texas, is another popular area with winter RVers and is located on the coast near Corpus Christi. A great oceanside beach RV campground is I. B. Magee Beach Park. This county park also has a jetty that is great for fishing during your stay and is a relaxing place to watch boats come in and out of the bay.
Arizona
Some winter RV travelers crave the beauty of the desert landscape and the mountains. Arizona is the perfect place to enjoy a mild desert winter with nearby mountains for hiking and exploring. It's a popular destination with snowbirds and for hiking. Arizona also offers plenty of free camping locations on public lands for those that enjoy boondocking.
Drawbacks To Arizona Winter Travel
We loved spending a winter in Arizona for its incredible scenery. It is, however, a bit cold and windy at times. Nights in the desert can get very chilly. It can also be somewhat tricky to get winter RV reservations since it is a very popular winter location. It helps to make any winter reservations early.
Best Arizona Winter RV Locations
Quartzite, Arizona, is a very popular winter location for RVers who love to dry-camp or boondock. This is a common spot for large RV rallies since there are so many large areas of federal land to camp for free. This rural desert town is also great for travelers that love to ride 4-wheelers out in the desert. The annual Rock And Gem Show is a huge attraction for winter travelers.
Tucson, Arizona, is a popular winter spot for RVers who want to experience the beauty of both the desert and mountains. The mild climate makes it great for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and more. There are also many cultural attractions near Tucson, such as historic sites, museums, and art galleries. Don't miss exploring the beautiful Spanish Mission at Tumacacori National Historical Park.
Phoenix, Arizona, is a popular winter destination for snowbirds in RVs. The mild desert climate and year-round sunny days make it the ideal spot for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, camping, golfing, and more. Plus, there are many great attractions to explore in the city, such as art galleries, museums, and shopping centers. Two popular activities with RV travelers include the Desert Botanical Garden and the Musical Instrument Museum.
Southern California
The vast terrain of Southern California is a huge draw for winter RV travelers. You can enjoy the desert, beach, and mountains within a short distance when camping in the state's southern portion. There is no shortage of incredible outdoor activities. Winter RVers also enjoy the mild weather compared to most other areas of the country.
Drawbacks To Southern California Winter Travel
Southern California can be chilly and wet during the winter months. Except for the desert areas, Southern California is in the wet season during winter. RVers looking for the warmest weather will want to stick to the state's desert areas. The coastal areas have incredible beach opportunities, but the water is cold, and a wetsuit is needed for water activities.
Best Southern California Winter RV Locations
Palm Springs, California, is a great location for winter RV travel. The area's mild desert climate and stunning scenery make it a popular destination for snowbirds. Palm Springs is close to Joshua Tree National Park and offers easy access to trails and other outdoor activities. One of the most popular things to do in town is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Also, don't miss the beautiful Living Desert Zoo And Gardens. A beautiful place to explore a nearby oasis is the Coachella Valley Preserve.
San Diego, California, is a great destination for winter RVing. The city's mild climate and nearby beaches make it an attractive spot for winter travelers. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in San Diego, such as hiking and biking trails, surfing, kayaking, sailing, and more. Don't miss visiting Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to explore the cliffs and nature trails along the coast. Other San Diego attractions include Balboa Park, SeaWorld, the Old Town district, and La Jolla Cove.
With so many great winter RVing locations throughout the US, you're sure to find one that suits your needs. Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas, Arizona, and Southern California all have pros and cons for winter travel. So if you're looking for warm weather, there's an RV destination for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your winter RV getaway today!
Looking for the perfect RV to winter in? La Mesa has the selection to find your dream snowbird RV. Stop by for a visit today!
Scott, his wife Van, and their 12-year-old daughter Sissy have traveled full-time in their RV for 7 years. They have worked and homeschooled on the road through 42 states so far. They blog about RVing tips, travel destinations, and the full-time RV lifestyle on their blog, TheAdventureDetour. They are also RV content creators @theadventuredetour on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. They love connecting with RVers so be sure to reach out to them and say hi!
