Every season adds beauty to our world. But winter RVing living can make it tough to enjoy the coldest part of the year. If you want to have fun in cold winter destinations, here’s what you need to know about staying warm, safe and happy.

Don’t Let Winter RVing Steal Your Fun

I spend most of my time in sunbelt states, where year-round RV living is possible. But those mild winter days can lull snowbirds like me into a false sense of security. Love it or hate it, winter always feels like an unwanted surprise — especially when I’m soaking in the spa at my favorite RV park in December. I find it easy to forget that unpredictable weather can be just around the corner. But even my favorite sunny regions like the Southwest often get hit with epic cold fronts that keep us indoors more than we’d like. A Midwesterner might laugh at my definition of “cold,” but the fact is that even the most well-built RVs like mine are not impervious to occasional arctic blasts and wet weather. I love my “four-season” RV, but cold always finds a way in somehow. This is what I do to keep it out:

Monitor the Weather

Winter weather camping can test your appreciation for this lifestyle. It pays to know the weather headed your way in case you need to batten down the hatches, so don’t ignore weather reports. You can get a general sense of your region’s upcoming weather by tuning into any TV station’s news report. But for the most accurate weather reports for your specific location, the Internet is your go-to source. Visit The National Weather Service first. You’ll get instant knowledge of weather changes, pending hazards, and freezing weather that reminds you to detach your drinking water hose from the campsite spigot.

Located only one mile from Osprey Point RV Resort in Lakeside is the Oregon Coast with its miles of beautiful beaches, unusual rock formations and much more. Many beaches along the Oregon Coast are off-leash beaches, so your furry children can run, play and paddle in the water right along with you!

A mere 15-minute drive away from Osprey Point, you can visit one of the many natural wonders of the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Here you can witness wind-sculped sand dunes that tower 500 feet above sea level and experience the thrill of riding your off-highway vehicle on the dunes, hiking, biking, horseback riding or just sitting back and capturing photos of this natural wonder! There is so much to see and do at the Oregon Dunes, just down the road from Osprey Point RV Resort.

Lake Location

Osprey Point RV Resort is located on Tenmile Lake, known throughout the Pacific Northwest and California for great fishing and other water recreation. You can start your day enjoying one of our specialty coffees in our Coffee House. After a day of fishing, boating, riding the Oregon Dunes or simply beachcombing, end your day enjoying a pizza or burger in Osprey Point Pizza Pub.

Living in California, we have pretty mild and beautiful weather year-round. Sure, it’s a bit wetter in winter, and drier and hotter in summer. Really, though, our temperatures don’t fluctuate more than 25 degrees between seasons.

This is why I’m always amazed at how much my kids LOVE to play outside anytime we travel somewhere cold. They truly embrace it, and the chill never stops them from enjoying an activity. After observing how they make the most of cold weather, and throwing in a few mom tips, I came up with some terrific ideas to get your kids outdoors when it’s cold. I’ve put a number of these ideas to the test because honestly–I need them more than my kids do, as I’m a huge wimp in the cold!

I promise these ideas will help your family better enjoy any chilly weather!

Gear

I’m a firm believer in the old adage, “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” There’s nothing like poor clothing to absolutely kill any fun in cold weather. But with the right gear, we have fun for hours!

A good wool base layer is my favorite underlayer. A warm, puffy coat is a necessity. Perhaps the two most important things are good waterproof gloves and boots. Warm fingers and toes mean that the rest of the body is toasty and ready to play, too! The right winter apparel is everything.

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When it comes to National Parks, Arches has to be one of the most recognizable and iconic treasures to come out of “America’s Best Idea.” ... Read more

If you’re looking for a simple way to make your road trips easier while giving you freedom like never before? Check out the truck campers for sale on RVingPlanet.com and find a great combination of amenities in a compact design that is easy to move around. You’ll absolutely love having the freedom to travel without the worry of towing or driving a big rig! Learn about five of our favorite truck campers on sale today!

2022 Palomino Backpack Edition HS 2901 MAX 

This 2022 Palomino Backpack Edition HS 2901 MAX truck camper is an excellent example of the luxury features you can fit into one of these RVs. The queen bed is surrounded by plenty of storage cabinets and a wardrobe with a place for your shoes. The dual pantries ensure you can keep your snacks and ingredients in easy reach while cooking.

Additional Features:

Queen BedTwo PantriesCongoleum FlooringIntegrated BumperVented Battery Box

2022 Travel Lite Extended Stay 800X

Another compact way to take your adventures on the road, the Travel Lite Extended Stay 800X truck camper gives you sleeping space for up to three. Inside, you’ll also find foot lockers and two closets for your gear. The Extended Stay Camp Package gives you the freedom to spend more time at the campground. 

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“A picture is worth a thousand words.”–We’ve all heard that expression. A good picture can evoke thoughts and feelings. A great picture, however, can do so much more.

If you’re looking to step up your picture game and preserve memories on your next RV adventure, then look no further. We’ve compiled a few tips that are sure to help you take amazing photos of your RV.

How to Stage Your RV for Photos

Experience your oasis in the desert while staying at Lakeside Casino & RV Park this fall. Located just 45 minutes west of Las Vegas, the Lakeside RV Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hiking and biking trails just steps away. Guests are invited to take in the entertainment offerings of rural Nevada. The Lakeside RV Park carries a 10/10*/10 Good Sam rating.

The Lakeside Casino & RV Park has a full-service, 159-space RV Park that can serve as the home base for recreational vehicle travelers to discover the outdoors or just relax next to a lush seven-acre man-made lake.

The property is less than a five-mile drive to the Sanders Winery, where the tasting room is open daily, and the 18-hole Mountain Falls Golf Course, which offers a pro shop and grill room.

Lakeside’s amenities include the property’s man-made lake, which offers kayak and pedal boat rentals and fishing activities. The lake includes a sandy beach, swimming pool and hot tub, along with a nine-hole Frisbee golf course and a horseshoe pit. An enclosed dog park also is included in the facilities. There are also three comfort stations on the property available exclusively for guests who stay at the RV Park.

The Big Easy. Crescent City. NOLA. Birthplace of Jazz. No matter what you call this Louisiana city on the Mississippi, New Orleans never loses its allure. After all, New Orleans is one of the most beloved cities in the U.S. and home to the infamous Bourbon Street and historic French Quarter. But there’s more than meets the eye in this town of above-ground cemeteries and voodoo priestesses.

Hop on a streetcar for a fun way to view the town. World-class museums offer a close-up inspection of Southern art, local religion and World War II from a NOLA perspective. City Park is renowned for its regal centuries-old oak trees and a beautiful place for whiling away an hour or two.

The Crown Jewel of New Orleans

When you enter Bourbon Street, you’ve stepped into 13 blocks of pure New Orleans culture. Grab a bite of authentic Cajun food at a local restaurant or check out Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, said to be “the oldest bar in the U.S.” and the supposed stomping grounds of the ghost of pirate Jean Lafitte (the bar serves great drinks, too). With an abundance of shopping and interesting architecture, there’s plenty to do until night falls and the streets come alive because this is the site of Mardi Gras.

Florida’s Everglades National Park is the third-largest park in the lower 48 and boasts the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. The warm and humid habitat in southern Florida is one of the only places in the world where crocodiles and alligators co-exist. 

From its special collection of native animals to its intriguing mix of Native American heritage and American settler history, this vast wetland is one of the world’s most unique and diverse ecosystems.

Why Visit Everglades National Park in an RV?

Everglades National Park is home to species you won’t find anywhere else in the United States, including manatees, American crocodiles, and the rarely-seen Florida panther. It’s also a Wetland of International Importance, a World Heritage site, and an International Biosphere Reserve. 

With a total area of 2,400 square miles, RVing is the best way to camp comfortably while exploring the park. Whether you get hit with an unexpected rainstorm or need to escape the heat and humidity in the afternoon, RV camping in the Everglades is the way to go.

Because so much of the park is only accessible on foot or via one of the park’s many paddling trails, definitely bring your gear for hiking, kayaking, and fishing so you can maximize your time outdoors. 

As fall camping comes to an end, many people are winterizing their RV and preparing to store it away for the long, cold winter ahead. Their RV is going into hibernation, like a bear in the woods, until springtime rolls around again. But what if we told you that camping season doesn’t have to end just because there’s a chill in the air?

What if instead of bundling up and riding out the winter, you could hit the road and continue enjoying your RV? Not only is it possible to extend your RVing season, but winter RVing is an adventure all on its own. Believe it or not, but the colder months are the perfect time to RV!

If you need a little convincing, we understand, so here are four great reasons why you should RV this winter:

1. Take That Dream Ski Vacation

There’s something so magical about a dedicated winter vacation, especially if skiing is on the itinerary. Whether you love to ski or snowboard or simply enjoy the feeling of being cozy and warm while watching the snow fall outside, what better way to experience the mountains than from the comfort of your RV?

The convenience factor of RV living is undeniable and it doesn’t stop just because temperatures drop. Store your tents and unpack your snow gear. A full day on the slopes is wonderfully exhausting, not to mention the views on the way up and again on the way down. Afterwards, retreating back to the warmth and familiarity of your RV is a luxury only RV enthusiasts can truly understand and appreciate.

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Located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Arizona Charlie’s Hotel, Casino & RV Park is home to more than 200 RV spaces with access to a handful of additional amenities. With easy access from the 93/95 highway, the RV park is the perfect destination for both Las Vegas visitors looking to explore the city and those who are in need of a great place to stop on their way home. The full-service park includes everything for both groups — renovated bathhouses, a pool area with access all year round, a private clubhouse with a large-screen TV, fitness equipment, complimentary wireless internet, 24-hour security, including brand new security gates, full hookups with 30/50-amp, propane service, pull-through parking and a remodeled guest laundry room, available for 24-hour use. Plus, the RV park is just steps from Las Vegas’ friendliest casino, a variety of dining options and more.

Arizona Charlie’s thrilling casino experience boasts both comfort and excitement when playing one of its many slot machine games and bingo. The casino offers 658 ticket-in, ticket-out slots and video poker machines, including traditional games like Double Double Bonus Poker, Jokers Wild, Ultimate X and Deuces Wild, as well as some of the latest games, including Dragon Link, Buffalo Link, Lightning Link, Buffalo Gold and Hot Wicked Wheels. Notorious for its bingo, Arizona Charlie’s hosts eight sessions daily during every odd hour from 9 a.m.–11 p.m., plus bingo and other gaming promotions, weekly. Also on the casino floor, bettors can take their pick at the William Hill Sportsbook.

Sourdough Café is Arizona Charlie’s traditional café restaurant, which offers comfort cuisine at an exceptional value in a casual atmosphere. Recently, Arizona Charlie’s has also welcomed local favorite, PT’s Express and coffee chain, Dunkin’, to each of its locations. PT’s Express is a first-of-its-kind, on-the-go burger, wing and sandwich joint, conveniently open 24-hours, daily. In addition to local favorites, Dunkin’-lovers may enjoy morning coffee, breakfast, wraps, sandwiches, muffins and more.

Plan your next big adventure in one of these used luxury RVs for sale near you! These incredible deals are the perfect way to make your dream come true while saving big on your ideal RV. Learn about our top 6 deals on used luxury RVs below!

Used 2014 American Coach American Eagle Heritage Edition 45T Class A Motorhome 

Price: $409,995
You Save: $80,000
Sale Price: $329,995

If you are planning a luxury vacation with your family of five and need an incredible way to take your crew on the road, this used 2014 American Coach American Eagle Heritage Edition 45T class A motorhome is just what you need! This unit sleeps up to five and features amenities like a stackable washer and dryer with plenty of space in the master bedroom’s walk-in closet for all your clothing and gear. You’ll love the double sinks in the bathroom, and the dual opposing slides in the living room ensure you have plenty of elbow room for your crew.

Additional Features:

Corner ShowerStackable Washer and DryerWall WardrobeDual Sinks

Winter is one of my favorite times of the year to go RV camping. Yes, you read that right. If you thought camping was only a three-season activity, think again. Winter is actually one of the most unique and memorable times of year to RV camp. It’s a chance to discover charming towns that remind you of a Norman Rockwell painting. Cozy up with some hot cocoa in your RV and enjoy cold-weather outdoor activities like skiing and ice fishing.

Before you decide to take your RV on a winter camping trip, get your RV ready for the frigid conditions. The last thing you want are frozen pipes and a weak heating source in the middle of winter. Of course, if you’re headed down south to someplace warm, you won’t need to worry about the impact of freezing temperatures on your RV.

If you have an ice fishing house or fish house, you are set for some serious winter camping. Ice houses are RVs designed for ice fishing on the coldest days of the year. But you don’t necessarily need to ice fish to camp in one. You can take off the clunky winter boots and oversized parka because fish houses typically have winter-rated insulation and 25,000 to 40,000 BTU heaters. Frozen and bursting pipes and tanks are still an issue so follow the same winter water system tips as you would for a regular RV. 

Ready to go winter camping? Check out some of the coolest, pun intended, small towns you can camp this winter. All of these towns have campgrounds that are open year-round or dispersed camping where you’re without electricity, water, or sewer hookups.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Why not camp in one of the coldest parts of the country this winter? While it lacks skyscrapers and has only one traffic light, Grand Marais, Minnesota, makes up for it in ten folds with its beautiful views of Lake Superior, restaurants, shops, and access to the Superior National Forest. Take a right turn at the one traffic light, and you’ll be greeted by the World’s Best Donuts. Head north on the Gunflint Trail, and you’ll find opportunities for dog sledding at Gunflint Lodge or Bearskin Lodge. There are also frequent moose sightings on the Gunflint Trail. Glide across the groomed ski trails at Pincushion Mountain, and if you have a dog, you can skijor, which is basically skiing with your dog, on part of the trail system.

Full-time RVing is becoming more and more popular. People are selling everything they own and hitting the road. If you’re not a full-timer yourself, you likely know someone who is.

With the holiday season just around the corner, shopping for those full-timer friends might be stressing you out. What do you get the person who lives minimally and collects experiences over things? I’m here to help.

Here’s a gift guide for the full-time RVer in your life. But it’s not just your average list of must-haves. After several years of RVing full-time myself, I’ve met almost every type of RVer out there while striking up conversations at the campground. So I’ve organized the guide by different RV personality types to make it even more convenient for you to find the perfect gift.

For the Adventurer

Is your full-timer friend all about seeking outdoor adventures and thrills? This type of RVer is active and always looking for new experiences in the places they visit. Here are a couple gift ideas for them.

A Hydration Pack

We all know water is a must for long hikes, bike rides, or really anytime you’re outdoors for an extended amount of time. The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 100-oz. Hydration Pack is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s one of their bestselling, longest-running packs so you can rest assured it’s a great gift.

With the high costs of both gasoline and diesel fuel, it’s a good idea for RV travelers to modify driving habits to help reduce vehicle fuel consumption. Driving slower, accelerating at a moderate rate and keeping your vehicle in a well-maintained state are undoubtedly great ways to cut RV fuel costs. But many wasteful driving styles haven’t changed.

Consider how the following fuel wasters impact your budget’s bottom line:

Following Too Closely

Referred to as “tailgating,” this habit can cost you dearly at the pump and is hazardous for both you and the person in front. Looming close behind other vehicles, tailgaters work the throttle to maintain the distance between their vehicle and the one ahead. Frequent brake applications are required in maintaining this close proximity and the constant throttle-adjustment surges result in wasted fuel burn. All that braking consumes energy from the vehicle’s momentum — momentum that was built by fuel. And more fuel will be needed to regain that same speed.

Delayed Braking Application

Every day, we see people approaching a stoplight or sign at a speed looking like they’re not going to stop. Then, miraculously, they hit the brakes hard, halting their vehicle at the last second. This habit not only puts a lot of strain on your brakes but also delays the retarding of the throttle, which burns fuel needlessly. Starting to slow down appropriately begins with reducing the throttle input to zero at an appropriate distance for a normal braking application based on the vehicle’s weight and momentum.

The holiday shopping rush is much closer than you think. In fact, Black Friday is around the corner, and with it are all the savings you’ve come to expect this time of year. To get ahead of the shopping season, we’ve put together a little preview of our favorite 13 best Black Friday camping deals of 2021. Go ahead and set a reminder on your phone and memorize your credit card number or have your payment method on standby; you’ll be glad you did once the sale prices go live. While you’re counting down the days, start planning your next fall camping trip.

The Ridge Smokeless Portable Fire Pit

The Ridge Smokeless Portable Fire PitRegular Price: $109.99Black Friday Price: $69.97

Perfect for camping, but ideal for tailgating and backyard parties, too, the Ridge Smokeless Portable Fire Pit is designed with infused airflow. As a result, it has incredibly efficient burns while producing less smoke and embers than other fire pits. It’s made of heavy-duty steel and coated in high-temperature paint to ensure a long life of use. The best part? Its compact design allows it to nest together for easy storage inside the included carrying bag. You get all the benefits of a larger fire pit without the commitment of size, location, and cost.

Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel Tabletop Grill

Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel Tabletop GrillRegular Price: $159.99Black Friday Price: $89.97

If you’re one of those campers that like to bring your own kitchen with you when you’re on the road, like me – I’m guilty, then you’re going to want to grab the Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel Tabletop Grill. Built specifically for grillers on the go, it has a compact design with a locking lid, folding legs, and a generous front handle for easy carrying. Push-button ignition? Check. Adjusts to desired temperate with a regulator? Check. It operates on a small, disposable, 1-lb. propane cylinder (not included) and allows the campsite chef to do what they do best – make delicious food worry-free.

Rome Cast Iron Square Pie Iron

Rome Cast Iron Square Pie IronRegular Price: $19.99Black Friday Price: $17.97

Speaking of making delicious food, the Rome Case Iron Square Pie Iron does just that. Made of solid cast iron, it can bake desserts, make hot sandwiches, cook fish, and so much more all over the flame of a campfire. It’s 28″ in length and weighs just over 3 lbs. It’s tiny but mighty.

Home Is Where You Park It Zero Gravity Recliner

Home Is Where You Park It Zero Gravity ReclinerRegular Price: $89.99Black Friday Price: $49.97

Just like the name suggests, the Home Is Where Your Park It Zero Gravity Recliner brings the coziness of home to the campsite. Made from all-weather, fade-resistant Oxford fabric, you get a quality appearance and comfort that will last season after season. A durable steel frame keeps you stable while you lock your favorite position in place – anywhere from fully upright to fully reclined. Sure, home is where the heart is, but after kicking back in this chair, your heart and home will both be where you park it. Available in both blue and gray. 250 lb. weight capacity.