The holiday season is quickly upon us. So, that means it’s time to start mapping out your holiday
RV destinations. While many snowbirds fly south for the winter, those who enjoy sparkling snow
and wintery landscapes will find that there are so many magical winter RV destinations to
explore this time of year. Whether you’re in search of powdery slopes, picturesque towns, or
wide-open parks, the holiday season is the perfect time to pack up your RV and hit the road.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, Michigan is constantly on the list of the most festive towns in America when it
comes to all things Christmas. Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” walking through
Frankenmuth is like taking a stroll through a Christmas village come to life. While this little
German village is open all year round, it really comes to life during the holiday season.
Frankenmuth is home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the
world. It sits on 27 acres, boasts 50,000 twinkling lights, and has thousands of items to browse
and shop. Frankenmuth also has an ice rink in the center of town and a light and music show
nearby.
You have a couple of options in Frankenmuth when it comes to choosing a campsite. Jellystone
Park Camp-Resort is a family-friendly campsite located in Frankenmuth that offers hookups,
water, sewer, and several other amenities. Pine Ridge RV Campground is just down the road in
Birch Run, Michigan, less than 10 minutes outside of Frankenmuth.
Leavenworth, Washington
Another quaint Bavarian town with a Christmassy feel is Leavenworth, Washington. This small
town in the Cascade Mountains only has about 2,000 full-time residents but caters to tourists all
year round. With German-style buildings, twinkling lights, and a little bit of snow, you’ll feel the
spirit of the holidays all around you.
There are several things to do here throughout the month of December, which makes it one of the
top holiday RV destinations for those looking for a fun getaway. On Saturdays and Sundays, at
the beginning of December, you can check out the lighting ceremony at the Christkindlmarkt.
The Bavarian-style market features food, music, and shopping and kicks off on Thanksgiving
weekend. There’s even a reindeer farm just one mile outside of the Bavarian village!
There are several places to camp here in the summer, but your best bet in the winter is the
Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA, which is open all year.
Wasatch Mountain State Park, Utah
If you’re in search of snow and wintertime activities, Wasatch Mountain State Park should be on
your radar. Less than an hour southeast of Salt Lake City, you’ll find snowy mountains and trails
that are perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. Little ones can enjoy sledding or
simply playing in the snow.
At the park’s south end, you’ll find Soldier Hollow, the Olympic facility from the 2002 Salt Lake
City Olympic Games. You can tour the facility or try out some fun wintertime activities, like
sliding down the Toyota Tubing Hill or exploring the cross-country skiing trails.
Wasatch Mountain State Park has various options when it comes to camping, including both full
and partial hookups. The campsite is pet-friendly and offers back-ins that range from 25 to 45
feet.
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is one of the best winter RV destinations in Colorado as there are so many fun things
to do during the holidays. The streets and shops get decked out in lights and decorations in
preparation for events like the Holiday Wine Fest, Wine and Chocolate Festival, or the annual
tree-lighting ceremony. The day after Thanksgiving is when you can catch the town’s annual
Catch the Glow Parade to welcome in the holiday season.
Estes Park offers endless hiking trails that you can wander in all kinds of weather. Since you can
count on snow here in the winter, you’ll find great spots for skiing, snowboarding, and
snowshoeing.
Park your RV at the foot of the Rocky Mountains at Manor RV Park, which is open through the
winter for the first time this year. You’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time only by phone.
Mammoth Campground, Montana
Mammoth Campground in Gardiner, Montana is the only of Yellowstone’s parks that stays open
throughout the winter. While the other holiday RV destinations on this list are more for getting
into the holiday spirit, Mammoth Campground is a great option for those looking to discover the
wild beauty of Yellowstone during the winter months.
Temperatures can get quite low in Yellowstone in the winter, which means that you’re
guaranteed to see stunning snowscapes and wintery scenery. You’ll find all kinds of wildlife near
the hot springs and geysers, like bison, wolves, and elk. If you want to learn more about the park,
Yellowstone offers several different organized tours that are accessible by a snowmobile or snow
coach. To put all of that snow to use, you can try a number of activities like cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. The winter is a great time for ice climbing as well.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, is another great option for those looking for some wintertime adventures.
The historic town of Taos has several ski resorts nearby where you can ski through powdery
snow on the Rocky Mountains. Taos Ski Valley is the largest ski resort in New Mexico, while
Sipapu Ski Resort has a campground that you can stay at in the winter months.
The town of Taos has several holiday activities, including the Annual Yuletide Tree Lighting, the
Twirl Aglow Party, and Bonfires on Bent Street. On New Year’s Eve, you can take in a fun
parade and fireworks. Many people also come to witness the Taos Pueblo Deer dance, a
traditional Native American ceremonial dance that honors winter. No photography is allowed.
There are lots of choices when it comes to RV camping in Taos. The Taos Valley RV Park and
the Taos Monte Bello RV Park have full hook-ups through the winter, including both
pull-through and back-in spots. Both parks are close to Eagle Nest Lake State Park and Cimarron
Canyon State Park. Around these parks, you can enjoy various activities, like hiking, ice fishing,
snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
