Winter is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling. In fact, there are a number of destinations that just get better during the winter months, including a number of our gorgeous national parks.
If you want to visit some national parks in winter, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best national parks and national sites to visit during the cold season as well as the best winter activities and winter events to experience in each.
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
One of the most popular parks in the country, Yellowstone National Park is a bustling tourist destination during the warm months. That said, once winter rolls around, the vibe in the park changes entirely. Blanketed in snow, the whole area becomes hushed and offers a peaceful retreat.
Snowcoach Tours
There are actually several fun winter activities available in Yellowstone including snowmobiling and cross country skiing. That said, the most unique option is to take a snowcoach tour. These tours are a super fun, comfortable, and interesting way to see sights such as Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone without fighting crowds.
Remember to make reservations in advance. It’s also important to dress in layers and bring plenty of water since high altitude can cause dehydration, even in winter.
RV Rentals Near Yellowstone National Park
Some of the most popular RV rentals near Yellowstone National Park are class C RVs. This is because these motorhomes tend to be easier to drive than some of the other options out there. That said, we do also see a lot of trailers that are available for delivery, something that could be a good option if you aren’t comfortable driving a big rig in winter weather.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado
An obvious choice for winter activities, Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a winter wonderland in the cold months. You’re sure to appreciate the beautiful snow capped mountain views as well as the perfectly crunchy snow that beckons visitors of all ages to play.
Sledding
Winter hiking in the Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road areas can be fun and ranger-led snowshoe walks are perfect for beginners. That said, the most exciting winter activity in Rocky Mountain National Park has got to be sledding. Rent a sled in nearby Estes Park and then head to Hidden Valley, a former ski area now dedicated to sledding and snow play for some serious snowy fun that you won’t soon forget.
Again, you will want to dress in layers and drink plenty of water during your visit. It’s also important to pack tire chains.
RV Rentals Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Seeing as there are a number of steep grades in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, we recommend renting a small class C or a campervan, especially if you are new to RVing. Make sure to be cautious driving through snow and ice and use chains where required!
Yosemite National Park
California
Like Yellowstone, Yosemite National Park is incredibly busy during the summer months, but transforms into an enchanted haven of snowy beauty during the winter. Not only will you find some seriously fun winter activities here, but you aren’t likely to run into any crowds at all during your cold weather visit.
Skiing and Ice Skating
The Badger Pass Ski Area is the main hub for winter sports in Yosemite. Here you’ll find ski rentals and both cross-country and downhill skiing. Ice skating is available at the Curry Village outdoor rink and is an absolutely wonderful winter activity that is pretty unique when it comes to national park winter activities.
It’s important to note that tire chains are often required on park roads, so check conditions and come prepared.
RV Rentals Near Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is another place that has a number of steep grades. Therefore, it is best to look for lighter, more nimble rental RVs such as class B and class C rigs. Diesel class A motorhomes are less nimble, but should handle grades just fine. Trailers, on the other hand, are likely to put a lot of strain on your truck when towing through mountains and could be difficult to stop, especially on snowy roads.
Acadia National Park
Maine
Maine is a beautiful place no matter when you visit, and we absolutely recommend visiting Acadia National Park any time you get a chance. That said, there is something especially magical about this gorgeous park during the winter months. A quiet beauty comes over the place and even the crashing of the seas against the cliffs seems hushed.
Snowmobiling
The main Park Loop Road is closed in winter, but parts of the park remain open for snowmobiling (and skiing). Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake are favorite spots for winter activities. Bald eagles are often seen flying around these areas during the cold season, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
You can bring your own gear, but if you don’t have any, it is also possible to rent in nearby Bar Harbor.
RV Rentals Near Acadia National Park
Depending on where you camp, you may be able to get away with renting a bigger rig while visiting Acadia, making class A RVs and fifth wheels a possibility. That said, you will still need to be cautious in winter weather, using chains where necessary, driving slowly, and having your RV delivered if you don’t feel comfortable.
Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming
Located near the aforementioned Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is another fantastic place to find winter fun. During the cold months, you will find fewer people, more wild animals, and plenty of opportunities for winter recreation, making this the ideal time for a peaceful visit.
Cross-Country Skiing and Wildlife Watching
Cross-country trails near Jackson Lake offer breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Rent cross-country skis from shops in Jackson if you don’t have any of your own and then hit the trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for animals as you ski or hire a local outfitter for a guided wildlife tour. It’s also a good idea head to the National Elk Refuge in Jackson for some incredible elk watching.
Want to learn more about the park during winter? Check out ranger-led programs at the visitor centers to learn more about winter ecology and animal tracking.
RV Rentals Near Grand Teton National Park
Class Bs and small class C RVs are what we recommend for renting while visiting Grand Teton. This park is surrounded by good boondocking and these smaller rigs are perfect for taking advantage of this. They are also better at handling mountain roads as well as the snow that is likely to be on the ground when visiting this area in winter.
Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Mountains and winter go hand-in-hand. That’s why it only makes sense to visit Mount Rainier National Park during the cold months. The snow in this park piles up until it’s quite deep, creating the perfect conditions for snow play and the amazing winter views aren’t too bad either.
Snow Play and Snowshoeing
The Paradise area of this park is renowned for deep snow, with a designated snow play area for sledding and ample trails for snowshoeing. Don’t have snowshoes of our own? Take advantage of snowshoe rentals at the Paradise Visitor Center. You can also join a ranger-led snowshoe walk for a deeper dive into the park’s winter wonders.
Arrive early, as parking fills up quickly on weekends, even during the winter months. Always check avalanche conditions before heading into the backcountry.
RV Rentals Near Mount Rainier National Park
Once again, we have to recommend smaller motorhome rentals. Mount Rainier National Park is full of and surrounded by mountain roads and when these get snowy, a more nimble vehicle is definitely what you want to have. Fortunately, there are plenty of good, small rental motorhomes near the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah
One of the most interesting parks to visit in winter is Bryce Canyon National Park. It is home to red rock formations that would normally be found in hot desert locations, but because of its high elevation, it sees super cold temperatures during the winter. This means plenty of snowfall and some seriously cool vistas.
Vista Viewing and Stargazing
The Bryce Amphitheater area offers stunning views of snow-covered hoodoos, but really any of the viewpoints in the park will provide stunning vantage points. Sunset is an ideal time to snap some otherworldly photos of the snow covered landscape and the stargazing after sunset is to die for. Want even more night time fun? The park’s ranger-led full-moon hikes are an unforgettable experience.
Bryce’s high elevation means colder temperatures than you might expect, so bring appropriate winter clothing and check stargazing schedules for the clearest skies.
RV Rentals Near Bryce Canyon National Park
We’ve seen all sorts of RVs driving through Utah, and really, any RV rental you choose should be just fine, especially if you plan to park outside of the park and drive a truck or car up to the higher elevations. That said, campervans are still best for driving through mountains and winter weather.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
California
Finally, there are sister parks; Sequoia and Kings Canyon. These parks are not far from Yosemite and are just as lovely during the winter. Somehow the giant trees that call these parks home are even more spectacular when covered in snow and having the trees to yourself is an incredible experience that only tends to happen during the slower winter months.
Snowshoeing
The Grant Grove and Giant Forest areas are accessible in winter and offer awe-inspiring sights of massive trees blanketed in snow. You can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis from local shops and hit the snowy trails around the giant sequoias to take in some amazing sights you won’t find anywhere else.
Prepare for potentially icy roads and carry chains. Note that snowstorms can pop up at the drop of a hat, so being prepared is key!
RV Rentals Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Yet again, we do have to recommend a small rental motorhome if you wish to drive your rental RV into the parks. That said, if you plan to park outside of the parks and drive in, a trailer, fifth wheel, or larger motorhome is just fine and definitely more comfortable if you are traveling with a lot of people.
General Tips for Winter Adventures
- Check Road Conditions and Park Alerts: Winter can bring road closures and limited access to certain areas. Check park websites for up-to-date information and always carry tire chains.
- Dress Appropriately: Layered clothing, waterproof gear, and insulated footwear are essential.
- Safety First: Winter trails can be slippery and less maintained, so bring trekking poles, maps, and let someone know your plans.
- Leave No Trace: Winter landscapes are fragile—respect the park by staying on designated trails and packing out all waste.
As you can see, visiting national parks in winter can be a ton of fun. Why not give it a try? Pick one or two from this list, decide on some winter activities to participate in during your time there, rent the perfect RV, and get ready for a winter getaway that you won’t soon forget!
