Winter RV camping is a unique way to see a lot of the country. You’ll find fewer crowds in many places, and you can get a different view of lots of places that people only see during warmer months.
Of course, winter RV living requires RVs that can handle the cold, especially if you’re camping in the snow. You’ll want a rig with a high BTW furnace to keep you warm. Make sure you have a well-insulated RV, so that furnace as able to act at its most efficient. You’ll also want to make sure your plumbing is enclosed and heated so your pipes and holding tanks don’t freeze.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best RVs for winter camping, some of RVshare’s listings, and how to safely enjoy an RV in the wintertime.
- The Best RV Makes and Models for Winter Camping
- RV Rentals for Snow Lovers
- How to Safely Enjoy an RV in the Winter
The Best RV Makes and Models for Winter Camping
There are plenty of newer models of RVs, trailers, and campers that are equipped to handle winter camping and have these features and more. Here are a few great choices from RV manufacturers for winter RVs.
Jayco Redhawk Class C
The Jayco Redhawk is a great family option. It can sleep up to 7 people, and some floorplans have a fireplace where you can cozy up after a day in the snow. The 30,000 BTU furnace promises to keep the rig toasty warm, and there are couches and beds where people can curl up with a good book. The outside kitchen comes with an awning to protect from weather, or you can cook inside if it’s very cold. It’s well-insulated, with heating pads on the holding tanks to prevent freezing.
Keystone Montana
The Keystone Montana fifth wheel models have a Four Seasons Living Package that includes heating pads on the holding tanks, a heated and enclosed underbelly and dump valves, and quality insulation. Standard models come with a 35,000 BTU furnace, and some models have an even more powerful furnace. Some floorplans also include an electric fireplace.
Lance 1475
This cozy little travel trailer is the smallest that Lance makes … and the least expensive. It’s a nice option for couples or a family with just one child. The Lance does not have a dinette, but instead has two comfortable chairs and a small table. This allows the small trailer to have a full size bathroom with a separate toilet and shower. This trailer has excellent insulation, ducted heating, and an enclosed underbelly. There are insulation and heating pads for the holding tanks as well.
Forest River Arctic Wolf
The Arctic Wolf fifth wheel can get up to 35 feet long and 11 feet of height, so you have plenty of room to stretch out if it’s too cold outside. There are several packages to select from when buying an Arctic Wolf, and the names don’t always indicate what you’re getting.
- Arctic Package: In spite of its name, the Arctic Package does not include any winter camping features. It includes other conveniences like 40″ dinette drawers, backup camera preparaiton, a black tank flush system, an outside shower with hot and cold water, and an outside TV bracket with hookups.
- Extreme Weather Package: This package does include some cold-weather protection. You’ll get a 35,000 BTU furnace, enhanced fiberglass insulation, a heated and enclosed underbelly, and and insulated upper deck.
- Elemental Protection Package: 2025 models also come with an Elemental Protection Package. That includes an armored underbelly tank, a high-capacity electric fireplace, extra insulation, heating pads on all holding tanks, and an enclosed and heated utility compartment.
Winnebago EKKO Sprinter
The EKKO is a Class C camper that has the reliability and quality that Winnebago is known for. The company put all of its tanks and water lines inside the heated area of the RV so they won’t freeze in winter, and the camper has excellent insulation for cold temperatures. The underbelly is also heated, keeping tanks from freezing. The EKKO also has a heated rear gear garage and service center.
One reviewer said they could take hot showers when it was 0° out, and they tested the camper at temperatures down to -9°F without the water lines freezing.
This camper can sleep 3 people, but if you opt for the pop-top, you can sleep up to 5.
RV Rentals for Snow Lovers
RVshare has lots of rentals available that hold up well in the snow. Here are a few rentals, which are available to drive to nearby snowy playgrounds.
2023 Jayco Redhawk 31F
Hesperia, CA
This rental is just an hour away from California snow near Big Bear and other ski areas. The Redhawk sleeps 8, with two bunk beds, a cab-over bunk, a queen bed, and a dinette table and sofa that converts into a bed. The kitchen has a refrigerator, sink, stove, and microwave. The rental also comes with dishes, kitchen items, towels, and an outdoor area rug.
23.0 Arctic Fox North Fork 22G Travel Trailer
Marysville, WA
The owner of this Arctic Fox says the trailer is “warm when it needs to be warm (perfect for the snow) and cool when it needs to be cool.” This little trailer sleeps 3, so it’s suitable for a couple or small family. It has a roomy bathroom and a kitchen with appliances including a fridge, stove, and sink. The rental includes linens, two camping chairs, kitchen basics, dish soap and cleaning supplies.
2023 Winnebago – Ekko 24A
Malvern, PA
This Ekko sleeps up to 3 people, and tucks a lot of amenities into its 23 feet. It has a bathroom with a sink, stand-in shower, and cassette toilet so you can dump at any standard toilet instead of needing a dump station. There is one large bed, and a galley-style kitchen with a propane-powered stove, a microwave, and a 5.3 cubic fridge with freezer.
Winter Ready 4×4 Sprinter 2500
Portland, OR
This Class B campervan sleeps 2, so it’s great for a solo or couples’ trip. The owner says she has driven the van in Alaska, Colorado, and Canada through ice and snow and it performs well. It has a bed with storage underneath, and swivel seats inside. There is a pop-up changing tent and small portable toilet (a groover). There’s also an on-demand hot water heater mounted to the rear door, plus wood slat flooring and shower curtains so you can set up an outdoor shower.
The listing comes with a 6-gallon propane tank, two camp chairs, a camp table, and an awning to protect you from the elements while you cook. There are two sets of silverware, measuring cups, a coffee press, food storage containers, mixing bowls, and dishes.
How to Safely Enjoy an RV in the Winter
If you’re using your own RV in the winter, or if you want to make sure your rental is ready for colder weather, there are a few things you’ll want to check. Our winter checklist has everything you need to ensure your RV is ready to go when the temps plummet. Here’s what you’ll want to check:
RV Antifreeze
You can run antifreeze through your system and add it to your holding tanks to keep them from freezing. Do this several weeks before any winter camping trips.
Heated Hoses
If you don’t winterize your plumbing, you’ll want to make sure your system doesn’t freeze. A heated fresh water hose can keep the water from freezing as it goes from the spigot to your sinks and faucets
Heat Tape
Wrapping heat tape around spigots, your sewer hose, and exposed water lines can also keep your plumbing from freezing.
Tank Heaters
Some of the above models of RVs come with tank heaters, or you can buy your own. Installation is relatively easy, and it will keep water in your holding tanks from freezing.
Warm Clothing and Blankets
You’ll want warm clothing for any outdoor activities you plan while winter camping. Don’t forget boots, gloves, and warm hats. Warm blankets also mean you may be able to turn your thermostat while you’re relaxing in your RV.
Tire Chains
If you’re traveling mountain roads or other places that require chains, be sure you have some. Make sure they fit and that you have practiced putting them on and taking them off before you have to do it in the snow and cold.
Extra Propane
If you have electric hookups, you’ll likely want to run electric space heaters while camping. But you may also want to run the propane furnace to keep your RV’s underbelly warm. You’ll also want the propane as a backup in case the space heaters can’t keep up, or the electricity goes out.
Weather Apps
Be aware of snowstorms, especially when you plan to drive in winter. Sign up for weather apps that will send you push alerts. Watch local news for weather reports. You can also consider getting a weather radio to stay updated.
Generator and Fuel
A generator is another good backup if you need it. You can charge your batteries to keep the heat going. You can also run your space heaters if the electricity goes out.
Extra Food and Water
If you do encounter a snowstorm while camping, it may be hard to drive to the store. Having extra supplies on-hand means you won’t need to risk being on the roads in unsafe driving conditions.
You may also want to check off the following items, to make sure you’re ready for cold weather camping:
| Cold Weather RV Items | Reason |
| RV Skirting | RV skirting can keep wind from blowing under the rig and can help keep your RV insulated underneath |
| Space Heaters | Space heaters can be used alone or along with a propane heating system to keep temps inside comfortable |
| Window Insulation | Reflectix insulation or insulating window film can prevent heat from escaping through RV windows, keeping the interior of your rig warmer |
| Warm Bedding | Flannel sheets, an electric blanket, and a warm comforter may allow you to turn down the heater at night and help you sleep comfortably |
| Faux Fireplace | A faux fireplace is basically a space heater, but with mock flames and decor that make it a cozy addition to a cold motorhome |
It takes a brave and hardy soul to head out camping in frigid temperatures. But the beauty of a winter landscape, and the solitude that comes with winter camping make the effort well worth it. With the tips here, you won’t have to sacrifice warmth and comfort on a winter camping trip, either.
For more advice on camping in the winter, check out our archive of winter camping advice and stories.
