Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to stop RVing! There are plenty of places in the U.S. that are fantastic winter RV destinations, and many of those are on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for warm temperatures or you’ve been dying to try some winter hiking, the East Coast has some great vacation spots for you to enjoy in your RV.
Top East Coast Places to Visit in Winter
For a warm-weather east-coast getaway, we recommend the Florida Keys (for a beachy, festive getaway), Savannah (for historic southern charm), and Charleston (for great food and even more American history).
For cold-weather east-coast getaways, we recommend Acadia National Park (for sea-sprayed granite peaks), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (for a classic snow-covered mountain experience), and Shenendoah National Park (for views you can drive or hike to, depending on your abilities and desires).
Best Winter Getaways on the East Coast
The great thing about traveling to the East Coast in winter is that there’s a temperature range for everyone. Dreaming of warm weather and the beach? Head to the southern states to get your fix of sun. Itching for a ski vacation and don’t mind the cold? New England has great skiing for you to enjoy. And of course, the multiple national parks on the East Coast are beautiful in every season.
So choose your favorite type of weather and pick your destination. Or take a trip down the coast to experience all the winter weather and activities that this part of the country has to offer! No matter what you’re looking for, here are some of the best winter getaways on the East Coast.
Warm East Coast Destinations for Winter RV Travel
Warm weather spots are super popular in the winter for obvious reasons. So if you’re looking to escape the cold, join your fellow RVers at some of these great warm vacation spots on the East Coast.
Florida Keys (FL)
Sand, sun, and surf, what more could you want in the middle of winter? There’s a reason why the Florida Keys are so popular with RVers, and with amazing views and weather it’s not hard to see why! Explore the towns along the Keys, spend the day fishing, rent kayaks or surfboards, and enjoy the water! Dry Tortugas National Park is also located in the Keys for a fun day trip.
If you’re looking to head here for winter, book your spot early! It’s incredibly popular with snowbirds, so spots fill up fast.
Savannah, Georgia (GA)
For those who love exploring on their RV trips there’s plenty to do around Savannah. Tour the city to learn about its history or head outside of town to the beaches of Tybee Island. Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge is also a short drive away. It’s the perfect warm weather destination for those who want a bit of the city life as well as to escape to the outdoors.
Charleston, South Carolina (SC)
Charleston is another fantastic East Coast vacation spot to visit in the winter. Take a walking tour to learn about this history of the city, check out the local shops and markets, or take a ferry to Fort Sumter National Monument. The city is also known as a culinary destination, so be sure to try some of the fantastic restaurants! And beaches aren’t too far away. Even if it’s a little chilly to swim, there are plenty of great stretches of sand to enjoy.
Cold-Weather East Coast Destinations for Winter Adventures
Not everyone craves the warm temperatures in winter! If you don’t mind chilly weather and snow, head to some of these fantastic East Coast vacation spots for winter.
Acadia National Park, Maine (ME)
Acadia National Park is a popular destination for RVers, but you don’t have to wait for summer to visit. While some of the roads in the park are closed, the park itself is open and is a great place for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Several of the roads even allow snowmobiles. Enjoy the beautiful winter views of snow drifts or break out the binoculars and watch for birds and wildlife. You won’t have to deal with the summer crowds to take in this beautiful park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina (TN/NC)
While it might not be as cold as Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains National Park still gets snow and freezing temperatures in the high elevation areas. But that colder weather makes it a great time to visit this gorgeous national park without all the crowds.
While some roads are closed seasonally, most main roads are open (weather permitting). Be sure to check the NPS website for any closures or restrictions. When you visit the park you’ll be able to hike through the quiet woods and marvel and the winter beauty. Many of the waterfalls freeze into cool water formations that can only be seen in winter!
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (VA)
Another great national park to visit in the winter is Shenandoah National Park. Grab your coats and gloves and head into the park for some winter hiking. One of the best reasons to visit is the gorgeous winter landscape views you’ll have from Skyline Drive. While the drive will close down in bad weather and after heavy snow, it’s typically open during the winter. So check the weather and the park’s website to make sure the road is open then jump in your truck or toad. Without the tourists that come the summer months, you’ll have those epic views without the crowds.
How to Choose the Right East Coast Winter Destination
Like all things RVing, there’s no such thing as the “right” destination. There’s only the right destination… for you!
We recommend deciding first whether you’d like a warm-weather getaway or if you’d be happy staying cozy in a cooler environment this winter.
From there, think about the features of your dream vacation, and look for a destination that matches. For example, if you’re hoping to share some historical knowledge with your kids, Charleston might be the perfect spot to hunker down for the holidays. But if you’re an adventurous couple traveling in part to get outside and get active, Shenendoah National Park offers winter hiking trails you won’t want to miss.
FAQ: East Coast Winter RV Trips
While there are many warm-weather winter destinations on the east coast to choose from, we recommend the Florida Keys, Savannah, or Charleston for fun and festive holiday RV adventures.
It really depends where you’re going and when. While many major roads are plowed, even further north where it gets snowy, some east-coast roads, like Florida’s I-95, may not ever see any kind of winter weather. You can check road conditions ahead of your trip using TripCheck.
If you’re not afraid of a little chill, check out east-coast national parks like Acadia, Shenendoah, or Great Smoky Mountains during the winter to experience snow-covered scenery and fewer crowds.
Whether you’ve decided to escape the snow or embrace it, these vacation spots are great for your next winter RV trip. And if you’re looking for more hidden gem vacation spots on the East Coast, check out Our Guide to An Epic Road Trip Across the U.S. East Coast. Happy travels!
