Many believe that RV camping in winter is impossible or unsafe. Really, neither of these things is true. RV camping in chilly weather is not only possible, but is totally safe and even cozy as long as you understand how to keep a camper warm in the winter.
In this article, we will discuss what to pack to stay safe and warm while winter camping in an RV as well as where to look for winter campgrounds and how to set up camp once you arrive.
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Winter Camping Checklist: Items You’ll Need to Stay Warm and Safe
RV Antifreeze
RV antifreeze for winterizing the RV is a must-have cold weather RV camping product. When purchasing RV antifreeze, remember that it will always be pink in color. You might choose to run it through your system and add it to each holding tank to protect valves and pipes from freezing a few weeks before your winter RV camping trip.
Heated Fresh Water Hose
If you choose not to winterize the plumbing in your RV, you will need to find other ways to ensure the system doesn’t freeze. One option is to use a heated fresh water hose to ensure the water doesn’t freeze on it’s way from the spigot to your RV.
Heat Tape
Heat tape can also be helpful. Wrap the stuff around the spigot, around the sewer hose, and around any other exposed water lines that are likely to freeze.
Tank Heaters
Some people also choose to invest in tank heaters. These are relatively easy to install and will keep any water in your holding tanks warm enough that it doesn’t freeze. That said, these are probably only necessary if you camp in extremely cold places or if you plan to winter camp regularly.
Warm Clothes
It’s not just your rig that needs to be winterized before hitting the road – so will your bags! When it’s time to pack for your cold weather RV camping trip, ditch your shorts and trade them for cold weather items. Think about what kind of activities you’ll be doing on your winter RV camping trip and pack for them, making sure to include extra warm clothing, snow shoes or boots, gloves, and hats.
Tire Chains
not every place you visit will require tire chains during the winter. That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you plan to drive through the mountains.
Hairdryer
You may not need it to dry your hair (though it sure is nice to be able to blow your hair dry when the weather is cold), but a hairdryer can be extremely helpful when RV camping in winter. You can use it to thaw frozen pipes and water lines or to warm cold sheets and blankets. Just make sure you use the dryer safely!
Extra Propane
Obviously, camping in cold weather means running heaters constantly. If you have electric hookups, and especially if electricty is included in the cost of your campsite, the best bet in terms of cost is usually to run electric space heaters. That said, when the temperature drops below freezing it is a good idea to run the propane furnace in order to help keep your underbelly warm. Besides, you will want to be able to run the propane furnace in case the electricty goes out or your space heaters stop working.
Becasue of this, it is imprtant to stock up on propane before you head out. Fill any tanks that may have come with your RV and carry an extra just in case.
Weather Radio
It is important to pay close attention to the weather when winter camping, so you can dodge any blizzards that may be headed your way. Unfortunately, if you don’t have electric hookups or if the power goes out, it might be difficult to keep up with the weather forecast. For this reason, we highly recommend carrying a weather radio in your RV.
Generator and Extra Fuel
A gas generator is another must-have. This can be used to charge your batteries to keep your furnace running should you lose power in the campground. It can also be used to run space heaters if you should find yourself stranded and without propane. Remember to carry extra fuel!
First Aid Kit
No matter what time of year it is, it’s always important to carry a first aid kit in your RV. This will help you take care of minor injuries and tend to more serious injuries until you can seek out professional help.
Extra Food and Water
While it is pretty you likely, especially if you’re keeping tabs on the weather, it’s possible for winter storms to crop up unexpectedly and make it impossible to leave your campsite for a few days. Make sure you are prepared for this possibility with plenty of extra food and drinking water.
Winter Camping Checklist: How to Keep a Camper Warm in the Winter
RV Skirting
One effective way to create the best insulated RV is to utilize insulated RV skirting. RV skirting can stop wind from blowing underneath your rig, which sucks heat out and can cause water tanks to freeze. It keeps battery bays, plumbing and other important components protected from the cold temperatures.
Faux Fireplace
You could also give keep warm by bringing that cozy campfire inside the RV. Not a real fire, of course, but a faux fire in a faux fireplace heater. These awesome little appliances actually run on electricity and include mock flames while also heating the room. Some even include an option for fire sounds, making them even more fun and realistic.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are a must-have when winter camping in an RV. During the warmer winter days, they can be used on their own to keep the camper warm without burning through propane. During colder times, they can be used in conjunction with the propane furnace or even under the RV or in a storage bay to help keep everythign warm and prevent frozen water lines.
Window Insulation
Another thing that helps? Insulating your RV windows. You can cover your RV windows with the Reflectix that comes in a roll, cutting the insulation to the dimensions of your window and lower it your RV blinds over it. Another option is to use insulating window film.
Special Bedding
Be sure to pack comfy and cozy winter bedding. This might include a comfortable mattress topper and mattress pad, flannel sheets, an electric blanket, and a down (or down alternative) comforter. Packing extra blankets is always a good idea in case you are left without any source of heat!
Finding Winter Campgrounds
Now that you know what to pack. Let’s talk about where you should go winter camping.
First, it’s important to note that not all campgrounds any open year-round, so you will deinfitely want to check to make sure your campground of choice is open during the time you plan to visit. Making a reservation in advance will ensure you don’t arrived to a closed campground or one that is totally full and can’t accommodate you.
One great option is to take your RV and do fun winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. Staying at a ski resort or in a nearby hotel can get expensive quickly, but a lot of ski resorts offer free or low-cost parking spaces for RVs. This means you can enjoy all the benefits and amenities of your local ski resort without having to pay an arm and a leg to stay there.
Not a fan of the cold? You don’t have to keep your RV in the snow during the winter. You can take your family on a cross-country trip to a warmer climate in the winter months.
The folllwing areas are popular warm weather winter destinations for RVers.
- Florida
- South Texas
- Arizona
- SoCal
Setting Up Your Campsite in the Winter
When you get to an RV campground for winter camping, pick one that will get your RV exposed to as much sunlight as possible during the day. That said, you want to safeguard your travel vehicle from the harsh winter elements, so walls and trees can be your friend.
Once parked, use the steps below to keep your RV as warm as possible and protect your RV water system.
- Park and level your RV as you usually would, making sure to use wheel chocks.
- Plug into electricty if available and turn on electric space heaters in the RV.
- If electricty isn’t available, start the propane furnace to warm the interior of the RV and prepare your generator to recharge batteries as needed.
- Using a heated hose, hook up to a potable water source, wrapping the spigot in heat tape if possible. (If no water hookup is available, be sure to fill your fresh tank before parking, making sure to use a tank heater to keep the water from freezing.)
- Connect to sewer if available. Wrap the sewer hose in heat tape or keep both tanks closed to prevent water from freezing in the sewer hose.
- If possible, set up a skirt around the outside of your RV to help insulate everything.
- Head inside and add window film to to insulate them. You can also put down rugs inside to improve floor insulation.
Items to Pack for Winter Fun
Fire Pit and Fuel
Perhaps the most important part of winter camping is the campfire. While many campgrounds provide fire pits, not all do, and ensuring you have the ability to sit around a fire is crucial.
Wood fire pits are great if you’re looking for something to keep super warm, but propane fire pits are allowed in more places and are easier to use. Choose one or choose both, but whatever you choose, make sure you bring fuel along.
Campfire Cooking Gear
There’s nothing quite like cooking over an open fire when you’re out camping. This becomes even more wonderful when the weather gets chilly and you can keep warm as you cook. Just make sure to pack the supplies you need! Pie irons, roasting sticks, a Dutch oven, and a grill specifically for cooking over the fire are all good options for campfire cooking.
Hot Drink Station
Another thing that everyone loves when the weather’s chilly outside is a nice hot drink. Some prefer coffee, others prefer tea, and still others want something like hot cocoa, but all can agree that the warmth of whatever drink they choose is absolutely wonderful.
By setting up a hot drink station in your RV, you can ensure you have a hot beverage whenever you see fit. Include a good coffee maker, a grinder, a kettle for tea, fresh coffee beans, various tea bags, and some nice hot cocoa packets, as well as some insulated travel mugs to keep those drinks piping hot even when taken outdoors.
Indoor Entertainment
Depending on the weather, playing outside may not be an option during every winter camping trip. For this reason, it’s a good idea to carry some sort of indoor entertainment in your rig. Board games, card games, and movies are all excellent options that’ll keep your family and friends happily entertained during your trip.
Winter Sports Gear
If you live near a ski resort or another place to participate in winter sports, you might consider packing some winter sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, and sleds. This kind of equipment can add a lot of fun to a winter trip, and kids will especially appreciate it!
Holiday Decor
If you’ll be your RV out for the holidays, consider investing a bit of holiday decor to brighten things up. You will want to make sure the items you choose will stay in place during the trip or are easy enough to put up once you park. The decorations will definitely add to your fun and unique holiday experience.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when winter camping. That said, once you understand how to keep a camper warm in winter and where to look for winter campgrounds, you should be able to camp during the chilly months without a problem. Why not give it a try?
