If you live in a cold, northern climate, you probably don’t think winter is the ideal time to go camping. That is unless you’re planning a trip to a warm-weather destination where frigid conditions aren’t an issue. There are plenty of campgrounds around the United States that have pleasant temperatures year-round and are located in spectacular natural areas. You can park your RV right across from the beautiful Pacific Ocean, pitch a tent amid a lush southern forest, or sleep under the stars just steps from interesting rock formations in the desert.
Winter is a great time to go camping in some of the warmer destinations in the U.S. because the weather can be much nicer than in the summer. Instead of dealing with oppressive heat, humidity, and rain, you’ll probably find the days are cool (but not too cold) and clear enough to explore the outdoors comfortably. Plus, there may be fewer crowds during the winter months. If you’re tired of the cold and craving a night or two under the stars surrounded by nature, these warm-weather campgrounds get rave reviews from travelers for their scenic locations and excellent year-round amenities.
Turtle Beach Campground, Siesta Key, Florida
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There are several places where you can camp alongside the Gulf Coast in Florida, but only a handful offer direct beach access. Turtle Beach Campground is one such spot. Located just steps from the soft white sand and warm waters of Turtle Beach on Siesta Key, this attractive campground has 39 tent and RV sites with full hookups. You can step off your crushed shell padded site and be on the beach in just minutes, a beach named for the loggerhead turtles that nest there. You might not see any turtles if you visit in the winter because the nesting season typically runs from May to October, but you might see dolphins, rays, and pelicans.
Nightly rates at Turtle Beach Campground are $65 during the winter (November 1 to April 30) and include a full hookup for water, electricity, sewer, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Up to six guests are permitted per site, but no pets are allowed. The campground also has a communal picnic area with grills, restrooms, showers, and coin-operated washers and dryers. Guests can also take advantage of the free trolley service to and from Siesta Beach and Siesta Village.
Chisos Basin Campground, Big Bend National Park, Texas
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Situated in the middle of Big Bend National Park, Chisos Basin Campground offers spectacular views of the Casa Grande and Emory Peak mountains. Winters are typically mild here, with daytime temperatures typically hovering around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a pleasant escape from colder climes. The park is a hiker’s dream, with trails winding through canyons and the unique landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert. Keep an eye out for fossils embedded in the rocks and wildlife like kit foxes, crevice spiny lizards, and woodpeckers.
The campsites at Chisos Basin Campground have picnic tables and boxes to store food safely away from potential hungry visiting bears. There are flush toilets and water pumps, but no showers. Tents and small RVs are allowed, but larger vehicles over 24 feet are not recommended because the road is narrow and twisting, and the site sizes are small. The campsite fee is $16 for up to eight people and two vehicles. Visitors will also have to pay an entrance fee for the park, which is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Big Island, Hawaii
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If you’re traveling to Hawaii from the mainland, you may not want to lug all your camping gear with you. That won’t be a problem at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. This beautiful oceanfront park has a campground with A-frame cabins just steps from a great surfing beach. Each shelter has wooden sleeping platforms for up to four people, a picnic table, and screens to keep the bugs out. The nightly rates for the A-frames are $70 for non-residents and $40 for Hawaii residents. Non-residents will also have to pay a $5 fee to enter the park. Reservations are a must, and it’s recommended to reserve at least a week in advance.
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area has two main areas: Hāpuna Beach and Waialea Bay. Hāpuna Beach is a beautiful white sand beach backed by trees and picnic pavilions. Swimming is possible when the seas are calm. Winter is a great time to surf at Hāpuna because the offshore winds bring great swells. Waialea Bay is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Hikers can explore the Ala Kahakai Trail, which runs along the coast from Hāpuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach.
Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana
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Set on a breakwater between the Gulf of Mexico and waterways that lead to bayous, Grand Isle State Park is the perfect spot to do some fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and boating. The park has a beach stretching for a mile along the southern coast of the island, as well as a 900-foot fishing pier that juts into the Gulf. There is also a 2.5-mile nature trail that loops through the park and a beach trail that runs from one tip of the island to the other.
Campers can choose from 49 pull-through campsites with water and electricity hookups or 14 beach tent campsites. The park also has bathroom buildings with showers, dishwashing sinks, coin-operated laundry facilities, and a dump site. The campsite fees are $18 a night for the beach sites and $25 a night for the pull-through sites on weeknights between October and March. Weekend rates for the pull-through sites are $33. Campers love the remote atmosphere of the campground. One traveler left a Google Review saying, “My favorite part about camping there is how alone you feel. We want to get away from the city and be by ourselves when we camp, so it was really nice to feel like the entire beach was ours.”
Little Harbor Campground, Catalina Island, California
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What could be better than planning a scenic camping trip on a stunning Californian island? Beautiful Catalina Island is just 22 miles from Los Angeles and is home to some pretty incredible camping spots. Little Harbor Campground is one of the most picturesque, located on the back side of the island and with 23 campsites just steps from the beach. There are also three campsites at Shark Harbor nearby. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and cold-water showers.
There are several ways to get to Catalina Island. You can take a high-speed ferry, boat charter, or helicopter from the mainland to either Two Harbors or Avalon. To get to Little Harbor campground, you can get an express shuttle or taxi from Avalon or hike 19 miles to the site. From Two Harbors, you can hike about 5 miles to the campground or bike along a 7-mile unpaved road. The campsite fees are $30 per night for adults and $23 for children during the winter (November 1 to February 28). If you need to stock up before your trip, the Two Harbors General Store has everything you need, including groceries, beer, ice, and camping accessories.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee, Florida
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Get back to nature in the vast grassland of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. This underrated state park is just a short drive from Disneyworld, but it seems like a completely different world. The unique dry prairie ecosystem is home to rare birds like the grasshopper sparrow and the burrowing owl. It was also the first park in Florida to be designated as a Dark Sky Park by the Dark Sky International Association. At night, you can rent an astronomy pad to gaze up at the Milky Way and twinkling constellations.
The best way to experience Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is to camp overnight. The Kilpatrick Hammock Campground has 35 sites for RVs or tents with water and electric hookups. The campground has restrooms with showers and laundry facilities. Families with little ones can borrow books from the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library at the park office. There are also primitive campsites, deluxe safari glamping tents for rent, and equestrian campsites for those who come on horseback. Campsite fees start at $16 per night plus tax and a $6.70 reservation fee.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
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Sleep under the stars in the Sonoran Desert at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. You can go primitive at the Alamo Canyon Campground or enjoy more modern comforts at the Twin Peaks Campground. There are also nine zones available for backcountry camping with a permit. Wherever you choose to rest your head, you’ll have access to miles of trails through the rugged desert landscape.
One camper on Tripadvisor commented about the park, “The scenery in this campground is phenomenal. Each site has a great variety of cacti surrounding it. The park is well maintained, the staff friendly and informative. A great place to stay.” Campsite fees are $5 for backcountry camping, $16 for the Alamo Canyon Campground, and $25 for the Twin Peaks Campground. All visitors must pay an additional $25 park entrance fee per vehicle. The entrance fee is valid for seven consecutive days. One thing to keep in mind is that although winter temperatures can get up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, the nights tend to be cooler and can dip down to freezing, so be sure to bring some warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.
Papohaku Beach Park, Moloka’i, Hawaii
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Pāpōhaku Beach Park is a Hawaiian hidden gem that not too many tourists know about. It’s located on Moloka’i, which tends to get fewer crowds than some of the larger Hawaiian islands, and features a shady campsite where you can pitch a tent on the grass just steps from a wide stretch of white sand. The park also has picnic benches, BBQ grills, restrooms, and showers. To camp in the park, you’ll need to register for a permit with the Maui County Parks & Recreation. Permits cost $50 per night on weeknights and $100 on weekends for non-residents.
The main draw to the park is the gorgeous Pāpōhaku Beach. It features white sand that stretches for three miles and is 300 feet wide. It’s not a great swimming beach due to the strong currents and rough waves. However, it’s perfect for taking strolls along the sand and sunbathing. Many visitors find they have the whole beach to themselves. One reviewer on The Dyrt commented, “Incredible views with miles and miles of beautiful beach. Literally only saw two other people while I was there.”
San Clemente State Beach Campgrounds, San Clemente, California
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Wake up to views of the Pacific Ocean from your campsite at San Clemente State Beach Campground. This scenic camping spot has 159 campsites perched on a bluff overlooking San Clemente Beach. There are 72 sites with RV hookups for water, electricity, and sewer. The remaining sites can accommodate tents and smaller vehicles. You can also rent a vintage trailer for a unique camping experience. Camping fees are $65 for RV hookup sites and $40 for standard sites.
The stunning location sets San Clemente State Beach Campground apart from many other camping spots in California. You can access the beach from the campground via a steep trail down the bluffs, and there are also multi-use trails and a butterfly trail that are wheelchair accessible. Even chilling at the campsite is a pleasant experience, as there are restrooms, hot showers, and a picnic area that overlooks the ocean. Adventurous types can go surfing, paddle boarding, and fishing in the ocean or off San Clemente Pier. Several trails in the area are perfect for hiking or cycling.
South Padre Island KOA, South Padre Island, Texas
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If you’re looking for a fun spot to take the whole family camping, South Padre Island KOA gets excellent reviews from users on Tripadvisor. The campground has sites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins and fully furnished vacation rentals. Amenities include a pool open year-round, a hot tub, snack bar, dog park, and a free shuttle to beaches, museums, and restaurants. Plus, you can’t beat the location close to beautiful beaches and the mild waters of the Gulf Coast. Rates vary at South Padre KOA depending on when you want to travel and the type of accommodation, but you can often find good deals for weekly stays, as well as discounts for veterans, service people, and first responders.
When you’re not enjoying the facilities at the campground, there is plenty to see and do on South Padre Island. Kids will love getting up close and personal with sea turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc. The South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center is another cool wildlife spot with an alligator sanctuary and butterfly garden. Isla Blanca Park is a popular place for boating, kiteboarding, and picnics on the beach. Space fanatics may be able to witness a rocket launch at the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site across the bay.
Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona
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Located just 40 miles outside Phoenix, Arizona, Lost Dutchman State Park is renowned for its spacious campsites and unbeatable hiking trails. Winter is a pleasant time to visit because the daytime temperatures usually hover in the 60s and 70s. That’s perfect weather for hiking the mountain and desert trails without getting overheated. That being said, the temperature can drop significantly in the evenings, so you’ll want to come prepared with some warm clothes.
There are 135 sites at the Lost Dutchman campground, many of which have electricity and water. Every site has a picnic table and a grill where you can cook under the open skies. Pets are also welcome in the park, as long as they’re kept on a leash. Camping fees range from $15 to $50 a night. Campers love that the campground offers easy access to numerous attractions. As one Tripadvisor reviewer said, “The biggest plus to this camping location is that it is close to so many other things. Within 30 minutes, you have civilization, but also Canyon Lake, Apache Trail, multiple old west tourist sites, great hiking choices in the Superstition Mountains, and a decent OHV area.”
Dauphin Island Campground, Dauphin Island, Alabama
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Dauphin Island Campground has plenty to offer visitors of all ages year-round. Park your RV or pitch a tent in the campground, and you’ll be just minutes from the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Alabama Aquarium, and the white sands of Dauphin Island Beach. Immerse yourself in nature on hiking trails around the island or set off on boat trips along the Gulf Coast. The winter months are typically dry, with temperatures in the 60s during the day, making this a pleasant time of year to visit.
You won’t want for much while staying at the Dauphin Island Campground because there are tons of amenities for campers. There are 150 sites with full hookups for water and power, 75 of which also have sewer hookups. The campground also has a playground for kids, a campground store where you can buy necessities, laundry facilities, and restrooms. Anglers can make use of the boat launches and the fish-cleaning pavilion. There are also dedicated areas for volleyball, badminton, and shuffleboard, as well as bicycle rentals.
Big Flats Campground, Myakka River State Park, Florida
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Spanning 58 square miles, Myakka River State Park is one of the biggest and oldest parks in Florida. Here, you’ll find a variety of landscapes, including lush wetlands, pine forests, and prairies awash in wildflowers. Big Flats Campground is located in the heart of the park near Upper Myakka Lake, making it easy to explore the park and do some fishing, boating, hiking, or cycling along trails.
Each of the 24 sites at Big Flats Campground can accommodate up to eight people in tents or RVs, and pets are welcome. The sites have electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are also restrooms and hot showers. A reviewer on Hipcamp said about the campground, “Quiet, shaded campground. Handicap accessible, paved campsites, restrooms, and showers. Camp store has a grill with good burgers and craft beer on tap but not any real camp provisions. Hike about six miles round trip to Deep Hole to a beautiful wilderness area and watch alligators as close as you dare.”
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
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A little over 90 minutes inland from San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a vast expanse of deserts, canyons, and interesting rock formations. The park gets scorching hot in the summer but is pleasantly mild in the winter. The temperatures usually range between mid-60 to mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day but can get cooler at night. The best time to go is at the end of winter and early spring because the temperatures are warmer, and the wildflowers start coming out in full force.
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is one of the more centrally located campgrounds in the park, with 120 sites for tents and RVs. Standard sites cost $35 per night, while full hookup sites cost $45. Only RVs and trailers are allowed on the hookup sites. Reservations are available between October 1 and April 30 and are highly recommended. Guests have access to restrooms and can purchase tokens for hot showers at the campground entrance.
Methodology
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We know what it’s like to suffer through long, cold winters where all you want to do is escape somewhere warm and be surrounded by nature. These warm-weather camping spots were chosen for their mild temperatures, incredible scenery, and great camping amenities, according to our research on various travel websites and forums. All of them come highly recommended by fellow campers who had great experiences camping there during the winter months. We included a selection of spots from several warm-weather spots in the United States so that you can choose the campgrounds that are most accessible from where you are and make an informed decision based on your mode of transportation, budget, and preferred setting and activities.
