Winter camping might not be for everyone, but recent data proves that the pastime is picking up steam. According to monthly research from Kampgrounds of America, an additional 830,000+ camping households decided to try winter camping in 2022, bringing the total to more than 7 million households for the year. While many of these folks opted for “snowbird” experiences – heading somewhere warm for the season – more than a few will be taking in the sights and sounds that only a snowbound landscape can deliver.
If that sounds like an appealing getaway to you, then you’re in luck. We rounded up the top 7 best national parks for winter camping. Check out the list below, and shop PartsVia.com for all your RV and camping needs.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
Heading out to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park guarantees the family a winter getaway they’ll never forget. Renowned for its stunning postcard-worthy mountain vistas, wide variety of plant and animal life, and unique Appalachian culture, America's most visited national park is a real treat in the snowy season.
If hiking is a favorite pastime of yours, then this is the place to be. The trails are particularly well-loved here – all 800+ miles of them – and they are blissfully crowd-free when winter rolls in.
Lower elevations see milder temperatures and, generally, more rain than snow – so remember to pack your poncho if destination hiking is on the agenda. When heading higher into the mountains, prepare for much colder temperatures and the chance of significant snowfall. You’ll likely see snowshoers and cross-country skiers along your route, taking in the new sights that open up when the trees shed their leaves. Discover an ancient stone wall, old chimneys, foundations and other reminders of past residents.
After exploring, post up by one of the park’s many waterfalls and marvel at their frozen winter state thanks to the thick coating of ice that forms during extended cold spells.
Note that during winter, Cades Cove Campground is one of the only sites available at the park. There are no shower facilities, but the campground does have flushing toilets and fresh drinking water. If that sounds a little too primitive, check out Ober Gatlinburg, the area’s only ski resort. While there, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and other fun outdoor winter activities.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Maybe you’re looking for something a little more out-of-the-box. Well, how about a water-based park at the tippy-top of Minnesota that straddles the Canadian border?
If the hikers are hitting the Smokies, then the boaters and fishermen are flocking to Voyageurs. With more than 1/3 of its 218,054 acres covered in water, this park isn’t for the faint of heart come wintertime. In fact, the main part is only accessible by boat and, when the freeze settles in come November, only by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe.
As you can imagine, water activities are plentiful and top-notch at Voyageurs National Park, but there are other ways to experience the area too. Winter brings several favorite pastimes, including snowmobiling on the 110+ miles of groomed trails, cross-country skiing through the forests and frozen lakes, epic star-gazing, plus hiking, sledding, ice-fishing, and wildlife watching – where you might be lucky enough to spot a wolf roaming around.
Camping options include primitive, backcountry, and frontcountry sites; though they require a watercraft to access. Since the lakes freeze over in winter, some campsites can be accessed by foot or snowmobiles when appropriate conditions and safe ice occur. However, if you prefer a campground that you can drive a car or RV to, there are nearby options outside the boundaries of the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
When winter rolls around, the scenery changes at Bryce Canyon National Park - and it’s simply too good to pass up. The glistening white snow, red hoodoos (irregular rock formations), bright blue sky and deep evergreen trees give visitors a chance to see the park from a whole new perspective.
And perspective is the name of the game here, as Bryce Canyon is meant to be gawped at. Known for its geologic wonders, the park plays host to 14 unique bowl-shaped rock breaks called “amphitheaters” that have slowly carved into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau by eons of rainwater. Awe-inspiring at any time, these natural wonders gain a little whimsical charm in the winter when they become dusted with snow. The Bryce Amphitheater remains accessible year-round, and is where you can catch a glimpse of Thor’s Hammer – the most well-known and photographed formation in the park.
While much of the park can be viewed via driving tour, many roads close during the winter months due to snow and ice. Consider grabbing a pair of snowshoes instead, and hitting the trails for a more up-close-and-personal experience.
The park’s North Campground A Loop is open for winter camping, with 30 sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Luckily, those who sleep overnight witness Bryce’s beautiful dark skies. Join one of the Astronomy Rangers for their educational and entertaining celebrations of natural darkness.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plants and animals, this park earned its title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. When winter hits, its rolling hills, deep river valleys and the world’s most extensive cave system transform into a new wonder all on its own.
If there’s one activity that must be on the list when staying here, it’s cave-touring. Some may say winter is the perfect time too, since it’s common for tickets to sell out in warmer months, and the caves are better experienced with a smaller group.
Be aware that the only campground open during winter is the Houchin Ferry Campground near Brownsville, KY. But you might consider a more rugged camping trip, since the park’s backcountry boasts 37 square miles of forest and more than 60 miles of trails. So, why not take a risk and try one of the 13 designated backcountry campsites instead of traditional camping?
Acadia National Park, Maine
Considered the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park in Maine might be small compared to the other parks on this list, but it packs a major punch. The nearly 50,000 acres along the coastline offer stunning views of tall mountains rising from the sea, with rugged rocky shorelines and valleys of forests and wetlands. The diversity of terrain means you’ll meet all kinds of plants and animals, especially when hiking the more than 150+ miles of trails.
A must-see for winter campers at Acadia is Cadillac Mountain. The highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, it stands 1,530 feet tall and offers the first place to catch the sunrise in the United States between October 7 and March 6.
History and culture are particularly rich in this region. From the lobster fisherman who still make a grueling living on the water, to the skilled laborers and designers who helped develop the park in the 19th century, all the way back to the Wabanaki people who reached Maine 12,000 years ago in birchbark canoes and began cultivating the land – you can experience all these stories and more.
Outdoor activities are plentiful as well, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the 45 miles of carriage roads. There are four campgrounds inside the park, but they are sadly not open in deep winter, so you’ll need to check out nearby options like Hadley's Point Campground (about 4 miles out) and Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA (about 6 miles away).
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Sprawled across 415 square miles and hitting elevations as high as 14,259 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a spectacular range of landscapes for those seeking variety in one place. While it is one of the U.S.'s most visited national parks, crowds die down in the winter months allowing you to immerse yourself in the true solitude and snow views on a winter wilderness adventure.
The real treat at Rocky Mountain is wildlife viewing. Thanks to all those unique ecosystems, the park is home to more than 60 species of mammals! Don’t miss the elk herd that numbers 600-800 during this season, as well as the mule deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and small moose population that might be strolling by. Bird-watchers will find this their own paradise, as the park has 280 recorded species flying around.
After sightseeing wild animals, consider snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding or joining an educational ranger-led snowshoe walk. It is possible to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, but the main 43-mile scenic route closes in winter. So, if auto-touring is on the agenda, be sure to research which sections of the park will be open to motor vehicles.
Keep in mind the Moraine Park Campground is the only campground open for winter. But there are around 70 primitive campsites open for winter use, primarily in the B-Loop. All sites are first-come, first-serve, so plan accordingly.
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Looking for the ultimate winter wonderland? Well, the Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska certainly delivers. Winter is its predominant season, serving up snow-blanketed mountain views, scarce daylight, and temperatures that sit at an average 5°F.
Even with short days and frigid temps, there’s still plenty to do - thanks to the six million acres of wild land at each visitor’s fingertips. Some rewarding ways to explore Denali are cross-country skiing, winter biking and – of course – dog mushing! Another way to absorb all of this park’s beauty is by stargazing. The long hours of darkness and minimal light pollution makes this season one of the best times to view the stars in all their glory.
Keep in mind that most of the park’s single road is closed in the winter, resulting in very limited vehicle access. Services are also limited, and crowds are all but non-existent. That means, you can explore in peace but you’re also largely on your own – so go prepared. Additionally, late winter is a better time of year when it comes to Denali, as the middle season sees temperatures as deadly as -40°F.
For camping, only the Riley Creek Campground is open. It’s free, but primitive. Nearby Healy, about 10 miles from the park, offers bed and breakfast options.