Just because summer is over and fall is winding down doesn’t mean it’s time to pack it up and roll your RV into storage. Sure, plenty of people choose to camp solely during the warmest months of the year – but there are some incredible destinations you can visit during the winter. Cold-weather RV camping can be magical, and it’s becoming increasingly more popular. In fact, Kampgrounds of America reports that winter camping is on the rise, doubling in intent to 38%, compared to only 17% in 2022.
If you plan to head out into the great outdoors during the winter, then you’ll want to ensure both you and your RV are prepared. Winter camping can be an amazing experience, but the weather, changes to outdoor environments, and states of highways and local roads can pose some significant challenges. So, before you hit the road, make sure you’re prepared with the following cold weather essentials for winter RVing.
Is Your RV Ready for Winter Camping?
First and foremost, you need to do some cold weather prep for your RV. (You don’t want to find yourself in freezing temperatures with a heating system that isn’t working, simply because you’ve never put it to work while camping before!) Before you start packing cold weather accessories or gearing up for snowy campsites, check these critical aspects of your camper:
- Cold weather can drain a battery fast, so check its status. Does it need recharging or replacement? Are the connections strong and functional?
- Check your tire pressure and your tread depth to ensure your camper’s tires can safely grab slick roads and handle unpredictable winter weather.
- Heating system. If you haven’t turned your RV’s heater on in a while, absolutely do so before you try winter camping. Ensure it heats properly and safely.
- Vents, windows, and doors. Cold can sneak into your RV anywhere there are small gaps in sealing or insulation, and these three areas are prime problem spots. Take a close look for any wear or potential sealant issues and perform necessary repairs.
Cold Weather Accessories for the RV Exterior
When it comes to the outside of your RV, there are a number of cold weather accessories that can help you lock in heat, keep your systems and electronics functioning properly, and even ensure your RV setup is a little easier in cold weather.
We suggest equipping yourself and your RV with these cold weather essentials:
- Winter tires, which are a must-have for icy and wet roads.
- Tire chains, which can be required on certain roads during the winter.
- RV skirting, to enhance insulation and add a little warmth from the wheel wells upwards.
- Windshield or roof cover, which can also add insulation and a bit of extra warmth.
Weatherstripping, which is easy to add around door and window frames inside or outside of your RV as a quick seal against icy winter breezes in a pinch. - Non-slip tread for steps and stairs leading into your RV.
Heated water hose to ensure you don’t wind up with frozen hoses connected to your camper. - An air conditioner cover to protect and seal up your RV’s AC unit while it’s not in use.
- Traction mats or boards to ensure you can safely get out of snowy, muddy, or slick areas with an extra bit of traction.
- Portable fireplace, which allows you to have warmth and a fire anywhere, even if fire pits aren’t available or accessible.
Cold Weather Accessories for Your RV Interior
Even with the heater running and your coziest winter attire on, the inside of your RV can get pretty cold while winter camping. Plus, you never quite know how temperatures will shift.
To stay warm while you’re hanging out inside your camper, keep these cold weather essentials packed and ready for use:
- Warm bedding, including thick blankets and heavier-weight comforters and sheets, so you can add warmth as your body temperature drops at night.
- Extra layers of clothing, from winter jackets to sweatshirts so you can add more layers if you get cold while far from home.
- Thick drapes or curtains over windows, which can help hold in heat and better insulate the windowed areas inside your camper.
- A hair dryer, to warm up quickly after a shower (or to use to unfreeze locks and heat up in general fast!)
- A safe space heater you can use for supplemental heat in case your heating system isn’t doing the trick.
Additionally, since you’ll be both in cold weather and running extra systems and gadgets to stay warm – like your heater, oven, and other appliances – you’ll want to have some interior safety accessories inside your RV, too. We recommend a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, and fire alarm.
RV Winter Safety Must-Haves
Speaking of safety accessories, there is critical gear you don’t want to overlook when planning a winter RVing adventure. While your usual emergency kit and tool stash is great, you’ll also want to have some cold weather-specific accessories on hand to ensure you’re fully prepared to handle winter’s unique challenges and weather.
Wondering what you might need due to freezing temps, wet conditions, or unpredictable roads and campground amenities? Here are some of our safety must-haves for RV camping in the winter:
- A durable shovel to haul away snow.
- A snow brush and ice scraper for winter driving visibility.
- Extra food, water, batteries, and propane, just in case an emergency happens or you need more supplies than you would normally.
- Heat tape, which can be added to hoses in a pinch to prevent freezing.
- A headlamp, which is particularly handy with the limited sunlight of winter.
With these interior, exterior, and safety essentials packed in your RV, you’ll be ready for any kind of cold weather camping trip.