One of the many advantages of being a full-time RVer is the freedom to travel where and when you want. Many full-time RVers travel with the weather as the seasons change. It’s no secret that RVs aren’t as insulated as residential houses.
If you want to stay comfortable while in your RV, you’ll want to consider where you’re parking it. So, where do full-time RVers winter?
Today, we’re sharing several of the most common places you’ll find RVers in winter. Let’s get started!
What Is a Full-Time RVer?
While many people use their RV for weekend adventures, a full-time RVer uses their RV as their residence. They’ll typically travel from one spot to the next as they get to see and experience some of the most incredible landscapes.
While full-time RVers were once mostly retired travelers living out their glory years, the increase in remote work and schooling has made the lifestyle possible for more adventure seekers.
You’ll find everything from twenty-something business professionals to road schooling families living full-time in their rigs. Technology advancements are making it incredibly easy for people to work, learn, and stay connected to loved ones while on the road.
Can You Live in an RV Full-Time in the Winter?
Some full-time RVers brave the harshest winter conditions in their RV. Are they as comfortable as they’d like? Probably not. However, it’s possible to live full-time in an RV in the winter. The key to staying comfortable is considering where you’ll park it and preparing yourself and your rig for the temperatures.
If you’re not bound to a specific location, you’ll likely want to travel south to avoid the harsh and extreme winter conditions in the northern portion of the country. You don’t want to worry about snow and freezing temperatures if you don’t have to. However, you may be unable to pack your things up and migrate with warmer weather.
If you find yourself stuck in a location for the winter months, it will be essential for you to prepare yourself and your RV for a long and brutal winter. This will include installing skirting around the base of your rig, purchasing a heated water hose, and ensuring you’ll have a constant supply of propane for your rig.
When the temperatures drop, it’s not uncommon for RVers to spend hundreds of dollars monthly on propane to keep their rig warm. In these situations, renting a large propane tank can help you avoid constant trips to refill your RV’s propane tanks.
Pro Tip: Unsure what being a snowbird entails? We took a closer look at Snowbirds, Explained to help you prepare to RV this winter.
How Cold Is Too Cold for RV Camping?
Some RVs can handle the cold better than others. If you take the proper precautions and have a capable RV, you can RV in single-digit temperatures. It may not be the most comfortable experience, but it’s possible.
A typical RV without four-season camping features will likely experience issues once the temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The longer the temperatures stay below freezing, the most likely problems will surface. Frozen water lines and blowing through a large amount of propane are two of the most common issues RVers face during these circumstances.
They also may need to wear an extra set of socks when walking across their RV as the floors can feel like sheets of ice.
Where Do Full-Time RVers Stay in the Winter?
There are several common locations where RVers stay in the winter as they adventure in their RVs and try to keep warm. If you’re looking for a place to spend winter in your RV, let’s look at some of the best places you might want to consider.
Florida
About: The Sunshine State is a popular spot for snowbirds to spend the winter. The state averaging 237 days of sunshine annually is a significant reason many choose to move to Florida. The state is a peninsula with more than 1,300 miles of coast. Many of these coasts are sandy beaches.
Whether you want to sit in the sand or visit one of its many famous theme parks, Florida is an excellent place to visit any time of year. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to see Mickey Mouse and his friends, here’s your chance!
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: One of the best things RVers love about Florida is the warm weather and sunshine. While winter temperatures can get chilly for a day or two each year, they’re generally very mild, especially if you head to South Florida.
Many RV parks offer seasonal and long-term stays. Full-time RVers with a Thousand Trails membership love that more than 40 campgrounds and resorts are available throughout the state. This makes it very convenient for RVers to move from one park or resort to the next while waiting for winter.
Southern California
About: One of the many things people love about Southern California is its consistency in temperature and weather conditions. High temperatures range from the low 60s to upper 70s almost year-round. The region only experiences a dozen days of rain throughout the year.
The mild temperatures make it easy to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: RVers love Southern California because of the open spaces and beautiful weather. You don’t have to worry about winterizing or preparing your RV for winter in Southern California. Not only are there many RV parks and resorts, but you can find plenty of opportunities for boondocking on public lands.
These lands can provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy peace, quiet, and privacy while RVing in the winter.
Arizona
About: While many think of triple-digit summer temperatures when considering Arizona, it’s hard to beat winter in the Grand Canyon State. During the winter, snowbirds from all over the northern states flock to the state to stay warm.
The cooler temperatures mean you can explore the extreme landscapes without worrying about dehydrating or your skin burning from the intense summer heat. There’s a reason Major League Baseball teams gather in the state for spring training to prepare for the upcoming season.
The northern portion of the state has a much higher elevation than the rest. Winters in Northern Arizona can regularly experience large amounts of snow and freezing temperatures. While you may want to visit this area, you’ll likely want to leave the RV parked at lower elevations.
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: RVers love Arizona because of the state’s ample sunshine and many opportunities for boondocking. Every winter, you’ll find the world’s largest gathering of RVers in the town of Quartzsite.
Arizona offers almost every type of adventure opportunity one could ask for. Whether you want to hike the trails, go for a scenic drive, or head down rushing rapids on a raft, you can easily find excitement in Arizona.
Pro Tip: Use these 7 Ways to Make Your RV Trip to Quartzsite More Enjoyable while RVing in Arizona.
New Mexico
About: New Mexico is another popular place for RVers to spend winter. However, the state’s northern section can experience less than ideal weather conditions for RVing. You’ll likely want to stay south of Albuquerque to ensure you stay as comfortable as possible.
However, the landscapes of New Mexico can surprise you with their incredible beauty. Many underestimate New Mexico as they travel west but are pleasantly surprised once they discover all the state offers.
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: RVers love wintering in New Mexico because of the many parks and resorts around the state. However, one of the best opportunities to experience New Mexico in the winter is to take advantage of the state parks. The state has 35 state parks, and 28 offer camping facilities.
RV camping in New Mexico state parks is very affordable, especially if you can take advantage of the campgrounds with opportunities for dry camping. This is an excellent way to winter that’s friendly on the budget.
Southern Texas
About: People say everything is bigger in Texas, and it’s hard to argue with them. While Texas may not offer as many sunny days as Florida or Arizona, it typically experiences 100+ sunny days yearly. During the winter, temperatures tend to hover around 70 degrees, which is more appealing than shoveling snow and scraping ice off your windshield.
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: Like many locations on our list, the open spaces make maneuvering RVs of all sizes as convenient as possible. RVers love getting to spread out and not feel like they’re on top of one another.
You’ll also find several beaches along the south Texas coast offering beach camping for RVers. Who wouldn’t want to open the door to their RV and see the ocean?
South Carolina
About: Some northern snowbirds fall short of reaching the Sunshine State of Florida and instead choose to winter in South Carolina. It’s much less touristy than Florida, making it easier to relax.
The state has warm temperatures and a southern charm you won’t find anywhere else. It also has a much lower living cost than other popular snowbird states. If you’re lucky, you may snag a deal on a property where you can come back for many winters.
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: RVers love staying in South Carolina for the winter because it has a much different pace than other states on the east coast.
Campgrounds almost always stay open year-round, and you can score deals on long-term spots during the off-season. You can stay near the beach, but not have to battle the crowds to enjoy them!
Mexico’s Baja Peninsula
About: If you have a passport, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is another popular destination for RVers in the winter. The weather makes it manageable to get out and enjoy the incredible natural features of this area. You can hike trails, surf, and relax on the beach.
If you’re a foodie, you can experience the unique culture of this area by trying the delicious foods as you travel up and down the peninsula.
Why Do Full-Time RVers Stay Here in the Winter: While RVing in Mexico looks quite different than in the United States, the Baja Peninsula is growing. You can find some very budget-friendly places to park. This location has some of the most epic views you’ll ever experience while RVing. This area is usually very safe despite what you might hear on the news.
Is Full-Time RVing in the Winter Worth It?
Full-time RVing in the winter can be an incredible experience if you do it right. It can allow you to experience some of the most popular tourist destinations during the off-season. That way, you won’t be fighting crowds or waiting in line at every stop along the way.
Winter is typically the off-season for much of the country. Therefore, you can save a tremendous amount of money while enjoying full-time RVing in the winter. With some planning, RVing in the winter can be the best way to travel.
Where will you stay this winter? Tell us your favorite spot in the comments!
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