Best RV Winter Trip Destinations

Sam Leash-profile-image
Sam Leash
January 22, 2022

TL;DR: Escape the winter chill with a trip to warmer destinations like Austin, Texas, Florida Keys, Phoenix, Arizona, San Diego, CA, Gulf Shores, Alabama, or New Orleans, Louisiana. Enjoy diverse activities, scenic campgrounds, and unique Harvest Hosts locations.

Best RV Winter Trip Destinations

In preparation for colder temperatures, many RVers flock south, west, or southwest when the weather begins to change. After all, RVing in the winter months is quite difficult, especially when managing resources such as water and heat. Many snowbird travelers and full-time RVers tend to have a favorite location that they prefer to visit during the winter. If you’re interested in shaking it up this winter and seeing some new scenery, check out Harvest Hosts list of some of the best RV winter trip destinations in the United States.

  • Austin, Texas
  • Florida Keys
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • San Diego, CA
  • Gulf Shores, Alabama
  • New Orleans, Louisiana

1. Austin, Texas

With a thriving entertainment scene, food from all over the world, and tons of outdoor activities, the capital of Texas should be on your list to visit. Here, we'll cover all the best things to do, as well as where to stay and play in this fun winter trip destination.

What to Do

Austin, and the surrounding areas, have many opportunities for hiking and biking. The Walnut Creek Trail system is perfect for walking or bicycling. The nearby area is also ripe with climbing and bouldering spots. For indoor activities, head to the University of Texas at Austin to view some of their numerous museums.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

Austin East KOA

Located near the Travis County Exposition Center and University of Texas, this KOA provides all the amenities expected from a large campground. In addition to their large RV sites, they also offer tent and cabin sites, as well as a large, fenced-in dog area. wp-content-uploads-2022-01-Austin-Photo-credit-KOA-1024x465.jpg

Austin Lone Star RV Park

The Austin Lone Star RV Park is located just minutes from downtown Austin. This park features a heated pool, tree-shaded sites, a camp store, and a dog park.

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Harvest Hosts

Point Venture Golf Club - Leander, TX

The Point Venture Golf Club is a professional, yet affordable, golf course. The course was designed by a three-time Masters Champion and challenges golfers of all experience levels. This golf club offers four pet-friendly spots for RVs of any size, and it is a great place to visit in any season.

Beerburg Brewing Company - Austin, TX

Owned and operated by Texas native Trevor, Beesburg Brewing Company takes pride in sourcing all ingredients locally (aside from their hops). Their unique beers are the perfect blend of historic brewing techniques and foraged ingredients. They offer a few year-round beers, but most are offered seasonally and rotate depending on ingredient availability. This Harvest Hosts location has four pet-friendly spots available for RVs of any size.

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Texas Beer Company - Taylor, TX

Co-Founders Ian and JD run a people-powered brewery that was actually crowdfunded by a Kickstarter campaign. With a start like that, the owners are so thrilled to have locals and visitors alike support their brewing passion. The brewery is solar-powered and offers a variety of regular and seasonal beers, and they have two pet-friendly sites available for RVs under thirty feet in length.

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Headlong Farm - Elgin, TX

This first-generation farm is run by a couple who had dreams to escape the city and own their own land. Now, they grow their own crops and raise goats, using these resources to create products to sell at the local farmers market. Here, Harvest Hosts members can purchase baked goods, goat soaps, crops, and more to support this farm endeavor. This location offers one pet-friendly spot for an RV under thirty-five feet in length.

2. Florida Keys

The Florida Keys might be the warmest and most exclusive location on our list. After all, who wouldn’t want to be on the beach during the winter? Most campgrounds here fill up fairly quickly, so be sure to book as far in advance as you can.

What to Do

No matter the season, almost all water activities can be enjoyed year-round. In addition to snorkeling, boating, and relaxing by the water, be sure to check out the two nearby national parks: Biscayne National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

El Mar RV Resort

This small, private campground offers full hookups in short or long-term sites. Some sites are even waterfront, and pets are permitted.

Geiger Key Marina

The Geiger Key Marina RV Park prides themselves in keeping true to Florida Keys authenticity. They offer a laid-back, private campground with direct access to the fishing reef via charter tours. Pets are permitted, but the park is not child-friendly.

Bluewater Key Luxury RV Resort

At the Bluewater Key Resort, RVers can enjoy private sites, a boat launch, a heated pool, a dog park, high-speed wifi, and so much more. Waterfront sites even include their own private dock. All lots are privately owned and rented out, thus the decor and amenities change with each site. All sites are equipped with full hookups and offer various additional amenities, depending on the site level, which ranges from silver to platinum plus.

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Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina

Sunshine Key partners with Encore and Thousand Trails, offering numerous activities and stays for both short-term and long-term guests. Many visitors enjoy plenty of fishing opportunities, with great fishing spots available within the resort. Check out their Thousand Trails page to get all the details.

Harvest Hosts

Accursio Farms - Miami, FL

While there aren't any Harvest Hosts in the Keys, there are a few located on the way there. Accursio Farms is the closest one and makes for the perfect stop along the way. This generational, 2500-acre farm produces and sells corn, pickling cucumbers, squash, and more. They offer four pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.wp-content-uploads-2022-01-Accursio-Farms-1024x397.png

3. Phoenix, AZ

The capital of Arizona could be the capital of fun in your RV this winter. The warm temperatures may make it tempting to sit poolside this winter, but be sure to get out and see the city as well!

What to Do

Between hiking trails, outdoor excursions, and music festivals, there is no a shortage of things to do in Phoenix, while the Sonoran Desert offers plenty of activities to enjoy year-round. In the winter, the city features many events, including the Tempe Festival of the Arts, WayneFest, two football bowls, several wine festivals, and more.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

Desert Shadows RV Resort

Voted one of the best in Phoenix, this resort is not to be missed. With an indoor pool, coffee in the lobby, a computer room, and numerous activities, you may forget you aren’t staying at a hotel! They offer large, full-hookups sites along with both short or long-term stays.

Pioneer RV Resort

This 55+ exclusive resort community may have you considering a permanent move to Phoenix. Due to its peaceful atmosphere, Pioneer RV Resort makes for the perfect place to unwind, leaving something for everyone. Between the heated indoor pool, clubhouse lounge, games, and social hall, you'll never want to leave.

Harvest Hosts

Winters’ Ranch - Apache Junction, AZ

The Winters' Ranch property is privately-owned and offers gorgeous views of the Superstition Mountains. This is a great place to unwind for the night, and they offer electric and water for an additional charge. This Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly sites for RVs under thirty-give feet in length.wp-content-uploads-2022-01-Winters-Ranch-990x1024.jpg

Longbow Golf Club - Mesa, AZ

As one of the top twenty courses in Arizona and one of the top 100 golf resorts in the country, Longbow is not to be missed. This manicured course was redesigned in 2003 and is enjoyable for all skill levels. They have a beautiful and spacious outdoor patio, restaurant, and golf shop, and they offer five pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size. wp-content-uploads-2022-01-Longbow-Golf-Club-Photo-credit-Golfpass-1024x683.jpg

4. San Diego, CA

Sunny California might be one of our favorite places to escape the cold, wintery months. Between the city, the beaches, and the outdoor activities, there is so much to do and enjoy here.

What to Do

Surfing, sunrise yoga, cruises, and casinos are just a small taste of what you can enjoy in San Diego. Spending the winter here can be the perfect time to learn a new hobby. The art, the food, and the cultural scene are also unique to this beautiful area.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

Admiral Baker RV and Picnic Park

This short-term campground offers full-hookups RV sites, as well as beautiful picnicking areas, playgrounds, a pool, and so much more. The location and the setting make for the perfect place to stay while visiting sunny San Diego.

Campland on the Bay

This park offers waterfront tent and RV sites. Within the park is a boat launch, several pools, a beach, an ice cream parlor, a cantina and bar, and more. They strive to offer a wonderful park that’s family-friendly as well.

Harvest Hosts

Chula Vista Golf Course - Bonita, CA

Chula Vista is a gorgeous course and is considered one of the best in the county. The eighteen-hole Championship course is perfect for all skill levels and offers top-notch amenities. This Harvest Hosts location has two pet-friendly sites for RVs under thirty feet in length.

Hidden Haven Farms - Jamul, CA

Hidden Haven Farms strives to offer a break from fast-paced lifestyles. This organic farm specializes in simplicity and tranquility and offers the experiences of milking a cow, planting crops, and other such farm-life tasks. Currently, they have three pet-friendly spaces available for RVs under thirty feet in length. wp-content-uploads-2022-01-Hidden-Haven-Farms-Photo-credit-Rush49.jpg

5. Gulf Shores, Alabama

When most folks think of Alabama, they don’t typically picture the beach. However, the southern part of the state sits right along the Gulf of Mexico and borders the Florida panhandle. Here, the are stunning, allowing visitors access to white sands and emerald waters typically only seen in the Caribbean.

What to Do

In addition to the stunning beaches, there are tons of incredible restaurants to visit, as well as opportunities for shopping and exploration. There are also plenty of places for golfing, fishing, and water sports. For the younger crowd (or those young at heart), there is an annual three-day music festival called Hangout that brings many visitors to the town’s sunny shores.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

Bay Breeze RV

This beautiful campground is situated right along the bay. All sites feature full hookups, and most have a waterfront view, while the campground itself has its own private pier and beach. For ultimate relaxation, this park is adults-only during the winter months, but family-friendly in the summer.

Island Retreat RV Park

Located just minutes from the beach, this campground is very much an island retreat. They have amenities for all, including a new playground, a dog park, access to a boat launch, a seasonal saltwater pool, and so much more. For those staying long-term, they offer boat storage and propane filling.

Luxury RV Resort

Luxury RV Resort is a family-friendly campground with numerous amenities. They offer family activities year-round, as well as a pool, a dog run, a nearby bike path, nearby fishing access, and more. They're also located within walking distance to several beaches and downtown Gulf Shores.

Harvest Hosts

Marcus Pointe Golf Club - Pensacola, FL

Situated on 600 acres, this stunning, yet affordable, course is not to be missed. Don’t forget to stop by The Pointe Grille for breakfast or lunch. This Harvest Hosts location has one pet-friendly site for RVs under forty-four feet in length.

A Little Madness Brewing Company -  Pensacola, FL

A Little Madness is a woman-owned brewery that strives to source locally whenever possible. They produce a wide variety of beers, ranging from wheat to darks, blondes, IPAs, and more. This Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly sites for RVs under thirty feet in length.

Bill-E’s - Fairhope, AL

Owner and operator Bill E began his vision with the idea to open a no-frills restaurant with amazing food. Today, Bill-E’s, also known as the Old 27 Grill, serves up southern favorites along, with a variety of hearty bacon dishes. This Harvest Hosts location offers three pet-friendly spaces for RVs under thirty-five feet in length.

6. New Orleans, LA

As one of the most culturally-rich cities in the United States, New Orleans has no shortage of food, fun, and festivities available. Abbreviated to NOLA, you’ll need to set aside a lot of time to really get into the spirit of the town.

What to Do

No matter the season, day of the week, or time of day, there is always something happening in NOLA. Here, the live music scene is unparalleled, while the city itself is rich with history, the sports are passionate, and the food is divine. The most popular activity includes touring the French Quarter. Visitors can also go for a culinary or cocktail tour to learn more about the area, or they can visit the WWII museum or the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

French Quarter RV Resort

Located in the heart of downtown NOLA and just a short walk to the French Quarter, this RV park strives to operate like a luxury hotel. They offer amenities such as a clubhouse, a fitness center, a business center, a pool, a hot tub, and an outdoor bar. All sites feature full hookups, and they offer nightly, weekly, and monthly rates.

3 Oaks and a Pine RV Park

This campground is located just a few miles from downtown NOLA with easy access to the interstate. They are pet-friendly and offer full-hookups sites and direct access to public transit if you didn’t bring a towed vehicle. The entire property is gated with a passcode for entry.

Jude Travel RV Park

Jude Travel RV Park is also located close to downtown and offers full-hookups sites along with a saltwater pool. The property is gated, with the owners living on-site. What sets them apart is their concierge service and on-site shuttle service, making your first visit to NOLA a breeze.

Harvest Hosts

English Turn Golf & Country Club - New Orleans, LA

The English Turn Golf and Country Club is a stunning championship course that challenges all skill levels. Members of the country club can partake in the dining options, the gym, the pool, or so many other options. This Harvest Hosts location offers three pet-friendly sites for RVs under thirty-five feet in length.

Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans - Gretna, LA

This affordable course offers nine and eighteen-hole plays on their beautiful course. Golfers can also stop by the Bridge 28 patio grill for a bite to eat. Currently, they have two pet-friendly sites available for RVs under forty-four feet in length.

Faubourg Brewing Co. - New Orleans, LA

Faubourg has a rich history and is considered a beloved local brewery. Formerly known as Dixie Brewing, they first opened in 1907 and survived Prohibition, two World Wars, and Hurricane Katrina. In 2020, they rebranded to Faubourg, which is French-New Orleanian word for neighborhood. This Harvest Hosts location never runs out of room, featuring fifteen total spaces for RVs of any size.

RVing in the winter doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can feel a little like a perfect vacation from the winter season with the right planning. Next time it starts to get cold, consider staying in one, a few, or even all of these warm-weather locations. Home is where you park it!

About Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at over 5,742 small businesses across North America with no camping fees. Boondock at farms, wineries, breweries, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations throughout North America, and you’ll get peace of mind knowing that a safe place to stay is always nearby!
Sam Leash-profile-image
Sam Leash
Sam is a seasoned traveler and RVer of 4+ years. She loves adventures of all kinds and spends as much time on the road as she can. When not exploring in her RV or writing about her travels, you can find her reading a good book, cooking a delicious meal, caring for her plants, or hiking with her dogs.