Winter RV road trips are an exciting way to explore the beauty of the United States in wintertime. An iconic American road trip, usually seen as a summer affair, can be even more fun when done during winter months with fewer crowds and traffic. Pack an extra bag full of warm coats and snow tires and get ready for some fun winter adventures. The USA is the perfect place for epic winter road trips, where you can enjoy the peacefulness of long weekend getaways or midweek escapes without having to worry about summer temperatures or overcrowded destinations.
USA road trips generally involve rolling convertibles and school vacations, but that doesn't mean you have to leave your travel trailer camping behind. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore America's most beautiful places during a time of year that offers different experiences than what you would find in the summer months. From a Winter Driving Survival Guide to finding the best destinations for safe winter RV travel, there are plenty of tips available to help make your winter road trip unforgettable. All you need is an open road and the USA will provide endless possibilities for your winter adventure.
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Recapping an Epic Winter of Travel Trailer Camping
Heading out on a winter RV road trip can be an exciting and grand adventure. However, hitting the open road during the cold winter months presents unique challenges you'll need to consider before embarking on your journey. To properly handle winter conditions, additional winter gear and extra precautions may be necessary.
If you’re looking for a warmer destination, you don’t necessarily require the traditional bus packed hotel lobby getaway. Heading south can provide the perfect warm-weather getaway without having to sacrifice creature comforts such as heating and hot water in your travel trailer. Taking extra precautions such as packing additional insulation and using antifreeze products appropriately will ensure that your RV is equipped to handle even the harshest of winter conditions.
Though it takes some extra effort to prepare for a winter RV road trip, the rewards of such a grand adventure makes it more than worth it. As long as you take all necessary precautions and plan accordingly, there is no reason why you cannot have just as much fun in a travel trailer during colder weather as you would during warmer months!
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1. How to maximize your rewards
Maximize your rewards and make the most of your winter RV road trips with a travel credit card. Prioritize what’s important to you and choose a travel credit card that offers points with flexibility for point transfers, annual fee waivers from your bank, flat-rate travel rewards or bonus travel rewards for luxury perks. For example, consider the American Express Venture Rewards Credit Card which gives you 10X miles on hotels booked through January 2023 including select luxury accommodation, no annual fee and 2X miles on purchases everywhere else. With this card, you can take full advantage of your winter RV trips while maximizing your rewards.
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Exploring the Beauty of Rochester, Vermont
Rochester, Vermont is a great starting point for any winter RV road trip. Located only 48 miles from Stowe, the well-known ski town in New England, Rochester puts road-trippers in the perfect position to explore the beauty of rural Vermont.
Travelling along Route 100 VT-100, the Green Mountain villages of Vermont offer breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor adventure. Nature lovers can take in the beauty of Moss Glen Falls in wintertime or go snowshoeing through one of Vermont's biggest state parks. Of course, no winter RV road trip is complete without some winter sports – cross country skiing perhaps? Regardless of what you choose to do, this route offers a charming time for all.
For those wanting to take a break from their journey and explore some unique regional treats, there are plenty of quaint country stores throughout that provide the ultimate pitstop for travellers. With so much beauty and adventure waiting around every bend, it's no wonder why Rochester is an ideal starting point for a winter RV road trip!
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Exploring the Natural Beauty of Parke County, Indiana
Parke County, Indiana is a winter RV road trip dream come true! Starting point Rockville Indiana offers an incredible 47 mile route through Rockville totaling 31 historic covered bridges. Parke County is known as the "Covered Bridge Capital" and these rustic structures can be enjoyed by both car and bike. Even if the weather is chilly, heated cars make it easy to explore the beauty of this area.
The loop showcases streams contrasting gorgeously with snow-blanketed meadows, so be sure to stop and take in the sights at every bridge! Some of the more iconic bridges include McAllister Bridge built in 1914, Neet Covered Bridge in Bridgeton, Roseville Bridge, Mecca Bridge - the oldest completed covered bridge in the county, and Sim Smith Bridge - supposedly haunted. Melcher Bridge makes for a great snack midway stop on this tour.
Exploring Parke County's natural beauty during this winter RV road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience! With its many covered bridges, majestic scenery and charming small towns, it's no wonder why this area has become such a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.
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Escape the Cold On Warm Winter Road Trips in USA
Are you ready for a winter road trip that will keep you away from cold winter temperatures? The United States offers many great options for southern vacations that offer milder weather that suits your winter road trip needs. Whether you are looking to escape the cold or just take a unique road trip, there are plenty of warm winter destinations in the US to explore and enjoy.
Explore the beaches of Florida, bask in the Arizona sun, or take a drive through Texas – all of these destinations offer warmer climates during winter months than elsewhere in the country. If you're ready to make your escape from cold winter temperatures, then start planning your winter road trips across America!
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1. Take a Louisiana Road Trip: New Orleans and the Bayou
Made famous by the music of Louis Armstrong, Louisiana is a great destination for a winter road trip. With temperatures still hovering around 70 degrees in the winter months, it's often unbearably hot during the summer months. This makes winter the perfect time to begin your Southern adventure.
Take a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour to learn about all the important sites including the French Market and Jackson Square; Garden District with its 19th century architecture; and Commander’s Palace, an iconic restaurant serving their signature turtle soup. On your ghost tour, you'll learn about New Orleans' fantastically scary history and visit some of its most haunted spots. If you're looking for something even more unique, try out New Orleans' craziest night market - a fun place full of live jazz performances and street food stalls.
After exploring New Orleans, take your winter road trip to explore some of Louisiana's rural towns to get an insight into everyday life in small-town Louisiana. Visit Creole Country and discover areas steeped in history with multiple museums and cultural centers that you can see on a day trip from New Orleans to St Martinville, Henderson or Erath. Don't forget to make a stop at Louisiana's capital - Baton Rouge - where you can visit the country's tallest capitol building and museum housed within the state capitol complex.
We recommend basing yourselves in one of New Orleans' many affordable hotels with onsite restaurants and indoor pool facilities for a comfortable stay during your winter road trip!
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2. Discover Georgia and South Carolina on a Winter Road Trip
Discover Georgia and South Carolina on a Winter Road Trip -by Margie DQ.
DQ Family Travel recommends a winter road trip to explore the southern states of Georgia and South Carolina, despite cold temperatures in the winter months. This winter road trip starts in Atlanta, Georgia, home to the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Park as well as touring CNN Studios and the College Football Hall of Fame. From there, drive North to visit the quaint German city of Helen nestled in Northern Georgia where visitors enjoy walking through its charming downtown area and exploring scenic waterfall hikes only 5 minutes away.
Next, head down to Greenville, South Carolina; an up-and-coming destination in the United States. Its downtown area boasts great restaurants, a fantastic children's museum, and a beautiful waterfall park called Falls Park with its own Swamp Rabbit Trail - a 20-mile paved biking and walking lane connecting Greenville to smaller towns nearby. Finally, make your way to Charleston, South Carolina for some true Southern charm. Things to include when visiting are walking along the waterfront Battery or visiting Fort Sumter as well as touring the Charleston Public Market or checking out World War II aircraft at nearby Patriots Point. This foodie city has numerous famous Southern restaurants like Hominy Grill that can't be missed before taking a nice idea back in time on a 19th century Southern plantation just 2 hours away from Charleston.
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3. Winter Road Trip in The Florida Keys
Halef and the World Guys are always looking for the best winter road trip destinations, and the Florida Keys stretch is a great place to start! Starting in Homestead, South of Miami, you'll take the Ocean Highway on a scenic journey through Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon Key and Duck Key until finally you'll reach Key West. This island city is unlike any other in mainland Florida - it's an eclectic city with a unique island mood.
Whether you're looking for scuba diving destinations or great restaurants, there are plenty of pitstops along your Florida Keys road trip that will keep you entertained. Famous landmarks such as the Southernmost Point Buoy, Historic Marker Duval Street with Ernest Hemingway House, and the Key West Butterfly Nature Conservatory make for great day excursions. And if you're looking for a unique hidden gem, Dry Tortugas National Park is just 67 miles off-shore from Key West - it's comprised of seven small islands simply gorgeous! You can take a guided tour to explore its historic Fort Jefferson and the turquoise waters surrounding it.
If you're planning to stay more than one night in either Key Largo or Key West then there are plenty of relaxing vacation options available. Luxurious lodging choices in Key Largo can be pricey but Seafarer Resort offers hotel rooms with amazing views as well as beach kayaks and fabulous snorkeling spots. For those on a budget there's also good mid-range hotel choices like Western Hibiscus in Key West which offers spacious outdoor pool right off famous Duval Street.
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4. Visit the Desert Parks in California
California's desert national parks make a wonderful winter road trip destination. With pleasant daytime temperatures, spectacular landscapes and amazing night skies, you can embark on an amazing winter road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Nevada - a popular landing spot for international travelers. Along the way, you'll be able to explore natural wonders such as Death Valley National Park, home to the largest national park in the contiguous United States and the site of the world's hottest temperature ever recorded on earth! Here, you can photograph picture-perfect gold sand dunes or hike colorful canyons at Zabriskie Point. A full day should be spent here exploring all of its highlights. There are numerous lodging options nearby if you want to spend an extra night or two here.
From Death Valley National Park it's only a 25 hour drive back to Los Angeles so it's best to take your time and head south towards Palm Springs, California (around 5 hours away). Afternoon is a great time to explore this oasis with its famous mid-century modern architecture along with palm-lined main shopping street. Spend some time relaxing at Andreas Hotel, a luxurious Spanish revival resort offering amazing spa treatments and an outdoor pool.
Next up is Anza Borrego State Park which is only 90 minutes away from Palm Springs. Drive past the strange Salton Sea en route and marvel at this saltwater lake before taking some time for a desert hike or slot canyon exploration. Finish off your adventure with an unforgettable desert sunset before spending another night in Palm Springs or heading back for your final day. Start your last day off early by heading out to Joshua Tree National Park where you can rock scramble among gigantic boulders or watch expert climbers in action while hiking through its diverse plants including the strange Joshua Tree yuccas. After spending a day exploring this park, it's only 2 hours back to Los Angeles!
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5. Escape the Cold with a Winter Road Trip in Maui, Hawaii
Maui, Hawaii's second-largest island, is a tourist mecca for good reason. With a beautiful coastline that draws crowds from around the world, it's no wonder why Maui should be your winter road trip destination. The 120-mile drive gives you access to picturesque beaches and hidden gems off the beaten path.
Starting in Kaanapali is a great base, as the roads lead you along Highway 30 until you eventually turn onto Highway 3000 and then revert back to Highway 30. Along the way you'll enjoy stunning views as the highway brushes up against lava fields, valleys, and waterfalls; there are also worthwhile detours like Ukumehame Beach Parks and Maui Ocean Center.
Continuing on Highway 30 will lead you towards Makena Road where you can visit Makena State Park and its largest white sand beaches before eventually ending in La Perouse Bay. Here you can take a walking trail amongst jagged lava fields – you're literally walking over a lava flow that most recently occurred in 1790!
6. Road Trip from Phoenix, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada
Experience the winter RV road trip of a lifetime with a drive from Phoenix, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada! By Jodie Dewberry. Ala Jode, you'll experience some of the USAs coolest spots on this winter road trip. Starting in Phoenix and driving through the stunning landscapes of Tonto National Forest and Prescott National Forest, you'll be surrounded by natural wonders. From here, plan to stay at least one night at Grand Canyon South Rim before making your way to the Havasupai Trailhead for a full day 5-hour hike to Havasu Falls. If you don't fancy making the 4-hour drive back to Grand Canyon South Rim after your hike, plan on staying overnight near Havasu Falls.
Once you're finished exploring Havasu Falls, make your way back to Las Vegas where you can enjoy an extravagant hotel room and all that the Vegas Strip has to offer. For lodging near Grand Canyon South Rim we suggest staying at Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn; it offers expansive grounds with a gorgeous pool and on-site dining options. As for lodging choices in Las Vegas, we suggest staying at sites like Paris Las Vegas with great dining options fabulous views and massive pool!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to prep your RV for winter?
Preparing your RV for the winter season requires some extra steps to ensure it will be comfortable and safe. Make sure to check your tires, seal any cracks or leaks, cover windows, and add antifreeze to your water tanks. For more detailed tips on how to winterize an RV, click here.
Can You Drive in winter?
Yes, you can drive in winter, but it's important to be aware of the road conditions and take extra precautions such as using winter tires and driving slowly on icy roads. Learn more about how to stay safe while driving in winter.
What are the best winter road trips?
The best winter road trips are those that take you to stunning, snow-covered landscapes and let you explore the power of nature. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
What are the 20 greatest road trips in the USA?
Experience the beauty and adventure of the open road with these 20 must-do road trips across America! From the breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Coast Highway to the rustic charm of Route 66, each one promises a unique journey filled with unforgettable memories. Read on to discover more about the greatest road trips in the USA.
What is the best road trip in Utah?
Discover the majestic beauty of Utah with its stunning red rock landscapes on the best road trip - the Grand Circle Loop! This scenic journey takes you through some of the state's most amazing National Parks, including Arches, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. Learn more about this unforgettable adventure today!
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