Top 5 Winter Camping Activities : the Snow-Bird Agenda

RVing and camping in winter is a lot of fun. Many people think of it as too cold, but with a good RV and a plan it can be the best time of year for fun.

Here are the top 5 winter RVing activities and even a few ways to save money!

1. Skiing - Parking your RV is  a lot cheaper than renting a room at a ski resort during peak season. Many RV parks are closed over winter, but you’re almost sure to find one that will rent to you. Park the RV and drive to the ski hill. There might even be hills you can go sledding on, taking a toboggan or a snow disc down for free.
2. Star gazing - The winter sky is clear and beautiful. Purchase a telescope and head out into the night to look at the universe. Star, planets, nebulae, and more are visible in the crisp winter air. You can buy a very nice telescope at a science surplus store for less than $200 or find a  great one that will find the stars for you for less than a thousand. Check around for astronomy clubs that are hosting events nearby. Here’s an article from Sky and Telescope magazine that lists some of the best dark-sky RV parks in the country: https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/stargazing-dark-sky-rv-parks/.
3. Nature watch - When you’re not using the telescope at night, use it during the day to watch the winter wildlife. Deer, birds, rodents, and lots of other animals wander around all winter foraging for food. You can get great views or hook up a camera and take some photos of nature close up.
4. Ice fishing - The northern states will freeze solid most winters and the lakes are a perfect place to go fishing. In northern states, like Wisconsin and Minnesota, it’s practically a rite of passage. You can go out on the ice, cut a hole, and drop a line, or there are places you can rent a shanty to keep warm while you sit out there and wait for a nibble. If you want to go native, bring a radio to listen to a football game and a couple of beers to enjoy while you relax all day. Don’t forget to get a fishing license first.
5. Snowmobiling - Roaring through the snow on a snowmobile is like nothing else in the world. Moving fast through open fields and over hills is a great way to enjoy the winter. Look for areas that have snowmobile trails along the roads and parks you can ride in. If you’re not sure, call the local snowmobile club to see where you can go.

Here are two bonus ideas for those less inclined to trudge through the snow: stay in the RV and snuggle or head south. The Rio Grande Valley and Florida are perfect in the winter and you won’t have to deal with any cold.

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