Winter is the perfect time to hit the road in your RV and embark on a world of outdoor adventures. Whatever winter activity you enjoy most, you’ll find a good spot for it on this list of top winter destinations. Grab your parka and let’s explore where your next winter adventure should take you!
Bend, Oregon
Bend is the go-to winter sports spot in the Pacific Northwest. The Mount Bachelor ski area alone has 4,318 acres of skiable terrain, nine lifts, and gets a whopping 462 inches of snowfall each year! This mountain’s unique volcanic shape is a skier’s dream – you can hit any side, making it easy to dodge the wind. Snowboarders are all about the multiple terrain parks and natural features. Fat biking is also booming in Bend, with Phil’s Trailhead and Wanoga serving as the main hubs. The wide tires grip the packed snow perfectly.
Tumalo Falls is a real showstopper – this 97-foot waterfall freezes in winter, turning into a one-of-a-kind ice sculpture. The hike’s relatively short (just 2 miles round-trip), and the payoff is huge! Lava River Cave is another cool spot to explore, with its year-round temperature of 58 degrees. Smith Rock State Park is a must-visit destination in winter, especially when its iconic rock formations are dusted with snow. You’ll find plenty of hiking and photography opportunities, particularly on the Misery Ridge trail.
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Redmond / Central Oregon KOA Holiday
Denver/Golden, Colorado
Denver and Golden are the perfect bases for exploring Colorado’s amazing ski landscapes. You can hit seven major resorts within 90 minutes, and each one has its own vibe and terrain.
Winter Park is a classic destination with 3,081 acres across seven territories and an average annual snowfall of 369 inches. Loveland Ski Area, about 50 miles from Denver, has some of the best high-alpine skiing in the state, with fewer crowds. Arapahoe Basin has challenging terrain and a legendary party atmosphere. Breckenridge is a bit further out, but it’s definitely worth the trip for its five peaks, above-treeline bowls, and historic mining town.
But skiing’s not all there is! Herman Gulch, St. Mary’s Glacier, and Brainard Lake Recreation Area are popular spots for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
Nearest KOAs Open Year-Round:
Denver East / Strasburg KOA Holiday
Falcon / Colorado Springs NE KOA Holiday
Fort Collins / Lakeside KOA Holiday
Fort Collins North / Wellington KOA Journey
Detroit/Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ice fishing is huge in southeastern Michigan, with many lakes producing panfish, perch, pike, and bass. Lake St. Clair is famous for its muskie and walleye fishing, and the lake’s shallow depth often means early ice by late December. Other lakes, like Ford Lake and the Huron River impoundments, offer closer ice fishing opportunities.
When there’s enough snow, cross-country skiing is available at Independence Lake Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, and other Metropark facilities. The terrain is relatively flat, making it perfect for beginners and families. Snowshoeing is another great way to get outside in winter, whether in Metropark systems, county parks, or even urban trails.
Day trips can extend your winter fun. Frankenmuth, Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” is a great destination, with year-round Christmas stores, Bavarian-themed architecture, and famous chicken dinners.
Nearest KOAs Open Year-Round:
Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA Holiday
Flagstaff, Arizona
Top-notch snow skiing in Arizona?! You bet! The San Francisco Peaks, with elevations up to 11,500 feet, get an average of 260 inches of snow each year. Take advantage of their 777 acres of skiable terrain and 2,300-foot drop – and on a clear day, you can even see the Grand Canyon from the summit!
When you need a break from skiing, check out Flagstaff Snow Park for tubing, sledding, or building a snowman. You can also hit the trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The Arizona Nordic Village offers groomed trails and rentals, and the Inner Basin Trail is a must-do for snowshoers. Flagstaff’s also big on fat biking, with the Flagstaff Urban Trail System offering paved paths for winter rides.
Nearest KOAs Open Year-Round:
Flagstaff KOA Holiday
Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey
Williams/Exit 167/Circle Pines KOA Holiday
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hocking Hills State Park transforms into a winter wonderland that rivals destinations out West. This region in southeastern Ohio is famous for its dramatic rock formations, caves, and waterfalls, which are even more spectacular when draped in ice!
The star attraction is Old Man’s Cave, a massive recessed cave with frozen waterfalls and icicle formations. The trail is well-maintained year-round, making it accessible even in harsh winter conditions. Ash Cave, the largest recessed cave in Ohio, features a stunning 90-foot frozen waterfall in winter that’s absolutely breathtaking. Cedar Falls freezes into layers of blue ice that look like something from a fantasy movie.
Winter hiking here is phenomenal, with over 25 miles of trails winding through hemlock forests and past frozen cascades. Rock climbing and ice climbing opportunities are available from local outfitters offering guided climbs and instruction for all skill levels. If rappelling down frozen waterfalls is on your bucket list, you’ll find it surprisingly accessible here!
If you can, plan to visit during the Winter Hike Festival in January, when Hocking Hills State Park hosts guided moonlight hikes, photography workshops, and ranger-led programs that showcase the area’s winter beauty.
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe‘s a total winter paradise. You’ve got snow-covered mountain peaks and a ridiculously blue lake that’ll leave you speechless. Need to hit the slopes? There are 15 resorts within an hour’s drive that cater to every skill level and style.
Heavenly Mountain has 4,800 acres of terrain and insane summit views of the lake. Northstar is another spot that’s awesome for families, with great beginner terrain and a really well-designed village. Plus, they’ve got one of the world’s best terrain parks, the Burton Stash!
Check out Spooner Lake, Royal Gorge, and Tahoe Donner for cross-country trail systems through gorgeous forests and meadows. For snow-shoers, the Tahoe Rim Trail‘s a must-do, with amazing views from high up. Ice skating is available at outdoor rinks at Heavenly Village and Squaw Creek.
If you’re looking for something romantic, check out Borges Sleigh Rides. You’ll be all cozy in a blanket-covered wagon, pulled by draft horses through snow-covered meadows with mountain views.
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Lake Tahoe KOA Journey
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains are a winter wonderland within easy reach of millions of East Coast residents. Camelback Mountain takes snow skiing up a notch with 39 trails, 16 lifts, and an 800-foot drop. Snow tubing is huge, and Camelbeach has the most lanes and the longest runs. If you’re into cross-country skiing, the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resortis perfect, with more than 12 miles of beautifully groomed trails that wind through the woods and along the Delaware River.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a must-see, with over 100 miles of trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking. The Delaware River is gorgeous, and frozen waterfalls make for some pretty dramatic ice formations. And then there’s Bushkill Falls, which is basically Pennsylvania’s version of Niagara!
For a real adventure, try dog sledding with Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours in Pocono Manor. You’ll learn all about the dogs, help get them harnessed up, and ride through the snowy woods. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even drive the sled yourself.
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA Holiday
Salt Lake City, Utah
The mountains around Salt Lake City get some of the world’s best snow, with super-light, dry powder falling all winter – over 500 inches every year!
You’ll find several top-notch ski resorts in the area, like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain, and Deer Valley. Alta’s got over 2,600 acres of legendary terrain, with some seriously steep runs that’ll get your heart racing. At Snowbird, you can take a huge aerial tram to the 11,000-foot Hidden Peak summit, the tallest spot in North America.
But there’s more to do here than just downhill skiing. Soldier Hollow‘s got over 30 kilometers of world-class groomed trails for cross-country skiing. You can also go ice fishing on Rockport Reservoir, where you might catch perch, trout, or bass, all with a beautiful view of the Uinta Mountains.
Nearest KOAs Open Year-Round:
Salt Lake City KOA Holiday
Springville / Provo KOA Journey
Brigham City / Perry South KOA Journey
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs gets over 300 inches of snow each year, with 165 trails across 2,965 acres. You’ve got to try the legendary tree skiing through aspen groves, and on some nights, you can even hit the slopes under the stars! If you’re into cross-country skiing, the Steamboat Ski Touring Center has over 18 miles of groomed trails to explore.
Those up for adventure can take a snowmobile deep into Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, where you’ll find untouched powder and mountain meadows. There are routes for all skill levels, ranging from easy, scenic rides to intense, high-mountain treks. The Yampa River is a hotspot for ice fishing, and you can join a guided tour for a chance to catch trout.
One of the highlights of Steamboat is its natural hot springs. Strawberry Park is a favorite, with its steaming mineral pools surrounded by snowy rocks and pines. You can also give dog sledding a try or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Saddleback Ranch.
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday
Sun Valley/Ketchum, Idaho
The original US ski resort, Sun Valley still knocks it out of the park with world-class winter fun. Sun Valley receives 220 inches of snow annually, and the skiing is second to none.
You’ll find 2,054 acres of skiable terrain at Sun Valley Resort, spread across two mountains: Bald Mountain (“Baldy” to locals) and Dollar Mountain. The Nordic Center has 25 miles of cross-country trails that take you through some beautiful scenery. Ice skating at the outdoor Sun Valley Ice Rink is a must – it’s been around since 1937! You’ll also find over 30 miles of paved path in the Wood River Trail System that’s perfect for winter fat biking, and you can rent a bike in town!
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Twin Falls / Jerome KOA Holiday
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Covering more than 800,000 acres, the White Mountains include a number of top-notch resorts for skiing and other winter outdoor adventures.
Site of World Cup skiing events, Franconia Notch State Park is serious business, offering 285 acres of ski terrain, gladed runs through ancient forests, and the iconic Aerial Tramway with jaw-dropping views of five states.
If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, New Hampshire’s largest ski area, Bretton Woods, is spread across 464 acres of Mount Rosebrook and Mount Stickney. But if you’re a total thrill-seeker, Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington offers the chance to hike up and ski down 50-degree headwalls. (Just remember, you’ll need some serious skills, knowledge of avalanches, and the right gear to tackle this one!)
Finally, the Mount Washington Cog Railway provides something a little different that the whole family will enjoy. This three-hour round-trip ride takes you to the peak of Mount Washington (6,288 feet), tallest in the Northeast and site of the highest wind speed (231 mph) ever observed by man in North America!
Nearest KOA Open Year-Round:
Freeport / Durham KOA Holiday
Your Winter Adventure Awaits
Winter trips take a bit more work to plan than summer ones, but the rewards – stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and often better deals – make it well worth the effort. Each of these destinations has nearby KOA campsites that are open year-round, offering varying levels of service and amenities during the winter. Just remember to book your spot early, especially if you’re planning a trip during holidays or peak winter weekends.
Don’t let your RV gather dust this winter – get out there and start exploring. The mountains, lakes, and forests are waiting for you – time to grab your gear and GO!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
