As the weather turns colder and colder, some of us find ourselves itching to get outside and explore what nature has to offer, but it’s difficult when you’re in a colder climate. In this blog, we’ll go over a few of our favorite reasons why we like southern camping in the winter, and then we’ll suggest a few destinations that are perfect for winter camping!
Why You Should Camp in the South This Winter
- The weather. This is quite an obvious answer, but the weather truly is a dream during the winter months in the south. When the rest of the country is being hit with snowstorms, Southerners are wearing a light jacket at most. Even if you aren’t looking for extreme summer weather, heading just a bit south will offer a much more pleasant RV trip.
- No pesky bugs or mosquitos. We love the summer weather as much as anyone else, but you’ll probably agree when we say we’d never miss fruit flies and mosquitos. Head down south for winter camping, and all your bug problems are solved.
- Less gear to pack. Winter camping requires more of almost everything: more clothes, more food, more blankets. Winter camping in the south won’t have you bogged down with extra weight.
- Campgrounds are less crowded. Most campgrounds often close during the winter months, but the southern states have mild winters, so the grounds are usually open year-round. They’re also normally less crowded during this time, so you’ll get more choices on where you camp.
Still not convinced to try winter camping down south? We found some of our favorite destinations that will have you packing your bags and filling up the RV gas tank right away!
Hot Springs – Arkansas
While the temperatures in Arkansas may not be the warmest, it won’t matter once you slide into a hot spring. Hot springs are known for their healing powers, and they’re right in the middle of town. What’s more, is that the town of Hot Springs offers multiple hiking and biking trails that will satisfy any adventurer.
Fort De Soto Park – Florida
This massive park covers five islands – how could there not be an adventure here? Fort De Soto is much more than a park though. It’s named as one of the best beaches in the state, and it’s chock full of friendly activities for the whole family. It offers tidal pools, white-sand beaches, and seashell hunting. There are also many hiking trails and fish to be caught!
William B. Bankhead National Forest – Alabama
We’ll take any chance we get to visit a national forest, and this one is at the top of the list. William B. Bankhead covers 35,012 acres of waterfalls, hiking trails, campgrounds and a lodge with a restaurant. There are even canoeing and horseback riding! The campgrounds are only open through October, but if you do want to try out winter camping, you can access the primitive campgrounds with an off-season pass.
Big Bend National Park – Texas
Many people come here throughout the year to soak in this national forest’s stunning stargazing views. Located in West Texas, Big Bend National Park is one of the top 10 places to go for stargazing. It has some of the darkest skies in the states and has even been named an International Dark Sky Park. For this national park, no need for an off-season pass. They have three campgrounds open all year.
Congaree National Park – South Carolina
As with any national park, the views are breathtaking, and Congaree National Park is no exception! Congaree offers the largest span of old-growth hardwood forest in America. You can also expect to find plenty of canoeing space, hiking, fishing, and camping. There are two campsites open all year and free backcountry camping.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee
As one of the most-visited national parks out there, the Great Smoky Mountains sits on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and has the most biologically diverse forests in the country. There are amazing places to camp, numerous waterfalls, log cabins full of rich history and you’ll be surrounded by that famous Appalachian Mountain culture. Some campgrounds close in October, but places like Cades Cove are open year-round. Don’t miss out on this national park!
We hope we’ve opened your eyes to the world of southern camping in the winter! It’s really the best way to escape your colder climate for a weekend or longer. As always, reach to us at Northgate RV for all your RV needs!
Have you been camping during winter in the south? Let us know how it went in the comments!
