Best RVs for Winter Camping

Winter camping is a fantastic way to continue enjoying the great outdoors as warm seasons fade into chilly days. When you have an RV built for cold weather and snowy conditions, you don’t have to wait for spring to set out for your favorite destinations.

While many snowbirds head to warmer states in the winter, there is something magical about vacationing in wintry, snowy climates. From skiing the slopes to marveling at frozen waterfalls and building snowmen outside your RV, you can enjoy winter vacations at Kampgrounds of America locations across North America. Choosing the perfect cold-weather RV is the first step to enjoying a cozy, memorable winter vacation.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WINTER CAMPING RVS

The best RVs for winter camping feature the following elements to maintain comfortable temperatures and secure your water supply.

A HIGH BTU FURNACE

Your RV’s furnace supplies heated air so you remain warm and cozy on the coldest traveling days. A furnace’s British Thermal Units (BTUs) indicate its strength and how well it can heat your space, so it’s best to look for a furnace with a high BTU of around 30,000 or 35,000.

QUALITY INSULATION

Insulation helps an RV hold more heat inside, helping you stay comfortable and save energy. RVs typically come with one or more of the following insulation types:

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation offers the highest resistance value (R-value), which indicates how well it resists heat flow and keeps heat trapped inside.
• Foam boards: Foam boards are highly durable and long-lasting. They resist water damage and mold better than fiberglass, so an RV with foam board insulation is ideal if you plan to travel in various climates or humid environments throughout the year.
• Spray foam: Spray foam is lightweight and moisture-resistant. However, it has a lower R-value than fiberglass and foam boards. Spray foam is a fantastic way to fill small crevices or gaps in an RV’s existing insulation.
• Reflective foil: Reflective foil provides good insulation when RV manufacturers combine it with a sealed dead air space.

PLUMBING PROTECTION

Choose an RV with plumbing above floor level or in a heated, enclosed underbelly. Exposed water pipes and holding tanks are prone to freezing, but modern winter weather RVs feature enclosed systems to maintain warmth and protect your water supply.

WHICH RVS ARE BEST FOR WINTER CAMPING?

Knowing which RV makes and models to look for is a good place to start your winter RV search. Here are the best RVs for camping in the snow and wintry temperatures.

JAYCO REDHAWK CLASS C

The 2024 Jayco Redhawk is a fantastic motorhome that can sleep up to seven people. With a 30,000 BTU furnace, an electric fireplace and beautiful interior furniture, it provides a cozy interior space perfect for any winter vacation. It also features a winterization drain system, fiberglass exterior walls and excellent roof, wall and floor insulation to protect your RV and retain heat.

JAYCO EAGLE TRAVEL TRAILER

The 2024 Jayco Eagle Travel Trailer sleeps up to 10 people and keeps you extra cozy with a 35,000 BTU furnace and a 5,000 BTU electric space heater fireplace. It comes with a fully enclosed and heated underbelly, double-layer fiberglass floor and ceiling insulation and vacuum-bonded walls to trap heat inside. You can also opt for the Extreme Weather Package, which features 110V heat pads to keep your RV cozy in the coldest destinations.

NORTHWOOD ARCTIC FOX EDGE 27SX

The Northwood Arctic Fox Edge 27SX features fiberglass, reflective foil and rigid foam board insulation inside heavy-gauge aluminum walls, and its 30,000 BTU furnace offers ultimate comfort. This RV model has a heated and enclosed underbelly, and its water tanks are inside the body to prevent your water supply and pipes from freezing.

The Edge also features large off-road tires, excellent suspension, durable Rhino lining and an Ironhorse chassis perfect for towing and protecting your RV on slick roads. It sleeps three to four people, making it an ideal option for small families or friend groups.

LANCE 2285 TRAVEL TRAILER

The Lance 2285 Travel Trailer can sleep up to six people and features heating ducts for even heat distribution. Rather than pumping air into the center of your RV, duct heating allows warm air to flow directly into each individual space, including the water holding tank. This model’s block foam insulation and dual pane windows help keep heat inside, and its easy-draining valves and heater bypass make for quick winterization.

LANCE 1475 TRAVEL TRAILER

The Lance 1475 Travel Trailer is great if you need a smaller, lightweight towable. This durable, high-quality camper sleeps two people and features duct heating for cozy winter comfort. It also features Azdel wall construction for excellent insulation and an enclosed underbelly with heated, insulated tanks.

WINNEBAGO EKKO SPRINTER

The Winnebago EKKO Sprinter’s above-floor water lines and holding tanks, heated storage garage, dual-pane windows and well-insulated walls keep your family and cargo warm. Its all-wheel-drive chassis helps you handle ice and snow with confidence, so you can embark on adventures no matter what the weather brings. The EKKO Sprinter is a compact option that includes sleeping space for three people, but it can sleep up to five people if you include the optional pop-top.

BIGFOOT RV 2500 SERIES 10-4

The Bigfoot RV 2500 Series 10-4 Truck Camper features a 30,000 BTU furnace, a fiberglass body shell with rigid foam lamination, thermal pane windows and heated, enclosed water tanks. It can sleep up to three people and is a fantastic option if you need a smaller, lightweight camper.

FOREST RIVER ARCTIC WOLF FIFTH WHEELS

Forest River’s Arctic Wolf Fifth Wheels are luxurious RVs for winter camping. The Arctic Wolf series includes an Elemental Protection Package and is available in various floor plans, some of which can sleep up to 10 people. With a 35,000 BTU furnace and a 5,200 BTU electric fireplace, you and your family can relax in comfort. Block foam insulation, laminated exterior walls and Insulator Series floor and roof construction help your RV retain heat and reduce energy consumption.

The Elemental Protection Package also features a heated underbelly tank enclosure, 12V heat pads for holding tanks and an enclosed, heated utility compartment.

KEYSTONE MONTANA

Keystone Montana RV models are spacious, high-end fifth wheels that come with a standard Four Seasons Living Package. The R-21 floor insulation, R-38 roof insulation and double-layer R-11 wall insulation retain heat, while an electric fireplace and 35,000 BTU furnace create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Many floor plans feature spacious closets for your bulky cold-weather apparel.

PREPARING YOUR RV FOR WINTER CAMPING

Manufacturers build high-quality RVs to handle cold temperatures and wintry conditions, but you can enhance your RV’s comfort and reduce energy consumption with the following tips:

• Add aftermarket insulation for extra warmth and energy savings.
• Seal doors and windows with weatherstripping.
• Install an inflatable or vinyl RV skirt.
• Use heavy rugs, carpets or foam boards for extra floor insulation.
• Protect exposed pipes with heat tape if your plumbing system is not heated and enclosed.
• Maintain a base temperature in your RV for more efficient heating.

ENJOY WINTER ADVENTURES AT KOA CAMPGROUNDS

A winter camping RV opens endless possibilities for winter adventures. Whether you embark on skiing, snowboarding, sledding, sightseeing, hiking or snowshoeing adventures, you can stay at KOA and explore your favorite wintry destinations. KOA locations across North America provide RV Sites with various hookup options, convenient amenities and fun activities. Reserve a stay at KOA to start your winter RV excursions.