Join the Great Migration to Warmer Winter Destinations

When cold weather hits, and the desire to flock to warmer climates becomes overwhelming, the only thing left to do is stock up the RV and head south. If you’re one of the million RVers that make this an annual tradition you won’t be alone. For those people that are either still relatively new to RVing or just looking for a new place to call home for a few days, a week, a month, or until weather starts to warm, this article may offer some assistance.

A Few Things To Note Before you Go

Warm is Relative. Looking for warmer climates is relative from the climate you call home. The further north your permanent address, the warmer you might find the south to be.

Prepare for Higher Rates at RV Parks. The volume of snowbirds at RV parks in the southwest tend to cause rates to be as high as some of the most popular summer destinations.

Popular Places May Be Crowded. If isolation is your goal, then steer clear of the popular RV parks. Not only will you avoid overpriced fees, but also won’t have to contend with a crowd.

Maintenance & Service. Making it to your destination includes ensuring that your RV is properly serviced before you hit the road. More people en route can put a strain on qualified service and repair technicians. Performing routine maintenance, winterization services, and scheduling service near your final destination before you arrive can ensure that no surprises cause abrupt changes in your RV plans.

One thing to keep in mind as you are RVing in the southwest this winter is that you’ll want to remember that while it’s the off season in the north, it’s prime time for mild winter seeking snowbirds. Note that nomads and occasional outdoorsmen agree that winter travel involves heading south to warmer, calmer climates. Since the onset of the pandemic RVs have continued to become more popular which means that nuance road warriors want to explore the most enjoyable experience possible. This has created a surge in searches for the best winter camping locations, road trip routes, and pristine winter locations. Seasoned snowbirds on their annual migration may want to rethink their stops and final destinations.

Top 4 Southwest Winter Destinations for RVers

Palm Springs, CA

Average Winter Temps January 71 / February 75
This desert oasis is a big bucket list item for many RVers in the southwest. Long considered the ideal stop for RV travel between Los Angeles and Phoenix it is now also attracting RV nomads from Oregon, Salt Lake City, and virtually all travelers that list Las Vegas in their itinerary.

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Average Winter Temps January 60 / February 63
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Palm Springs, but in an area so secluded you’ll feel like it’s a completely different world. Joshua Tree National Park offers an abundance of breathtaking views, sunshine, and cool temps. Your close enough to larger cities, but still able to stay far away if that’s what you are looking for during your winters.

Southwest Arizona

Average Winter Temps January 71 / February 75
Depending on where you begin, traveling to Southwest Arizona can be almost as much fun just finding a great place to park your RV in the picturesque landscape provided by this unique region. In January, the city of Tucson reports average temperatures of roughly 66 degrees, making it a great area to land. On the way there driving through national parks and smaller towns and cities can end in a great experience as the region is known for their culture and warm welcome. Here are some areas that you may want to consider driving to, or through in your search of the perfect path for road trips this winter.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Average Winter Temps January 59 / February 64
An abundance of outdoor adventure opportunities await in this one and half million acre year-round playground. Featuring panoramic desert views, remarkable mountainscapes, lengthy cycling trails, and a unique wilderness, even if Lake Mead isn’t your final destination it is well worth an extended stop. On your way to the casino be sure to brake for the bighorn sheep and desert tortoise that spot the region.

Hitting Small Town USA

If you’d rather stay nearer to small cities, or just want to find resources along the way, you can plan a stop near Las Vegas or visit the many small towns dotting the Colorado River south of the Hoover Dam such as Boulder City in Nevada, Lake Havasu City or Yuma in Arizona. Each of these towns and parks offer unique experiences and warmer climates than those to the north.