Winter Camping: Stay Healthy and Happy

Avoid the winter blues by spending time outdoors in your RV!

Words by Jessica Rider

Winter is the time when many RVers long for warmer days to enjoy moments at a boondocking site or favourite RV park. For others, it’s when short getaways in a trailer or motorhome is anticipated just like any other trip in the summer.

My husband and I regularly take this time to use our fifth wheel as a home base at a campsite to enjoy winter activities. Although we can’t utilize all the systems in our unit, we still enjoy getting away and seizing a day or two with our RV. There are many advantages of RVing in the winter and it’s not as uncommon as you may think.

In our opinion, winter RVing is great for your well-being.  When the days get shorter and the nights get darker, which often results in the ‘winter blues’ or ‘getting antsy,’ we find RVing is a great way to kick these unwelcome feelings. Some benefits of RVing this time of year include:

  • More vitamin D. Even though temperatures are brisk, the fresh air and bright winter days are great ways to replenish this vital vitamin in your body.
  • Reconnect with nature! If you’re like us, you thrive on being outdoors. Since it’s often hard to keep this connection alive this time of year, take a weekend to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through a snow-covered wonderland.
  • Burning calories. The winter can make it hard to stay active but you can easily burn calories in colder weather. If you are feeling a little sluggish, try planning a weekend of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or other winter activity. You will feel much better and more energetic.

Where and When to Start Your Winter RV Trip

Find a destination or RV park that permits winter camping to enjoy winter activities. Some provincial parks, conservation areas, and ski resorts allow RV parking and even overnight stays to enjoy a myriad of activities.

For instance, places like Fernie RV Resort and Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia allow overnight RVing while provincial parks like Algonquin or MacGregor Point in Ontario also offer off-season camping. As there may only be basic amenities, it’s best to coordinate a boondocking experience (*Ed note: according to Tourism Fernie, RV camping is booked for winter 2022-2023 and the waitlist is full. Be sure to check for updates at www.tourismfernie.com).

After deciding where to go and what to do, here are a few other tips to consider:

  • Have proper clothing.  If you are planning a number of winter weekend trips, always keep a second set of warm clothes stored in your RV.
  • Bring power. Some areas will not have the services you need so you’ll need to rely on a solar power system or a generator. This will also determine how to prepare meals and keep your RV warm if you stay for a night or two.
  • Monitor the forecast. Winter weather changes quickly so pay close attention to storm warnings or sudden drops in overnight temperatures.
  • Be flexible. When planning a winter RV trip, give yourself some extra time. Poor road conditions and park closures are common.
  • Inspect Your RV. My husband and I always check the insulation of our fifth wheel and ensure the sealing around the windows, doors, and vents are not cracked or damaged. When in doubt, visit your local RV dealer to learn about adding extra insulation in certain areas or discuss procedures to properly prep your water lines to prevent freezing or other issues.

Just because the snow is flying doesn’t mean you can’t go RVing. Getting outdoors in the winter is very beneficial for your health and doing it with your RV makes it even more fun. Whether you just want to get out for a day or stay longer, using your motorhome or trailer will make all the difference for your mental and physical health.