The Pacific Northwest is notorious for wet and rainy weather at all times of the year, but even more so during the winter season. While it’s easy to make sure you have your rain boots and a good coat, if you are going to be RVing in Oregon during the winter there are a few things to know.
1. It gets windy.
When we moved to the Oregon coast, we didn’t realize just how windy it can get. We quickly bought a few stabilizers for our 2001 Winnebago Minnie and they have helped a lot. Stabilizers, or jacks, are easy to place under a rig and don’t cost much, but they can make a big difference in your living experience.
The wind is more likely to affect you if you’re traveling to the Oregon coast, but they are useful for camping inland as well.
2. It can get really cold, especially in your rig.
The colder winter weather can make it even colder inside your rig.
We have purchased two space heaters since we’ve been in Oregon and they work really well to warm up the inside of our rig while not taking up any LP gas in our small tank.
3. Investing in a dehumidifier is a must.
Since we’ve been living on the coast, our dehumidifier has made all the difference in keeping our rig dry during the wet Oregon winter. We have a large one for the living space and a small one for the bedroom because we are staying long term, but if you are passing through, it would be useful to have at least one in your rig.
Dehumidifiers are great for keeping your rig dry and discouraging mold from growing.
3. Designating a space for shoes and coats will make your life easier.
Designating an area for wet boots and coats can make your time in Oregon during the winter more pleasant. Having one place to put what we wear often helps us stay organized and keeps daily cleanup to a minimum.
I would even suggest keeping a shoe tray or folded newspaper at the front door of your rig for shoes on especially rainy days.
4. Planning physical activity is important for your health.
Well duh, right? While staying active is important no matter where you are, with the long nights and rainy days, it is especially important to plan physical activity while RVing in Oregon during the winter.
Our bodies thrive on natural sunlight, so what do we do when the sun stays away for days at a time especially when we’re on vacation?
Check out the town in which you’ll be staying. Do they have a community center with visitor passes? What about the local gym? Do they offer walk-in rates? Is there a museum you’d enjoy? Keeping yourself occupied and your brain and body on the go will help to stifle feelings of depression or anxiety during the winter months. This does not happen to everyone, but keeping symptoms at bay can prove important for you and your family during this time of year.
Whether or not you’re familiar with the weather of an Oregon winter, you can prepare yourself for its normal wet and rainy days.
RVing in Oregon during the winter can be a wonderful and unique experience for you and your family, but you’ll have an even better time if you have some idea of how to approach the winter season. Don’t forget your coat!
Ready for Oregon winter?
Rent an RV and hit the winter road! Here’s your guide to cold weather camping to ensure you stay warm and have a safe trip to the Pacific Northwest!
