As Father Winter sets in, heading south in your camper offers a chance to embrace RVing while escaping the chilly northern temperatures.
Autumn is an ideal season for RV travel, provided you pick the right places and pack the right stuff. Winter in the South offers pleasant weather and epically awesome outdoor activities. Many Southern beaches are also spectacular locales to keep the warm weather with you while beating the crowds of busier waters.
That’s why we put together this guide with the top tips and places to go RVing this Winter. Dig in for essential winter RVing tips and sample itineraries to some of the best southern destinations.
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Making the Most of Winter RVing in the South
The South is packed with many fun characteristics that make it the place to be when RVing in the winter. Here are tips to make the most of your time there:
Embrace the Scenic Drives
The South has no shortage of breathtaking scenic drives. From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the majestic peaks at Smoky Mountains National Park, winter is still a solid time to visit these areas.
Attend Local Festivals
Many southern towns celebrate winter with festivals ranging from Christmas celebrations to craft fairs and live music. These events offer a great opportunity to taste local produce, meet friendly Southerners, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The South also has a rich tradition of holiday festivals, especially in areas like Texas Hill Country and the Appalachian Mountains. And few things in life are finer than enjoying a hot cocoa, craft beer, or even some wine when cooler temps set in.
When you roll through here, be sure to visit us at Outdoorsy Hill Country, a luxury glamping retreat in the heart of this part of Texas.
Explore Outdoor Activities
Despite winter, many southern locales still offer great hiking and biking conditions. Many Southern national and state parks offer trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, and mountain biking opportunities abound in the South.
Discover the best hikes for leaf peeping in every state
In the South, you don’t always have to pack away your kayak or fishing gear. Winter can be an ideal time for water activities if you venture far enough south in the South, with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures. Paddle through quiet rivers surrounded by forests, or try your luck at fishing in one of the region’s many lakes or coastal waters.
See why hunting, fishing, and RVing go hand-in-hand
Savor Hearty Foods
Winter is the season for hearty, comforting foods. Be sure to indulge in the season’s flavors, whether it’s a bowl of chili, a slice of pumpkin pie, or roasted marshmallows by the campfire. Cooking outdoors with your RV’s kitchen or over a campfire adds a special touch to your meals.
Ghost Tours and Haunted Attractions
The South is rich in history and folklore, making it a great place to explore haunted sites. Many towns offer ghost tours, particularly around Halloween.
Stargazing
Stargazing becomes an enchanting evening activity with the cooler, clearer skies of winter combined with The South’s tolerable temperatures. Bring a telescope or simply lay back and enjoy the view at a dark-sky campground.
See our guide to Stargazing
Campfire stories
Gather around the campfire and share spooky stories or reminisce about past travels. The crackling fire and crisp air create the perfect setting for a memorable evening.
Read about family-friendly ghost stories to tell in the dark
Connect with Fellow RVers
Many campgrounds host winter-themed events, from potluck dinners to fireplace gatherings. Participating in these activities can enhance your experience and provide a sense of community, even if you’re far from home.
Essential Tips for Winter RV Travel
- Plan for Shorter Days — winter brings shorter daylight hours, so plan your driving and activities accordingly. Aim to reach your destination before dusk to set up your campsite in daylight.
- Prepare for Weather Variability — While the South generally enjoys milder winter weather, temperatures can vary significantly, especially in mountainous regions. Pack layers of clothing to stay comfortable in fluctuating conditions.
- Winterize Your RV as Needed — If you’re traveling from a colder climate, ensure your RV is winterized to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Even in the South, nights can dip into freezing, depending on which part you’re in.
- Be Aware of Wildlife — Winter is an active time for wildlife, especially in national parks and forested areas. Keep a safe distance when camping, and always be on the lookout when driving.
P.S. Wildlife viewing opportunities are spectacular in The South. Here are the top places to view wildlife in Florida.
Keeping Warm While Winter RVing
Here are some tips to keep you cozy during your winter RVing adventure:
- Layer your clothing — Dress in layers to quickly adjust your warmth as temperatures change throughout the day. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers, and top it off with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Use a space heater — A small, portable space heater can be a splendid supplement to your RV’s primary heater. Read up on electricity basics of your RV to ensure you don’t blow a breaker.
- Insulate your RV — Add extra insulation to your windows and doors to keep the cold out. Reflective insulation panels or thermal curtains can help maintain warmth inside your RV.
Check out our guide to winter camping for more details. - Warm bedding — Invest in high-quality, warm bedding. Consider packing in a heated mattress pad to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Hot beverages and comfort food — winter’s the time to indulge in some calorie-rich comfort food, an extra cup o’ coffee, and hot cocoa on the regular. It’s as tasty as it is practical.
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Sample Itineraries for Winter RV Travel in The South
The South offers a huge range of possible itineraries for RVing. Here are some of the most popular:
1. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
- Start: Shenandoah National Park, VA
- End: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
- Highlights: Skyline Drive, Mabry Mill, Mount Mitchell State Park, and Clingmans Dome.
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and exploring small mountain towns.
- Tips: The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its scenery. Take your time to enjoy the overlooks – just be sure to check the forecast ahead of the drive in case of icy conditions.
2. Gulf Coast Adventure: Alabama to Florida
- Start: Gulf Shores, AL
- End: Destin, FL
- Highlights: Gulf State Park, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, and Henderson Beach State Park.
- Activities: Beachcombing, fishing, and exploring historic forts.
- Tips: The Southern Gulf Coast enjoys warm weather into winter. Avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the pristine beaches and seafood without the heat.
3. Texas Hill Country: Austin to Fredericksburg
- Start: Austin, TX
- End: Fredericksburg, TX
- Highlights: Pedernales Falls State Park, Enchanted Rock, and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
- Activities: Wine tasting, hiking, and exploring charming small towns.
- Tips: The Texas Hill Country is famous for its wineries and German heritage. Stay at Outdoorsy Hill Country for an epic glamping experience with all the amenities of home.
4. Lowcountry Route: Charleston to Savannah
- Start: Charleston, SC
- End: Savannah, GA
- Highlights: Angel Oak Tree, Beaufort, SC, Hunting Island State Park, and Wormsloe Historic Site.
- Activities: Touring historic plantations, kayaking through marshlands, and enjoying southern cuisine.
- Tips: The Lowcountry offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
5. Ozark Mountains: Arkansas to Missouri
- Start: Hot Springs, AR
- End: Branson, MO
- Highlights: Hot Springs National Park, Buffalo National River, and Table Rock Lake.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, and attending live shows in Branson.
- Tips: Explore the scenic byways and discover quaint mountain towns.
6. Florida Keys: Miami to Key West
- Start: Miami, FL
- End: Key West, FL
- Highlights: Biscayne National Park, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Bahia Honda State Park, and the Southernmost Point in Key West.
- Activities: Snorkeling, fishing, visiting state parks, exploring historic sites, and enjoying tropical cuisine.
- Tips: The Florida Keys offer warm, tropical weather even in the winter. Drive the Overseas Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Stop at the various islands (or “keys”) along the way to experience the unique charm and natural beauty of each one.
And here’s our guide to RV parks in the Florida Keys
7. Georgia Coast: Savannah to St. Simons Island
- Start: Savannah, GA
- End: St. Simons Island, GA
- Highlights: Savannah Historic District, Wormsloe Historic Site, Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island.
- Activities: Exploring historic sites, beachcombing, kayaking, bird watching, and enjoying southern cuisine.
- Tips: The Georgia coast is rich in history and natural beauty. Start your journey in the historic city of Savannah, known for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and moss-draped oaks. Take a side trip to Tybee Island for beach time before heading south to explore the Golden Isles. Jekyll Island offers quiet beaches and fascinating history, while St. Simons Island is known for its charming village and picturesque lighthouse.
Traveling south during the winter in your RV is a fantastic way to enjoy the season’s beauty while exploring some of the southern U.S.’s best destinations. With proper planning and a sense of adventure, your autumn RV trip will be filled with memorable experiences.
Whether you’re chasing winter colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway or soaking up the sun on the Gulf Coast, these itineraries and tips will help you make the most of your journey.
