12 Magical Places to Camp this Christmas (Best Winter Camping Destinations)
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Every year, there are some fantastic National Parks and RV Resorts that host special festivities to celebrate the Christmas season. So, packing up the camping gear and heading out with the entire family is an excellent option to enjoy the holidays. Here are our suggestions for the best Christmas camping destinations for you and your family!
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Christmas, Florida
- Stone Mountain, Georgia
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Durango, Colorado
- Arches National Park
- McAdenville, North Carolina
- Mammoth Lakes, California
- Miramar Beach, Florida
- Buellton, California
- Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, Texas
- Skidaway Island, GA
Want to get away from the “stuff” of Christmas and truly celebrate the season with family? You should create magical memories and give a family camping vacation as your big gift. Why not rent an RV, hit the open road, and see some amazing places. (or you could have an RV delivered, for glamping without the winter driving)
If you are spending Christmas in your RV our printables make great presents! I suggest you print the campground log and place in a nice binder for yourself or traveling companion. Check out all our printables at the shop here.
More on the blog to help you plan your family RV trip:
- Questions to Ask Before Renting an RV
- Where the Best Deal on an RV Rental
- How to Reserve the Perfect Campsite Every Time
The map below shows the best places to camp for Christmas! You can get a copy of this interactive google map here or by clicking on the map below. Once the map opens save a copy for yourself and start planning your winter RV trip.
You can add to your winter celebration with really cool decorations. Check out this funky RV Christmas ornament on Amazon.
St. Augustine, Florida
110 miles right up the coast is St. Augustine, Florida. Settle into the country’s oldest city and enjoy the Christmas festivities that take place every year. No matter the season, St. Augustine is a must-visit destination that is full of culture, shopping, and excellent cuisine. What makes this city unique during the holidays is the extravagant light show that 20 blocks of the historic district.
“Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic.”
There are a couple of different RV parks in St. Augustine. Compass RV Resort, Ocean Grove RV Resort, and Anastasia State Park are among the best in the entire area. Be sure to make your reservations early because it will fill up very quickly because of the popular spectacles.
- Where to Camp: Compass RV Resort, Ocean Grove RV Resort, and Anastasia State Park
- Where to Rent a Camper: Outdoorsy RVs from $90 a night in St. Augustine:
Christmas, Florida
This Christmas, why not spend the holidays in Christmas, Florida? About 20 miles east of Orlando sits this town that takes Christmas to a whole other level. Because of the name, Fort Christmas takes the holiday very seriously and holds many festivities to celebrate. These festivities include a parade, beautiful decorations, and so many local attractions.
Be sure to camp at the Christmas RV Park to make the most of your stay. Along with the events in the city center, the RV park also sets up decorations, a giant Santa, and hosts social events for the families in the community. When you’re not spending time at these events or exploring Fort Christmas, you can visit one of the many attractions in nearby Orlando like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.
- Where to Camp: Christmas RV Park
- Where to Rent an RV: Outdoorsy for starting at $80 a night in Christmas FL
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Stone Mountain is home to “Atlanta’s Most Heartwarming Holiday Celebration.” Stone Mountain Park is a 3,000-acre park with a little of everything. Based around the hug stone carvings, you will also find family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreational activities and an onsite campground.
Stone Mountain takes it up a notch as they celebrate Christmas from November 10 to January 6. Stone Mountain is so unique because of its commitment to giving families a quality experience.
Stone Mountain Park is home to the main RV community throughout the year and specifically during this holiday time frame. The best perk of staying here is you don’t have to come on Christmas day to engage in the festivities. Although going on the actual date is an awesome experience, you can avoid some of the crowds by going before or after December 25.
- Where to Camp: Stone Mountain Campground
- Where to Rent an RV: Rentals in Stone Mountain GA starting at $105 a night
Joshua Tree National Park
If you want to experience Christmas in the desert, head to Joshua Tree National Park. This National Park in the Mojave Desert where summer is the quiet months because of the unbearable heat. Although you will be close to Palm Springs, you won’t feel like it.
Spend Christmas among the cacti in the Cholla Cactus Garden and enjoy the sunset at Keys View.
Choose from one of the 5 campgrounds in the park.
- Where to Camp: Joshua Tree National Park
- Where to rent an RV: Rent from Outdoorsy from $99 a night
Durango, Colorado
One of the not-so-warm destinations to spend Christmas at is Durango, Colorado. Durango has something very special that cannot be found anywhere else. Durango is a fairly small town, but families flock here in the winter to experience a month-long Christmas with a twist that is nowhere else. Durango is home to the official Polar Express Train Ride. Both you and your children can live out the fantasy of picking up Santa on the magic train.
RV Camping in freezing weather can have challenges, but the hosts will help you avoid problems. Make sure you are prepared for a winter road trip. We have a post of 32 expert tips for winter driving.
Some other fantastic activities nestled in Durango include snowmobiling, skiing, and taking the Cascade Canyon Trail to cut down your very own Christmas tree.
RV Camping in freezing weather can have challenges, but the hosts at Westerly RV Park help guests avoid winter RV problems. This is a no-frills park that is open year-round. With a good all-season RV, you can stay warm and have a truly unique experience.
- Where to Camp: Westerly RV Park
- Where to Rent an RV: Rent on Outdoorsy and get winter camping tips from the owner
Arches National Park
So you will likely see Arches National Park highlighted on the blog here because it is one of our favorites. The weather is perfect in the late fall and winter and although the park does not have special activities, the town of Moab is nearby.
Since it can be cold in the winter (and even snow a little) bring extra layers! The trails are all open year-round and seeing Arches in a blanket of snow is magical. We suggest staying in Arches National Park at the Devils Garden campground or the nearby Dead Horse Point State Park. The state park has electric hookups and full-length RV campsites. Electric is so nice to keep the camper warm on cold nights.
- Our Guides for Arches NP: One Day Itinerary
- Where to Camp: Dead Horse Point State Park or Devils Garden Campground
- Where to rent an RV: Rent an RV in Moab
McAdenville, North Carolina
Also known as Christmas Town once the holidays roll around, McAdenville, North Carolina is a hidden gem that offers a relaxing, no-pressure experience opportunity for you and your family. You may think it is weird to go to a little town with less than a thousand residents on one of the biggest holidays of the year. However, there is so much to do, it’ll be worth stopping in.
Located a few miles outside of Charlotte, Christmas Town would be worth spending a day or two over Christmas. Some popular activities include attending the Yule Log Ceremony, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and running in the Christmas Town 5-K.
- Where to Camp: Crowders Mountain State Park
- Where to Rent an RV: Rates starting at $80 a night
Mammoth Lakes, California
Another incredible holiday destination that is far from the warm weather is Mammoth Lakes, California. This alpine town sits in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, so the snow activities are very popular. If you envision a white Christmas, Mammoth Lakes can deliver.
Mammoth Mountain RV Park is a year-round campground where you and your family can set up shop. You will be just minutes from skiing, tubing, and other fabulous winter activities. Be sure your reservation is made early because this is a very popular destination this time of the year.
- Where to Camp: Mammoth Mountain RV Park
- Where to Rent an RV: Outdoorsy or Adventure in Camping
Miramar Beach, Florida
Imagine spending Christmas on the snow-white beaches of the beautiful Florida panhandle. You can enjoy surf shops, panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and drive the beach roads. Miramar Beach is just minutes to Destin & Scenic 30A so you can find plenty of nearby activities.
Camp Gulf is an RV resort where you can camp directly on the beach! This RV park offers not only a large private beach, 2 pools an activity center, and water activities, they have a huge activity complex where they host special holiday events.
Camp Gulf is just right to host a large multi-generational family gathering with a variety of accommodations. They offer campsites, cabins and beach houses for everyone in the group.
- Where to Camp: Camp Gulf
- Where to Rent an RV: Outdoorsy From $80 a night
Buellton, California
The final RV destination to visit on this list is located in Buellton, California. Enjoy the large parade on Christmas morning, Santa coming and visiting the children, a big tree lighting ceremony, and much more!
The Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground has tons of lights and decorations all around to give the Christmas feel even without the snow and cold weather. Be sure to visit this slice of paradise this year!
- Where to Camp: Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground
- Where to Rent an RV: Outdoorsy starting at $119 a night
Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, Texas
In central Texas, just East of Austin, you will find these two state parks in the woods. Between the two areas, you can enjoy nightly holiday festivities from November 1st through the New Year. Doesn’t a Turkey Trot, Reindeer Romp, Holly Jolly Scavenger Hunt sound fun?
Among other things, Santa’s park ranger elves hide ornaments around both Buescher and Bastrop State Parks!
For more than 70 years, folks have visited Bastrop State Park to enjoy its history and marvel at the Lost Pines.
Texas State Parks
They offer full hookups and pull-through campsites for RVs. This is always nice in the winter when the days are shorter and cooler.
- Things to do: Holiday festivities, camp, hike, bike, fish, shop for souvenirs
- Where to camp: Bastrop and Buescher State Parks
- Where to rent an RV: Check prices starting at $80 a night
Skidaway Island, GA
Celebrate this time of year near historic Savannah in the Skidaway narrows. You can follow the hiking trails that wind through maritime forests and past salt marsh. Your hike will follow the boardwalk and end at the observation tower.
This campground is a favorite of locals and road trippers alike. The sites are huge, have full hookups, and have a picnic table and fire ring.
Since Savannah is only 15 minutes away, you can enjoy Christmas celebrations and return to your peaceful camp. The tree lighting and Christmas parade is on December 2nd. This kicks off the month-long celebration in this southern city.
Final Thoughts about Best Places to Camp for the Christmas Holidays
Taking a camping trip can add a magical twist to your Christmas season, and help you avoid holiday stress. A camping trip would be a perfect experiential gift for the season!
More on the blog to help you plan your family RV trip:
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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Looking for a cool to cold place to spend Christmas with my husband.
We are from Florida so not there
Arches National Park is beautiful in the winter snow and it is quite empty. You could add in Salt Lake if you want to ski.