9 Unforgettable Places to Go Camping in January (+Map for Winter Camping)
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Through all of the commotion of the holiday season, sometimes it is nice to get away and take a deep breath. This is why January is a great time to pack the RV and go search for some warm weather. Thankfully, there are tons of RV options in the United States that will provide some fun for your whole family! Here is a list of nine best places to go camping in january!
You could even skip the winter driving and rent a camper at your destination. Find out here if renting an RV is a good idea. We will help you get the best deal on renting an RV and plan an amazing trip.
The map below shows the best places to camp in winter. You can click here or on the map to get the interactive Google map and start planning your trip.
This is part of our series on the best places to camp at all times of the year. You can enjoy more ideas for winter camping by month or holiday. Read more here:
- The Best Campground to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
- Magical Places to Camp for Christmas
- The Best Places to Camp in December
- 11 Unbelievable Camping Locations for February
You should seriously consider driving a car or flying to your destination and not braving the winter weather. You can rent an RV at your destination and even have it delivered. I have rented a full-size van to camp in and a camper even though I own a 35-foot travel trailer. I added the links for checking RV rentals near each destination on the list (thanks for using my affiliate links!).
Quartzsite, Arizona
If you need some warmer weather, RV camping in Quartzsite, Arizona is a truly unique option.
It is known by rockhounds for the gems, minerals and fossils in the area. They have a gem show every January that makes a unique winter experience.
This area is also known for boondocking, which is camping for free with no running water or electrical hookups. In fact, this town is known as both the “Rock Capital” and the “RV Boondocking Capital of the World.”
This rough style of camping is complemented by over a dozen traditional RV parks.
It may be the roughing-it lifestyle that brings in thousands every winter, but dozens of RV parks still offer modern facilities and hookups. Just a few miles from the Colorado River, there are tons of activities life four-wheeling tours and fossil hunting.
- Where to boondock: La Posa on BLM land
- Where to traditional camp
- Rent an RV and reserve early starting $45 a night here
Golden, Colorado
Hey, as a Colorado family we can’t leave out a Colorado destination. January can be extremely cold and snowy in the mountains of Colorado. However, Golden is in the foothill of Denver can be chilly is but is known for sunny, warm (relatively) winter days.
You can stay at lower elevations in the foothills, enjoy all Denver has to offer in the winter and still head up for a day of skiing. Plus, you don’t even need to drive the RV around Denver if you want to take the light rail.
Palm Beach, Florida
Who wouldn’t want to be soaking up the sun right on the beach this winter?Nestled on the beach, north of Fort Lauderdale and south of Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach County, Florida offers a great beach getaway for your whole family.
Beyond the beach, you can find many exciting activities. Within the county, you can schedule Everglades tours, see the Palm Beach Zoo, stroll through several botanical gardens, and much more!
We think this idea is so great that it made our list of the best RV camping locations for Spring Break!
- Where to camp: Vacation Inn Resort (next to the Rapids Water Park)
- Fly or drive and then Rent an RV here
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
If going that far south isn’t in your plans, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a fantastic option. This National Park is interestingly located right in the downtown area of the city of Hot Springs. You can have a perfect mix of hiking trails, beautiful vistas, shops diners and other attractions. . Although Arkansas is known to be hot and muggy in the summer, going in January will let you experience this area in cooler weather and far fewer tourists in your way.
Nine bathhouses are tucked away in nature and heated by the ancient thermal springs. Each one offers a unique perspective of the mountains, rolling hills, and dense forests.
The Gulpha Gorge Campground is the on-premises camping spot and lets you be within walking distance of the Gulpha Creek and short driving distance of the hot springs. You will be surrounded by tall trees and dense forest to give you a wholesome feeling of being in nature.
- Where to camp: Gulpha Gorge Campground
- Rent an RV in Hot Springs here
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
the glistening white sands of New Mexico is described as one of the world’s great natural wonders. The largest gypsum dunefield is 275 square miles of rolling white sand dunes. (Beach sand is quaertz and gets hot in the sun, but not gypsum)
Unlike the Colorado sand dunes, the winters are mild with temperatures in the 60’s.
You can combine this with a trip to the Carlsbad Caverns. This is a perfect time to go to enjoy low traffic and beautiful pristine dunes. The Visitor Center, built by the CCC in the Depression, has magnificent old-time southwestern architecture, hand-carved beams and wood ceilings.
RV camping is not offered inside the monument so the best place to stay is in Alamogordo. You can find the KOA campground or hotels if you decide not to camp.
South Padre Island, Texas
A hotspot for beach life and warm weather during the winter months is South Padre Island. . Winter is best time to visit the calm, warm waters of this Gulf Coast destination.
In January, the weather is likely to be in the 70s and possibly warm enough to swimm, especially toward the end of the month.
You can explore the long boardwalks, enjoy walks in the white sand, visit many local shopping centers, and much more.
- Where to stay: Isla Blanca Park is one of the highest-rated RV parks on the entire island.
- Rent an RV and reserve early starting $85 a night here
Pro tip: You may already know this as a Spring Break party destination. So, going in January will help your family avoid the college craziness that takes over the region
Florida Keys, Florida
You can’t go much further south on American soil than the Florida Keys. We have been to the keys twice with kids in January. It will feel like the summer again as you swim, fish, boat, and walk the white sand beaches. This is one of the best places in the world to see unusual manatees.
We suggest arriving by car or plane and renting a camper on arrival.
Bluewater markets itself as a luxury RV location, and it does have the amenities to back up their claim. Along with the usual hookups, there is high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, private docks, and much more.
The incredible location leaves you just minutes from the beach and so many excursions for the whole family!
Tybee Island, Georgia
The final RV destination that you should check out this January Tybee Island, Georgia. The only campground within the city is the Rivers End Campground and it is very popular among tourists. Located Southeast of Savannah, Georgia, this campground puts you within walking distance of the beach. There is even world-class deep-sea fishing that takes off from this area.
You can visit Tybee Pier, see some great shopping opportunities, and see the famous Tybee Lighthouse. There are truly some great family-friendly options. The best part is you can escape the cold weather and take relaxing strolls on the beach with your loved ones by your side!
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Another fantastic Florida location is Fort Lauderdale. This area is a popular one for RV expeditions, but there is one RV park that really stands out. Paradise Island RV Park offers an excellent location right by the beach. A great way to take in the Gulf of Mexico lifestyle is by staying in this area.
Everything from swimming, fishing, shopping, gambling at casinos, golfing at world-class courses, and more goes on right in this campground’s backyard. This specific area is even known for various swap meets and outdoor flea markets where you can truly enjoy the great weather and do some shopping.
Final Thoughts on RV Destinations to Visit in January
RV camping in winter is a unique experience that the family will not forget! You can head south for warm weather destinations and soak up the sun. Or you could choose cold weather camping and be close to snowy activities.
You can choose a campground that has all the amenities you want and stay in the same location. Or use the campground as a home base to explore the area.
Wither way you don’t need to drive your own RV across the snowy country to arrive at a campsite. You can rent a camper when you arrive and you could even have one delivered!
Don’t worry we have you covered to help plan your unforgettable RV vacation – starting with renting an RV. Follow along with our series on renting an RV by answering “Should I rent an RV for my vacation? and then save up to 95% by finding out Where to Rent an RV for Cheap
I hope you enjoyed the variety of winter RV destinations on this list!
For more ideas for camping in the winter read our other suggestions for
- Amazing RV Destinations to Spend New Year’s Eve
- Best RV destinations in December
- Best RV destinations in November
- Foolproof Ways to Rent a Cheap RV
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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