Whether you love the cold or want to escape it for a bit, there are several places around the country that make great van destinations. The following are some of the top places to consider traveling to for vacation this February and where to van camp when you get there. Just remember to check local weather conditions ahead of time, be prepared for adverse weather with plenty of supplies in your van, and practice social distancing when you’re around other people.
1. Mammoth Campground
Mammoth Campground, located a few miles south of Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance, is the only park campground open in winter. Bring your van here, and you’ll be able to take in beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and maybe even see elk or bison roaming close to camp. Bundle up, and you can spend time snowshoeing or skiing on the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. You can also explore the many nature trails available in the area. Potable water is available at this campground.
Other activities and attractions that are nearby include:
– Albright Visitor Center
– Historic Fort Yellowstone
– Old Gardiner Road
2. Crooked River State Park
Crooked River State Park, located close to Georgia’s eastern coast, offers stunning views and a mild winter climate. Pack light sweaters and jackets instead of coats, and you’ll easily stay warm while hiking the local nature trail where you might see herons, tortoises and other wildlife. Set up camp in your van at one of the park’s 63 campsites, which include water and electric hookups. Enjoy shade under mossy oaks and palmettos, or explore the local salt marshes. You can also head down the road to take the ferry over to Cumberland Island National Seashore, or walk over the nearby tabby mill ruins dating back to 1825.
Some of the park’s notable features and amenities include:
– Nature center
– Birdwatching
– Fishing
– Guided kayak trips and boat tours
– Miniature golf
3. Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park, located close to Mesa, Arizona in the Sonoran Desert, offers a chance to escape the cold during daylight hours. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s. Nights in the area can get pretty cold, though, so bring plenty of blankets and layers of clothing to stay warm. The park has 138 campgrounds, with 68 offering electric and water hookups for vans and RVs. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. Explore the nearby Superstition Mountains and the desert while keeping an eye out for mule deer, javelinas, and other wildlife.
Some of the nature trails to explore include:
– Native Plant Trail
– Treasure Loop Trail
– Discovery Trail
– Jacob’s Crosscut Trail
4. Hadley’s Point Campground
When you want to enjoy winter in all of its glory, Hadley’s Point Campground in Bar Harbor, Maine is the place to go for your van vacation. Visiting here means you’ll be surrounded by snowy mountains, forests, and beaches. Hadley’s Point Beach typically offers a snowy shoreline to explore, while Acadia National Park features wintry nature trails close to the ocean. Electric and water hookups are available for your convenience.
Amenities and activities that are offered in the area include:
– Hot showers
– Coin-op laundry
– Camp store with wood and other supplies
– Downtown Bar Harbor
– Scenic drives
– Cross-country skiing
– Snowshoeing
– Snowmobiling
5. Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park, located on North Carolina’s Atlantic coast, offers relatively warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights in winter. Wander along hiking trails that include beaches, boardwalks, and forests, or hike close to bogs featuring Venus flytraps. While the park has a total of 69 campsites, only 10 have electric, water, and sewer hookups for vans and RVs. Take part in local events, such as bird walks and biological wonderland hikes, or venture into nearby Wilmington for a bit of dining and shopping.
Some of the local wildlife you might see here include:
– River otters
– Gray foxes
– White-tailed deer
– Brown pelicans
6. Gulpha Gorge Campground
Gulpha Gorge Campground, located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, offers an easy way to warm up after being out in the cold. Explore the areas around local thermal springs, including the Display Spring and Hot Water Cascade, then take a soak in the Buckstaff Bathhouse or Quapaw Bathhouse to enjoy hot, soothing thermal water. More than 26 miles of hiking trails are available for a closer look at local wildlife and plants.
Camp amenities that are available include:
– Electric hookup
– Water hookup
– Sewer hookup
– Grills
– Potable water
– Picnic tables
7. East Jordan Tourist Park Campground
East Jordan Tourist Park Campground, located in Boyne Falls, Michigan near Lake Charlevoix, provides a great place to go if you’re looking for a family-friendly van destination. The campground has 90 campsites to choose from, including 75 with full electric, water, and sewer hookups. WiFi internet access is also available. Spend time in the snow doing some fun local winter activities, then head to nearby Avalanche Bay, an indoor water park, to warm up and get out of the cold.
Outdoor activities that are available in the Lake Charlevoix area include:
– Snowshoeing
– Snowmobiling
– Cross-country skiing
– Sledding
– Downhill skiing
– Ice skating
8. Lake Casa Blanca International State Park Campground
For a warmer winter getaway, head to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park in Laredo, Texas. The park’s campground offers 11 campsites with full sewer, electric, and water hookups for convenience, as well as 55 campsites with electric and water hookups. Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills are also included. Restrooms with showers are nearby. Go hiking or mountain biking on the park’s many nature trails, or head to nearby downtown Laredo for museums, shops, and more.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as:
– Bobcats
– Texas tortoises
– Texas horned lizards
– Jackrabbits
– Javelinas
9. Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks Campground, located in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, gives you a chance to admire picturesque views without having to deal with the often-brutal summer heat. The area has mild temperatures in winter during the day followed by chilly nighttime temperatures, so make sure you can stay snug in your van. With 124 campsites available, you can choose one that offers the best views of the surrounding desert and starry skies. Note that no electric, sewer, or water hookups are offered at this campground, so come prepared. You can head to the nearby Town of Twentynine Palms for basic amenities if needed.
Amenities and activities available include:
– Grills and fire rings
– Picnic tables
– Hiking
– Wildlife viewing
– Climbing
10. Apple Hill Campground
Apple Hill Campground, located in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, offers a winter wonderland getaway. The campground has full hookups available and offers easy access to outdoor winter activities, including skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. Explore snow-covered mountain trails on foot, then head back to the campground for firewood and free hot showers.
Attractions that are close to the campground include:
– Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site
– Loon Mountain
– Lost River
– Cog Railway
– Moore Dam
– Mount Washington
If you’re thinking about hitting the road this February for a winter getaway, visit Rec Van to find the perfect van for your trip. We offer high-quality, dependable vans, RVs, and more from Winnebago, Roadtrek, and other top brands. We can help you choose a van that fits all your travel needs.
