Seasonal campsite question

danny28 · 10-20-2011, 07:55 PM

If you have a seasonal campsite at a campground, can you camp there in the winter? We were thinking about getting a seasonal campsite this year (end of season is a bit cheaper for next year). I think it would be cool to camp in the winter in our camper, but I don’t know if it is allowed. Anyone know? Do you think each campground is different?

wvbreamfisherman · 10-20-2011, 08:16 PM

Lots of campgrounds close in the winter due to lack of demand. Also it costs a lot to have winter-proof facilities like water lines and bathhouses. The demand on power hookups would likely by higher in cold weather too.

That said, some places are year round operations, so you'd just need to check.

eyebp · 10-20-2011, 09:20 PM

Buy some bolt cutters and snap the lock on the gate.... your own personal campground. Oh yes. Kicking idea.

ejdixon · 10-21-2011, 12:06 AM

I don't see why it won't be allowed. I've seen a number of members here that are looking forward to winter camping, but most of them sound more like tent campers than RVers. Like what wvbreamfisherman said, it all depends on the campground if they are opened for winter camping.

bsmit212 · 10-21-2011, 07:39 AM

It depends on the campgroud. I know there are several areas near me that will charge during the summer months and then during winter will winterize their facilities and allow people to use the sites for free due to the lack of facilities so you could look for an area like that and just make sure your RV water tank is full.

ppine · 11-22-2011, 12:01 PM

Most nat for campgrounds close after hard freezes. Some private rv campgrounds stay open if they are at lower elevations. Call ahead and ask.

You can always camp on public lands anytime you want to. There are a few exceptions. Since few facilities are operating in winter anyway, it is a good time to try boondocking if you are new to it.

For RVs winter requires some thought especially in reference to plumbing. Some rigs have heated storage tanks which are a big help. It is tough to keep water flowing in temperatures below about 15 degrees. Insulate your water hose into the rig. Bring lots of propane. Run your furnace even when the rig is unattended. A generator is useful to make up for the cold temperatures and lack of daylight.