The Best National Parks to Visit During the Winter

Sure, winter is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to put a stop to your camping and outdoor fun. In fact, depending on what your favorite outdoor activities happen to be and where you like to visit, the very best season for getting outside might just be beginning.

You see, despite that fact that winter isn’t as popular with most tourists; it is, in many cases, an ideal traveling time. There is something to be said for winter sports, snowy views, and the cooler temperatures found in national parks that are usually unbearably hot or humid. Besides, who doesn’t appreciate a distinct lack of crowds when visiting an outdoor destination?

Related Read: Winter RV Camping: How To Keep Warm

Why not try winter travel this year and see for yourself just how amazing it can be? Below are the best national parks to visit during the cold season. Take a look and start planning right away!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Do you enjoy skiing? What about snowshoeing? If so, Rocky Mountain National Park is the place for you. This gorgeous park becomes even more beautiful during the winter months when snow covers the mountains. It’s also amazingly fun!

The park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and fabulous trails for snowshoeing. Best of all however is the incredible sledding opportunity in Hidden Valley. Just be aware that only plastic sleds or discs are allowed—nothing with metal runners.

Also be sure to check out: Alamosa KOA in Colorado

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Because it’s located in the southern state of Texas, Big Bend National Park is almost always warm. In winter, the daytime temperatures tend to hover right around 60–65 degrees, the ideal temperature for hiking or mountain biking—especially compared to the typical summertime temperatures, which can reach over 100 degrees.

That said, winter nighttime temperatures in Big Bend can drop pretty low, and sometimes make it below freezing. Therefore, if you’ll be camping in the area, you will want to be properly prepared.

Also be sure to check out: Coastal Breeze RV Resort in Texas

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Want to swim and snorkel right through the winter? A visit to Biscayne National Park might be just the trip for you this winter.

This park is almost all water, and that means you have to be willing to hop in and do some swimming in order to explore it properly. Luckily, the weather at this southern Florida park is almost always sunny and perfect for swimming, even in the wintertime.

Dive down into the ocean and explore the sunken ships or jump on a boat and enjoy a guided tour. Don’t forget to do some fishing while you’re at it, and enjoy the salty ocean air and beautiful views.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park is a must-see park, and almost anyone would agree that winter is the very best time to see it. The humidity during winter is much less intense, and the temperatures are still pleasantly warm without being overwhelmingly hot.

This warm weather means taking an airboat tour of the park is 100% possible, and kayaking and canoeing are still options as well. Be sure to take the nighttime alligator tour while you’re there; it’s unlike anything you’ll ever do again.

Also be sure to check out: Tropical Park in Florida

Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley is another park with extreme summer temperatures that mellow out and become quite pleasant once winter rolls around. The colder season daytime temperatures in this park tend to hang out around 70 degrees, making this a perfect place to soak up some wintertime sunshine.

This park is enormous, and because the crowds thin out in winter, it’s likely that your cold season visit will be fairly solitary. Make sure to do some hiking and take in the beautiful scenery, take the self-guided Star Wars Auto Tour, and stay until dark to check out the incredible, unpolluted night sky.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite during the winter is cold—really cold, and part of the park is closed during this cold time. Still, it is absolutely beautiful, and the many winter activities and wildlife sightings offered by the park make it well worth visiting during the colder months.

Thrill seekers will love the downhill skiing found here, while those looking for an even harder workout will enjoy cross-country skiing. Everyone will love the wildlife that is occasionally seen wandering the park, and the snow-covered scenery definitely makes the whole place feel like a winter wonderland.

Also be sure to check out: Auburn RV Resort in California

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon is gorgeous no matter when you visit. This canyon is considered one of the world’s natural wonders, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. This incredible view changes only slightly in the winter when snow tends to cap the peaks found throughout the park, and honestly, the snow only adds to the beauty.

While the park is quite chilly in the winter with daytime temperatures in the 40s, it’s nothing a bit of bundling up and hiking can’t cure. Just be sure to go in well prepared for the super cold nights that happen so often in that canyon during the winter.

Also be sure to check out: Rain Spirit RV Resort in Arizona

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Another amazing and beautiful park for those who enjoy winter sports and snow play is Mount Rainier National Park. This nature area gives guests the opportunity to take part in downhill skiing and snowboarding, and even has a place for snowmobiling. Additionally, visitors with children may like to visit the designated snow play area, where people can build snow forts and snowmen, take part in epic snowball battles, and of course, do some sledding. Once again, the park allows plastic sleds only.

If you prefer to simply enjoy the solitude of the park during this peaceful time, you’ll love snowshoeing through the wilderness. Guided programs are available for those who feel they’d prefer help navigating the way. Either way, you will be rewarded with amazing views during your snowshoe hike, so be sure to pack a camera!

Also be sure to check out: RV Village Resort in Washington


Visiting any one of these eight amazing national parks is an excellent way to begin your winter outdoor adventures. Try them all to get a feel for what you prefer in a wintertime park, and then seek out more amazing natural areas for exploring and playing in during the cold season.