State Parks That Might Just Be Better in Winter

If the holiday season approaching brings the call of the road, it’s worth checking out your favorite state parks in their season of rest. Winter travel is usually a source of great stress, especially for families attempting cross-country trips at peak travel season. Do yourself and your family a huge favor: make this an enjoyable memory, maybe even one that turns into a holiday tradition for years to come. Rent an RV. Visit a state park on your way to Grandma’s house and stay away from crowded airports and hotels.

Here are some state parks that stay open during the winter travel months. They have RV campsites you can book online, and you and yours can enjoy every minute of the journey and the destination.

A Beautiful Holiday Escape

Winter travel through state parks is not about rushing from one crowded terminal to another. It’s about slowing down, watching the landscape shift, and savoring the solitude. Roads that are packed in summer become peaceful drives, where every curve reveals a new scene: deer moving through frosted meadows, rivers steaming against the cold, and the crunch of snow underfoot when you finally step out. For RVers and camper van travelers, the season also means easier access to campsites with hookups, less competition for space, and the joy of waking up to a view that feels entirely your own.

Three State Parks That Shine In Winter

Glacier Lakes — near Starbuck, Minnesota

Driving into Glacier Lakes in winter feels like entering a snow globe. The frozen lakes reflect the pale sky, and the trails are quiet except for the sound of boots on snow. RV-friendly campsites here offer electric hookups, making it easy to stay warm while enjoying the view. The park’s open roads give travelers a chance to take in the scenery without ever leaving the comfort of their van — though the temptation to step out and breathe in the icy air is strong.

Ouachita — Located in Mountain Pine, Arkansas

Nestled in rolling hills, Ouachita transforms in winter. The hardwood forests shed their leaves, opening up long views across valleys and ridges. For camper van travelers, the park’s campsites with water and 30-amp hookups make it a practical stop. The drive itself is part of the experience: winding roads lined with bare branches, occasional bursts of color from lingering oak leaves, and the shimmer of frost on the ground. It’s the kind of place where you linger, watching the sun set early and the stars arrive fast.

Adirondack — Spans a Vast Area of Northeastern New York

The Adirondacks in winter are vast and breathtaking. Snow blankets the mountains, and the roads cut through landscapes that feel untouched. RVers will find campsites with full hookups, a rare luxury in colder months. The drive through the park is a highlight in itself — long stretches of road framed by towering pines, frozen waterfalls visible from the shoulder, and the quiet sense that you are moving through something timeless.

Three Essentials for RV Winter Travel

1. Layered Clothing: Even with the heater running, stepping out into the cold requires preparation.
2. Campsite Planning: Look for sites with electric or full hookups to keep your RV comfortable.
3. Flexible Itinerary: Winter weather can shift quickly, so plan routes with room for adjustment.

The Windshield View Experience

Part of the joy of state parks winter travel is the drive itself. Imagine rolling slowly through a park road, the heater humming, coffee steaming in a travel mug, and the world outside shifting from frosted fields to snow-draped forests. Every mile feels like a postcard. For camper van and RV travelers, these windshield views are not just scenery — they are part of the journey, a reminder that travel is as much about the road as the destination.

The Last Stretch

Winter travel through state parks is not for everyone, but for those who love snow, fall leaves, and the quiet of the season, it is unforgettable. The roads are open, the campsites are ready, and the landscapes are waiting. For RVers and camper van wanderers, it’s a chance to embrace solitude, savor the drive, and discover a side of the parks that summer crowds will never know.