Do you think RVing is just a summer activity? With a little planning and preparation you can enjoy your RV year around even in the depths of winter. First off you will need to find a RV park or campground that is open in winter. Mild winters in Western Washington allow many campgrounds to remain open. A great place to start searching for a winter campout destination is “schedule page” on Washington State Parks website. There you will find a listing of campgrounds, including which ones close for the winter, when they close, when they reopen and which ones are open or partially open in winter. Additionally, under each park listing you will find notations of reduced services such as closed campground loops, where to obtain potable water in freezing weather, if the dump station is closed for the winter, snow restrictions and other loss of day use services such as docks removed for the winter, closed concessions and closed interpretative centers. Once you have selected a campground and know the restrictions it is just a matter of prepping the RV accordingly, like filling the water tank before leaving home, obtaining firewood in advance if none will be available at the park, etc. The best part about winter camping is not having to deal with the crowds of other campers like in summer. If your schedule allows you to camp on weekdays, you are likely to have the whole place to yourself. Seniors, if you are not already winter campers, now is the time to start! Washington State seniors (62 and older) can buy an off season pass for $50.00 that allows for free unlimited camping in standard campsites and camping on utility sites for only $6 per night. You can”t stay home and heat your house for $6 / night! Off season passes are valid October 1st through March 31 and Sunday through Thursday in April. You can download an application here.
Some of my most memorable RVing adventures have occurred while winter camping. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy some winter adventures in RVing of your very own!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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