5 Destinations for Winter Weather RV Camping (and Tips for Getting There Safely)

60 Shares

While many RV owners around the Pacific Northwest have already buttoned up and winterized their RVs for the season, other adventurous families and retirees alike are just getting ready to head south for the winter. If you’re not quite ready to put your RV into hibernation but are unable to take a lengthier trip like your snow birding kin, you can still enjoy a winter “getaway” in your RV right here at home.

winter rv camping washington
Need help outfitting or servicing your rig? The helpful team at Awesome RV in Olympia is here to help. Photo credit: Awesome RV.

With year-round outdoor recreation opportunities across the state, many area RV parks and resorts stay open during the winter months, providing local RV owners ample opportunities to enjoy their natural surroundings from the comfort of their very own RVs. Make your next RV outing a true “staycation” by heading to Thurston County RV parks like American Heritage Campground, Washington Land Yacht Harbor, and Offut Lake Resort, just to name a few, or, if you would prefer to get out of town without going far, there are countless RV park and resort options within a two-hour drive (or less!) of Olympia, all well worth the journey.

Before you step on the gas, there are a few things to consider to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Use the checklist below to help you prep your rig for your next winter adventure, or have one of the professionals at Awesome RV, located at the Olympia Auto Mall, do it for you. Whether you need parts, accessories or a full-on service, the experienced staff at Awesome RV in Olympia can help you with all of your RV parts and service needs.

Winter RV Camping Checklist

  • Make sure all windows are sealed and properly caulked.
  • Check weather stripping and replace if necessary.
  • Empty water tanks and add one quart of RV antifreeze to each to protect your dump valves from freezing.
  • Insulate drainage pipes to prevent freezing.
  • If you have a fresh water hook-up, consider investing in a heated water hose.
  • If your water pump is located in an exterior storage area, a space heater can help prevent it from freezing in colder conditions.
  • Seal roof vents and skylights for added warmth and insulation.
  • Test your furnace before you hit the road. If it’s not clean, clean it.
  • If you use propane to heat your rig, stock up on a few extra tanks. You will burn through the propane fast in chilly weather.
  • Prevent your refrigerator’s refrigerant from freezing and turning to gel by removing the outside refrigerator access cover and inserting round pipe insulation into two of the refrigerators three vents.

Once you’ve checked these items off your list, you’re most likely ready to plan your next winter weekend (or weekday) getaway. Check out these five nearby (less than a two-hour drive away) RV parks and resorts that offer scenic views, outstanding outdoor recreation, and maximum relaxation.

1. The Waterfront at Potlatch

There are numerous reasons why the Waterfront at Potlatch earned the title as Best RV Park in Western Washington. Photo courtesy: Waterfront at Potlatch/Facebook.

There’s a reason this Hood Canal RV park was recently voted the Best in Western Washington. No matter the season, the Waterfront at Potlatch boasts stunning views of Hood Canal with 12 waterfront sites and three additional roadside sites that offer partial views. Even if you’re RV isn’t fully contained, you can still enjoy all the amenities of home with Potlatch’s on-site laundry, cable, wireless internet and more. But the real draw of this Skokomish RV park is the 450-feet of no-bank waterfront access. Add nearby attractions like Lake Cushman Golf Course, Lucky Dog Casino and the endless adventures that await at Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest, and you’ve got the makings for a great winter escape.

The Waterfront at Potlatch
21660 US Hwy 101
Skokomish, WA 98584
360-877-9422

2. Rain Forest Resort Village

Rain Forest Resort Village overlooks beautiful Lake Quinault, offering up stunning sunsets, year-round. Photo courtesy: Rain Forest Resort Village.

What’s better than escaping the city for a quiet weekend in the woods? Escaping the city for a quiet weekend in the woods at Quinault Rain Forest. Less than a two-hour drive from Olympia resides one of the state’s most beloved natural areas. Quinault Rain Forest is a sight to behold no matter the season, and there’s no better time to visit the rain forest’s many waterfalls than during the winter. Pack up the RV and head to Rain Forest Resort Village where nearby attractions for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds await. The resort is open year-round and offers 31 RV sites available on a first come basis. Experience all Quinault has to offer. Your outdoor adventure is just a short drive away. (Note: bathrooms are closed during the winter.)

Rain Forest Resort Village
516 S Shore Rd.
Quinault, WA 98575
360-288-2535

3. Silver Cove RV Resort

Stop dreaming of visiting Mount St. Helen’s and experience snow shoeing this Washington landmark firsthand while staying at Silver Cove RV Resort.

If snowshoeing along one of Washington’s most famed peaks piques your interest, head to Silver Cove RV Resort in Silver Lake where top-notch hiking, fishing and boating are all well within reach. On-site amenities include everything from wifi to a boat launch, but it’s not the creature comforts of this RV resort that make it such a popular destination, it’s Silver Cove’s proximity to Mt. Saint Helens that appeals most to RV-going recreation lovers. And with nearby breweries, wineries and restaurants galore, slipping in and out of adventure mode to enjoy the area’s many sumptuous sips and nibbles is easy.

Silver Cove RV Resort
351 Hall Road
Silver Lake, WA
360-967-2057

4. Bayshore Beach RV Resort

With 400 feet of private ocean waterfront, trips to Bayshore Beach RV Resort are serene and relaxing. Photo courtesy: Bayshore Beach RV Resort.

As one of the only private RV resorts in the Pacific County area, Bayshore Beach RV Resort, open year-round, is a hidden gem, ideal for any RV owner looking for an oceanside getaway. Enjoy all the amenities of home with full hookups, DirectTV and wireless internet, or unplug and enjoy a rustic retreat complete with 400 feet of private waterfront, fire pits, walking areas and more. Are you a member of an RV club? Even better. Bayshore Beach RV Resort offers discounted rates to RV club groups of six or more. Enjoy access to laundry and the resort’s on-site banquet room for a mid-winter escape you won’t soon forget.

Bayshore Beach RV Resort
2941 Kindred Ave.
Tokeland, WA 98590
360-267-2625

5. Rainbow’s End RV Park

From hiking and golfing to bird watching and more, Rainbow’s End RV Park in Sequim offers something for everyone. Photo courtesy: Rainbow’s End RV Park.

Dubbed the “prettiest park on the Peninsula,” Rainbow’s End RV Park is worth the extra drive time. This stunning RV resort offers something for everyone. Whether you opt to hike Hurricane Ridge, take part in a guided bird watching excursion, roll up your sleeves for a few rounds of golf, or test your luck at the nearby casino, this full service RV park, located in Sequim, has just what you’re looking for. Winter rates are $30/night or $180/week.

Rainbow’s End RV Park
261831 US Hwy 101
Sequim, WA 98382
360-683-3863

Sponsored

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
60 Shares