Arizona offers some incredible spots for winter RVing, with mild temperatures, scenic landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some of the best places to consider:
1. Quartzsite
- Why: Known as the RV capital in winter, Quartzsite is a top choice for RVers. It hosts the famous Quartzsite RV Show and Swap Meet, where thousands of RVers gather.
- Activities: Fossil hunting, off-roading, and visiting rock and gem shows.
- Camping: Plenty of BLM land offers free or low-cost camping options with a vibrant RV community.
2. Lake Havasu City
- Why: With waterfront views and mild winter temperatures, Lake Havasu is perfect for water lovers and sunseekers.
- Activities: Boating, fishing, visiting the London Bridge, and enjoying nearby trails.
- Camping: The area has several RV parks with amenities as well as BLM land for boondocking nearby.
3. Tucson
- Why: Tucson offers a balance of urban and natural experiences, with warm winters and plenty of sunshine.
- Activities: Hiking in Saguaro National Park, exploring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and discovering the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Camping: Many RV parks cater to snowbirds with full amenities, and there are also nearby state parks and BLM areas.
4. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Why: This lesser-known national monument near the Mexican border is a desert gem with unique cactus landscapes.
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring the scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert.
- Camping: Twin Peaks Campground offers RV spaces with a remote, quiet atmosphere and no hookups, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.
5. Yuma
- Why: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Yuma is a favorite among winter RVers seeking warmth.
- Activities: Historic sites like the Yuma Territorial Prison, date farm tours, and scenic views along the Colorado River.
- Camping: Yuma has numerous RV parks with full hookups, along with BLM land nearby for boondocking options.
6. Sedona (Lower Elevations)
- Why: Though it’s a bit cooler, Sedona offers stunning red rock scenery that makes winter RVing here unforgettable.
- Activities: Hiking, jeep tours, and exploring art galleries and vortex sites.
- Camping: Several RV parks in the area provide good amenities, but it’s recommended to check conditions as some higher-elevation areas may get snow.
7. Phoenix and Surrounding Areas
- Why: With an abundance of RV resorts and plenty of golf courses, Phoenix is ideal for those who enjoy winter warmth without sacrificing city amenities.
- Activities: Golfing, visiting Desert Botanical Garden, hiking Camelback Mountain, and cultural events.
- Camping: Many RV resorts cater to snowbirds, along with state parks like Lost Dutchman for a more natural setting.
These locations cater to different types of RV’ers, from those seeking peace and nature to those who enjoy more social or urban experiences. Each offers a unique way to enjoy Arizona’s mild winter climate.
In Northern Arizona!
Winter RVing in Northern Arizona can be a magical experience, offering stunning landscapes with fewer crowds. While Northern Arizona generally has cooler temperatures and sometimes snow in winter, certain areas remain accessible and are well-suited for an RV adventure. Here are some of the best places to consider:
1. Sedona (Lower Elevations)
- Why: Sedona’s iconic red rock formations provide incredible winter views, and lower-elevation spots offer milder weather than higher-up areas.
- Activities: Hiking, off-roading, visiting art galleries, and enjoying the town’s vibrant food and wellness scene.
- Camping: Campgrounds like Rancho Sedona RV Park and boondocking areas nearby cater to RVs, though some spots may have limited services during winter.
2. Lake Powell (Page)
- Why: Lake Powell’s beauty is striking in winter, with fewer crowds and open access to the lake and its sandstone formations.
- Activities: Boating (weather permitting), hiking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and exploring Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Camping: Wahweap RV & Campground offers full hookups, and Lone Rock Beach provides primitive camping with lakefront views.
3. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
- Why: The Grand Canyon in winter offers a quieter, more peaceful experience, and the South Rim remains open year-round with milder temperatures than the North Rim.
- Activities: Sightseeing along the South Rim, winter hiking (with precautions), and taking the scenic drive with breathtaking canyon views.
- Camping: Mather Campground (no hookups) is open year-round, and Trailer Village RV Park offers full hookups. Be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow.
4. Prescott
- Why: With a charming historic downtown and mild winter temperatures, Prescott is ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities and local culture without extreme winter cold.
- Activities: Exploring Prescott National Forest, hiking Watson Lake, and enjoying the town’s museums and antique shops.
- Camping: Point of Rocks RV Campground offers scenic spots among the boulders, and there are dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forest.
5. Verde Valley (Cottonwood and Clarkdale)
- Why: Verde Valley provides a milder winter climate with unique geological features and proximity to historic sites and wineries.
- Activities: Touring the historic towns of Jerome and Clarkdale, wine tasting, hiking, and visiting Montezuma Castle.
- Camping: Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort and Dead Horse Ranch State Park offer excellent RV amenities, with beautiful scenery and access to the river.
6. Flagstaff (Lower Elevations)
- Why: While Flagstaff itself can be quite snowy, the surrounding lower-elevation areas offer a range of camping options and beautiful landscapes.
- Activities: Exploring Lava River Cave, Walnut Canyon, and the town’s unique shops and restaurants.
- Camping: Fort Tuthill County Park provides RV camping, and some dispersed camping is available in nearby areas with accessible roads, depending on weather.
7. Winslow
- Why: Known for the “Standin’ on the Corner” park, Winslow offers milder winter temperatures compared to higher elevations and proximity to geological wonders.
- Activities: Day trips to Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest National Park, and Homolovi State Park for petroglyphs.
- Camping: Homolovi State Park offers RV camping with some hookups, and Meteor Crater RV Park provides full hookups with desert views.
8. Tonto National Monument and Roosevelt Lake
- Why: Though technically in the northern transition zone, this area stays relatively warm in winter and has stunning lake and desert views.
- Activities: Exploring the cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument, hiking around Roosevelt Lake, and fishing.
- Camping: Several campgrounds around Roosevelt Lake offer RV-friendly sites with hookups and beautiful lake views.
Winter RVing in Northern Arizona offers a mix of mild climates in certain areas and beautiful winter scenery elsewhere, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty.