In January, after the glow of the holidays has faded, the reality of winter begins to set in. Cold days. Frigid nights. Icy windshields to greet you in the morning. Many people are overcome with an urge to get as far away from the weather as possible.
Luckily, for RVers, the perfect vehicle might be sitting right in your driveway. If you’re ready to flee, we have selected three National Parks with average January highs over 65 degrees. The parks are all at the extreme ends of the US, so you can put a continent between you and the cold.
Everglades National Park, southern Florida
Average January temperature: High 78, low 54
The Everglades National Park covers the southern tip of Florida. The park protects a unique tropical ecosystem consisting of wetlands and forests. It is a wildlife paradise, and it is home to many iconic and endangered animals, including Florida panthers, manatees, alligators, crocodiles, and dozens of birds, amphibians, and fish. There are several hiking and biking trails for visitor to watch for birds and wildlife. Canoers and kayakers can paddle through the park’s many lakes and ponds. If you willing to get muddy, the park offers off-trail Slough Slog tours in which participants are guided through the wetlands themselves. It also offers guided boat, airboat and tram tours.
Camping: The park has two campgrounds that can accommodate RVs.
- Long Pine Key Campground: Open Nov 15 – May 31. First come/first serve. Sites are $20 per night. Dump station with water fill, but no hook-ups
- Flamingo Campground: Open year-round. Reservations needed Nov 20 to April 15. RV sites, which include electrical hook-up, are $30 per night.
Big Bend National Park, southwestern Texas
Average January temperature: High 70, low 37
Big Bend National Park is a remote desert in West Texas that straddles the Mexican border along the Rio Grande. The park has been designated as a “dark-sky preserve,” meaning it is one of the few places in the country free from light pollution. Here, stargazers can see an unblemished night sky like nowhere else. During the day, the Chihuahuan Desert and Chisos Mountains create breathtakingly austere Western landscapes. Hiking trails are available to explore the desert and mountains, and river trips on the Rio Grande offer stunning views of mountains, bluffs, and canyons, as well as unique glimpses at local wildlife. The park also features over 100 miles of paved roads so you can explore the area in your RV.
Camping: For RVer’s, the best option is the Rio Grande Village RV campground. Open year-round. Full water, electric and sewer hook ups. Sites are $33 double occupancy and $3 charge for additional people
Death Valley National Park, southern California
Average January temperature: High 67, low 40
Death Valley National Park may be best enjoyed during the winter, as summer temperatures can reach 100+ degrees for days on end. The rugged and starkly beautiful landscape features the lowest point in North America, and its barren salt flats are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. From the rock salt spires of the Devil’s Golf Course to the panoramic views at Zabriskie Point, the park offers geological wonders that can be found nowhere else. Hiking and mountain biking trails are plentiful. The park also provides guided tours for those seeking the expert knowledge of the rangers.
Camping: Death Valley offers several camping options, and one of the most popular for RVers is Furnace Creek Campground. Sites with hook-ups are $36.
Shopping for a new towable RV this year? Need some help deciding what style is best for you? Check out our free towable RV guide!
