Arizona is one of the best places to roam in your RV and explore everything nature offers year-round. As fall turns into winter, Arizona is a warm escape for snowbirds heading south and for locals who want to explore all the magnificent sights.
Arizona is a premier tourism destination in the winter. With the milder climate and crisp air, you can still feel the sun on your skin. Most of the warmest areas are in western and southern Arizona, while the upper half of the state sees moderate snowfall. So, pack the family and the dog and explore our top recommendations for eight of the best places to RV in Arizona in the winter.
One of America’s most visited national parks is the Grand Canyon. You can get lost in the 360° sweeping views of the gorge. 90% of travelers visit the South Rim, the “Arizona” side of the Grand Canyon, which is open year-round while the North Rim is closed for winter.
Pack a jacket, gloves and some warm blankets. Winter temps in the canyon average around 60° F and it can snow several inches. If you love snow, you’ll enjoy the beautiful white powdery dusted ridges along the canyon. Keep an eye out for sightings of Mule deer and Elk, who fill out their coats to keep warm.
You can park your RV at Mather Campground and TrailerVillage. Both are in Grand Canyon Village in the South Rim.
Also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs, Arizona Hot Springs is a welcome spot to get toasty in nature’s hot tub on a cold winter’s day. The site is near the Colorado River along the Nevada-Arizona border, south of the Hoover Dam. Bring a few bottles of water. It’s about a five-mile intermediate level hike to get to the springs.
The springs are safe to relax in, but the National Park Service warns to keep your head above water as there’s a slight danger from an amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri.
Directions: From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 east 8.4 miles (4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). Watch for the sign to the trailhead.
There are many RV parks where you can set up camp that surround Lake Mead, including Canyon Trail RV Park, Lake Mead RV Village and Willow Beach Campground & RV Park.
Between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Rancho Sedona RV Park is a destination all on its own. Sitting on ten wooded acres, a canopy of tall Sycamore and Cottonwood trees provide shade at this resort-style park. Oak Creek runs through the grounds, where kids can inner tube and splash around. The park is clean and offers so many wonderful amenities such as full RV hookups, bathrooms, laundry, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, electricity and cable TV.
The RV park is within walking distance to some of the best dining, shops, art galleries, spas and golfing in picturesque Sedona. The town is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its majestic red rock formations and natural trails.
Bask in the year-round sun in wonderful Yuma. This is one of the best places to visit in the winter. Between 80,000 and 100,000 snowbirds flock here every winter. Temperatures between December and February average around 70° F, especially since the town is nestled among the Colorado River near the Mexico border.
There are tons of outdoor parks, trails, shopping, dining and Southwestern culture to immerse yourself in. Travel back in time to the heydays of an old 1870s mining town at the Castle Dome Mine Museum. West of Yuma, drive to the Imperial Sand Dunes. Spanning 70 miles, the dunes serve as the scenic backdrop for popular film locations such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
Some nearby campgrounds include Desert Paradise RV Resort, Arizona West RV Park and Blue Sky Ranch RV Park.
Straddling Arizona’s western border, Lake Havasu City is the second home to the world-famous London Bridge. The 10,000 ton structure was moved from the River Thames in London, England to Lake Havasu City in 1968. The London Bridge is the second largest tourist attraction in Arizona after the Grand Canyon. Lake Havasu City is a great place for boating, fishing, hiking and biking. The average temperature during Winter here is around 65° F, so expect crisp days and cool nights.
Nearby campgrounds and RV parks include Lake Havasu State Park, Sam’s Beachcomber Resort, Crazy Horse Campgrounds and Havasu Springs Resort.
Tucson is a prime Sonoran Desert destination famous for its Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Feast on the fare from El Charro Cafe, one of best authentic Sonoran-style restaurants in the city. Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona after Phoenix, which typically sees temps in the 60s during the winter
The state parks in the area are worth visiting. Saguaro National Park is only 10 miles west of Tucson. The park covers 92,000 acres of beautiful Sonoran desert terrain, including the giant iconic postcard Saguaro cactus. While here, visit the San Xavier Del Bac Mission. Founded in 1692 and dubbed the ‘White Dove of the Desert’, the Catholic mission is a National Historic Landmark.
Many RV parks and campgrounds surround the Tucson metro, including Prince of Tucson RV Park, Tra-Tel Tucson RV Park and Sentinel Peak RV Park.
For a relaxing experience, Patagonia Lake State Park is the perfect weekend getaway. The 250 acre lake draws visitors for all kinds of recreational activities, including fishing, camping, boating and hiking. You’ll find outstanding trails and scenery around the park and be sure to rent kayaks and pontoons to take in the serenity of the open water. Lookout for colorful birds, butterflies and dragonflies around the lake.
You can either rent cabins or choose from over 100 campsites that come with a picnic table, BBQ grill and parking for up to two vehicles. Most spots accommodate any size RV.
A hidden gem along the Arizona-Mexico border, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a UNESCO biosphere reserve that covers 517 square miles. This is the only place in the U.S. where the Senita and Organ Pipe Cactus grow wild. Winter temps in the area range between the mid-60s to low 70s.
Here, you can take in the natural landscape on scenic hikes near your campsite and on long drives on the road. The Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile scenic drive through the monument where you’ll see ancient painted rocks and stunning desert views. Campgrounds in the area include Twin Peaks Campground, Gunsight Wash and the Alamo Canyon Campground.
You can see why Arizona is a prime destination to explore the great outdoors. With wide open spaces and comfortable winter weather, adventure awaits RV-goers at every turn! If you plan to visit from out of state or live here and want to explore the back roads, we can help guide you with your itinerary. When you’re not on the open road and need a place to store your RV, consider I-10 RV Storage as your camper’s destination to hang up the keys and rest… until your next adventure!
