Winter can be fun, but not everyone loves snow and freezing temperatures. If you find yourself in a frigid spot this time of year and are looking for an escape, look no further than the national parks below.
Each one features sunnier skies, bright hikes, and terrific outdoors’ing. With each park featured, we’ll also break out the most popular spots to see and a fun road trip to take on the way.
Take a look and start planning your escape.
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades is a jungle-style escape that’ll dramatically change scenery if you’re coming from anywhere north of The Panhandle. The park is home to rare and endangered species like the American crocodile, manatee, and elusive Florida panther.
Video: Guide to Everglades National Park
Why it’s perfect for winter: The Everglades’ subtropical climate makes winter the ideal time to visit. Plus, winter is the best time for wildlife spotting—alligators, manatees, and a dazzling array of birds are out in droves.
Must-Sees
- Shark Valley — Tram tours and bike rides are the way to take in this spot. There’s also an observation tower for a bird’s eye view.
- Flamingo Area — Go kayaking through mangroves and explore saltwater marshes.
- Anhinga Trail — A short walk filled with wildlife sightings.
RV Campgrounds
- Flamingo Campground — Offers RV sites with electrical hookups. Wake up to serene landscapes and bird calls.
- Long Pine Key Campground — A more wooded setting, ideal for those who enjoy a quieter environment.
Road Trip Idea
Using Orlando as a launch point, take in some of Florida’s most iconic sights as you head to The Everglades:
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is in an extraordinarily remote part of The Lone Star State, but that’s part of its appeal. Given that it shares a border with Mexico, you know it also offers plenty of sunshine and warm settings for adventuring.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Winter transforms Big Bend into an oasis of mild temperatures and endless blue skies, making it ideal for hiking and exploring. The expansive canyons and dramatic desert scenery make this place one of a kind.
Winter temps are mild too, so you’ll be perfectly comfortable as you soak in sunshine on the trail.
Must-Sees
- Santa Elena Canyon: Hike or paddle along the Rio Grande’s dramatic cliff walls.
- Big Bend Hot Springs: Soak in natural hot springs in a hidden corner of the park.
- Chisos Basin: Perfect for hiking and panoramic mountain vistas.
RV Campgrounds
- Rio Grande Village RV Campground: Full hookups and nearby access to scenic spots.
- Cottonwood Campground: More rustic but incredibly peaceful.
Road Trip Idea
Begin in San Antonio, and head west through charming small towns like Del Rio and Alpine before reaching the park. Don’t forget to detour for some Tex-Mex cuisine!
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is a desert retreat built for winter escapes. The otherworldly Joshua Trees, world-class rock climbing, sun-kissed trails, and starry skies combine for restorative adventuring.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Winter days in Joshua Tree are sunny and pleasant, averaging in the 60s, so you can comfortably set out on a hike or a climb. Camping there is spectacular too because the nights are just the right temperature to enjoy ‘round a campfire.
Must-Sees
- Hidden Valley Trail: A breathtaking walk through boulders and iconic Joshua trees.
- Keys View: A panoramic vista overlooking Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.
- Cholla Cactus Garden: A mesmerizing spot to catch sunrise or sunset.
RV Campgrounds
- Black Rock Campground: This RV-friendly campground is one of the few that’s centrally located in the park and one of the only ones where big rigs can fit.
- Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground: A private campground with hookups and a concert venue just outside the park.
Road Trip Idea
Escape Salt Lake City’s winter grip and blast down the I-15 for warmer pastures. Check out cool stops like The Hoover Dam along the way. Try out the Hicksville Trailer Palace for a fun, glamping-style stay in Joshua Tree.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
The mighty Saguaro Cactus is a spectacular testament to the power of Mother Nature. These bad mama jamas are some of the tallest cacti in the world, with the largest ever reaching up to 78 feet. Saguaro National Park is home to more than anywhere in the world. It’s also the perfect desert escape from the winter chill.
At Saguaro National Park, the winds will sing and the sunsets will steal your heart
Why it’s perfect for winter: Saguaro National Park’s mild winter weather—with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s—makes it the perfect time to admire its iconic cacti. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular.
Must-Sees
- Signal Hill: Explore ancient petroglyphs etched into stone.
- Cactus Forest Drive: A scenic loop perfect for photos.
- Tanque Verde Ridge Trail: An advanced-level hike with gorgeous desert views and wildflowers along the way.
RV Campgrounds
- Gilbert Ray Campground — Located just outside the national park, this RV campground features electric hookups, desert vistas, and easy access to all sorts of outdoors’ing.
- Catalina State Park — Just outside the park, with full hookups and access to hiking trails.
Road Trip Idea
Skip out on the snows in Flagstaff for an easy drive down the I-10 to see these desert beauties.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley has set the stage for dramatic desert scenes like Tatooine, Luke’s home in the original Star Wars. Its secluded landscapes and scenic drives make it a worthy winter escape anytime you’re in the Southwest.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Given its ability to melt car tires in summer, the ‘hottest place on earth’ is best absorbed during winter. During that time, temps average in the 60s and 70s allowing you to take in the epic hiking trails and dramatic landscapes that abound here.
Must-See Attractions
- Badwater Basin: Walk on the salt flats at the lowest point in North America.
- Zabriskie Point: Marvel at colorful badlands during sunrise.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Try some sand sledding and snap photos that define desert-scapes.
RV Campgrounds
- Furnace Creek Campground: This full-hookup RV spot is right in the national park, providing easy access to all the top spots.
- Stovepipe Wells Campground: Sweeping views of Death Valley and the dunes are hallmarks of this RV campground. No hookups at this one, so be sure you’re ready to boondock.
A campervan road trip to Death Valley with a 3-month-old and a toddler
Road Trip Idea
Start in Las Vegas and take Highway 95 West, passing quirky stops like the Area 51 Alien Center before entering the park. Don’t miss a stop at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a breathtaking part of Utah’s Mighty Five known for its towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant desert landscapes, and lush river valleys. Its unique blend of dramatic scenery and diverse ecosystems makes it a must-see.
Why it’s perfect for winter: With highs in the 50s and 60s, you can comfortably take in the sights and hike the hikes without worrying about the thick summer crowds.
Must-Sees
- The Narrows — Explore the Virgin River’s slot canyons on this hike.
- Angels Landing — Experience breathtaking views on this advanced-level hike.
- Canyon Overlook Trail — A short, rewarding hike with incredible panoramas.
RV Campgrounds
- Watchman Campground — Get easy access to the park’s shuttle at this picturesque campground.
- Zion River Resort — This nearby private RV park offers full hookups and
Road Trip Idea
Escape the chill of Salt Lake City by zipping down the I-15 and hitting some fun stops along the way.
Whether escaping the snow or simply craving an outdoor adventure, these national parks offer sunshine, warmth, and awe-inspiring adventures. Pack up the RV or the car and get ready to jet out beyond Father Winter’s reach.
And when you need help planing a trip, check out our Autopilot AI trip planner. It uses data from over 38 million real-life road trips to build a customizable trip to match your starting point and travel style.
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