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Feb 8th 2021
Migration, News & Events

41 Ski Resorts Where You Can Camp in the Parking Lot

By Sara Sheehy

When the snow starts to fall, some people button up their campers and dream of warmer days ahead. For others, the fun is just beginning.

Truck camper parked in a ski resort parking lot
49° North Mountain Resort RV Parking Lot in Chewelah, WA – Photo by: Mike S

Whether you’re chasing the next snowstorm in search of a powder day or looking for a way to cut costs while on a ski weekend, there are many ski resorts that are ready to welcome you and your winter-ready rig to their parking lot or on-site campground. For serious powder hounds, you might piece together an epic month (or more!) of slopeside lodgings all from the snug comfort of your camper.

About Camping at Ski Resorts and Mountains

Think of camping at ski resorts as a bit like casino camping—some places allow it (and many do not), so you should always check in at the front desk before you park. There will likely be a short stay limit of 1 to 3 days, and there likely won’t be any amenities. But hey, sleeping spitting distance from the lift, ensconced in the warmth of your rig, is a pretty good amenity, right?

Before you pack your skis and hit the road, it’s important to give your camper an honest evaluation to make sure that it’s as ready for winter experiences as you are. A few campers roll off the assembly line ready for all-season travel, but the vast majority are designed for use in more temperate weather. Camping at the ski hill is no fun if your camper can’t stay above 40 degrees, your pipes are frozen, and you’re stuck in a snowbank.

Here are a few questions to ask before you pack up for a ski camping adventure:

  • Are your camper walls insulated for winter temperatures?
  • If you’re planning to use your plumbing, is the system properly insulated to keep your pipes from freezing? What about your gray and black water tanks?
  • Is your heating system equipped to handle the forecasted weather?
  • If there is a big storm while you’re camped, does your tow vehicle or campervan have four-wheel drive and high enough clearance to get out of the parking lot?

If you’ve answered “yes” to the above questions, it sounds like you may be ready. Now, where will you go?

Ski Resort Camping in Canada

With jagged peaks, consistent snow, and slopes just begging to be skied, the Canadian Rockies are a destination for skiers on both sides of the border.

Summit Central Lot at Snoqualmie Ski Resort in Snoqualmie Pass, WA – Photo by: ITSheff

Ski Resort Camping in Washington

Washington is home to Mount Baker Ski Area, which is known for the record-breaking amounts of powder that land on its slopes each year. A handful of other Evergreen State ski resorts welcome campers to their snowy lots, too.

Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort RV Lot
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort RV Lot in Mount Hood, OR – Photo by: wealwaysWAnder

Ski Resort Camping in Oregon

Skiing on volcanoes? Welcome to Oregon. Make yourself comfortable in the lots of Oregon’s most famous ski resorts—Mount Hood and Mount Bachelor—along with two others.

Ski Resort Camping in California

Beautiful winter weather and alpine scenery await at California’s ski hills and mountains. While most don’t allow for overnight parking, Dodge Ridge welcomes campers to their year-round, on-site campground.

Brundage Mountain RV Parking Lot in Mcall, ID – Photo by: Mike S

Ski Resort Camping in Idaho

Idaho’s long winter and high elevation make for excellent skiing and boarding, and its under-the-radar status results in a complete lack of lift lines.

Ski Resort Camping in Montana

Montana’s big, bluebird skies make any day on the slopes a day worth traveling for. Add in quirky, active ski town residents, and you have the makings of an epic trip.

Ski Resort Camping in Wyoming

While world-famous Jackson Hole does not allow camping, just on the other side of the Tetons lies quiet and scenic Grand Targhee Resort. If you know—you know.

Ski Resort Camping in Utah

“The greatest snow on Earth” is Ski Utah’s slogan and across the state, many ski resorts live up to this lofty title with varied runs, regular dumps of powder, and views to impress.

Ski Resort Camping in Colorado

None of Colorado’s major resorts welcome campers, but if you’re willing to get a bit off the beaten path, you can rest your head within spitting distance of the lifts at these ski hills.

Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico in Angel Fire, NM – Photo by: Nsorgatz

Ski Resort Camping in New Mexico

Enjoy a weekend (or more!) of camping and skiing in the Land of Enchantment.

Ski Resort Camping in Michigan

Michigan offers a surprising amount of ski terrain well-suited for families, beginners, and those looking to soak in the welcoming and relaxed vibes of this Great Lake state. 

Ski Resort Camping in Maine

Make your way to Maine for plenty of terrain to carve and a down-home vibe at two of the Northeast’s most well-known ski resorts. Be sure to pack extra layers—it gets cold in this coastal state!

Ski Resort Camping in Vermont

Skiing in the Green Mountain State offers a little bit of everything, from world-class resorts to community ski hills with a rope tow and plenty of character. 

Cannon Mountain in Franconia, NH – Photo by: Wherearedaveanddar

Ski Resort Camping in New Hampshire

Whether you’re looking to stack up days of epic vertical at Cannon Mountain or cruise down the more kid-friendly slopes of Gunstock Mountain Resort, New Hampshire offers up ski resort camping for any level of skier.

Did we miss a ski resort that welcomes campers? Tell us in the comments!

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CaliforniaCanadaColoradoIdahoMaineMichiganMigrationMontanaNew HampshireNew MexicoOregonUtahVermontWashingtonWinter CampingWyoming

Meet the Author

Sara Sheehy

Sara is a freelance writer who loves dirt roads, alpine meadows, hot springs, and powder days. When not on the road, she lives in the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho.

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