The snow is flying and temperatures have hit rock bottom. What’s a housebound camper to do? Rent a rad RV and hit the road to any one of the following national parks for a warm and sunny respite from the winter doldrums.
Joshua Tree National Park
Located at the confluence of the Mojave and Colorado ecosystems, Joshua Tree National Park hosts not only its namesake tree, but a wide variety of flora and geologic formations. The area was originally visited by Mormons who gave name to the unusual species of tree that grows here. This agave relative has tough leaves that were used by local Native Americans in basket weaving, and ranchers found the wood of use for stout fence posts and fuel.
Joshua Tree is visited every year by enthusiastic rock climbers because of its collection of volcanic deposits. Formations like Skull Rock and Willow Hole provide challenging climbs and scenic backdrops for those of us whose feet remain on the ground. The park sits at the intersection of three fault plates and you can see the effects of earthquakes when viewing the San Andreas, Blue Cut and Pinto Mountain faults.
The fault lines present an intriguing occurrence throughout the park, as well. Five different oases were created when rocks moved along the faults and forced water to the surface. Oasis of Mara is a wonderful example of the life-giving qualities provided for plants and birds here. It lies on the Pinto Mountain Fault and is the location for the park’s visitor center.
A unique set of animals calls this desert home. Chuckwallas, desert tortoises, and the occasional rattlesnake join the red spotted toad and Gambels quail as visitors in an otherwise inhospitable environment. Winter temperatures of 70 degrees are much more inviting for humans here as well.
Night skies put on a show away from the city lights. Nine campgrounds are scattered throughout the park—none have hook ups, but water is available at many, along with flush and pit toilets. So bring your RV, campervan or travel trailer to Joshua Tree for an escape from the bitter cold and the crowded city streets.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is also located in a desert—the Chihuahuan desert. But unlike Joshua Tree, this park is centered around a water source, the “big bend” of the Rio Grande River. The park is a hiker’s dream, with trails to the top of the Chisos Mountains, along the valley floor, and beside the meandering river.
Many visitors find float trips or kayaking on the Rio Grande is a great way to see the park and much of the animal life that calls this corner of Texas home. Bicyclists enjoy over 100 miles of paved roads, as well as 160 miles of dirt road to explore the back country. And fisherman can bag their limit in catfish on the Rio Grande or Terlingua rivers, as no fishing license is required—just a free permit from the park visitor’s center.
There are several scenic drives throughout Big Bend, including the Ross Maxwell drive, where towering mountain vistas lead to deep canyons and historic ranches. Off-road drives for high clearance and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are scattered throughout the park, taking adventurers to primitive campsites, old settlements and the river. This is the park to visit if you’re truly looking to get away from it all.
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit presents 130 million years of geologic history at Big Bend through specimens from the fossil record. Artwork depicting prehistoric animals that once resided in this area are also on display. And if you have a budding paleontologist in the family, they will find listings of fossil locations within the park—just remind them when hiking to these locales that they must leave the fossils in place, so that others can enjoy the “discovery” as well.
Winter temperatures in the park are a little more moderate than some desert spots, with less fluctuation between daytime and night temps. Daytime highs usually hover in the 70’s and the nighttime temps tend to dip to 50 degrees—making for a perfect winter escape.
Camping within the park runs the gamut, with one RV park offering full hook-ups, and three parks offering only drinking water and restrooms. Another option if you are self contained is primitive roadside camping in six different areas. And tent campers can head into the backcountry, where permits are required, but the options are endless.
Everglades National Park
At the southern most tip of Florida lies Everglades National Park. Here, you can enjoy not only relief from winter cold and snow, but you can immerse yourself in a tropical environment. As is the case with many of our national parks, Everglades was created to protect the natural landscape of this unusual region. So explore the canals, forests, marshes, and wetlands during prime season, when animals are more active and temperatures are more comfortable for humans.
Spanning more than 2,400 acres, there is no shortage of space for outdoor activities, and today’s visitor might find themselves kayaking or canoeing through mangrove forests, bicycling on both paved roads and old logging trails, or fishing for snapper and sea trout. Take an airboat ride, or get your feet wet with slough slogging (off-trail hiking).
Of course one of the big draws to the Everglades is the enormous number of birds indigenous to the area. With over 360 species, birding is the “sport” of many who visit this national park. You’ll find everything from spoonbills and egrets to flamingos and the black bellied whistling duck.
You may also come across the Western Indian manatee, and bottlenosed dolphins are known to hang out in the neighborhood. Loggerhead turtles work to keep their burrowed eggs undiscovered by local crocodiles, and over 50 other species of reptiles inhabit the waters of Everglades National Park.
There are two campgrounds within the park that can handle RVs. Flamingo Campground has 41 sites with electric hook-ups and 193 sites without. Long Pine Key Campground has 108 drive up sites with no hook-ups. Backcountry camping is allowed with permits.
Enjoy winter without the cold
It’s not difficult to dream about a winter filled with sunshine and warmth—a winter where you can step outside in short sleeves and flip flops.
Turn your dream into reality when you choose to camp in one of these three fantastic national parks. And if you don’t have your own RV, rent one from Outdoorsy. Pick up your ride in any of these locations and take the chill out of your winter!
