Embracing Off-Season RV Travel

Embracing Off-Season RV Travel
Tips for making the most of non-peak RVing trips.

By: Brooke Baum

While you won't find empty roads and abandoned national parks when summer is officially over, the end of the season does mark a shift in RV travel. Of course, the most popular destinations will usually still need advanced reservations; however, you'll find that other great RVing locations across the country are much less busy and easier to book once peak season ends. Traveling during off-peak times isn't possible for everyone, but if you do have that flexibility, there are some huge perks!

Benefits of Off-Season RV Travel

• Fewer Crowds: At campgrounds, national parks, and other popular destinations, you can often expect much less competition for campsites outside of peak season. However, some destinations never really slow down, so do your research on the best time to visit if you do hope to have fewer crowds. Read tips for visiting national parks here.
• Lower Costs: You can find some great deals for camping in the off-season, especially if sticking around places with colder weather. However, just make sure your destination remains open to visitors because some campgrounds further north do close seasonally.
• More Spontaneity: With fewer crowds and lower costs, you are able to be more spontaneous with your travel plans. It is always a good idea to have some boondocking backups, but you likely won't need to book months in advance like in summer. 
• Unique Seasonal Experiences: Continuing your RV adventures in fall, winter, and spring can offer some great opportunities to see new or favorite places from a different perspective. You could also plan around seasonal natural events and festivals.

What is the Off-Season for RV Travel?

With modern RVs providing the ability for comfortable winter camping, there really isn't a time of year that you won't see other RVers out on the road and enjoying their favorite campsites. However, the vast majority of RV travel still takes place over the summer since the weather is ideal in popular northern locations and kids are on break from school. The RV Industry Association reported that 92% of current RV owners that they surveyed intended to plan trips in the summer of 2025! For certain bucket-list RV destinations, like Alaska, the warmer months of the year are also the most practical time to visit to avoid extreme conditions. 

However, peak season varies greatly depending on the location. For example, many destinations for viewing fall foliage or other natural wonders get busy during that time and should be booked in advance. Campgrounds and roads also often become busier around the holiday season since many people are out on trips to visit family.

Here is what is considered off-season for each region of the U.S.:

Off-Season RVing in the Northeast: This area is very popular in summer and through October for fall foliage. Shoulder season is mid-April through May and mid-October to early November. Off-season usually begins in mid-November through mid-April; however, you will encounter more extreme winter weather during this time, and many campgrounds close for the season. If you do plan to RV here in winter, you will need an RV that is fully prepped and capable of handling extreme winter conditions, and you will likely need to boondock.

Off-Season RVing in the Southeast: With RVing "snowbirds" migrating south each winter, peak season for this region is from November through March, when there is snow and freezing temperatures up north. Shoulder season is from April through May and September through October. However, be sure to consider spring break and other holidays that may increase the prices and crowds. The off-season is from June to August, when this area is hotter and hurricanes are likely to disrupt travel.

Off-Season RVing in the Pacific Northwest: With rainy weather being common most of the year in the PNW, summer months are very popular, with peak season usually running from June through September. Shoulder season is in spring from April to May and in fall from September to October. Off-season in the PNW is from November through March, but definitely expect a lot of rain, icy conditions in colder weather, and for some campgrounds at higher elevations to close.

Off-Season RVing in the Southwest: Due to extreme heat, the peak season in this region is actually the opposite of most of the rest of the U.S. and takes place from October through April. Shoulder season is from late April through May and September through early October. Off-season is during the hot summer months of June through early September; however, due to the extreme heat, this isn't a popular area for RVers during the hottest times of year. If you do plan to visit, be sure you have a plan to stay cool and safe in the hot temperatures. 

Off-Season RVing in the Midwest: Peak season is usually from May through September, and off-season is November through April due to the cold winter weather. Shoulder season is usually from late April to early May and late September through October.

Off-Season RVing in the South Central Region: Places like South Texas tend to have peak season when the hot summer months have ended, from October through March, while places further north may have a shorter peak season. Shoulder season is around April to May and September to October. Off-season is in the hot, hot summer from June through August. Be sure to prepare and be safe if visiting during these extreme conditions. 

Tips for Embracing Off-Season RV Travel

1. Avoid Extreme Weather

When off-season camping in your RV, it is important to keep a watchful eye on the weather since changes can happen quickly. Use sites like Weather Underground or NOAA to stay updated, but also know what to do if you get stuck in inclement weather unexpectedly. Sudden snowstorms, heavy rain, or high winds can quickly turn a pleasant trip into a risky situation.

Make sure your RV is properly insulated and that your heating system is functioning well. Carry essentials like tire chains, extra propane, blankets, and a weather radio. It’s also smart to brush up on winter driving techniques and know what to do if you find yourself stranded. This article has some great tips for dealing with winter storms when RVing. 

2. Check Park and Campground Schedules

Some facilities may have reduced hours or will close entirely in winter. Look for year-round campgrounds or ones with winterized hookups when planning your off-season travel. Note that visitor centers may also have reduced hours, dump stations may be closed, and water hookups might be shut off to prevent freezing. 

3. Look for Seasonal Reviews

Not all online reviews reflect off-season experiences. A glowing review from someone who visited in July might not be relevant if you're planning a January trip. When reading reviews, be sure to see when people stayed at the campgrounds or boondocking spots you are considering so you can have realistic expectations for your visit.

4. Plan for Fewer Daylight Hours

In fall and winter, the days can be significantly shorter, especially the further north you travel. It’s easy to underestimate how fast the light fades in the late afternoon, which can be a safety concern if you’re setting up camp or driving unfamiliar roads. Knowing the local sunrise and sunset times at your destination can help you better plan driving, hiking, and camp setup times. 

5. Check for Road Closures and Maintenance

Off-season is often when road work and park maintenance take place, especially in areas with fewer visitors. Some scenic routes, mountain passes, or unpaved access roads may be closed due to snow, mud, or repairs. Before heading out, visit local DOT websites, the National Park Service, or apps like AllTrails to check for closures, detours, or alerts. This is especially crucial if you’re boondocking or heading into remote areas where alternative routes may be limited.

5 Great Off-Season RVing Destinations

To get you excited for planning your RV travels in the off-season (or shoulder-season), here is a list of some top places to consider: 

1. National Parks in Utah: Seeing a dusting of snow on the iconic red rocks at the various national parks in Utah, like Arches and Bryce Canyon, makes for a memorable visit and gorgeous photos. In addition to fewer visitors and more camping availability, you also don't have to worry about the timed-entry booking system during this time (active from April to October in some parks)! Read about destinations in Utah outside the national parks for even better chances of fewer crowds.
2. Pacific Coast Highway: Taking this iconic California route in the off-season (December to February) means cooler temperatures, less traffic, and a more enjoyable trip!
3. Florida's Gulf Coast: If you are still craving some beach time in the winter, this area usually still has pleasant weather over winter and is much less busy than more popular areas, like the Florida Keys, during this time.
4. Southern Desert Escapes: Places like Sedona, AZ, and Joshua Tree National Park in California make for great destinations in the winter months. The weather is cooler, and you can enjoy the natural beauty with fewer crowds.
5. Texas Hill Country: This is a hidden gem for fall foliage and also offers some great wine tours. Crowds thin out after the summer season and when it is not wildflower season.

If you have more off-season RVing destinations or tips to share, please do so in the comments!