5 Destinations to Drive the Winter Blues Away

After a long winter, nothing gets the blood pumping like the promise of a great RV trip. Sunshine on the blacktop, spring flowers, greening grass, the scent of campfires in the air. Spring is a fantastic way to ease into the camping season, offering smaller crowds, cooler weather, fewer insects and an opportunity for some great wildlife watching. 

Now that you’ve gotten your fifth wheel, travel trailer or other RV ready for the camping season, it’s time to decide on your first trip. To help you decide, RVT is sharing a list of five destinations that will help drive the winter blues away.

Olympic National Park, WA

Sol Duc Waterfalls Olympic National Park, WA

This diverse national park provides a wide variety of experiences, from glacier-topped mountains to rivers, rain forests, hot springs, and beaches. There’s something for everyone in Olympic National Park. 

Top Places to Visit: Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic Peninsula, and Ruby Beach.

Where to Camp—and Why

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground: pet friendly, open April to October, mineral hot springs, universally accessible swimming pool, water and electrical hookups, dump station, maximum RV length 35 feet.

KOA Olympic Peninsula: pet friendly, pull-through sites, dog park, swimming pool, full hookups, playground, laundry, Wi-Fi, dump station, souvenir shop, maximum RV length 70 feet.

Siuslaw National Forest, OR

Thor’s Well, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Siuslaw National Forest, OR

The Siuslaw National Forest is located within the Oregon Coast range and encompasses over 630,000 acres, stretching from Tillamook to Coos Bay along the stunning Oregon Coast. A variety of unique ecosystems are found here, including lush forests and gorgeous beaches. 

Top Places to Visit: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Mary’s Peak.

Where to Camp—and Why

Many developed campgrounds in the Siuslaw National Forest provide RV sites. Most do not provide hookups. Some campgrounds offer pull-through sites but the maximum RV length varies from site to site. There are no dump stations available.

Valley of Fire State Park, NV

Elephant Rock at Valley of Fire State Park, NV

The Valley of Fire State Park is located in the Mojave Desert, and covers 46,000 acres approximately 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Known for its red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and gorgeous hikes, this is one to put on your spring camping trip list. Keep in mind that this area gets extremely hot in summer, so spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit. 

Top Places to Visit: Elephant Rock, Fire Wave, Mouse’s Tank Road, Arch Rock.

Where to Camp—and Why

Atlatl Campground: pet friendly, water/electric hookups, pull through sites, dump station, internet, hot showers, flush toilets, maximum RV length 50 feet.

Arch Rock Campground: dry camping, dump station, flush toilets, maximum RV length about 33 feet.

Bayou Segnette State Park, LA

Foot Bridge Over the Bayou in New Orleans, LA

Encompassing approximately 700 acres, Bayou Segnette State Park is located just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans. This unique area features both swamp and marshland and has plenty to see and do, including hiking, canoeing, birding, fishing, and swamp tours. Keep in mind, you need a Louisiana fishing license if you want to fish. 

Top places to visit: Experience amazing wildflower displays in spring; take a swamp tour; enjoy myriad hikes in the area; get out on the water using your own canoe or kayak (no rentals); enjoy a picnic; or fish in both saltwater and freshwater. Bass, perch, catfish, bream, trout, and redfish have been caught in the area. For a unique urban experience, visit the city of New Orleans.

Where to camp—and Why

Bayou Segnette State Park Campground: water/electric hookups, dump station, picnic area, playground, Wi-Fi.

New Orleans RV Resort and Marina: pet friendly, boat launch, convenience store, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi and cable, dog park, playground.

Hot Springs, AR

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, Hot Springs, AR

Located in the Ouachita Mountains, this small city has much to offer. Known for its hot springs, hiking, mountain biking, and neat shops, Hot Springs, Arkansas has something for everyone from adventure seekers to foodies. Don’t miss the tulip extravaganza in March and April! 

Top Places to Visit: Hot Springs National Park, Magic Springs Water and Theme Park, Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, Gangster Museum of America, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, TNT Fun Play.

Where to Camp—and Why

Hot Springs National Park KOA: landscaped sites with 30 or 50 amp service, swimming pool, cable, Wi-Fi, arcade, laundry, playground, mini golf, convenience and gift store.

Charlton Recreation Area: Some sites have water/electricity/sewer, swimming and wading area, flush toilets, dump station, amphitheater, bathhouse. 

We hope this list of destinations helps you drive away the winter blues while finding some new favorite RV spots to visit. Do you have a favorite spring camping destination? Share it in the comments below!

If you’re looking for a new or used RV to join you on your trip, check out the latest North America-wide listings on RVT.com.