Best Places to Camp in the Winter

We kicked off full time RV living in October… right before winter hit in the US. We quickly learned how to handle plummeting temperatures by finding the best places to camp in the winter. When it comes to winter camping (especially boondocking), the key is to chase the warmer weather! This led us to Arizona, California, and Mexico for the winter months. We mostly stayed in Arizona due to the amazing views, open land, and winter temperatures.

Where can you camp in the winter in Arizona?

Campgrounds in northern Arizona close during the winter due to snow and road conditions. There are a few campgrounds in Sedona open year round, but they quickly become crowded. The best places to camp in the winter are in southern Arizona for sunshine and warm days year round.

The best part about winter camping in Arizona is that there is plenty of public and state trust land for boondocking. Between state and federal land, Arizona has boondocking sites for all types of rigs and campers. That being said, not all boondocking is free…

Arizona State Trust Land Permit (individual permit: $15/year; family permit: $20/year)
Tonto Discovery Pass ($80/year – not including discounts for seniors)
Arizona State Park Annual Pass ($75/year)
Visitor Access Permit by Luke Air Force Base (free online permit that requires a 10-min online training video)

This combination of passes will get you to the best winter boondocking campsites and give you access to amazing hiking and recreational areas throughout the state.

Best Arizona Boondocking Spots for the Winter:

Peralta Trails, Superstition Mountains

GPS: N 33.36569, W 111.39625

Permit needed: Arizona State Trust Land

Sunsets are spectacular in these large boondocking spots. Bigger rigs, small vans, and tent campers can find great spots along this well-maintained dirt road. There is a lot of hiking and nature watching, making it one of the best places to camp in the winter.

El Tiro Gliderport ‑ outside of Marana, AZ

GPS: N 32.37689, W 111.38902

Permit needed: none

This is our favorite boondocking spot of all time! It’s the perfect spot for boondocking newbies with well‑maintained roads and plenty of spots on BLM land. It feels like a hybrid between a traditional campground and boondocking spot. The views are spectacular, and it’s good for all RV sizes. Make sure to take El Tiro Road if you’re in an RV because Siverbell has a bridge with only a 6,000 lb limit!

Check out our boondocking vlog to see exactly what this beautiful Arizona site looks like:

Free camping and boondocking in Arizona is easy to find and very accessible for all rigs

Somewhere outside of Maricopa

GPS: N 32.78206, W 112.25479

Permit needed: none

This BLM boondocking spot has easy access down a well-maintained dirt road right off the I-8. The amazing sunrises and privacy make this spot one of the best places to camp in the winter in Arizona. We’ve had great cell service here with both Verizon and AT&T.

The Steps at Lake Havasu

GPS: N 34.33382, W 114.13563

Permit needed: Arizona State Trust Land

If you want views of the water and easy access to nearby state parks, this spot is one of the best in the state. Rigs of all size can easily camp here, and you can find private sites thanks to the step formation of the land. This boondocking spot is perfect for dirt bikers and ATVers in the winter!

Bartlett Flats at Lake Bartlett

GPS: N 33.87575, W 111.61407

Permit needed: Tonto Discovery Pass

Lake Bartlett has beautiful waterfront boondocking and plenty of hiking! It can be chilly in the winter months, but you will enjoy days of sunshine while fishing or kayaking along the water. There is no cell service at this spot, so plan ahead!

Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

GPS: N 32.40389, W 112.91972

Permit needed: Visitor Access Pass from Luke Air Force Base

Set in a national refuge, this spot has plenty of desert wildlife and not a soul in sight. We highly recommend this boondocking campsite for photographers and nature lovers. It’s best for small rigs and tent campers because a high clearance vehicle is needed.

We’ve returned to these sites time and time again because they really are the best places to camp in the winter. After most of the country experienced below freezing temperatures this winter, finding these warm sites is even more important for RVers!