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Ultimate Guide to Christmas Camping Across America’s Top Winter Destinations

This holiday season, trade the ordinary for extraordinary and immerse yourself in sparkling lights, festive Christmas markets, snow-dusted landscapes, and warm weather coastal escapes while camping in some of America’s most enchanting winter destinations. Across destinations like Pigeon Forge, Branson, Leavenworth, and Jim Thorpe, towns come alive with holiday festivals, Christmas markets, and immersive light displays, while nearby forests, mountains, and trails invite winter hikes, snowshoeing, and skiing. Off-season camping opens up access to unique stays, from high demand mountain-view RV sites and forested tent sites to unique glamping and luxury vacation rentals, making it easier to plan group trips, savor festive celebrations, and celebrate in storybook natural settings.

Pigeon Forge Camping

Pigeon Forge, TN

The holiday season in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is nothing short of magical as the entire mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland. Dollywood’s Christmas is a must-see, featuring millions of sparkling lights, holiday shows, and festive treats that fill the air with cheer. The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights traverses through town with glowing displays of snowflakes, forests, and holiday scenes, while local theaters host seasonal productions that seamlessly fuse holiday stories and rich regional history. Meander through unique artisan shops for one-of-a-kind gifts, sip hot cocoa by the fire, and soak in the picture perfect Smoky Mountain backdrops that look like something right out of a holiday greeting card. Explore top Pigeon Forge campgrounds below with mountain view RV sites, unique glamping accommodations, resort amenities, and access to the area’s best Great Smoky Mountains experiences.

Where to stay

Roamstead

Cosby, TN

Tucked into towering pines and majestic hardwoods, Roamstead is the perfect winter retreat in the Smoky Mountains for your Pigeon Forge Christmas getaway. The campground offers cabins, heated yurts, RV sites, and tent sites nestled among the forest. In the winter, guests can enjoy heated bathhouses and a community lodge, then head out for crisp mountain hikes on trails like the Laurel Falls Trail, Abrams Falls Trail, or scenic loops in Cosby Creek and explore the snow-dusted landscapes and winter wildlife of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Camp Leconte Luxury Outdoor Resort

Gatlinburg, TN

This luxury RV resort near Pigeon Forge offers a one-of-a-kind winter escape with RV sites, tent sites, glamping safari tents, cottages, treehouses, and vintage RV rentals nestled in the forested Smoky Mountains. Guests can enjoy heated bathhouses and a cozy community lodge for social gatherings, then head out for winter adventures like horseback riding through snow-dusted forests, ice skating and tubing at Ober Gatlinburg, and the SkyLift Park skybridge for panoramic winter views of the Smokies.

Pigeon Forge RV Resort

Pigeon Forge, TN

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains and just minutes from Pigeon Forge Christmas attractions, Pigeon Forge RV Resort boasts spacious RV sites with full hookups, concrete pads, and picnic areas perfect for holiday bonding. Guests can relax and recharge with modern bathhouses, a camp store, and communal fire pits before heading out for winter adventures like snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and scenic views from Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. With Dollywood and downtown Pigeon Forge just a short drive away, visitors are close to dazzling holiday lights, seasonal shows, and the best Great Smoky Mountains winter activities for a one of a kind Christmas camping getaway.

Branson, MO

The holiday season in Branson, Missouri is a dazzling celebration of winter splendor, transforming the Ozarks town into a whimsical festival of lights and music. Visit Silver Dollar City theme park for An Old Time Christmas, featuring millions of lights, a broadway style production of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and unique culinary experiences that fuse seasonal staples with local flavors. Branson’s stately Americana theaters host seasonal productions of classic Christmas tales featuring immersive sets, live orchestras, and Branson’s signature live entertainment style. Stroll along the brightly decorated streets, explore unique shops for holiday gifts, and enjoy the Ozark Mountain backdrop that adds a scenic charm to the festivities. Discover top Branson campgrounds below, offering roomy RV sites, distinctive stays like glamping wagons, premium amenities, and easy access to premier Ozark Mountain outdoor adventures.

Where to stay

America’s Best Campground

Branson Township, MO

Tucked into the serene setting of the Ozarks, America’s Best Campground offers peaceful camping near Branson with full-hookup RV sites, inviting cabins, and glamping wagons equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and outdoor fire tables. Guests can enjoy nearby winter activities such as ice skating at the nearby Big Cedar Lodge rink and tubing at Snowflex Park, or explore over 200 miles of scenic hiking trails in the Ozarks. 

Branson Lakeside RV Park

Branson, MO

This Branson RV park is a great winter escape with RV sites featuring deluxe patios, fire pits, and picnic tables along Lake Taneycomo. Guests can enjoy year-round amenities, including heated restrooms and showers, high-speed internet, and easy access to fishing docks and lakefront activities. The park’s proximity to Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson provides convenient access to winter attractions such as the Branson Landing Fountain Show, and Ozark hiking trails offer moderate hikes through oak and hickory forests to scenic overlooks with panoramic lake and valley views, and opportunities to spot local wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of wintering songbirds.

Landing View Campground

Branson, MO

Landing View Campground is the perfect winter retreat for a Branson Christmas getaway, with full-hookup RV sites right on scenic Lake Taneycomo that put you close to Branson’s festive cheer. Heated bathhouses, on-site laundry, and WiFi make staying warm and connected easy, while the surrounding area invites winter adventures like ice fishing, birdwatching, and crisp hikes along forested trails. Nearby, visitors can explore the Ozark Mountains’ winter scenery, from scenic drives with panoramic overlooks to spotting deer and bald eagles for the perfect mix of seasonal outdoor charm and Christmas cheer.

Orlando, FL

Orlando, Florida, sparkles with holiday wonder each season, turning the city into a festive playground of dazzling lights, lively parades, and immersive seasonal experiences across its world-famous theme parks and entertainment districts. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld host elaborate holiday events, featuring spectacular light displays, heartwarming theatrical productions, and character-themed interactive celebrations to enchant visitors of all ages. Local entertainment venues like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts light up the holidays with beautifully staged Christmas tales, musical extravaganzas, and live orchestra performances. Journey along Orlando’s brightly decorated International Drive, where holiday-themed pop-ups line the street, browse specialty shops offering handcrafted ornaments, seasonal treats, and unique gifts, and soak in Florida’s sunny, palm-lined backdrop for a warm colorful twist on holiday season scenery. Explore top picks for Orlando campgrounds below for RV sites, upscale cabins, resort pools, all centrally located to the city’s premier holiday attractions.

Where to stay

Sun Retreats Orlando Champions Gate

Davenport, FL

This elite RV park near Orlando puts you right in the heart of holiday fun with full-hookup RV sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and on-site amenities like the resort-style pool, splash pad, and mini-golf for some playful outdoor fun. Campers can take advantage of the on-site mini-golf, nature trails, and playgrounds to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Just a short drive away, Lake Louisa State Park beckons with its six beautiful lakes, including Lake Louisa, Dixie Lake, and Hammond Lake, offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing amidst scenic landscapes. Nearby trails such as the Champions Gate – Oak Island Trail offer immersive experiences through Central Florida’s natural beauty.

Kissimmee RV Park

Kissimmee, FL

Camp near Orlando with full-hookup RV sites with concrete patios and picnic tables, providing a comfortable base for a Christmas getaway. Guests can enjoy on-site amenities such as a heated pool, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and a recreation hall for holiday gatherings. Nearby, visitors can explore outdoor attractions like Lake Kissimmee State Park, which offers over 13 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for boating and fishing, as well as Shingle Creek Regional Park, known for its scenic trails and migratory wildlife.

Cypress Campground & RV Park

Winter Haven,  FL

Find your home base for Orlando Christmas camping with RV sites and cabins right in the heart of Florida’s scenic lake country, making it a prime spot for a festive Christmas escape. Guests can dive into fun with a heated pool, mini-golf, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and a clubhouse complete with billiards and darts. Just beyond the campground, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Chain of Lakes Trail, winding past 16 scenic, canal-connected lakes, or visit the stunning Bok Tower Gardens with its iconic bell tower and lush gardens, while families can enjoy nearby LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park for a holiday getaway to remember.

Southern California

Southern California is a holiday playground where sparkling lights illuminate iconic streets, theme parks dazzle with festive shows, and coastal towns and inland cities hum with seasonal cheer and family-friendly events. Theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and SeaWorld San Diego go all out for the holidays, dazzling visitors with millions of lights, spectacular parades, immersive stage shows, themed rides, character meet-and-greets, seasonal food and drinks, and interactive experiences that bring beloved holiday stories to life for guests of all ages. Local theaters and entertainment venues across Los Angeles and Orange County showcase holiday musicals, classic Christmas stories, and high-energy performances with live orchestras and holiday choreography. Wander along iconic streets like Hollywood Boulevard or Anaheim’s Downtown Disney, where holiday displays, seasonal pop-ups, and specialty shops offering gifts, ornaments, and treats fill the air with cheer. Explore top campgrounds near Los Angeles for beachfront RV sites, cozy cabins, and tent sites for an unforgettable holiday home base and access to Southern California’s most popular holiday attractions and coastal experiences.

Where to stay

Surf Outpost

Malibu, CA

This RV park near Los Angeles is perched on a scenic coastal bluff with sweeping Pacific Ocean views, offering waterfront RV sites and tent camping for a unique SoCal flair to your Christmas camping getaway. Guests can enjoy amenities such as modern bathrooms and showers, a general store, laundry facilities, propane service, and a dog park for furry companions. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby attractions like the Corral Canyon Loop Trail, an intermediate 2.4-mile hike accessible directly from the park, or visit the iconic Zuma Beach just across the road, with Malibu’s renowned surf spots nearby for ocean adventures.

Native Falls Campground

Temecula, CA

Native Falls Campground in Temecula, California, offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabins set among towering trees and near sparkling freshwater streams. Guests can enjoy amenities like fire pits, picnic areas, and on-site sports courts for family fun, while nearby trails invite winter hikes and wildlife spotting. Outdoor adventures extend beyond the campground with fishing in stocked ponds, hot air balloon rides over Temecula Valley, and scenic vineyard tours that highlight the region’s Wine Country charm.

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, Texas, bursts into festive life each holiday season, with the sparkling River Walk lined in millions of colorful lights, horse-drawn carriage rides clattering over cobblestone streets, mariachi and holiday music filling historic plazas, and local markets offering handcrafted ornaments, spicy treats, and warm seasonal drinks, with the city’s signature adobe architecture offering unique views for the holidays. The famed River Walk glows with millions of twinkling lights reflecting off the San Antonio River, while historic missions, plazas, and local theaters host holiday performances ranging from lively musical productions to heartwarming holiday tales. Visitors can roam through Market Square and downtown shops for handcrafted gifts, local treats, and festive decorations, all while enjoying the city’s mild winter weather and Texas hospitality. Camp near San Antonio for luxurious RV sites and unique Southwestern glamping stays like wagons and tipis, all within easy reach of the city’s brightest holiday lights, lively performances, and authentic Texan experiences

Where to stay

Greenlake RV Resort

San Antonio, TX

Greenlake RV Resort in San Antonio provides a scenic, resort-style escape with full-hookup RV sites, travel trailers, and vacation rentals perfect for camping near San Antonio surrounded by Hill Country scenery. Guests can enjoy amenities like a stocked catch-and-release fishing lake, outdoor fire pits, and a fitness center, keeping winter days active and relaxing. Nearby, Victor Braunig Lake offers opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and peaceful lakeside walks, making it easy to embrace the outdoors during the holiday season.

Summit Vacation

New Braunfels, TX

This New Braunfels campground offers a winter escape in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with RV sites, cabins, tent sites, and glamping wagons surrounded by rolling hills and riverfront views. Guests can enjoy amenities such as three swimming pools, a hot tub, mini-golf, basketball and tennis courts, and direct access to the Guadalupe River for kayaking and fishing. Nearby attractions include the Canyon Lake Dam and Canyon Lake Park, providing opportunities for winter hiking and exploration.

Mystic Quarry Resort

Canyon Lake, TX

Mystic Quarry Resort offers a unique winter camping experience with a variety of accommodations, including RV sites, cabins, safari glamping tents, tipis, and tiny houses nestled among oak groves. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a hot tub, nature trails, dog parks, and a recreation hall with billiards and ping pong. The resort’s location provides easy access to outdoor activities like hiking near Canyon Lake, fishing in the Guadalupe River, and attending live music events at the nearby Whitewater Amphitheater.

Charleston, SC

Charleston comes alive during the holiday season with historic cobblestone streets aglow with sparkling lights, historic homes draped in festive wreaths, and the sounds of carolers and Yuletide music drifting through the waterfront. The Charleston Aquarium hosts special holiday celebrations featuring Christmas decorations, interactive exhibits, and immersive shows for Christmas cheer and immersive educational experiences. Stroll through the bustling historic district on guided or self-led holiday walking tours to admire beautifully decorated homes and learn the city’s seasonal traditions, browse the iconic Charleston City Market for handcrafted gifts and regional treats, or take a scenic walk along the harbor. Charleston campgrounds provide your holiday basecamp with spacious RV sites and cabins near the area’s pristine wetlands, offering peaceful natural surroundings while keeping you close to the city’s holiday attractions, jolly performances, and family-friendly celebrations.

Where to stay

Lake Moultrie RV Park & Marina

Cross, SC

Lake Moultrie RV Park & Marina offers a tranquil lakeside retreat for camping near Charleston with full-hookup RV sites, providing direct access to the serene waters of Lake Moultrie. Guests can enjoy amenities such as kayak rentals, fishing opportunities, and a peaceful waterfront setting, perfect for unwinding during the winter months. Nearby, the Francis Marion National Forest offers hiking and birdwatching opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

Lake Jasper RV Park

Hardeeville, SC

Set along the tranquil shores of Lake Jasper, this RV park near Charleston offers full-hookup RV sites surrounded by pine forests and peaceful waters. Guests can enjoy amenities like a community fire pit, hiking trails, and a fishing pier, providing plenty of ways to embrace the outdoors during the cooler months. Nearby, explorers can easily visit Hilton Head Island and Savannah for historic sites, scenic coastal walks, and enjoy the off-season quiet.

Savannah Lakes RV Resort

Hardeeville, SC

Nestled between the historic charm of Savannah and the coastal allure of Hilton Head, Savannah Lakes RV Resort is a serene lakeside setting with full-hookup RV sites, ideal for a peaceful Christmas retreat packed with southern charm. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated pool, pickleball courts, a 24-hour fitness center, and nature trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation during the cooler months. The resort’s proximity to local attractions like Tybee Island’s sandy beaches and Hilton Head Island’s golf courses allows for easy exploration of the area’s off-seaosn offerings.

Leavenworth, WA

You don’t have to travel to Europe to experience a Bavarian Christmas. The Cascade mountain town of Leavenworth becomes a storybook winter village during the holiday season, with Tudor style buildings wrapped in twinkling lights, streets lined with colorful garlands, and the crisp mountain air filled with the sounds of carolers and seasonal music. Visitors can glide through snowy landscapes on sleigh rides, hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts, or explore winter hiking trails that wind through towering evergreens and snow-dusted valleys. Traverse the charming Bavarian Village shopping district for handcrafted gifts, German-inspired treats, and warm seasonal beverages, or enjoy local performances and holiday markets that capture the town’s festive Alpine spirit. Leavenworth campgrounds offer the perfect Bavarian retreat with RV sites, tent sites tucked into forested areas, rustic cabins, and glamping options like tipis and luxury tents, providing a warm winter retreat while putting you at the center of the town’s outdoor adventures, winter activities, and Leavenworth Christmas splendor.

Where to stay

Lake Wenatchee RV Resort

Leavenworth, WA

Nestled among towering evergreens along the shores of Lake Wenatchee, this Leavenworth RV resort provides a scenic winter escape just minutes from the town’s top Christmas attractions. Full-hookup RV sites put you steps from heated restrooms, picnic areas, and direct lake access for ice fishing, kayaking, or exploring nearby snow-covered trails. In the crisp winter air, guests can spot local wildlife, stroll along forest paths, or take in panoramic mountain views, making it an ideal base for a festive and adventurous Pacific Northwest camping getaway.

Summerhill Farm

Chelan, WA

Camp near Leavenworth amidst the Cascade Foothills with full-hookup RV sites surrounded by rolling orchards and pine-studded hills. Guests can explore the farm’s agri-park, enjoy seasonal harvests, and breathe in the crisp mountain air while strolling among the orchards. Outdoor enthusiasts can Echo Ridge hiking trails and take in the stunning North Cascades views along Lake Chelan.

Smokaim RV Resort

Soap Lake, WA

Smokiam RV Resort sits amid the forested foothills near Leavenworth, Washington, offering RV sites, cabins, tent sites, glamping tents, cottages, and tipis for a unique winter getaway. Guests can enjoy heated bathhouses and a communal lodge, then head outdoors for snowy adventures like cross-country skiing, ice fishing on Moses Lake, or hiking along Rattlesnake Trail with views of the snowy Cascade foothills. 

Jim Thorpe, PA

Nestled in the forested highlands of the Poconos, the Victorian village of Jim Thorpe is an enchanted holiday hamlet of seasonal festivities. Visitors can ride scenic trains along the Lehigh Gorge, explore snow-dusted hiking trails, or enjoy winter activities like ice skating and sledding in the surrounding mountains. Just a short drive away, Bethlehem adds its own holiday magic with Christkindlmarkt, light displays, seasonal concerts, and historic downtown streets lined with boutique shops and holiday markets. Camp near Jim Thorpe with mountain view RV sites, forested tent sites, rustic cabins, tiny house rentals, and fully equipped travel trailers, providing a convenient and cozy base for exploring the Poconos region’s winter adventures, world famous waterfalls, festive events, and quaint small-town holiday atmosphere.

Where to stay

Pocono Point RV & Campground

Leighton, PA

Tucked into the snow-dusted Pocono Mountains, this campground near Jim Thorpe offers a charming winter escape with RV sites, cabins, tent sites, travel trailer rentals, and tiny houses set among forested hills and scenic waterways. Guests can enjoy winter amenities like a heated clubhouse, game room, and cozy communal spaces perfect for relaxing after outdoor adventures. Outdoor enthusiasts can hit the slopes at Blue Mountain Resort and winter hiking along the Lehigh River.

Jim Thorpe Camping Resort

Jim Thorpe, PA

Situated along the forested banks of the Lehigh River, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort offers RV sites, cabins, and tent sites perfect for a winter getaway in the Poconos. Guests can enjoy nearby winter-friendly hiking on the Lehigh Gorge Trail, with its dramatic river views and snow-dusted forests. The resort also puts you close to seasonal attractions like the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and local ice skating spots for festive Jim Thorpe camping fun.

100 Mile View Camping

Jim Thorpe, PA

100 Mile View Camping is a scenic winter retreat with tent and RV sites set amid wooded hills and sweeping valley views. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit perfect for cozy outdoor gatherings and s’mores around the campfire. Guests can explore nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Trail for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.


Book Your Holiday Getaway

Seize the season and secure your holiday camping escape before it’s gone. From sparkling lights and festive markets to snow-dusted trails and warm-weather coastal retreats, these winter destinations offer unforgettable experiences and unforgettable ways to stay. Whether you’re planning a group getaway or a quiet retreat, booking now ensures access to the best seasonal celebrations, winter activities, and fairytale landscapes. Reserve your stay on ReserveAmerica, with real-time rates and availability powered by Spot2Nite, and step into the magic of the season and the whimsy of the great outdoors.


Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!

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