Best National Parks to Visit in Winter Near Las Vegas
Winter is the perfect time to explore our incredible national parks, and those near Las Vegas offer several advantages: Warm days, starry nights, and wide-open spaces. Escape the crowds and experience a whole new side to these breathtaking landscapes.
Read on for the best national parks in southern Nevada, southern California and the desert Southwest to visit in the winter.
Before You Go: Winter RV Camping Tips
Winter RV camping comes with unique considerations. Here's a breakdown to ensure a smooth and safe trip:
Prevent frozen water tanks: Adding antifreeze to gray and black tanks is crucial, and you must keep the heater on when temperatures are below freezing.
All of our Las Vegas RVs can handle winter camping. We put antifreeze in all gray and black tanks, and customers replenish it on their trip. Fresh water tanks do not have antifreeze, so keeping the heat on is vital.
Choose campgrounds with hookups: Select sites with electrical hookups, and ask about water availability (heated lines or facilities). Bringing extra drinking water is always wise.
Watch fuel and battery levels when off-grid camping: Ensure sufficient generator fuel or closely monitor battery levels when temperatures dip.
Plan for changing weather: Watch weather forecasts daily for winter storms and potential road closures. Check for campground and trail closures at your destination, which are common in winter. Lower elevations are generally safer for winter RV trips.
Pack wisely for cold temperatures: Clothing layers, boots, waterproof gear, and flashlights are essential for comfort and unexpected situations.
When you rent with Blacksford, our knowledgeable customer service staff will help ensure you have a fun and safe winter road trip.
Start your winter RV adventure now!
Our Customers’ Favorite National Parks to Visit in the Winter:
Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Zion National Park
Zion is one of the most accessible of Utah's Mighty Five parks in the winter, thanks to its lower elevation and milder weather.
While some trails may be closed due to snow or ice, many lower-elevation paths remain accessible, offering stunning views of the park's iconic red cliffs against a snowy backdrop.
Winter Activities
Hiking: Popular trails like Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk, and Angels Landing offer breathtaking scenery. Remember, some trails may be snowy but still passable.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Photography: Capture the unique beauty of Zion's winter landscape.
Stargazing: The clear winter nights provide an excellent chance to gaze at the stars, away from city lights.
RV Camping
Watchman Campground: Open year-round, reservations are required.
South Campground: Operates on a reservation system from mid-February to late November, but it's always best to check the current status.
Zion River Resort & Campground and WillowWind RV Park: Private campgrounds located just outside the park, offering additional options.
Road Trip Details
Distance from Las Vegas: 151 miles
How long to stay: 2-5 days is ideal
Prepare for variable weather. The average high temperature in February is around 58°F (14°C), while the average low is 31°F (-1°C). Snowfall is not uncommon, but the amount can vary greatly from year to year. Always check the latest forecast before your trip.
Taking a Zion road trip?
Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
Winter transforms the Grand Canyon’s South Rim into a peaceful wonderland of snow-dusted landscapes and crowd-free vistas.
While the North Rim is closed October 15–May 15, the South Rim remains accessible, offering a unique winter escape, just a few hours' drive from Las Vegas.
Winter Activities
Scenic drives: Take a leisurely drive along the rim, soaking in the breathtaking views.
Ranger-led programs: Learn about the canyon's geology and winter ecology from park rangers.
Hiking: Explore various trails offering new perspectives of the canyon, but be prepared for icy or snowy conditions. Book a guided tour or take off on your own adventure.
Photography: Capture the unique beauty of the snow-enhanced landscape.
Stargazing: Clear winter night skies provide exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
RV Camping
While there are few RV campgrounds within the South Rim during winter due to harsh weather, these highly-rated options are available nearby:
Trailer Village RV Park: Operational throughout winter and the only in-park option with full hookups, catering specifically to RVs. Reservations are required through their website.
Mather Campground: Located in Grand Canyon Village inside the park, this campground has no hookups, but there is a free dump station and drinking water. Most RV spaces are pull-through.
Long Jim Loop Camping: Dispersed forested campground with tent and RV sites. No amenities.
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park: One hour south of the South Rim entrance, this park has spacious RV sites with full hookups for water, sewer, and electric. Amenities include laundry, showers, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. For recreation, the park offers a convenience store, a pet resort, basketball & volleyball courts, a fitness trail, and is just blocks from Route 66.
Road Trip Details
Distance from Las Vegas: 270 miles
How long to stay: 2-3 days is ideal
Dress for the cold: Pack for crisp days and chilly nights, with temps in the low 40s to high 30s Fahrenheit. Lows can dip into the teens. Bring footwear for icy or snowy trails.
Prepare for snow: Expect snowfall, averaging up to 60” annually. Check daily forecasts and road conditions before your trip.
Death Valley National Park
Straddling the California and Nevada border, this desert wonderland transforms into a winter oasis that’s only 126 miles from Las Vegas.
Escape the scorching summer heat and discover a world of outdoor activities, diverse wildlife, and historical wonders.
Winter Activities
Take a drive: Visit iconic destinations like Zabriskie Point with its otherworldly rock formations, Badwater Basin’s salt flats, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artists Drive Scenic Loop, a one-way route showcasing a variety of beautiful geologic colors.
Winter hikes: Take the challenging Golden Canyon Trail, with red rock canyons and stunning views, or the easy Badwater Basin Trail, leading to its unique salt flats.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert birds.
Stargazing: Witness breathtaking night skies, recognized as some of the darkest in the US.
Sand surfing: Embrace the thrill of surfing down the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Expect to hike 1 mile to reach the top and bring more water than you’ll need.
Natural hot springs: Relax and soak in the warm mineral waters of Saline Hot Springs, deep in the park’s backcountry.
Historical exploration: Visit Stovepipe Wells Village and Harmony Borax Works.
RV Camping
Furnace Creek Campground: Offers 18 sites with full hookups and reservations from mid-fall to mid-spring.
Stovepipe Wells Campground: First-come, first-served with 190 sites.
Sunset Campground: Large parking lot style campground, ideal for larger RVs.
Road Trip Details
Distance from Las Vegas: 126 miles
How long to stay: 2-4 days is ideal
Weather: Expect comfortable days (60°–70°F) and cool nights (40°F). Snowfall is rare in the valley, but possible in the mountains.
Check closures: Verify current conditions and closures on the National Park Service website before your trip.
Joshua Tree National Park
Winter is a great time to visit Joshua Tree National Park, as the cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities. The park's beauty is characterized by its vast desert landscapes, dotted with its namesake Joshua Trees and striking rock formations.
Joshua Tree National Park, nestled in California's Mojave Desert, beckons RV enthusiasts with a winter escape unlike any other. This 217-mile journey from Las Vegas unfolds breathtaking desert landscapes, culminating in a park renowned for its iconic Joshua Trees, rugged beauty, and clear, star-filled night skies.
Winter Activities
Hiking: Explore easier treks like the historic Barker Dam trail, rock formations on the Hidden Valley Trail, Keys View with breathtaking panoramic vistas or Skull Rock Trail, which leads to a distinctive skull-shaped rock formation. For experienced hikers, Ryan Mountain provides a challenging hike with rewarding views.
Stargazing: Far from light pollution, the park’s night skies provide the perfect setting for stargazing. Watch a dazzling display of constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.
Rock climbing: The park boasts numerous climbing routes, offering breathtaking scenery and a unique climbing experience.
Scenic drives: Popular routes include the Pinto Basin Road, Keys View Road, and the Covington Flat Loop.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for desert wildlife like coyotes, bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and desert tortoises (observe from a safe distance and never disturb wildlife).
Photography: Capture the stunning desert scenery, unique rock formations, and iconic Joshua Trees with your camera.
Historical sites: Explore the park's past on a Keys Ranch walking tour, a cattle ranch established in the early 1900s, or at the old mining operations scattered throughout the park.
RV Camping
Belle Campground: Nestled amidst Joshua Trees and rock formations, offering 18 year-round sites.
Black Rock Campground: Boasting a nature trail and proximity to top hiking trails.
Cottonwood Campground: Less crowded with beautiful views, located near the park's south entrance.
Hidden Valley Campground: Popular among rock climbers, surrounded by stunning rock formations.
Indian Cove Campground: Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet, offering a unique desert experience.
Road Trip Details
Distance from Las Vegas: 217 miles
How long to stay: 2-4 days is ideal
Weather: Winter in Joshua Tree is relatively mild, with daytime highs averaging around 60°F and nighttime lows dropping to around 40°F. Snowfall in the park is rare but can occur on occasion, particularly in the higher elevations.
Bonus: State Parks Near Vegas to Visit in the Winter
Valley of Fire State Park
A hidden gem just 75 minutes from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park stuns visitors with its vibrant red sandstone cliffs, rivaling the dramatic beauty of Utah's National Parks.
Explore colorful orange, pink, and red rock. Hike diverse trails, with must-sees like the Fire Wave and natural basin, Mouse's Tank.
Winter Activities
Hiking: Explore a variety of trails suited for all skill levels. Must-do hikes include:
Fire Wave’s stunning wave-like rock formation in vibrant colors. (Moderate)
Mouse's Tank Trail: A natural basin named after a renegade Native American. (Easy)
Balanced Rock Trail: A precariously balanced rock formation defying gravity. (Easy)
Biking: Take a scenic bike ride on designated park roads.
Photography: Capture the park's unique landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset when the rocks glow with color.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of bird species.
Stargazing: Enjoy unobstructed views of the cosmos at night due to the park's remote location and clear winter skies.
RV Camping
Atlatl Rock Campground: Larger campground with full hookups (water and electricity) available on some sites. Offers showers, a dump station, and is open year-round.
Arch Rock Campground: More scenic campground with limited amenities (restrooms only). Offers beautiful views and is open year-round.
Road Trip Details
Distance from Las Vegas: 45 miles
How long to stay: 1-2 days is ideal for this smaller park.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Escape the bustle of Las Vegas and discover the tranquility of Red Rock Canyon, just 16 miles west. Winter offers a delightful experience with pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities.
See the dramatic red and cream sandstone cliffs take on a stunning appearance when dusted with snow. The vibrant contrast between red rock, white snow, and clear blue skies creates a picturesque landscape.
Winter Activities
Hiking: Numerous trails cater to all skill levels, allowing you to explore the unique geology and desert landscapes. Here are a few to consider:
Calico Tanks Trail (Moderate): Explore sandstone formations and ancient pictographs.
Turtlehead Peak Trail (Hard): Panoramic views and challenging terrain.
First Creek Canyon Trail (Moderate): A scenic wash to a hidden grotto.
Ice Box Canyon Trail (Moderate): A narrow canyon with unique rock formations.
Scenic drives: Take a leisurely 13-mile one-way drive and soak in the breathtaking winter scenery.
Wildlife viewing: Watch out for desert burros, rabbits, bighorn sheep, and several bird species.
Visitor center: Learn more about the park's ecology and history through the visitor center's indoor and outdoor exhibits.
RV Camping
The Red Rock Canyon Campground, located on Moenkopi Road, offers standard, RV, and group campsites nestled amidst the scenery for $25 per night.
Road Trip Details
Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles
How long to stay: 1-2 days is ideal
Weather: Expect mild winter weather with average daytime temperatures around 58°F (14°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). Be prepared for potential rain, hail, or snow flurries, especially in February and March. Check the park website for current conditions before you go.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Less than an hour's drive from Las Vegas lies the iconic Hoover Dam and the breathtaking Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Winter Activities
Hoover Dam tour & museum: Explore this historic landmark and witness the scale of this engineering marvel, learn about its construction, and discover its lasting impact on the region.
Hiking: Explore the diverse trails and desert landscapes on foot. Choose a difficulty level that suits your experience.
Boating: Take advantage of the calm winter waters for a boating adventure. Explore the vastness of Lake Mead or discover hidden coves.
Stargazing: Escape the city lights and marvel at the dazzling winter sky. The clear skies offer prime stargazing conditions.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for desert wildlife that call the area home, like bighorn sheep, coyotes, and several bird species.
Fishing: Cast a line and try your luck catching striped bass, largemouth bass, or catfish. Fishing is a popular activity year-round at Lake Mead.
RV Camping
Boulder Beach: This popular, year-round campground is minutes from Las Vegas. Featuring large paved sites, it offers basic amenities like tables, fire pits, and grills. (Limited RV hookups)
Echo Bay: Choose from both shaded and unshaded sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Enjoy stunning lake and mountain views. (No hookups)
Callville Bay: This scenic campground boasts a nearby marina and boat launch facilities. Select from a variety of campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. (No hookups)
Las Vegas Bay: Enjoy easy access to Vegas from this convenient campground. Sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. (No hookups)
Lake Mead RV Village (Private): This top specialty lodging spot in Boulder City provides year-round comfort and stunning lake views. Expect full hookups (water, electric, sewer) and amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a pool (subject to availability).
Canyon Trail RV Park (Private): Located in Boulder City, this park offers full hookups (water, electric, sewer) and amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a pool, and a hot tub (subject to availability).
Road Trip Planning
Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles
How long to stay: 1-4 days
Remember to check the park website for current weather conditions and any potential closures before your trip.
Start Your Winter National Park Adventure With Blacksford
We’ll provide everything you need for a seamless winter RV rental. Unlike other RV rental companies, we take the worry out of winter camping with 24/7 support for any concerns about cold weather, snow, and equipment malfunction.
Enjoy unlimited mileage and generator use to fully explore the parks at your own pace.
Don't let winter chill your plans—start your extraordinary national park adventure today with Blacksford’s Las Vegas RV rentals!
