The Benefits of Camping in Winter
and How Marketing it Right can Boost your Shoulder-season Occupancy
For years, the camping industry was characterized by extreme seasonal swings: bustling, overcrowded summers followed by empty, dormant winters. Yet, modern campers are no longer hibernating. They are seeking solitude, physical challenge, and a reprieve from the digital grind – all of which are found in abundance during the winter season.
According to Roverpass (2025), winter camping is on the rise, with 21% of winter campers heading to the South and 19% driving West specifically to escape harsher cold climates.
This seasonal shift allows campground and RV park owners to target two distinct markets: ‘snowbirds’ chasing milder climates and adventurous campers seeking the rugged health benefits of the cold. Success in attracting ‘winter warriors’ this season relies on selling more than just a campsite; it requires highlighting the specific lifestyle appeal of winter travel.
If you’re in the South – or operate a “warm winter” destination anywhere in the country, this is your moment.
The Health Angle: Why Winter Camping Is So Good for the Health
In a world saturated with screens and stress, your campground offers the ultimate antidote. Research supports the idea that activity in wild environments is a powerful driver of cardiovascular fitness and cognitive clarity. When guests unplug and step into the wilderness, they aren’t just camping; they are engaging in a form of therapy that promotes vigor, regulates sleep/wake cycles, and fosters positive social interactions free from risky substances (Moore, 2022).
1. Winter Camping as a Full-Body Workout
Even in milder Southern and Western climates, guests who hike your trails, gather firewood, or move around camp are getting real exercise. Cooler air helps elevate heart rate, burn more calories as the body stays warm, and build functional strength through everyday camp tasks.
For your park, that’s a chance to promote:
- Clearly marked “winter wellness walks”
- Trail maps branded as heart-healthy routes
- Simple fitness challenges (like “Log 10,000 winter steps”)
2. A Stronger Immune System, Powered by Fresh Air
While winter is usually associated with colds and flu, a thoughtful winter camping experience can actually support the immune system. Short, manageable exposure to cool air helps circulation and can stimulate immune response, especially compared to long days in sealed, heated buildings. Combine that with cleaner outdoor air and more movement, and your park becomes the place to trade stale indoor air for fresh winter breezes.
Marketing angles:
- “Boost your health with a week of fresh air and movement.”
- Offer gentle outdoor options – short walks, easy hikes, birding routes, for every age group.
3. Better Sleep Under Winter Skies
Just a few days living by natural light and darkness can help reset the body’s internal clock. Guests who spend the day moving outdoors and then settle into a quiet site at night tend to fall asleep faster and rest more deeply.
Position your park as:
- A place to “sleep better under our winter skies”
- With real quiet hours and dark-sky-friendly areas
- Cozy cabins or RV spots that support deep rest
4. Social Bonding: Relationship Glue Around the Campfire
Winter camping is a relationship accelerator. Sharing a fire, cooking together in cool air, and facing small challenges as a team brings families and friends closer. Those shared moments become stories people tell for years.
Use this to:
- Host gathering around the campfire nights
- Create small-group events for snowbirds, remote workers, or long-stay guests
Match the Right Lodging to the Right Winter Guest
Not every winter camper wants the same experience – and that’s a big opportunity. As KOA (2023) points out, guests should choose the lodging that fits their group and comfort level:
- Families with young children or older adults often do better in RV sites or deluxe cabins that offer solid walls, heat, and easy access to facilities.
- “Roughing it” types may prefer tent sites for a more traditional camping feel.
- Unique options – like safari tents, yurts, and other specialty units, turn a simple trip into something unforgettable.
How Mild Southern Winters Give Your Business an Edge
With 21% of campers heading South and 19% going West, it’s clear that they are chasing gentler winter weather, not snowstorms. They want mild days, cool nights, open space, and a warm place to sleep.
If you’re in the South, you don’t have to sell “extreme winter survival.” You can market soft winter escapes. With the right mix of RV sites, tent sites, and insulated cabins, you can offer all the health and wellness benefits of winter camping, without the ice and frostbite.
Properly Insulated Cabins Turn Winter into a Profitable Season
To capture “warm winter” traffic – especially guests who are new to off-season camping – you need lodging that feels warm, dry, efficient, and Instagram-ready. Purpose-built insulated cabins, such as those from Vacavia Cottages & Cabins, are designed for exactly this:
- Built specifically for campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor resorts
- Strong insulation in walls, floors, and roofs to keep interiors comfortable and energy use in check
- Flexible layouts for couples, families, buddies, or snowbirds
- Interiors and exteriors that can match your brand and elevate your winter look
With a handful of well-placed cabins, you can:
- Extend your season
- Increase revenue per site
- Attract guests who would never tent in winter, but love a warm cabin plus crisp winter air
The Signature Series model of Vacavia Cottages & Cabins.
The Bottom Line
Winter doesn’t have to be the stretch where you just wait for warmer weather. If you can market the health benefits and back them up with the right mix of stays – traditional campsites plus well-insulated options, your “off-season” becomes a real revenue season instead of a lull.
A good first step: look at your park through a winter lens. Do your accommodations, layouts, and amenities still make sense when the temperatures drop? A few smart changes now can make this winter a season your guests remember for the right reasons.
References:
Roverpass. (2025). Top campground industry trends for 2025: key insights for success. https://www.roverpass.com/blog/campground-industry-trends/
Moore, MS. (2022). The Interleaving Trails of Lifestyle and Wilderness. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2022 Nov 18;17(4):470-475. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37426735/
Kampgrounds of America (KOA). (2023). The Complete Guide to Winter Camping. https://koa.com/blog/winter-rv-camping-guide-tips-for-cold-weather-rving/#winter-camping-lodging-options