As Minnesota natives know all too well, winters around here can be unforgiving, but yet they still draw a surprising number of RV travelers into the snow-covered forests, frozen lakeshores, and frosty campgrounds every year. Those who camp during the colder months often talk about a kind of peacefulness you can’t find any other time of year: a stillness broken only by cracking ice on a frozen lake, a thump of snow sliding off tree branches, or the hum of a heater warming a cozy camper.

Winter camping isn’t just “summer camping with a warmer coat.” It’s a completely different experience, one that needs plenty of preparation, respect for the elements, and a willingness to fully embrace Minnesota’s most dramatic and unpredictable season.

Below is a guide to some of our favorite winter-friendly trailer and RV camping spots, with a few insights, and experienced winter camper tips.

Why Winter RV Camping Appeals to So Many 

For a lot of camping enthusiasts, the appeal is solitude. Trails that are full of life in July feel almost untouched in January. They often describe the morning as “unbelievably quiet,” with frosty trees reflecting the first rays of sun. Others like the challenge: how to stay pleasantly warm, stay prepared for the unknown, and enjoy the temps that can quickly plummet within hours.

Families like winter RV trips for annual traditions like snowshoeing, ice-fishing, and sledding; while seasoned campers prefer the creativity necessary to make winter camping safe and comfortable. Whether it’s a small pull behind trailer or a well-insulated RV, today’s travel trailers give campers more flexibility than years past.

Top Winter RV Camping Spots in Minnesota

The locations mentioned here often earn praise from winter campers for their accessibility, beauty, and the ability to accommodate campers when temperatures drop far below freezing. Drive times listed assume departure from the Minneapolis metro.

1. State Park Lakeside Campgrounds (Approx. 2–3 Hours North of Minneapolis)

There are quite a few state parks north of the Twin Cities that keep select areas open year-round, which attracts campers who want a quiet lakeside view without the summer crowd. Winter campers mention moments like stepping outside to watch the sunrise and finding various tracks from overnight wanderers along the shore.

Why people choose it:

• Plowed access roads during most of the winter season

• Wide, open sites that fit different RVs and travel trailers well

• Frozen-lake scenery and easy access to snowshoe or ski trails

Things to know:

Bathrooms and water hookups are typically closed mid-winter. Most campers bring filled water jugs or rely on winterized plumbing setups.

2. Remote Northwoods Campgrounds (Rustic, Quiet, Always Snowy)

Going further north, winter camping feels more off-grid. Campers who visit these locations talk about hearing wolves howling in the distance or waking up to new snowdrifts that formed overnight. These aren’t suburban campgrounds - they’re the quiet, remote places that are only suited for winter-ready units.

Why campers choose it:

• True deep-winter conditions

• Access to snowmobile trails, fat-tire bike routes, and scenic views

• Higher chance of seeing wildlife tracks or untouched snowfields

Things to know:

Amenities here are minimal at best. Roads may not always be plowed following a snowstorm. Campers who visit these spots recommend bringing a shovel, using traction mats, or have sand available in case of icy areas.

3. Closer Escapes (Quick Drives, Easy Weekend Trips)

Campgrounds closer to the Minneapolis metro provide a few options for those who are new to winter camping or just want to give it a try. The snow in these areas fluctuates depending on the season, but they offer enough wilderness to make it feel like an escape without requiring a long commitment.

Visitors report simple pleasures like making a pot of chili on a cold night, watching their kids build snow forts and sledding, or taking a quiet hike before snuggling up in their warm camper.

Why campers choose it:

• Less travel time

• Easy setting for testing winter equipment or setups

• Good for families, first-timers, or last-minute weekend outings

Things to know:
 Not all sites are plowed consistently. Electricity may be available, but water is usually not.

Lessons Winter Campers Frequently Learn  

There seem to be a lot of patterns when talking to others about their winter camping experiences. They often mention similar challenges and tips for staying warm and safe. Here are a few things they mentioned that prove to be pretty common and useful:

• Preparation Matters More Than Anything

Many people underestimate how quickly temperatures drop once the sun sets. Preparing a travel trailer for below zero temps requires winterized plumbing, insulating exposed pipes, and regularly checking the furnace. It is (for obvious reasons) one of the biggest factors in an enjoyable camping experience.

• Parking Conditions Change Fast

It isn’t rare to arrive on a Friday afternoon to clear roads, only to find your site covered in several inches of snow the next morning. Traction pads and shovels can help save the day.

• Ventilation Is Extremely Important 

Propane heaters work well, but moisture buildup inside a camper is common. Experienced folks recommend cracking a window slightly to reduce the amount of condensation and frost that forms on interior walls.

• Have Extra Water and Backup Heat   

Because winter hookups are rare, jugs of water or a large portable water container are pretty standard among winter campers. Many also recommend a secondary heat source like a catalytic heater or heated blankets, just in case.

•  Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions

Snowfall in Minnesota isn’t predictable. People who closely follow weather alerts mention smoother, safer trips than those who assume conditions won’t change much.

Is Winter Camping Right for You?

Winter camping in Minnesota is surprisingly accessible. Those who enjoy calm evenings, snowy trails, and the cozy atmosphere of a heated trailer often find winter to be their favorite season for camping. It requires preparation, respect for the conditions, and willingness to be flexible, but the reward is a type of calmness and beauty that many people never experience.

How Our Team Can Help You Get Ready for Cold-Weather Camping

Whether someone is preparing for their first winter trip or upgrading a travel trailer for cold-season durability, Minneapolis Trailer Sales is the area’s most trusted resource for travel trailers, destination campers, and park models in Minnesota.

The team is here to assist with:

• Trailer recommendations suited for winter use

• Cold-weather add-ons such as insulation kits, skirting, and heater options

• Advice on safe towing and travel trailer care in snowy conditions

Customers often come in with questions like “Can my current camper handle an early-February weekend on the north shore?” or “What upgrades would make winter camping more comfortable?” -  and the team walks them through real solutions based on local conditions and common winter-camping setups.

Our goal isn’t just to match campers with the right trailer; it’s to help ensure every trip is safe, warm, and as stress free as possible.

Winter camping in Minnesota can be very rewarding. The snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and off-season peacefulness provide a landscape that summer can’t come close to. With the right camper setup along with a full understanding of what winter can bring, you can enjoy some of the most calm, scenic, and refreshing outdoor camping the Midwest has to offer.