6 Places That Are Better In The Off-Season

September 22, 2023September 18, 2023 Heather Fishel 0 Comments BAK, BAK Industries, Camping, Fall Season, RV, travel, Winter Camping, Winter Travel

Discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that make off-season travel a memorable and rewarding adventure.

Sure, spring and summer are the peak time to get outdoors and camp – but with the wonderful, warm weather also comes crowded campsites, packed-to-the-max scenic destinations and must-see sights, and often higher prices. If you’re looking for a camping experience that’s affordable (or even budget-friendly!), free of crowds, and a bit quieter, you’ve got to try off-season travel.

Camping during the off-season — or outside of the peak warm-weather months from April to September — can offer a totally different experience. You can explore hidden gems and escape the crowds, while enjoying the amenities of campsites that you’d never be able to book during peak travel season.

Plus, there are plenty of incredible destinations that are actually better in the off-season. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to visit if you’re camping in fall or winter, all with plenty to offer in the way of fun and campsite choices.

1. Savannah, Georgia

Home to balmy fall and winter weather (temperatures rarely dip below the 60s in the coldest months of the year), and full of exciting places to tour, play, and explore, Savannah is a city that every camper should visit. During the off-season, you’ll find that this popular historic destination features far fewer crowds – and you’ll have no problem seeing all the sights or scoring a spot at one of the many campgrounds in and around the city.

When it comes to activities, you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy some time outdoors. The off-season is the perfect time to visit places like Oatland Island Wildlife Center, where you can see more than 150 animals across 100 acres; Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, where you can explore tidal marshes and local wildlife; and Savannah itself via a walking tour. Plus, you’ll be close enough to visit nearby destinations like Tybee Island and Hilton Head if you’re looking for some beach time.

While temperatures do get chilly once the sun sets, you really get the best of both worlds when visiting Savannah; sunlight and warm weather during the day, with nights that are perfect to spend around the campfire.

2. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Beach camping… in the winter? It’s possible, and it’s a lot of fun — especially if you plan a trip to Padre Island National Seashore. With temperatures in the high 60s and 70s throughout the off-season, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to camp near 70 miles of gorgeous coastline in Texas. Featuring both beaches and dunes, plus prairies and wind tidal flats, Padre Island is a destination that’s filled with fun for every type of camper.

During peak camping season, Padre Island National Seashore is so popular that it’s tough to get a campsite, let alone a great beachfront site. But in the off season, you’ll have no problem securing a great camping spot. And there’s plenty to do during these cooler months, too. You can visit South Padre Island, where you’ll see stunning views of Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. You can take a chartered fishing trip, spend days on white sand beaches, or learn about wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature, and Alligator Sanctuary.

And of course, with plenty of shoreline to explore, you can hike, bike, or stroll as much as you’d like. Because this off-season travel destination is a national park, you’ll also find plenty of perfectly-placed campgrounds throughout the area so you can take your pick of available spots.

3. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Get away from the ice and snow of winter and head to White Sands National Park for some serious camping fun. This warm-weather destination will give you a whole new outlook on a “white winter,” thanks to its stunning white sand dunes that offer plenty of outdoor fun.

While White Sands is popular during spring and summer with campers of all ages, thanks to the wealth of campgrounds and the exciting dunes, it’s far less crowded during fall and winter. Off-season travelers will get to enjoy sledding down the dunes with few crowds, plus plenty of places to hike, bike, and explore. Daytime temperatures generally stay in the 60s, so you’ll have great weather for outdoor fun. And though temps can drop into the 20s at night, you can cozy up to a campfire for warmth and traditional campground fun.

When it comes to choosing a campsite, you’ll have a ton of options at White Sands National Park during the off season. There are many different public and private campgrounds to choose from, including RV parks, scattered inside and outside the park lands. And if you’re interested in backpacking or tent camping deeper into the land, there are a number of primitive backcountry campsites available among the dunes, too.

4. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The incredible Great Smoky Mountains are a sight to behold during the spring and summer – but don’t write them off in fall and winter! The mountains are less crowded during the off-season, and camping can still include a wealth of outdoor adventuring even when the weather shifts. You’ll have the chance to soak up incredible views and vistas, take hikes along plenty of trails, and see local wildlife firsthand.

Camping within the Great Smoky Mountains is a breeze, too. There are plenty of campgrounds within the national park grounds, but only two are open year-round: Cades Cove and Greenbrier. However, if you don’t mind camping outside of the national park itself, you’ll find plenty more available campgrounds available, including RV camps with all the amenities and perks you need.

Crowds are much smaller during the off-season, but camping weather is still wonderful thanks to Tennessee’s milder climate. If you’re hoping for some snow, there are backcountry campsites available, and you can easily head to the mountains in the peak of winter to enjoy cold weather and a true winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the natural environment.

5. Napa, California

While it might not seem like an off-season camping destination at first glance, Napa is a great place to head when the weather starts to cool. Not only is the region gorgeously colorful in autumn and winter, but it’s also home to plenty of incredible outdoor options. (And did we mention all the delicious wine??)

From hiking trails throughout Muir Woods to stunning views of towering redwoods in the Sierras to sprawling fields covered in grape vines, there’s something for outdoor enthusiasts and glampers alike. Plus, you’ll find a wide range of campground choices in Napa Valley and the surrounding areas. You can stay at destinations like Bothe Campground, which sits in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and offers 10 miles of hiking trails, a flowing creek, and plenty of redwoods to gaze at.

As an added perk, many of the campgrounds throughout Napa offer an array of accommodations. You can bring along your own tent, trailer, or RV – or you can opt to stay in onsite cabins, yurts, and high-end tents if that’s more your speed.

6. Chugach State Park, Alaska

If you’re hoping for more of a true winter camping experience during the off-season, why not head to Alaska? We’re serious – you can enjoy the cold weather and still have tons of fun camping, especially if you head to Chugach State Park in Alaska. Yes, temperatures will be quite chilly, but it’s a great opportunity to see stunning scenery and try thrilling winter activities like hiking, snowmobiling, and dogsledding.

Adventurers in particular will love all that Chugach State Park has to offer. You can camp, but you may want to try out one of the more than 300 public use camper cabins available along the park’s trails. All are equipped with camp essentials, like sleeping platforms, tables and chairs, and nearby bathrooms. Some are easily accessed by vehicle, while others can be hiked or skied into. Either way, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Alaska will certainly be less crowded during the off-season for campers, as far fewer people head into its cold climate once summer wraps up. This means scoring reservations should be easier – and you won’t encounter a rush of competitors as you book adventures or excursions.