It's hard to believe, but 2023 is officially here. If there is one New Year's resolution you won't want to leave off your list it's taking a January road trip! This month is a great time to hit the road and explore new destinations. After all, the excitement of the holidays is over and the cold, dark days of winter have settled over much of the country... so why not escape to warmer climes and enjoy a bit of winter sunshine!
RVers young and old can enjoy migrating for the winter. Below we've outlined ten of our very favorite destinations throughout the U.S. to visit this January.
Bisbee, Arizona
From May through October, southern Arizona is hot, hot, hot. But in winter, the Sonoran Desert offers sunny days and mild temperatures. Take advantage of the wonderful winter weather with a trip to Bisbee. About two hours southeast of Tucson, Bisbee is known for its concentration of artists and historical sites. The town also offers charming streets lined with galleries, boutiques and eateries. Explore the area's rich history at the Bisbee Restoration Museum and Heritage Stairs, and be sure to take a Ghost Tour of old town.
Where to RV Camp
Stay at the Queen Mine RV Park, just a five-minute walk from town.
Boulder City, Nevada
Boulder City is just a short drive from the lights and flash of Las Vegas, but this small town feels like it's a world away. Situated next to the majestic Hoover Dam, Boulder City offers the perfect jumping off point to explore Lake Mead. Take a cruise on a historic three-level paddle wheel boat or rent kayaks and take a paddle. After walking the top of Hoover Dam and taking some pictures, be sure to stop by The Flying Saucer Area 52 and check out the otherworldly alien gift shop!
Where to RV Camp
Canyon Trail RV Parkis open year-round and offers a hot tub, perfect for those chilly nights.
Crooked River State Park, Georgia
Get away from it all and get back to nature on Georgia's East River. Crooked Lake State Park is just off Cumberland Sound, and offers year-round camping near the stunning Colonial Coast. The area is known for its fishing, and the nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore offers pristine beaches. Though it may be too cold to swim, you can still enjoy a stroll and may even spot some of the area's wild horses, herons, fiddler crabs and abundant bird life.
Where to RV Camp
Stay at one of 63 campsites in Crooked Lake State Park, or camp in the nearby town of St. Marys at the Big Wheel RV Park.
Charleston, South Carolina
January is a great time to explore the historic city of Charleston. Start by strolling along The Battery, the city's southern seawall, and the lovingly restored mansions on Rainbow Row. Shop and dine your way through downtown, with a stop at the bustling Charleston City Market. Tour the Aiken-Rhett House Museum for a glimpse of life in times gone by. And don't miss the Lowcountry Oyster Festival; this annual January event celebrates all things oyster and is heralded as the world's largest oyster fest.
Where to RV Camp
James County Island Park offers a convenient home base to venture out into the lowcountry.
Ventura, California
Ventura is blessed with mild winters; January temperatures usually hover around a relatively balmy 64 degrees F and rarely drop below freezing. It's the perfect time of year to hit the beach, stroll the boardwalk, and see gray and orca whales on the annual migratory journeys. And if it's a (rare) rainy day, you can simply head into town. Here you can browse the shops and art galleries, take in a play or concert, and marvel at the historic Mission Basilica san Buenaventura, which has stood since the 1700s.
Where to RV Camp
Choose from several private, state and county RV campgrounds near town.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Pack your swimsuit and head for Hot Springs National Park for some rest and relaxation in therapeutic spring waters. This urban park is located within city limits, so shopping, dining and entertainment options are within easy reach, as are hiking and biking trails. Stay at the Gulpha Gorge Campground, which is open year-round and features full hookups and modern restrooms. Of course, the real draw here are the hot springs; there are two bathhouses where you can relax in the thermal waters.
Where to RV Camp
Pick from one of the few RV campgrounds through out the national park.
Florida Keys
Let's face it: The Keys are lovely year-round. But January visits seem extra special. Perhaps there's just something about soaking in the sun on a white sand beach while the rest of the country is shivering in the snow. Each Key has its own unique appeal, and we recommend taking your time and exploring them from top to bottom.
Where to RV Camp
There are plenty of RV campgrounds along the way, but we especially like the top-rated Keys Palms Resort in Key Largo. The resort offers a private beach, a pool and easy access to the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay.
Austin, Texas
January is a great time to visit Austin: You can avoid the summer crowds and humidity, and enjoy the city's mild winter climate. Plus, there's a lot going on this time of year. Visit in the first week of January and check out hundreds of local bands at Free Week. Then there are celebrations around the city in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Even though you're visiting an urban center, you can still camp in the (relative) wilderness.
Where to RV Camp
Emma Long Metropolitan Park, McKinney State Falls Park, Pace Bend Park and Pedernales Falls State Park are all less than an hour from town and offer RV camping.
Leavenworth, Washington
Ready for some snow? Pack your snowshoes and head for Leavenworth, Washington. This tiny town about two hours east of Seattle nestles in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The area is known for its winter sports, with miles of snowmobile trails, ice skating and cross-country skiing near town. Plus two ski resorts -- Steven's Pass and Mission Ridge -- lie within an hour's drive in either direction. But the town is a destination in itself; Leavenworth is a Bavarian village that's packed full of German eateries and cute shops.
Where to RV Camp
Stay at the Leavenworth RV Campground, adjacent to 300 acres of snowy fields perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The winter holidays may be winding down in the rest of the country, but New Orleans is just getting started. January is carnival season, and it's one of the best times of year to visit. The festivities kick off on Twelfth Night (a.k.a. Ephiphany), and New Orleanians celebrate by holding parades like the Krewe de Joan d'Arc, which celebrates the patron saint of France's birthday. King cakes are the preferred treat at this time of year; take a short drive to Metairie and visit Gambino's Bakery for some of the best cakes around.
Where to RV Camp
Camp on Lake Pontchartrain at the New Orleans RV Resort.
The winter holidays may be over, but the fun is just starting! Whether you want to head south to warmer climes or seek out gorgeous snowy spots, thees ten RV destinations will jump start your January. There's truly no better way to start the new year than a road trip in your RV. Where will you go in 2023?
