Ultimate Guide to 21 Ski Resorts That Allow Overnight RV Camping

Updated 10.13.23

If you’ve always wanted to take that RV trip to your favorite ski resort, this may be the year to do it.  RV camping at the mountain is not only possible at some great ski resorts, but it’s also a great way to have your own accommodation and less expensive ski-in, ski-out option!

This is the Year to Take Your RV to the Ski Resort

Using an RV for your ski trip can give you both peace of mind and convenience. Not only is this vehicle-plus-accommodation a great way to enjoy a winter ski vacation road trip, it also can save you money at pricey resorts.

Camping at these resorts allow you to enjoy a slopeside brewski or cocktail from the comfort of your RV while watching your fellow skiers and boarders finish their last runs.  Some camping areas may even have an après-ski party of their own around a propane camping fire in the parking lot!

Not all ski resorts allow RV camping, but it’s a great option at the resorts that do offer it.  We’ve rounded up 21 U.S. ski resorts that offer RV camping options, so read on my friend.

Ski Resorts that Allow RV Camping Map

Ski Resorts That Allow Overnight RV Camping

Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest has the most ski resorts that allow RV or van camping – making it a great place for a ski resort road trip!

Crystal Mountain

Situated on the sunny side of Mount Rainier, just a few miles from the National Park, Crystal Mountain Resort is Washington’s largest ski area featuring everything from family-friendly green runs to exhilarating backcountry trails.   Located just outside Enumclaw, Washington, Crystal Mountain is a little over 2 hours drive from downtown Seattle.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort allows RV camping in the B lot and requires advance reservations.  Camping starts at $45 a night, but most of the winter is peak rates of $115 (30 AMP) and $125 (50 AMP).

The ski season in Crystal Mountain typically starts in November, and they are part of the IKON Pass.

Stevens Pass

This popular ski resort in Skykomish, Washington is a big pow magnet – it gets its fair share with 460 inches of snow every year. Less than 2 hours from Seattle, and 80 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Stevens Pass is a prime destination for your ski resort road trip.

RV camping at Stevens Pass Ski Resort starts at $49 a night, and online booking is required. There’s no water hookup here, but they offer 20-30 AMP electric hookups.

Need ski or snowboard rentals?  Stevens Pass Rental Center is right on the mountain and can hook you up with top quality gear for your trip.

Steven’s Pass usually opens in early December, and is on the Epic Pass.

Summit at Snoqualmie

The closest ski area to Seattle at just 45 minutes east of the city, Summit at Snoqualmie is known for its four base areas, tree skiing and superpipe.  It also has the most night skiing in Washington in addition to snow tubing and cross country skiing.

The ski resort allows RV camping up to 3 nights a week for $40/night with an advance reservation at Summit Central and Alpental.  Spaces are limited, and there are no hookups.

Mount Baker Ski Area

Mount Baker may be smaller compared to neighboring resorts, but it’s pow days are unparalleled. Receiving a whopping 600 inches of snow each year, Mount Baker doesn’t disappoint!  Mount Baker is a 2.5 hour drive north from Seattle, in the North Cascades of Washington.

RV camping at the resort is available at Heather Meadows and White Salmon parking lots starting at $27 per night for up to seven nights with reservation required. Note that no hookups are available here.

Mount Baker usually opens for skiing and snowboarding in mid to late November.

Willamette Pass Resort 

Willamette Pass is Oregon’s quaint, off-the-beaten-path ski area. With its small time vibe, impressive annual snowfall of 430 inches, plus cross-country skiing options, Willamette hits the sweet spot for adventurous skiers who want to eschew the crowded resorts.  The resort is located 70 miles southeast of Eugene.

Willamette allows RV camping for 3 days per week with a permit (available upon arrival). Rates start at $20 a night, and a limited number of electrical hookups are available (first come, first served).

Mount Bachelor Ski Resort

Located in central Oregon just 22 miles outside of Bend, Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the area.  More than 460 inches of pow fall here annually, and it has one of the longest ski seasons in the country. Bachelor is known for its freestyle terrain, but also has abundant and varied terrain for all levels of skiers and boarders.

Mount Bachelor Ski Resort has 20 RV camping spots with electrical hookups starting at $65 per night ($75/night on weekends/holidays).  Reservations must be booked and paid online in advance.

The resort opens for the season in early December most years.

Mount Hood Meadows

Just 90 minutes from Portland, OR, Mount Hood Meadows is a popular ski resort that appeals to both beginners and fans of the backcountry. The ski area offers a big mountain experience, with everything ranging from beginner runs to steep bowls.  The resort offers varied terrain with 50% of the mountain dedicated to intermediate runs.

Mount Hood Meadows has 14 free RV spots (no hookups) in the Sunrise lot on a first come, first served basis.  A Sno-Park permit is required (sold at the resort) and the limit is 3 nights within any 5 night period.

Mount Hood typically opens its runs for skiing in late November.

Hoodoo Ski Area

A family favorite in Central Oregon, Hoodoo Ski Area is home to 32 runs and 800 acres just an hour outside of Bend in the quaint town of Sisters. On the frontside of the resort you will find great, groomed trails. On the backside, pow-filled wide open terrain below a large butte. With an equally distributed terrain, Hoodoo Ski Area is a top option for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing and snowboarding in Oregon.

Hoodoo Ski Area has 32 RV camping spots near the entrance to the bowl and close to the lodge.  Spots range from $45 (dry camping) to $65 (electric hookup) a night and a reservation is required.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort 

Located in Idaho’s panhandle in the rugged Selkirk Mountains, Schweitzer is the largest ski area in Idaho and Washington at 2900 acres.  Overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer is known for its tree skiing and family-friendly runs.  It is located just under 2 hours from Spokane in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

RV camping at Schweitzer Mountain Resort is free of charge, and you can camp at the resort up to 3 nights. No hookups are available, and all RVs must be self-contained.

Schweitzer Mountain typically starts its running lifts in late November.

Silver Mountain Resort

Silver Mountain Resort is located off I-90 in the panhandle of Idaho, just 30 minutes from Coeur D’Alene and 1 hour from Spokane.  The 1600-acre terrain features tree skiing, open bowls, and a variety of runs for all levels across two peaks.

Silver Mountain offers reservation based RV camping starting at $30 per night with a 7-day maximum.  No hookups are available and all RVs must be self-contained.

Silver Mountain is typically open by early December.

Brundage Mountain

Brundage is located high in the mountains of central Idaho just 8 miles from McCall.  The resort’s 1920 acres of terrain offers 67 runs from beginner to expert, and snowcat skiing in 19,000 acres of backcountry.

Brundage allows RV camping in the Centennial parking lot for free, but you must check in with Guest Services.  No hookups are available.  Camping is not allowed over holidays.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Located just 30 minutes north of Bozeman, Montana, Bridger Bowl offers big mountain skiing at a fraction of the price.  The resort’s friendly local vibe, 2000 acres of terrain for all levels, and hike-to advanced terrain make Bridger Bowl a fantastic place to enjoy Montana’s “cold smoke” snow.

RV camping at Bridger Bowl is free, with a two night max (no hookups).  Guests must contact [email protected] for permission.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish Mountain Resort is just 35 miles from Glacier National Park and offers spectacular views of the Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.  This sprawling ski area features vast bowl and tree skiing, and a wide variety of trail options.  Whitefish is a locals’ favorite, but this charming Western town and it’s accessible ski area attracts tourists from across the country.

RV camping is allowed in Aspen lot for a maximum stay of 3 nights.  The spots are first come, first served and the fee of $25 per day can be paid at the Lodging Check-in in the Upper Village.  If you are looking for ski and snowboard rentals, you can have them delivered right to you with Black Tie Ski Delivery.

Grand Targhee Resort

If you’re a pow chaser, Grand Targhee in Alta, Wyoming is a paradise. This lesser-known resort is on the west side of the Tetons just 55 miles from Jackson Hole.  It’s known for its deep powder, spectacular scenery and uncrowded trails.  The resort spans two mountains with a variety of terrain and an additional peak with inbounds hike-to terrain.

RV camping in the lot at Grand Targhee starts at $35 per night, and reservations are required. There are no hookups, and the limit for camping is 7 days.

Opening day at Grand Targhee is usually in mid to late November.

West

China Peak Mountain Resort

China Peak is situated high up in the Sierras just 1.5 hours from Fresno.  Smaller than the Lake Tahoe resorts but without the big crowds, China Peak allows you to experience big Sierra skiing with its 1200 acres of skiable terrain, and runs spanning up to 2 miles.

China Peak has 16 RV camping spots starting at $54 per night. Each spot has a 20 amp electrical hookup.  Reservations are required and campers must arrive between 8am-5pm during the week (no weekend or holiday arrivals allowed).

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort is the closest major ski resort to Denver, at just 60 miles away. Despite the proximity, Winter Park feels very remote due to its location tucked away in the Rockies surrounded by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests as well as three wilderness areas. The resort is at the foot of the Continental Divide, and spans three peaks – Winter Park, Mary Jane and Vasquez Ridge.

This popular Colorado resort has over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain with more than 140 trails and 1,200-plus acres of back-country terrain.  It’s well known for the tree skiing on Mary Jane, wide open alpine bowls and extensive hike-to terrain. The resort also has plenty of beginner and intermediate runs that make it a family and beginner friendly destination.

Most ski resorts in Colorado don’t allow overnight RV camping, but if you are at Winter Park for a quick visit, you can request permission to stay in the G lot for up to 3 days.  According to Winter Park’s website: overnight self-contained RV parking/camping is generally not permitted; however, exceptions can be made on a limited basis for stays up to three days.

For Winter Park ski and snowboard rentals, we have vetted the absolute best shops – whether you want to pick up your gear or have it delivered right to you.

Southwest

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Located in southwest Colorado between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, Wolf Creek Ski Area gets more snow than any other resort in Colorado. Beginner, family-friendly areas comprise 20% of the entire terrain, you’ll never run out of green runs for the whole family. For advanced skiers, Wolf Creek offers bowls, chutes, hike-to terrain and steep and rocky tree skiing.

RV parking in Wolf Creek is allowed in the Snowshed overflow lot with a maximum stay of 3 nights. There are no hookups available.  While you are in the area, rent snowshoes, cross country skis, sleds and tubes from Pagosa Mountain Sports in nearby Pagosa Springs!

Sipapu Ski Resort

Known for some of the best tree skiing in the state of New Mexico, Sipapu Ski Resort offers varied terrain ranging from family-friendly green runs to steep powder stashes.  With 41 runs over 200 acres, this small but mighty resort is a budget-friendly, family run establishment.

Sipapu Ski Resort operates a RV campground at the resort with electrical hookups in winter starting at $65 per night.

Sipapu typically opens the second or third week of December, depending on weather.

Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley is certainly a hidden gem in the world of ski resorts. One of the largest ski resorts in the Southwest, Taos Ski Valley straddles the tallest mountains in New Mexico and is just 30 minutes from the town of Taos. Taos Ski Valley sits at 9,321 feet and the triple chair Kachina lift serves one of the highest elevations in North America, at 12,481 ft. Taos’ fabulous location in Northern New Mexico means lots of sunny days and bone dry powder.  Taos is a relatively off-the-beaten-path ski destination, which means less lift lines and more space on the runs. It’s known for it’s advanced terrain but it also hosts plenty of green and blue runs for those newer to the sport.

Not only are the Taos Ski Valley stats impressive, but their FOR THE GOOD commitment to do better for the world is extraordinary. They are the first and only ski resort to become a Certified B Corp, as well as Certified Carbon Neutral.

Taos Ski Valley Resort allows RV camping starting at $25/night in the Gila lot for up to 7 nights. RVs, campers, trailers, camper vans, and any overnight camping guests are asked to reserve their spot in advance. Camping spots are limited so you are not guaranteed a site without an advance reservation.

If you are looking for ski and snowboard rentals, you can reserve online and pick up downtown Taos, or right at Taos Ski Valley!

Northeast

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Located in New Hampshire, Gunstock Mountain Resort is a place where you can experience authentic eastern skiing and snowboarding in the heart of New Hampshire’s lakes region. Just 90 minutes from Boston, Gunstock is a top choice for a quick ski getaway from the city.

If you’re taking an RV, you can camp at Gunstock’s RV campground starting from $35 per night with electric hookups.

Southeast

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Set amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Appalachian Ski Mountain is dubbed the family-friendly ski resort of the Southeast.  This small resort offers 9 slopes, 5 lifts and plenty of family fun.

Appalachian Ski Mountain offers 6 RV sites with 30 amp electrical hook-ups for vehicles of any size in their scenic parking lot.  Sites are just $30 per night, and fees may be paid in the Appalachian Ski Mtn. Main Office, located on the first level of the Base Lodge.   Save 10% on ski rental delivery with the newest ski shop at Appalachian – Black Tie Ski Delivery!

No matter where you camp and recreate this winter, make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles, and recreate responsibly outdoors to ensure our wilderness areas stay pristine for generations to come.

For those who love waking up feet from the slopes, RV camping is a great option.  Whether you’re looking to stay closer to the resort at less expense, or to find some solitude at the best off the beaten path ski resorts, these ski resorts are our top picks.

And if you’re looking for ski rentals, TripOutside has vetted the absolute best ski shops in over 30 ski destinations across North America, so you can book online with confidence!