Surviving Thriving

In The Winter.

Here are Lonesome Dove Campground’s top tips for thriving in your RV during the winter. (1/15/2025)

Surviving the Winter in an RV: Essential Tips for Cold-Weather Comfort

Winter RV living can be both cozy and challenging, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely manageable. Whether you’re a full-timer or staying put for the season, these essential tips will help protect your RV, keep you warm, and make winter camping more enjoyable.

1. Use a Heated Water Hose

One of the most important winter upgrades for RV living is a heated water hose. Standard hoses can freeze quickly in cold temperatures, cutting off your water supply and potentially causing damage. Heated hoses are designed to maintain a safe temperature, ensuring steady water flow even during freezing nights and giving you peace of mind throughout the winter.

2. Choose a Winter-Friendly Location

Where you park your RV matters just as much as how you prepare it. Lonesome Dove Campground in the Upstate of South Carolina is an excellent winter choice because it’s surrounded by trees and mountains that provide natural wind protection—one of the biggest factors in heat loss. Even better, the campground offers an on-site propane filling station, making it easy to keep heaters running during inclement weather without traveling far.

3. Skirt Your RV for Insulation

RV skirting is a simple but highly effective way to stay warm. By enclosing the area beneath your RV, skirting blocks cold air from circulating under the rig and helps retain heat inside. This not only keeps your living space warmer but also protects pipes and tanks from freezing during extended cold spells.

4. Keep Cabinet Doors Open Near Plumbing

Many RV water lines run behind cabinets, where cold air can get trapped. Keeping cabinet doors open—especially at night—allows warm air from your RV’s heating system to circulate around plumbing. This small habit can make a big difference in preventing frozen pipes during winter temperatures.