Winter is coming, and with it comes a perfect opportunity to escape cold climates and settle into warmer destinations for extended stays.
Across the Southern United States, snowbird campgrounds transform seasonal migration into comfortable retreats where you can enjoy warm sunshine, fun outdoor recreation, and making new friendships.
Whether you want to visit sunny Arizona deserts or Gulf Coast beaches, read on for tips on finding the right home base that will set the tone for your entire Winter vacation experience!
Finding Your Ideal Winter Campground
The difference between a comfortable stay and a frustrating one starts with your choice of campground.
Popular locations often book up far in advance, while unfamiliar campgrounds without proper vetting can create headaches that linger throughout your trip.
So comprehensive planning and understanding what separates quality operations from disappointing ones are essential for snowbirds committing to multi-week or seasonal escapes.
When evaluating your long-term Winter camping options, look for full hookups with reliable water, electric, and sewer connections.
Campgrounds with established reputations, such as Kampgrounds of America, maintain their facilities well and create consistently welcoming environments where you can connect with like-minded travelers.
Amenities at every KOA location include clean restrooms with hot water, laundry facilities, and recreational spaces, while options across warmer regions make it easy to find sites where snowbirds traditionally gather.
READ MORE: 20+ Camping Tips & Tricks for Responsible Travelers
Best Campgrounds for a Winter Escape
These seven KOA locations combine reliable infrastructure with regional character and long-term Winter camping accommodations that appeal to snowbirds.
1. Tucson KOA Resort (Arizona)
Desert sunshine and resort amenities meet at this Tucson KOA Resort, where thoughtfully designed features encourage socialization among long-term guests.
Two swimming pools provide relief from Arizona’s warmth, while the 9-hole mini-golf course sparks friendly competition with neighbors.
When you’d rather skip meal prep, the on-site Steak Rush Grill can handle dinner for you. Monthly RV sites include full hookups and upgraded Wi-Fi, giving you everything you need for comfortable camping.
Beyond the resort, you’ll find Saguaro National Park’s towering cacti and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum just minutes away when you’re ready to explore.
Key features:
- On-site dining and pools
- Pickleball and mini-golf
- Planned seasonal activities
- Proximity to Tucson attractions
READ MORE: The 30 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA
2. St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday (Florida)
The St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday sits beside a mangrove-lined bayou just a short drive from Gulf beaches, giving water lovers easy access to both.
You can rent a kayak to paddle Long Bayou’s calm waters, where dolphins frolic and herons hunt along the shoreline, or head to the beach for a classic coastal Florida experience.
The 38-mile Pinellas County Fitness Trail runs right beside the property, with flat, scenic routes for daily walks or bike rides. Afterwards, two hot tubs are available, with one exclusively reserved for adults seeking peace and quiet.
Planned events throughout the snowbird season make it easy to meet other campers who share your lifestyle.
Key features:
- Near Gulf Coast beaches
- Adults-only hot tub area
- Kayak rentals on the bayou
- Direct access to Pinellas Trail
READ MORE: Top 10 Things to Do in Sanibel Island, Florida (For Nature Lovers)
3. South Padre Island KOA Holiday (Texas)
Laguna Madre Bay stretches out in front of your site at the South Padre Island KOA Holiday, where Winter visitors gather for a tropical atmosphere and water-based recreation.
Aqua-Cycles, hydrocycles, and kayaks are available for rent to explore the bay at your own pace, while the boat ramp accommodates guests who bring their own vessels.
Back on land, the year-round pool and hot tub give you another way to enjoy the water without leaving the grounds.
When you’re ready to venture beyond the bay, the Metro shuttle stops right at the entrance and provides free rides to local attractions and shopping.
Key features:
- Waterfront sites on Laguna Madre Bay
- On-site watersport rentals
- Year-round pool and hot tub
- Free shuttle to local attractions
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4. Myrtle Beach KOA Resort (South Carolina)
Large, old-growth pines have shaded the Myrtle Beach KOA Resort for over four decades, creating natural cooling and a welcoming environment.
The property connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the Withers Swash tidal basin, giving you waterfront appeal without the crowded beach scene.
Walk the adventure trail for on-site exploration, or bring your pets to the Kamp K9 dog park, where four-legged companions can socialize, too.
Winter snowbird activities foster community among longer-term guests, while Myrtle Beach’s entertainment district sits just minutes away when you’re ready for restaurants and attractions.
Key features:
- Shaded sites among mature trees
- Activities for winter snowbirds
- Proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions
- Adventure trail and dog park
READ MORE: The 10 Best Beaches in the World For Nature Lovers
5. Okeechobee KOA Resort (Florida)
A 9-hole golf course with driving range and putting green sits right on the property at the Okeechobee KOA Resort, giving golf enthusiasts room to practice without leaving camp.
Lake Okeechobee– Florida’s largest freshwater lake– lies just minutes away and delivers some of the state’s best bass fishing.
Live concerts, themed parties, and seasonal parades fill the resort’s active social calendar.
The Shanty Lounge and Poolside Grill serve as natural gathering sites where friendships often form over shared interests.
Key features:
- On-site 9-hole golf course
- Minutes from Lake Okeechobee fishing
- Full social calendar with live music
- Shanty Lounge and Poolside Grill
READ MORE: 20 Largest Lakes in the World by Continent (For Your World Travel Bucket List)
6. New Bern KOA Holiday (North Carolina)
The New Bern KOA Holiday sits on the banks of the Neuse River, with a private 250-foot-long fishing pier extending out over the water.
Just five miles away, historic New Bern preserves its colonial architecture as North Carolina’s first capital.
This resort’s two swimming pools and a jumping pillow keep everyone entertained, from serious swimmers to visiting grandchildren.
The milder climate here attracts snowbirds who want to escape harsh Winters without facing intense southern heat, while river access and nearby historical sites add variety to seasonal vacations.
Key features:
- Waterfront on the Neuse River
- Private 250-foot fishing pier
- Near historic downtown New Bern
- Two pools and a jumping pillow
READ MORE: NORTH CAROLINA: The Controversy Behind the Outer Banks Wild Horses
7. Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday (Tennessee)
If you prefer crisp mountain air over beachfront breezes, the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday delivers exactly that on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”
This gorgeous campground offers extended Winter programs from December through February.
Monthly rates start at just $1,000, which covers all utilities, plus reliable Wi-Fi and laundry access.
Cades Cove wildlife viewing and Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking trails provide daily exploration opportunities just minutes away.
We love that this side of the ever-popular national park stays much quieter than the crowded entrances on the NC side.
Key features:
- “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”
- All-inclusive monthly winter rates
- Near Cades Cove and hiking
- On-site laundry and Wi-Fi
READ MORE: The 15 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the USA (For Nature/History Lovers)
Start Planning Your Winter Migration
Whether you’re drawn to desert golf courses, Gulf Coast beaches, or Blue Ridge Mountain hiking trails, these snowbird campgrounds offer distinct experiences across the regions where Winter feels less like survival and more like vacation.
Availability fills quickly at popular locations, so start your search now to claim your site for the season ahead! –by Alex S. Morrison; all photos courtesy KOA
