Winter adventures are seemingly endless in American state parks. It can be the best time of year to book a stay in a state park campground so you can experience the beauty of a snowy landscape. Spectacular scenery is just one aspect. Crowds are virtually non-existent, wildlife ventures out into the open, the campsite and cabin choices are often extensive, and activities allow you to be as laid back or as adventurous as you want to be. ReserveAmerica has listed some state parks in close proximity to ski resorts and where you can make your cabin rentals for a warm winter stay.
1. Park City Ski Resort
Where to Stay: Wasatch Mountain State Park, Utah
Head to the Heber Valley and Wasatch Mountain State Park for an exciting winter vacation. At the south end of the park, the 2002 venue for the Olympic Winter Games is open all year, which in the winter means cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. You can visit two different historic sites as well, the Huber Grove with the Huber Farmhouse and Creamery and the Historic Tate Barn. Reserve a cabin for your stay so you can rest and relax in the best way possible.
Just a half hour away is the Park City Ski Resort, with terrain that is accessible and well-groomed. There are 348 trails to enjoy on over 7,000 acres. This area is famous for the silver discoveries in the late 1860s, although the silver is not worth enough anymore to mine.
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2. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Where to Stay: Delaware Water Gap KOA, Pennsylvania
Just about any RV type can stay at Delaware Water Gap KOA thanks to their massive pull-through sites, but the real gem here are the cozy cabins. These deluxe cabins sleep up to eight people and have a full bath and kitchen. The camp is located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains on the eastern edge of Pennsylvania, close to the New Jersey border.
Just a half mile down the road is the winter wonderland known as Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. Ski, snowboard, or snow tube to your heart’s content on this mountain with 23 slopes and trails, two terrain parks, and a designated snow tubing park. This campsite and ski area combination makes it an ideal set-up for your Poconos cabins snowboarding or skiing vacation.
3. Wildcat Mountain
Where to Stay: Jericho Mountain State Park, New Hampshire
Explore the White Mountains in Berlin, New Hampshire from this beautiful state park. If you bring your own snowmobile, you will find 75 miles of trails for riding that thrill the most experienced enthusiast. This park has 5 cabins that are rentable during the winter season. When you aren’t skiing, you will find some lovely scenic outlooks where you can stand and reflect on a great winter vacation.
Just over a half hour away is Wildcat Mountain, rated the best for scenery in the East by a poll done by Ski Magazine. Here you’ll discover 2,100 vertical feet for skiing and snowboarding. Any ability level can experience these slopes. You can hit the high spots in less than seven minutes by taking the Wildcat Express Quad. Another ski area close by is Black Mountain Ski Area, a 48-minute drive from Jericho Mountain State Park. The history is rich for Black Mountain as it started in 1935, had one of the first snowmaking systems in 1957, and had the first overhead cable lift in the U.S. If you want to ski and also see incredible views of Mount Washington, go up the Summit Double and access the full 1,100 feet of vertical drop.
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4. Mount Bachelor Ski Resort
Where to Stay: LaPine State Park, Oregon
What fun to reserve a cabin among the ponderosa and lodgepole pines beside the Deschutes River! Winter hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing can make your stay special. Choose a rustic Mt Bachelor cabin or a deluxe cabin – there are 10 to pick from. When you aren’t off skiing the slopes of Mount Bachelor, you can take a guided snowshoe tour or a sled dog ride.
Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is on the outskirts of Bend, Oregon, and is the ideal winter playground for all the adventures you can imagine. Enjoy that high elevation and light and dry powder on the 9,000-foot stratovolcano mountain.
5. Labrador Mountain Ski Resort
Where to Stay: Cayuga Lake State Park, New York
The favorite view from the cabins at this state park is its expansive view of Cayuga Lake. Winter ice fishing offers potential trophy catches of bullheads, carp, and largemouth bass. Explore the surrounding areas by taking off and doing some cross-country skiing. Cabins sit among mature trees and have an enclosed porch.
It’s about an hour drive to Labrador Mountain Ski Resort where you’ll find a family-friendly ski destination with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails. In fact, you can try night skiing as there are more than 15 lit trails. The Last Run restaurant is open with American fare and many craft beers.
6. Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort
Where to Stay: Whitefish Lake State Park, Montana
Although Whitefish Lake State Park is a small park, it provides access to popular activities for the whole family, even in the winter months. You can fish in Whitefish Lake, and do some winter hiking on the trail system. With cabins and yurts available, you’ll be able to stay in a comfortable environment, while exploring the rest of the area.
A short distance away is the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, a favorite destination for great snow and winter sports. Try your skills by getting out there on the slopes for some world-class skiing. It’s a well-known spot for a lack of lift lines, its deep powder, and friendly folks.
7. Winter Park Resort or Keystone Ski Resort
Where to Stay: Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado
This state park is close to two popular ski resorts, Winter Park Resort and Keystone Ski Resort. Cabin camping here offers a blend of wildlife viewing and other winter hiking adventures when you aren’t on the slopes.
About an hour away, the Winter Park Resort is one of the longest-operating ski resorts in Colorado. You can take a snowcat out to explore, go snowshoeing through the forest, ride the scenic gondola or just get out there on the slopes. A tiny bit further away is Keystone Ski Resort with its 128 trails, 3.5-mile run, and over 3,100 acres of skiable area.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!