Winter RV Adventure in Logan Canyon Country

Logan Canyon | Matt Hage

Base-camping in the snow for winter fun.

Our family’s happy place is camping, whether in a small tent freshly pulled from a backpack, a larger tent pitched not far from the car or the comfort of our Airstream travel trailer positioned to offer spectacular views out its wrap-around windows. When the opportunity presents itself, we prefer to ‘set-up’ someplace close to our destination. Coming back to our chosen basecamp after a day of hiking, biking or chasing trout on a stream feels like we’re still on our adventure — just with some comforts and amenities thrown in. And while you might be picturing a summer setting, in fact it’s winter camping that holds a special magic for us.

On a February excursion to Garden City, we settled on the western shore of Bear Lake. Winter conditions on the roads made for a careful drive from Salt Lake City, but we called ahead to make sure the caretaker at Sun Outdoors knew we were still coming. Standing over six-feet tall with a stylish Stetson hat, Steve met us with a welcoming smile that matched his stature. He and his son stay on year-round to maintain the resort after it officially closes for the regular season. We were happy to see a nicely plowed spot awaiting us in the two-feet of snow covering the RV park, complete with power, heated bathrooms with showers and access to a very nice hot tub. It was obvious we wouldn't want for anything during our off-season stay.

Winter in this area offers a vastly different experience than the bustling summer. This created a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere; outfitters and guides we met had an easy-going demeanor, and skiing at Beaver Mountain was blissfully casual, from the old-school ticket windows to the friendly lift lines. (Read: The Legacy of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort)

Our adventures were truly memorable: a snowshoe hike with local legend Mark Smoot offered spectacular views and captivating conversation, and the crew at Beaver Creek Lodge patiently taught our son to drive his first snowmobile. We easily secured a table at the highly recommended Crepes and Coffee, a popular local café. Within days, we felt like locals, so it was no surprise when someone insisted that we stick around for the weekend’s big skijoring event.

Campgrounds become temporary neighborhoods. We can socialize with fellow campers over hot beverages, or simply relax by a warm fire under the winter night sky. Either way, we're assured a good night's sleep, ready for the next day's adventure.

The small community of Garden City on the shores of Bear Lake in Northern Utah.

Photo: Matt Hage

Spectacular winter views from Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City, Utah.

Photo: Matt Hage

Enjoying a cozy night in our Airstream at the Sun Outdoors RV Park in Garden City.

Photo: Matt Hage

Traveling is all about experiencing where you are visiting, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy dinner and a game night in your RV.

Photo: Matt Hage

Dusty helps dad keep the site clear during a snowstorm on Bear Lake in Garden City.

Photo: Matt Hage

Our family enjoying the easy-going vibe at Beaver Mountain Ski Area.

Dusty ‘shreds’ another run down Beaver Mountain. We found most of the terrain at the ski area to be family-friendly.

Garden City hosts Skijoring the Bear in late February.

Highway 89 is a National Scenic Byway that winds through Logan Canyon between Logan and Garden City.

Photo: Matt Hage

Heading out from Beaver Creek Lodge for a day of snowmobiling in the mountains of Logan Canyon.

Photo: Matt Hage

Dusty was very excited to have his own snowmobile for touring around Beaver Creek Lodge.

Photo: Matt Hage

Ok, let’s do this! Mother and son get ready for some trail riding at Beaver Creek Lodge.

Photo: Matt Hage

Agnes points out our next run from the top of Beaver Mountain Ski Area.

Photo: Matt Hage

Winter RV Tips

Call Ahead – Most RV parks or campgrounds open for the winter operate with a reduced staff that is not able to facilitate all the park’s amenities. Before booking your stay, it’s a good idea to get in touch with someone actually on site to find out what aspects are currently open and available. Check the status of heated bathrooms/bathhouses, power, water and sewer dump. (Read: Wheeling It: An RV Primer for Utah Family Trips)
Take it Slow – Off season RV travel can mean inclement weather. Don’t be caught unprepared driving to your destination, especially if you’re headed to the mountains. Check road conditions and forecasts before heading out; driving an RV or towing a travel trailer on slick or snow-covered roads is a lot different than just driving your usual vehicle. Plan for the drive to take longer than expected and have traction devices (chains) for all your wheels. And yes, sometimes it is best to wait out conditions or postpone a trip altogether.
Electric Everything – While not a necessity, having electric power available really simplifies winter RV camping. It allows the addition of a space heater, or two depending on the size of your rig. This helps your RV furnace maintain a consistent temperature, as well as saving you a trip to refill your propane tanks. Electric drying racks are very handy for boots and gloves after a day playing in the snow. An electric warming strip fitted inside an insulated water hose allows use of your sites’ winter rated water spigot. And there are electric warming cases for water spigots that are not winterized. More advanced winter campers might want to add electric heating elements to keep their RV water tanks from freezing.