Winter in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to mean staying indoors or heading to crowded ski resorts. The Keystone State offers some of the most peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly cozy destinations for RV travelers during the colder months. If you’re staying near Pittsburgh or planning a winter road trip, there are plenty of places where you can explore frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, charming small towns, and holiday attractions — all without hitting the slopes.
Here are the best winter RV destinations in Pennsylvania for travelers who want beauty, adventure, and relaxation without the ski crowds.
Ohiopyle State Park – Winter Waterfalls & Quiet Trails
In winter, Ohiopyle transforms into a sparkling wonderland. The famous waterfalls — Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls, and Ferncliff — partially freeze, creating breathtaking ice formations you won’t see any other time of year.
Winter activities include snowshoeing on the Great Gorge Trail, photography along the Youghiogheny River, scenic overlooks with frosted treetops, and peaceful nature walks free from summer crowds.
The campground is closed in winter, but nearby RV parks and resorts remain open, making it an excellent day trip for winter adventurers.
For safe winter driving and prep tips, review our Winter RV Living Guide.
Moraine State Park – Frozen Lakes & Winter Wildlife
Just an hour north of Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park is a favorite winter destination for RVers. The highlight is Lake Arthur, which often freezes enough for ice fishing, snowshoeing, or simply admiring the frozen landscape.
Winter visitors enjoy ice fishing huts across the lake, snowy hikes on the Glacier Ridge Trail, abundant winter birdwatching, and wide, plowed roads ideal for RV travel.
Learn more about seasonal rates and long-term stays in our Monthly RV Park Rates in Pittsburgh.
Laurel Hill State Park – Snowy Cabins & Wooded Serenity
Located in the Laurel Highlands, this park feels peaceful and remote in winter. Visitors often describe it as “snow globe quiet.” While the main campground closes for the season, winter-friendly cabins remain open — and the park is perfect for daytime exploration.
RVers visit for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter picnics near the lake, frozen waterfall viewing, and wildlife photography.
Historic Ligonier – A Storybook Winter Town
If you love small towns, Ligonier feels like a Hallmark movie in winter. The town square glows with holiday lights, and locally owned shops offer a warm, festive atmosphere.
RVers can explore Fort Ligonier, charming cafés, antique shops, and scenic winter drives through the Laurel Highlands.
For more scenic drives, visit our Pittsburgh-Area RV Trails and Scenic Drives guide.
Presque Isle State Park – Winter on the Lake Erie Shore
If you’re willing to travel north, Presque Isle offers one of the most dramatic winter landscapes in Pennsylvania. The lakeshore becomes a frozen, icy scene with snow-covered dunes and ice-rimmed beaches.
Popular winter activities include winter sunsets over Lake Erie, birdwatching (bald eagles are common), walking along frozen beaches, and exploring downtown Erie’s cafés and breweries.
RV parking is generally easy in winter due to lighter traffic.
The Great Allegheny Passage – Winter Cycling & Hiking
Portions of the GAP Trail remain accessible all year, offering gentle, scenic winter cycling and crisp riverfront walks. Snowfall varies, but many sections are packed enough for winter hiking.
Winter brings frozen rivers, quiet paths, holiday-decorated small towns, and fantastic landscape photography opportunities.
Camping info is available at the verified GAP resource:
https://gaptrail.org/before-you-go/camping/
Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show – A Warm Escape
Located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory becomes a warm tropical escape during winter. Their Winter Flower Show features themed holiday displays, lush indoor gardens, and magical winter light installations.
This makes for a perfect daytime stop before returning to your warm RV for the evening.
McConnells Mill State Park – Winter Beauty in a Gorge
McConnells Mill is known for dramatic scenery, but in winter it becomes extraordinary. Snow-dusted cliffs, the historic covered bridge, and the stone gristmill make for postcard-perfect views.
Winter highlights include frozen rapids, gorge hikes, and quiet overlooks. Parking areas can accommodate RVs during daytime visits.
Check road conditions before visiting:
https://511pa.com/winter
Pittsburgh Holiday Markets & Light Shows
Winter RV travelers love Pittsburgh’s holiday events, including The Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Kennywood’s Holiday Lights, Phipps Winter Light Garden, and National Aviary events.
These attractions are RV-friendly for daytime parking and make great family outings.
Why Winter RVing in PA Is Worth It
Pennsylvania in winter offers peaceful landscapes, holiday villages, frozen lakes, frosted forests, and small towns that feel magical. Winter RV travel in PA means quieter roads, lower campground rates, fewer crowds, and beautiful winter scenery.
It’s one of the most relaxing seasons to explore the state.
Make Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort Your Winter Base
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or winter-long, Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort offers a warm, convenient, and scenic home base.
You’ll enjoy full hookups, plowed access roads, peaceful winter surroundings, and close access to some of the best winter destinations in Pennsylvania.
Experience the beauty of Pennsylvania winter — from waterfalls to frozen lakes — all from the comfort of your RV.
