Everyone wants to know. Where are the Ski Resorts where you can camp? Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, surrounded by nature, rockstar parking and having the convenience waking up in your own cozy digs. Not to mention, being first in line at the lift and getting first tracks! Welcome to the ultimate guide to ski resorts where you can camp, in your car, in your camper, and even in your RV.

Benefits of Camping at Ski Resorts:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Many ski resorts offer an affordable alternative to traditional high cost lodging. With camping fees obviously lower than hotel rates, you can allocate more of your budget to lift tickets, gear, and unforgettable experiences. With the storage space in most campers and RVs, you can skip the rental lines and save money by bringing your own skis and snowboards!
• Scenic Locations: By their very nature, ski resorts boast stunning landscapes, and camping allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds them. Wake up to crisp mountain air, towering pine trees, and often even a dusting of snow outside your window.
• First Tracks: This cannot be underplayed. When you camp at the ski resort, you will be unencumbered by traffic and mishaps, wake up, brew a cup and hit the mountain. It’s that easy.
• Flexibility and Freedom: Camper trailers and RVs provide the freedom to explore multiple locales within a single trip, so you can easily visit all the resorts in the area. They also allow you to change your destination on a whim, follow the best snowfall, or simply enjoy the variety of terrain different resorts offer.
• Comfort and Convenience: Forget cramped hotel rooms with their sterile bedding and unfamiliar decor – camping means having your own space with all your own personal items. Cook your favorite meals in a fully equipped kitchen, relax in your private living area, and enjoy the comfort of a real bed, with your own comfortable linens after a day on the slopes. If you have it at home, you can have it in your camper or RV.
• Pet Friendly: Most campgrounds actively welcome pets to their establishments and some even have dog parks. This means no boarding fees, extra hotel fees, house sitters, or extra plane tickets for your furry friends. Taking your pet RVing doesn’t cost a thing and they get the benefit of adventure.
• Family Bonding: Our absolute favorite aspect of RVing was, hands down, the added family time. It’s tough to find shared passions between kids and parents, but skiing and snowboarding is often an activity that bridges the gap. Spend a fabulous day on the slopes, then spend the evenings lounging in the comfort of your own quarters, playing cards, watching movies, or snuggling together reading and sharing the events of the day.

Camping Options

• BLM Land: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands often allows dispersed camping, offering a true off-grid experience. While amenities may be limited, the solitude and unspoiled scenery make it worthwhile. This is our camping preference, unless we are at a ski resort, then we much prefer their accommodations, mainly for convenience.
• National Forests: Many national forests permit free camping in designated areas. Check individual forest regulations and restrictions, and embrace the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Camping Options at Resorts

Listen up! I’m sure you’ve heard you can camp at small local resorts, but did you know you also have the option to camp at some of the biggest resorts as well? whether you’re chasing snow in search of powder or simply looking for a way to cut costs while taking your family on a ski vacation, there are many ski resorts that welcome you and your RV/camper to their parking lot or on-site campground. My daughter was able to piece together a trip of a lifetime just camping in her car!! So where exactly are these ski resorts where you can camp? Read below ….

California Ski Resorts Where You Can Camp

Dodge Ridge Ski Area: There are several campgrounds close-by. Click on this link for the comprehensive list from Dodge Ridge themselves.

China Peak: “Due to the popularity of RV camping at China Peak, spots fill up quickly,” reserve your spot quickly. Rates are $59/nt and $70/nt on holidays.

The Republic of Colorado Resorts

Copper Mountain: While they don’t encourage it, they also probably don’t check to see if you are sleeping in your RV … “There is a $20 overnight fee to park in the Alpine lot between the hours of 10pm-6am”

Powderhorn Mountain Resort: “Overnight camping in the 1st 2nd and 3rd lot are not allowed. Parking in our 4th dirt lot is permitted, but please be aware of snow removal and heavy machinery starting at 4:00am. You may be asked to move your vehicle at any time for operations. 

Purgatory Resort: No officially allowed, but unofficially, many riders I know personally have managed to “camp” in their cars for a night or two undetected in the lower lot.

Ski Cooper: The explicitly state that overnight camping is prohibited unless “express permission granted by Area Management.” It wouldn’t hurt to ask.

Sunlight Mountain Resort: “During the winter only, check in with parking attendants for directions to designated parking spaces. Space is limited with a 2-night maximum stay, and is on a first come first serve basis.” FREE

Telluride: “While we welcome RVs in Telluride, parking spaces in our quaint town is limited. RVs are only allowed to park overnight in the Telluride Town Park Campground and sleeping in your RV is only permitted when your vehicle is parked in a designated campsite. The maximum length of RVs allowed in the Campground is 30 feet (including the length of the vehicle pulling it), and the sites are primitive.”

Wolf Creek Ski Area: Permitted in the Snowshed Overflow Lot. Contact Wolf Creek for more info: (970) 264-5639.

Idaho Resorts

Brundage Mountain Ski Resort: “RV Camping is available in the Centennial Parking Lot. RV Camping is FREE, but guests MUST register with Guest Services. Blackout dates for holidays are in effect. FREE.

Bogus Basin Ski Area: “Overnight camping is allowed in the dirt lots – Silver Queen, Bitterroot, and Lot 4. No camping in the paved lots. Campers must take only one parking spot, to maximize availability for other vehicles. A cab over camper or Van is the ideal camping vehicle, as campers may occupy only one parking spot.”

Lookout Pass Ski Resort: Lookout Pass allows free overnight RV parking in the bottom parking lot closest to I-90. You must have a self-contained vehicle as there are no hookups! Maybe call to be sure?!

Pomerelle Ski Resort: There is no information about overnight camping on Pomerelle’s site, but it from a reasonably trustworthy source that it is allowed. Maybe call to be sure?!

Schweitzer Mountain Resorts: “Want the ease of having your comfortable RV with you while you ride? Not a problem! RV parking is welcome at Schweitzer free of charge at the fire station lot and the parking area on the other side of the round-about.” FREE!

Silver Mountain Resort: Primitive (dry camping – no hookups). $30/nt

Maine Resorts

Sugarloaf: Overnight parking is allowed in Lot E. Only self-contained single units that do not exceed 25 feet in total are permitted.  No trailers or tow-behind campers/utility trailers are allowed. Primitive. FREE

Sunday River Resort: “Overnight parking is permitted in the back row of Parking Lot 6, Vehicles or trailers must be manufactured or retrofitted for overnight habitation and be fully self-contained for power, heat, water, and waste. Primitive. Sleeping in regular passenger vehicles, tent, and other means of shelter are not permitted on resort property. Off-site camping is available at Stoney Brook Campground, approximately five miles from the resort.”

Montana Resorts

Bridger Bowl Ski Area: Tentatively allowed, but you must contact facilities@bridgerbowl.com for “possible permission”.

Lost Trail Ski Area: Not for RV’s, it’s more for car camping. “No pull-behind campers allowed in the parking lot.” Ever. “No vehicles over 27″ allowed in the parking lot at any time.” $20/nt with a two night limit, and need to be paid for and registered ahead of time at the park office.

Whitefish Mountain Resort: “Camping trailers and RVs are allowed in the Aspen Lot (in-season only) for a maximum stay of 3 days. There are limited camping spots and availability is first-come, first-served. Registration must be completed at Lodging.” Primitive, no hookups. $25/nt plus tax.

New Hampshire Resorts

Gunstock Mountain Resort: Full campground with all the amenities, but check out the cancellation policy. Sites start at $35.

Cannon Mountain: Overnight camping is permitted in the Cannon RV Park (reservations required on www.reserveamerica.com)

New Mexico Resorts

Angel Fire Resort: “Angel Fire Resort offers camping conveniently located near the base of the mountain, at the Southwest corner of Vail and Squaw Valley. The Resort campground offers port-a-potties, washing station, dumpsters and a community fire pit. There is a drop box onsite for envelope payments.” Maximum length 19′. $15/nt

Sipapu Ski Area: This isn’t your basic primitive dirt lot camping. This is an actual ski resort campground within a short walk from the base. With three RV sites with hookups and several primitive spots, you can camp here in your RV or tent. Prices start at $25 per night for dry camping and reservations are needed.

Taos Ski Valley: “Designated parking for overnight stays in Gila Monster Lot. Guests are asked to reserve their spot in advance.” Campsites are limited & primitive. $30/nt & $45/nt weekends and holiday periods.

Oregon Resorts

Mt Hood Meadows Resort: “Sno Park” permits are required, the fees are as follow: Annual, $25, 3-Day, $9, Daily, $4.

Mt Bachelor Ski Resort: “Spending the night at Mt. Bachelor can be an incredible experience. Instead of driving back to town, you can gather in the parking lot with friends and family after a day of skiing and wake up to the alpenglow in the morning. This experience will forever enhance your time in the mountains. We offer a variety of overnight parking options, including powered hook-up sites.” Starting at $49/night

Utah Resorts

Brian Head Ski Resort: “Brian Head Resort allows overnight camping free of charge for resort patrons on the upper level of the Navajo Lodge parking lot. Limited weekend camping is available in the Giant Steps parking lot on select weekends with prior approval from the reservations department. Facilities are not provided at either location. (435) 677-2035.”

Eagle Point Resort: “Our camping areas are located near Skyline Lodge, which is at 10,300 ft in elevation. With several nearby peaks eclipsing 12,000 feet, you will feel like you are on top of the world. Camping is all self-serve.” The vehicle must be no larger than a Sprinter van and is only allocated one spot. $20/nt.

Nordic Valley: Nordic Valley allows overnight RV parking in the lot across the street from their main parking area for $10 per night. Call to verify.

Vermont Resorts

Killington: Overnight parking is permitted in the overflow lot at Skyeship. No services. 2 day maximum, unless permission is granted. FREE.

Mount Snow: Word on the street is that Mount Snow is car camping friendly, on the dl. But, I wouldn’t bet my life on it, they are a Vail Resorts property.

Washington State Resorts

Mount Baker: “We have a limited number of overnight parking spots available Opening Day – April 21 at the Heather Meadows and White Salmon parking lots, and reservations are required. Mt. Baker is a remote area and these overnight parking sites are “primitive” with no hookups, so all overnight parking rigs must be self-contained. That being said, it’s hard to beat waking up to fresh snow and mountain peaks around you, with a short walk to the chairlifts to start your day!” Starts at $32/night…

49 Degree North: RV Parking, Cost with electrical access – $22 a night, Cost without electrical access – $12 a night

Stevens Pass Ski Resort: “RV overnight parking at Stevens Pass offers a unique experience for our guests who want to spend the night, or the week, in the comfort of their own RV, complete with 30 amp electric hook ups.” Fees are $43 per person per night.

The Summit at Snoqualmie: “Living the #vanlife or interested in cozying up to the slopes for a night or weekend of fun? We have designated overnight parking areas during the winter and summer seasons for RV’s, campers, and vans, plus a thriving, friendly community of overnighters.” $40/night …

Crystal Mountain Resort: “Wake up mere steps from the chairlifts and circumvent the morning commute to the mountain. We have both 30 and 50amp hookups available to accommodate most sizes of RV. Make your reservation to stay at Crystal and get that legendary B-Lot experience!” Starts at $65/night

Mission Ridge: Primitive RV and truck camper spots, starting at $35 & $30 respectively.

Wyoming Resorts

Grand Targhee Resort: “Are you a lucky owner of a sprinter or camper van? Consider Grand Targhee Resort’s on-site camping so you can get a jump on your adventure-filled mornings! Campsites are conveniently located in the back of Lot 2, within walking distance to all resort activities and amenities.” Starting at $39/nt

WhitePine Ski Area & Resort: Full Campground, Starts at $12/nt