Top National Parks for Campers and Hikers who like to escape winter.
Discover warm-weather adventures in these iconic parks, complete with Trip.com lodging recommendations.
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Location: Southern California, spanning parts of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Closest towns: Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley.
How to Reach:
By Air: Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (45 miles) or Ontario International Airport (90 miles). Rent a car for the scenic 1–2-hour drive.
By Road: From Los Angeles, take I-10 E to Highway 62 N (2.5-hour drive).
Weather & Best Time to Visit:
Winter Climate: Daytime highs of 60–75°F, nighttime lows of 35–50°F. Minimal rain.
Best Months: November–March for cool desert hiking and stargazing.
Camping & Hiking Highlights:
Hiking Trails:
Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles): Steep climb with 360° views of the park.
Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile): Easy loop showcasing rock formations.
Arch Rock Trail (1.2 miles): Unique granite arches and boulder scrambles.
Camping:
Jumbo Rocks Campground: 124 sites with fire pits (first-come, first-served).
Black Rock Canyon: 99 sites with water and flush toilets (reservations recommended).
Lodging Near Joshua Tree:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms
Location: 71809 29 Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms.
Amenities: Pool, free breakfast, pet-friendly rooms.
Trip.com Rating: 4.3/5.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Joshua Tree
Location: 56365 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree.
Amenities: Modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, hot tub.
Trip.com Rating: 4.5/5.
Location: 71161 29 Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms.
Amenities: Budget-friendly, retro vibe, U2 album cover history.
Trip.com Rating: 4.0/5.
2. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Location: Remote Southwest Texas, bordering Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert. Closest town: Terlingua (30 minutes).
How to Reach:
By Air: Fly into Midland International Airport (200 miles) or El Paso International Airport (300 miles). Rent a car for the 4–6-hour drive.
*By Road: From San Antonio, take US-90 W (6.5 hours).
Weather & Best Time to Visit:
Winter Climate: Days 55–75°F, nights 30–50°F. Dry and sunny.
Best Months: November–February for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Camping & Hiking Highlights:
Hiking Trails:
Santa Elena Canyon Trail (1.7 miles): Dramatic cliffs along the Rio Grande.
Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles): Moderate climb with vistas of the Chisos Mountains.
South Rim Trail (12–14 miles): Challenging full-day trek with panoramic views.
Camping:
Chisos Basin Campground: 60 sites with restrooms (reservations essential).
Rio Grande Village RV Park: Full hookups for RVs.
Lodging Near Big Bend (via Trip.com):
Location: FM 170, Lajitas.
Amenities: Luxury suites, golf course, horseback riding.
Trip.com Rating: 4.6/5.
Location: Inside the park, Chisos Basin.
Amenities: Basic rooms, on-site restaurant, epic sunrise views.
Trip.com Rating: 4.1/5.
Location: 260 Terlingua Ranch Rd, Terlingua.
Amenities: Rustic cabins, stargazing tours, horseback riding.
Trip.com Rating: 4.0/5.
3. Everglades National Park, Florida
How to Reach:
By Air: Fly into Miami International Airport (50 miles) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (70 miles).
*By Road: From Miami, take FL-997 S to the Homestead entrance (1 hour).
Weather & Best Time to Visit:
*Winter Climate: Days 70–85°F, nights 50–65°F. Dry season (December–April).
Best Months: January–March for wildlife sightings and kayaking.
Camping & Hiking Highlights:
Hiking Trails:
Anhinga Trail (0.8 miles): Alligator and bird-watching boardwalk.
Shark Valley Tram Road (15 miles): Bike or tram through sawgrass prairies.
Camping:
Flamingo Campground: 234 sites with water and electric hookups.
Backcountry Chickee Platforms: Overwater sites for paddlers (permits required).
Lodging Near Everglades (via Trip.com):
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Homestead
Location: 2855 NE 9th St, Homestead.
Amenities: Free breakfast, pool, shuttle service.
Trip.com Rating: 4.4/5.
Fairway Inn Florida City Homestead Everglades
Location: 409 SE 1st Ave, Florida City.
Amenities: Budget-friendly, free parking, proximity to park.
Trip.com Rating: 4.0/5.
Plaza Inn Motel
Location: 1 N Krome Ave, Homestead.
Amenities: Retro motel, pet-friendly, walkable to restaurants.
Trip.com Rating: 3.8/5.
4. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Location: Surrounding Tucson, divided into East (Rincon Mountain District) and West (Tucson Mountain District).
How to Reach:
By Air: Fly into Tucson International Airport (10 miles).
*By Road: From Phoenix, take I-10 S (2-hour drive).
Weather & Best Time to Visit:
Winter Climate: Days 65–75°F, nights 40–55°F. Sunny and dry.
Best Months: December–February for cactus blooms and sunset hikes.
Camping & Hiking Highlights:
Hiking Trails:
Hugh Norris Trail (5 miles): Steep climb with views of Tucson Basin.
Freeman Homestead Trail (1 mile): Family-friendly desert flora walk.
Camping:
Gilbert Ray Campground: 130 sites near Tucson Mountain District (15-minute drive).
Lodging Near Saguaro (via Trip.com):
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
Location: 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson.
Amenities: Luxury spa, desert gardens, horseback riding.
Trip.com Rating: 4.5/5.
Location: 7600 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson.
Amenities: Outdoor pool, golf packages, mountain views.
Trip.com Rating: 4.2/5.
Hotel McCoy – Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Location: 720 W Silverlake Rd, Tucson.
Amenities: Retro-modern vibe, free bike rentals, mural art.
Trip.com Rating: 4.6/5.
5. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
Location: Southeast Hawaii Island, 30 miles from Hilo.
How to Reach:
By Air: Fly into Hilo International Airport (28 miles) or Kona International Airport (96 miles).
*By Road: From Hilo, take HI-11 S (45 minutes).
Weather & Best Time to Visit:
Winter Climate: Days 70–80°F, nights 55–65°F. Occasional rain showers.
*Best Months: December–March for lush trails and active volcanic views.
Camping & Hiking Highlights:
Hiking Trails:
Kīlauea Iki Trail (4 miles): Descend into a solidified lava lake.
Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs Trail (1.4 miles): Ancient Hawaiian rock carvings.
Camping:
Nāmakanipaio Campground: Drive-in sites with picnic tables (first-come, first-served).
Lodging Near Hawai’i Volcanoes (via Trip.com):
Location: Inside the park, Crater Rim Drive.
Amenities: Historic lodge, views of Kīlauea Caldera, on-site restaurant.
Trip.com Rating: 4.3/5.
Location: 19-3948 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano Village.
Amenities: Cozy cabins, fireplace rooms, gourmet dining.
Trip.com Rating: 4.7/5.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – DoubleTree by Hilton
Location: 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo.
Amenities: Oceanfront rooms, golf course, luau packages.
Trip.com Rating: 4.1/5.
Winter Travel Tips
Book Early: Parks like Joshua Tree and Hawai’i Volcanoes fill up fast. Reserve campsites and hotels 3–6 months in advance on Trip.com.
Pack Essentials: Lightweight layers, sun hat, reusable water bottles, and hiking poles.
Check Alerts: Visit NPS.gov for trail closures (e.g., volcanic activity in Hawaii).
Swap snow boots for hiking shoes and explore these sun-soaked national parks. From the surreal cacti forests of Saguaro to the steamy Everglades wetlands, each park offers unique winter adventures. Use Trip.com to secure cozy lodges, budget motels, or luxury resorts near your chosen destination—then hit the trails for an unforgettable escape from the cold.