Spring break is a wonderful time of year across the country. It can offer great weather and is generally a time when people want to get outside and recreate. It also aligns with school and college breaks and many families and individuals take vacation time to align with those schedules. If you look at flights to popular destinations, prices spike in March.
Most spring break sessions occur in the first few weeks of March. The entire month remains popular as does early April for travel in general. For RVers who enjoy these places year-round, it can be a bit bothersome when your favorite beaches and mountains are flooded with throngs of partygoers. Take advantage of the lesser and less popular destinations around spring break to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the great outdoors.
Crowd Avoiding Strategies
A few themes are recurring around spring break in terms of destinations. Places with ample lodging, nightlife, beaches, resorts and the infrastructure to handle a mass influx of visitors are prime places to avoid. When it comes to avoiding these crowds, I like to go remote. Sometimes that means ditching the camper for a well timed backpacking or river rafting trip.
You can also find big landscapes with lots of public land and room to spread out. On the other hand, opting for something small with limited available space can ensure you have few neighbors. Research is the key to landing in the right place. Finding places that are not in season or less popular zones like wildlife refuges can offer a quiet and enjoyable experience as well.
Places to Avoid at All Costs
Death Valley National Park
It’s big, remote and made for winter and spring camping. The open desert in and around Death Valley is sparsely populated so come prepared to navigate dirt roads with ample supplies. You can stage in Beatty, NV, which is a low key place to spend some time. Bishop, CA can also be a great staging town that doesn't go crazy on spring break. Bishop could act as a destination in itself so long as you stay clear of Mammoth and the mountain ski crowds.
For those who make the journey to Death Valley, expect warm days, cool nights, amazing stars and pure quiet. Check-in with the rangers and register before driving any off-road routes and follow all the rules to remain safe in this exceptional national park.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
If you absolutely need to enjoy a beach town on spring break, head to Ocean Springs. It has incredible beaches and small town charm without the flood of crowds. While many other places in the region are overwhelmed, you might find a quiet corner to enjoy here. They have great food and art to enjoy. For the outdoor lovers, visit the gulf islands and spend some time paddling and hiking in the area. RV parkswith top notch amenities are present here and in the wider region as well.
Redwood Forests
California is known for its big cities but the northern part of the state is filled with forests and small towns. Spring is a great season in redwoods and you can take a drive and camp trip through the national and state parks while making your way up (or down) the pacific coast. If the parks are a little crowded with spring breakers, the abundance of national forests and campsites outside the park makes it easy to pivot without driving far. While you’re here, extend into the southern Oregon coast to continue enjoying spring in the Pacific Northwest.
Sun Valley Idaho
The ski area will have crowds to avoid but the greater Sun Valley region often sees comfortable temperatures in the spring. If snow has melted off the valley floors and high desert campsites, you can find some great places to camp. It’s also a pleasant time to enjoy the fishing and do some wildlife watching in the area. Big moose, elk herds and deer are often visible as they spend the last month or two on winter ground before moving to the high country.
Yosemite National Park
While Yosemite can have a ton of snow in the high country, it’s still worth visiting in March. The lower elevation river valleys are still open and the park is still just as beautiful. In fact, the contrast of snow and granite often makes it even more attractive. You should prepare for cold weather but most days are still sunny and reasonable. This park can be extremely crowded during summer and spring is a perfect time to check it off your bucket list.
Tucson, Arizona
Arizona is very popular during spring break but locals make a max exodus from the cities. It’s a great time to visit Tucson and even Phoenix because the crowds are concentrated at Lake Havasu and Lake Mead. Flagstaff is also a great mountain destination in spring and you can hike and bike the local trails. Places like the Grand Canyon and southern Utah national parks are crowded but a good strategy involves taking care of business and making your city pit stops during spring break. When the break ends, hit the parks as the crowds are all gone and there’s typically a nice break from the busy season.
Inland Texas
The Gulf Coast is a spring break destination and the cities like Galveston and South Padre Island are a zoo. The inland country is wide open however and there’s plenty of highway to explore in Texas. Drive to Amarillo and enjoy the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon. Big Bend National Park is also great this time of year. The crowds are elevated but not insane by any means. Spend a few days enjoying the culture and laid back atmosphere in San Antonio and take a trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for some fresh scenery and hiking trails.
Red River, New Mexico
While the northern rockies are still locked in winter, the arid high desert on the southern end is perfect. Red River and the Taos area are perfect for outdoor sports with plenty of trail systems to accommodate hikers and serious mountain bikers. There’s great fishing in the area as well. Wide open space, fresh air and uncrowded terrain make the region perfect for a March getaway. New Mexico has a few other places with similar opportunities too (hint, hint).
Where will you spend spring break?
Avoiding crowds in March is no easy task. Many of the most desirable destinations are chaotic and crazy. Luckily, your RV offers the freedom to get away during this time. Do some research and find yourself a small piece of paradise to avoid the crowds. When you do, keep it secret so you can return each year without being crowded out!
