March means spring is arriving and while some areas of the country are coming into a nice season, others are starting to heat up. It’s a time of climate transitions and might be one of the months with the highest abundance of possibilities for RVers. It also coincides with spring break so choose your destinations wisely! Some RVers will migrate to the hotspots while others prefer going far off-grid to avoid the crowds.
I find the southern states and desert southwest to be very appealing this time of year. The northwest also has great opportunities along the coast and within the coastal mountain ranges. High desert regions are wonderful in spring as well. The big mountain ranges are entering mud season and although spring can offer some nice days, it’s best to wait until May when the backroads and high alpine zones begin opening.
Our Picks for March Destinations
Orlando, Florida
If you don’t mind the spring break crowds, drive to Florida for some fun in the sunshine! Orlando is home to Disney World and it has a ton of great RV camping in the area if you don’t stay at the park. It’s also a strategic place to spend some time on a larger Florida road trip. Hit Tampa for some city fun and boating, drive to Crystal River to swim with Manatees and make a loop into the Keys for that Caribbean vibe.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountains and northern states are still locked into late winter temperatures but the southern end of the Appalachians are wide open and it’s spring wildflower season. You might experience spring snow storms but it’s not quite as cold as winter and the park is a great place to spend some time before summer crowds arrive. It’s also less popular with spring break trippers if you want a mountain retreat.
RV sites are available in the national park and you can reserve these in advance. There are also plenty of RV parks serving park visitors outside of the park boundaries. Most are open in March and have electric hookups at a minimum.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a mountain paradise surrounded by desert. It’s pretty much an island of pine forests filled with elk and deer that drops off into Grand Canyon country. You can find yourself biking and hiking trails in the sunshine on most days but you might also catch a late winter storm with some snow. The thing that makes this location ideal is the ability to drive in any direction if a snowstorm does arrive. You will quickly lose elevation while driving into the Arizona desert region.
Flagstaff has some great RV parks close to the city and it also has several farther into the woods and surrounding landscape. If you want a little separation from town, look to places like Village Camp to enjoy the wild landscape in this area.
San Diego, California
If you want guaranteed perfect weather, San Diego is a pretty safe bet. In March, the days are warm and the evenings cool. The city has a ton of entertainment and great food. It’s also RV friendly with some amazing places to stay along the coast. Grab a site and set up for a while because the golf courses, trails, natural areas and city events make it easy to get lost in San Diego.
I’ve spent some time camping around this area and will say that it’s worth driving a half hour north on the coast. There are some really amazing campsites closer to Encinitas and it’s still a quick trip to reach downtown. Regardless, you won’t have a hard time finding great RV parks and resorts in San Diego.
Grand Junction, Colorado
This region in Western Colorado is near the Utah border and it has a nice spring climate. The mountain ranges located within an hour or two of the city are often covered in snow while Grand Junction is all sunshine and warm temperatures. Mountain biking is world class and hiking the mesa country is very unique. It also combines well with a trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
For RV options, there are quite a few parks and campgrounds. You can find public land for boondocking too. Consider staying at one of the parks located on the Colorado River for some springtime fishing. The river has good trout fishing and also offers whitewater rafting as the snowmelt begins at higher elevations.
Branson, Missouri
The Ozark Mountains see temperatures in the 60’s during March. It’s above freezing at night and although temperatures can be cold, they are rarely very cold and the days are pleasant. It’s a great time to be fishing around Branson and throughout the Ozarks. The city is loaded with museums, theaters and great food as well.
For RVers specifically, Branson is set up with RV parks and camping on the extensive lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Some are located right in town while others are situated on the Shores of Table Rock Lake. Spend some time searching for the perfect spot and bring your fishing gear because you will quickly be tempted by the potential for a massive trout.
Boulder City, NV
Sitting on the Arizona border, just south of Las Vegas is Boulder City. Although it’s a short drive from the big city, it’s all small town culture here. You can park on or near Lake Mead for boating, swimming and fishing. The lake has some large striped bass along with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and a number of other species.
While the reservoir is a big attraction, don’t overlook the hiking in this area. There are slot canyons, mountains and hidden hot springs to explore. March weather is idyllic with mostly sunshine, warm days and very little moisture. The RV infrastructure in the region is also impressive with a pile of great options.
Astoria, Oregon
The northwest is known for its rain events but March has plenty to offer when the clouds part. It’s generally cool with days in the 50’s but the beaches are quiet and the surf is big and exciting. It’s also a good fishing season for steelhead and the chinook salmon are running through March and April.
My favorite thing about spring along the Oregon coast is the abundance of prime RV sites. The summer crowds have yet to arrive and you can find oceanfront sites on short notice. If you don’t mind the rain, Oregon is a great spring destination.
Are You Ready for Some March Camping?
For the brave Rvers, you can drive north to see the early spring months unfold. I can assure you that places with snow are turning to mud and many dirt roads are closed and inaccessible. It is a good time to visit some of the northern national parks however as they aren't crowded and the wildlife watching is fantastic. Otherwise, stick to the south, southwest and northwest to really soak up the good weath
