Off-grid Winter RVing Question
Hi everyone, I have a 21 foot Toyota Dolphin that I'm planning to take on long ski weekends on Mt. Hood. Typical nighttime temps are in the low teens. Sometimes (thought rarely) single digits. Dayt...
Forum Discussion
Paul,
Most Oregon snow parks are fine for overnight parking. You can't set up a tent (in the parking lot for obvious reasons), but sleeping in a vehicle is OK.
If it was me, I would just stay at Bachelor in the far back of main lot (though I have seen RV's really close to the main lodge, so maybe that's where they prefer that folks stay). Bring some snowshoes, XC, or AT skis and enjoy a moonlight hike out to Dutchman Flat. Keep in mind that they plow the Bachelor parking lot quite regularly at night when it snows (plows aren't very quiet).
If you want to save the $10.00 (though I really doubt they charge if you don't ask), then you could go down to either Edison or Wanoga. Dutchman, Vista Butte (haven't seen the new lot though so this may have changed), Swampy and Meissner are too small IMO. You are likely to have company at Wanoga as it's a major snowmobile area. Edison is a bit quieter, but it will take a little longer to get there. Don't forget to get a snow-park permit.
If you really want that hot shower, then come back into town and stay at Tumalo State Park. It would also be easier to keep your rig from freezing down here as well.
There are some boondocking sites up Century Dr. too, but if there is a dump of snow you are likely to get stuck on the wrong side of a big berm of snow (don't ask how I learned this....).
I believe that setting up a rig for cold weather camping is a journey that will take several seasons. I suggest you start with a few easy things and then go camping to test it out.
Enjoy the journey,
Steve
Most Oregon snow parks are fine for overnight parking. You can't set up a tent (in the parking lot for obvious reasons), but sleeping in a vehicle is OK.
If it was me, I would just stay at Bachelor in the far back of main lot (though I have seen RV's really close to the main lodge, so maybe that's where they prefer that folks stay). Bring some snowshoes, XC, or AT skis and enjoy a moonlight hike out to Dutchman Flat. Keep in mind that they plow the Bachelor parking lot quite regularly at night when it snows (plows aren't very quiet).
If you want to save the $10.00 (though I really doubt they charge if you don't ask), then you could go down to either Edison or Wanoga. Dutchman, Vista Butte (haven't seen the new lot though so this may have changed), Swampy and Meissner are too small IMO. You are likely to have company at Wanoga as it's a major snowmobile area. Edison is a bit quieter, but it will take a little longer to get there. Don't forget to get a snow-park permit.
If you really want that hot shower, then come back into town and stay at Tumalo State Park. It would also be easier to keep your rig from freezing down here as well.
There are some boondocking sites up Century Dr. too, but if there is a dump of snow you are likely to get stuck on the wrong side of a big berm of snow (don't ask how I learned this....).
I believe that setting up a rig for cold weather camping is a journey that will take several seasons. I suggest you start with a few easy things and then go camping to test it out.
Enjoy the journey,
Steve
