Is this even possible? December in New England?

[k6ncx]

The way various things are aligning this year, we need to be in the Boston area in late November and coastal Maine in late December. For one or the other we'd probably fly, but for both we'd rather travel overland. In between we would happily stay in Western Mass. We live on the West Coast and would cross by a southern route. No worries there, we've done it before, and have family in the South so that's all good.

But most (all?) of the campgrounds I'm finding open in December have no hookups. That's fine for a night or two, but dry camping for a month doesn't appeal. Are there any places with full hookups all winter?

We'll probably have to buy propane repeatedly is that going to be a problem?

What about roads? I know no one can forecast the weather with specificity six months ahead, but is this even plausible? We would plan to arrive at each stop a couple of days before we really need to to allow for weather delays, but still.

Am I a fool for even considering it? Overly anxious?

[Rice]

toolinarnd wrote:
There are a few campgrounds in this area that are open all year, some even have heated water line. The problem is that most are open for snowmobilers, so they don't plow their roads.

The plowed road thing never even occurred to me. So even "open year round" isn't a slam dunk.

[buta4]

Ivylog wrote:
Guess you have never seen a 5 year old vehicle from the NE...salt does a job on them.

New inventions out... :B
1. Car wash
2. Truck wash
3. Self service wash

BTW, one of our cars is a 2005 Hyundai Sonata and minimal rust after 12 years!

Fear not!

[toolinarnd]

There are a few campgrounds in this area that are open all year, some even have heated water line. The problem is that most are open for snowmobilers, so they don't plow their roads. I know Meredith woods has heated waterlines. There is a place in Weare NH. called friendly beaver that I be leave is open all year, and plowed. Normandy farms around Boston is open until the end of Nov. There used to be Keyser pond in Henniker NH. I hope this helps.

[jamesu]

Even contiplating such a trip cross country to a far north destination tells me you are the adventurous type. To each his own. Not for me.

Others have given you great practical advice. To that advice add plenty of common sense in applying what you already know and will learn as you're out there. Might save you a lot of heartache.

Me? I'd fly, rent a car, and motel it that time of year.

[suprz]

I live in New England, and I will tell you that I wouldn't do it, is it doable? Sure, but my RV is used for enjoyment and NOT for inducing undo stress. You will more than likely be worrying about the weather, your pipes freezing, driving in the snow, etc, etc. Is New England beautiful in the snow? Yes, so see it while in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, or from a ski lodge in front of a fireplace.

[Busskipper]

k6ncx wrote:

loggenrock wrote:
Closer than Aces High... Meredith Woods CG - Rte 104, Meredith, NH - 4 season CG - see http://www.meredithwoods.com/Winter.html
ST

Well, I guess that saves my asking who or what is Aces High (though I'm still wondering where.)

But Merideth Woods is 112 miles from where we need to go.

So what are the plans?

Not only in New England, but if you do it, what about the rest of the trip - lots to see and do between Maine and Cali.

This could be the trip of a LIFETIME.

????

[Rice]

k6ncx wrote:

loggenrock wrote:
Closer than Aces High... Meredith Woods CG - Rte 104, Meredith, NH - 4 season CG - see http://www.meredithwoods.com/Winter.html

Well, I guess that saves my asking who or what is Aces High (though I'm still wondering where.)

Um, jplante4 said "Aces High in East Lyme CT." I'd guess an RV park in East Lyme, Connecticut.

k6ncx wrote:
But Merideth Woods is 112 miles from where we need to go.

Well where exactly do you need to go? The only places you mentioned were "Boston area" and "coastal Maine." Boston area is big, and coastal Maine is 300 miles long.

Maybe people can be more helpful if they know where you need to be.

[jplante4]

k6ncx wrote:

loggenrock wrote:
Closer than Aces High... Meredith Woods CG - Rte 104, Meredith, NH - 4 season CG - see http://www.meredithwoods.com/Winter.html
ST

Well, I guess that saves my asking who or what is Aces High (though I'm still wondering where.)

But Merideth Woods is 112 miles from where we need to go.

Aces High would be a stop on the way. It's in East Lyme CT near Groton and just off I-95. A stop there and a 3-4 hour drive would get you to southern Maine.

[Busskipper]

Busskipper wrote:

k6ncx wrote:
The way various things are aligning this year, we need to be in the Boston area in late November and coastal Maine in late December. For one or the other we'd probably fly, but for both we'd rather travel overland. In between we would happily stay in Western Mass. We live on the West Coast and would cross by a southern route. No worries there, we've done it before, and have family in the South so that's all good.

But most (all?) of the campgrounds I'm finding open in December have no hookups. That's fine for a night or two, but dry camping for a month doesn't appeal. Are there any places with full hookups all winter?

We'll probably have to buy propane repeatedly is that going to be a problem?

What about roads? I know no one can forecast the weather with specificity six months ahead, but is this even plausible? We would plan to arrive at each stop a couple of days before we really need to to allow for weather delays, but still.

Am I a fool for even considering it? Overly anxious?

First off - yes but will require you to do a little work - Searching in the area you are headed - For the most part, winter does not come till January if at all - But then again, if you don't like the weather just wait a bit it will change.

We've done it - we used to ski out of the motor homes over the years - Easy - NO - Possible - YES - usually there are a few spots with hookups - you will need a heated hose for water (or just fill and use your tank) and yes you will burn Propane, but it's winter - some places have electric included so supplement with small electric heaters.

Not to long ago Boston set a record for snow - so - likely it will not come again at least that heavy for years - The Coastal Maine might require a little more LUCK - but start searching - be specific - to the area and you will likely find Something - Boston this place used to be open in the winter so it might work - now just find something on the Coast.

Best of Luck, and keep us informed,

I see the Naysayers are coming in - I'd Do It - No I've DOne It - It's a house on wheels and it has heat for a reason, so you can use it in the COLD. Back in the 80's we would ski in ours all winter long on the East Coast - in 2005-7 we spent the Winters in Golden, Colorado - Oh how I miss those days - the biggest issue will be finding places that are open, they are out there they just require you to really LOOK.

So if it makes sense to you go for it, enjoy the drive Out and Back this is IMHO a Great time to be in New England.

JMHO,

[alfredmay]

If you do this I suggest you bring or purchase:

A snow shovel

Hair dryer with long extension cord to defrost leveling jacks, electric connections, etc.

A broom and ladder to keep snow off your slideout. Snow will melt and refreeze and your slideout will not retract.

Same for your roof. Most states require roof to be clear of snow and ice before traveling.

[doxiemom11]

If this tells you anything -- I lived in Michigan all of my life and I wouldn't do what you are thinking. The roads could be horrible, even unpassable if you are caught in a blizzard and it isn't that easy to keep an RV warm when it stays below freezing day and night. You would go thru a lot of propane in 1 month. Fly in and stay in a hotel.

[k6ncx]

loggenrock wrote:
Closer than Aces High... Meredith Woods CG - Rte 104, Meredith, NH - 4 season CG - see http://www.meredithwoods.com/Winter.html
ST

Well, I guess that saves my asking who or what is Aces High (though I'm still wondering where.)

But Merideth Woods is 112 miles from where we need to go.

[loggenrock]

Closer than Aces High... Meredith Woods CG - Rte 104, Meredith, NH - 4 season CG - see http://www.meredithwoods.com/Winter.html
ST

[jplante4]

There are a few full hookup campgrounds open year round in the northeast. Timberlane in Clarksboro NJ and Aces High in East Lyme CT are 2 that I've stayed at. There was a thread last year about Maine winter spots and we found a few there as well. A search may turn it up. Also, Allstays has an open all year filter and a few showed up.

As for weather, typically the first snow falls between Thanksgiving and the solstice but it doesn't stick (no salt put down). The first cold snap below freezing is usually not til after Christmas. Maine is the bigger problem weather wise. They are a week or 2 ahead of southern New England.

Propane won't be a problem. Aces High sells propane all year.