Nothing says winter like a cozy night of cabin camping, bundled up next to a crackling fire with a cup of hot chocolate after a long day on the slopes. Whether you’re an expert skier or learning to snowboard for the first time, a winter weekend in the mountains is about as good as it gets. Ski resort getaways are fun for the whole family, with safe ski school for young children and challenging black diamond runs for the thrill seekers. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there’s no shame in spending a relaxing afternoon at the lodge, curled up reading your favorite book.
There are wonderful ski resorts and luxury lodges across the United States. The only problem is, peak winter dates often come with lofty hotel price tags. A fantastic option is to book a cabin rental that is close in proximity to the mountain and far less expensive. Depending on the destination of your choice, cabin camping can accommodate families and friend groups, with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens and winter-friendly amenities for comfort and entertainment. To inspire your mountain getaway, we’ve selected great cabin camping options near America’s best ski resorts.
Grab your skis and book your dream cabin camping winter getaway.
1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Where: Golden, Colorado
Close to: Winter Park Resort
Located about an hour from Winter Park Resort and an hour and fifteen minutes from Keystone Ski Resort — two of the most popular skiing destinations in Colorado — Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers an ideal blend of mountain accessibility and cabin camping affordability. Cabins and yurts at Reverend’s Ridge Campground are reservable year-round, so be sure to bring your snowshoes. When you’re off the slopes, take advantage of the area’s plentiful hiking adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities. Learn more about Golden Gate Canyon State Park, here.
2. Wasatch Mountain State Park
Where: Midway, Utah
Close to: Alta Ski Area
All serious skiers know that Utah has some of the freshest powder snow in the United States, and Alta Ski Area near Salt Lake City is arguably the best Utah skiing destination. Located on the other side of the mountain range, Wasatch Mountain State Park offers cabin camping refuge for rest and relaxation after a long day on the slopes. There are two featured cabins (Eagle and Falcon) that can house groups of up to six people. While you’re at the state park, keep the winter thrills going with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing adventures. Unfortunately the Alta Ski Area is for skiers only, so leave your snowboards at home. Learn more about Wasatch Mountain State Park, here.
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3. Limehurst Lake Campground
Where: Williamstown, Vermont
Close to: Sugarbush Resort
Vermont’s Limehurst Lake Campground offers an authentic New England cabin camping experience. Visitors will enjoy charming, rustic cottage rentals complete with a cozy bedroom, TV, refrigerator and electrical receptacles. Limehurst Lake Campground is less than 45 minutes away from Sugarbush Resort, recently ranked as the number one ski mountain in Vermont by snowpak.com. Be warned, it’s not great for beginners — steep vertical drops and un-groomed, woody runs are the highlight of this world-class resort. Learn more about Limehurst Lake Campground, here.
4. Columbia Falls RV Park
Where: Columbia Falls, Montana
Close to: Whitefish Ski Resort
Montana offers endless winter wonderland views and experiences, including plentiful skiing and snowboarding. A great camping choice for mountain-bound visitors, Columbia Falls RV Park now also rents basic cabins and full-service cabins for a minimum of two nights. The campground offers WiFi and cable, and is located within walking distance to restaurants and retail stores in the Columbia Falls area. Better yet, local-favorite Whitefish Ski Resort is only a 30-minute drive away, and features over 3,000 ski-friendly acres. Learn more about Columbia Falls RV Park, here.
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5. Sylvan Lake State Park
Where: Eagle, Colorado
Close to: Beaver Creek Resort
Sylvan Lake State Park is an underrated outdoor playground located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. When the snow begins to fall, it’s a winter adventurer’s paradise – located about an hour from the legendary Beaver Creek and Vail ski resorts. Escape the high prices at luxury lodges in these ski resort towns by booking one of 12 quaint cabins and yurts available at this pristine state park. Take note, the park only has one three-bedroom premium cabin available to rent, so book early to guarantee your desired dates. Learn more about Sylvan Lake State Park, here.
6. Willard Bay State Park
Where: Willard, Utah
Close to: Powder Mountain
Utah’s famed Powder Mountain is known for, you guessed it, world-class powder snow and a less crowded skiing experience. Located about 45 minutes from the slopes, Willard Bay State Park is the perfect place to unwind and warm up (did someone say hot showers?) after an action-packed day of living your best winter life. The state park features almost 10,000 acres of fresh water, and is commonly used for fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking throughout the year. The campground includes two cabins that can each house up to eight people. Learn more about Willard Bay State Park, here.
7. Casa Malpais RV Park
Where: Springerville, Arizona
Close to: Sunrise Park Resort
Is Arizona currently absent from your ski vacation list? It’s time to re-think the Southwest. Casa Malpais RV Park is a one-stop-shop for skiers and campers, with two cabins available for rent. The winter-friendly cabins are just 30 minutes from Arizona’s top ranked ski mountain destination — Sunrise Park Resort. A unique winter experience in Arizona, Sunrise is family-friendly and easily accessible, with a range of ski runs for all skill levels. Catering to every adventurous visitor, the campground area also offers hiking and mountain biking. Learn more about Casa Malpais RV Park, here.
