Romantic dinners, roses, and chocolates are Valentine’s Day standards, but maybe this year you’re looking for an adventurous celebration of love? ReserveAmerica has Valentine’s Day adventure ideas that will wow your valentine for a memorable and fun-filled weekend.
Recommended: Snowboard & Ski Cabin Trips
1. Ski or Snowboard Together
Hitting the slopes is a guaranteed thrill, whether you are experts or novices. The state parks listed below offer year-round camping and are located close to ski and snowboard resorts. For couples who frequently ski together, try switching out your preferred sport for snowboarding classes, or vice versa.
Cannon Mountain RV Park, New Hampshire
Why We Love It
- The park is within walking distance to a ski resort
- There is a lake for ice fishing and ice skating in the park
- The White Mountains are a fantastic winter adventure destination
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are an epic backdrop for winter adventures. Explore the rolling hills on snowshoes or cross country skis, or ice skate, or ice fish on the frozen-over surface of Echo Lake. Just outside of this RV park – literally one minute drive away – is Cannon Mountain Ski Resort with 10 lifts servicing 265 acres of skiing and snowboarding. The park offers seven RV trailer hookups.
Sylvan Lake State Park, Colorado
Why We Love It
- Winter playground in the heart of the Colorado Rockies
- Close to popular ski resorts
- Yurts are available to rent
Camp in a winter playground and avoid high-priced ski lodges by staying at Sylvan Lake State Park, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Venture outside the park (about an hour’s drive) to Beaver Creek Resort and Vail Ski Resort, legendary ski and snowboarding spots. Forty-six campsites and 12 camper cabins and yurts are available for rent.
Recommended: Warm Places to Camp in Winter
2. Hit the Sand Dunes
Much like snowboarding, sandboarding is a boardsport that involves zipping down a slope while riding a board. Sandboarding can be done while standing on your feet, or sitting, or lying down. Many sandboarding devotees hit the sand dunes in the warmer months, but wintertime sandboarding has the benefit of faster rides thanks to slippery, wet slopes. It’s also easier to swap out a designated sandboard for any board-like object with a flat-bottom like plastic sleds, saucers, or foam boards. Bring your own board, or the two parks below have sandboard rentals at their offices. What’s more, sand dunes in winter are serene and quiet to better appreciate these unique landscapes.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah
Why We Love It
- Rare, stunning pink sand dunes
- A favorite sandboard destination
- Winter allows for a rare ecosystem of pools on the dunes
As you probably imagined, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a sweeping scenery of rippling sand in warm tones, ranging from salmon to apricot, that alter color in the changing light and winds. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are the only sizable sand dunes on the Colorado Plateau, and are as beautiful as they are rare. Twenty-two campsites are set amidst juniper and pinon trees. Winter creates a rare, fleeting ecosystem whereby melting snow creates temporary pools that are home to salamanders and toads.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho
Why We Love It
- Remote location with expansive sand dunes
- Tallest dune is 470 feet
- Plenty of camping, and two cabins for rent
Boasting North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune, Bruneau Dunes State Park is a remote park that is an alluring desertscape any time of year, but especially in winter. In addition, winter is the best time to stargaze, whether through the park’s observatory telescope, or with the naked eye. No vehicles are allowed on the sand dunes, making them a safe place to explore the native wildlife, and a perfect spot for sandboarding. There are ample opportunities to test your sandboarding skill, with the largest dune standing at 470 feet tall. The park has 124 campsites, with two cabins available for rent.
Recommended: 5 Wilderness Winter Wonderlands to See This Year
3. Camp in a Beach Paradise
Fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. Stroll along sandy beaches while spotting marinelife and shorebirds. For couples yearning for a warm weather camping getaway, check out this beach camping paradise.
Galveston Island State Park, Texas
Why We Love It
- Beaches on both the bay and gulf side
- Only an hour from Houston
- Plenty of campsites, as well as two lodges for rent
Just an hour outside of Houston is Galveston Island State Park, a camping destination with diverse bay and gulf coastlines. Fish, swim, or stoll the sand dunes. Mountain bike, hike, or picnic ashore. There is a nature center and plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable, like showers and a fish cleaning station. With 55 campsites and two lodges, there are plenty of camping spots in case you decide on a last minute trip.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.