First Time Solo Camping in a Snowstorm: Winter RVing in a Winnebago EKKO

First Time Solo Camping in a Snowstorm: Winter RVing in a Winnebago EKKO
Tips for preparing for winter camping & important insights.

By: Tanya & Dave Virnelli

Dave and I (Tanya) have had our Winnebago EKKO for more than three years. During that time, we have really enjoyed winter RV camping and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes. 

One of my most memorable experiences in our Winnebago EKKO was a winter camping experience during which Dave was not with me. It was the time that I was caught in an unexpected snowstorm camping alone - 7,000 feet up in the mountains. 

The forecast had not called for snow, but the weather can change very quickly in the mountains and, on that day, it did. I found myself in a major winter storm warning that kept getting more and more extreme. I had never camped in a snowstorm alone before, but fortunately I was ready for the situation and knew that I had the perfect RV to ride it out.

Perks of Winter Camping in the Winnebago EKKO

When I realized that Dave wasn’t going to make it up to the mountains due to the storm, I was actually looking forward to the challenge of winter camping alone. I knew that I was well prepared and ready for the forecasted freezing temperatures in the mountains. I also realized that when you camp in the mountains in the winter that you always need to be prepared for unexpected weather changes, including snowstorms.

One of the things that gave me comfort was our Winnebago EKKO and its capabilities in the snow and freezing cold. We had camped in our RV in extreme conditions several times previously, so I had a very good understanding of its abilities in extreme weather conditions. (Read more about why we chose this RV!)

Important Note: Winnebago recommends following the winter use guidelines and winterization procedures outlined in your owner's manual whenever camping in freezing conditions. Safety precautions should always be taken, and it is best to avoid extreme conditions when possible.

Our Winnebago EKKO is specifically designed with true four-season capabilities, including camping and operating in snowy and cold environments. One of the more obvious features is the thick, insulated walls that surround our home on wheels, which help us stay cozy and warm inside – even in freezing temperatures. In addition, the water tanks and pipes are behind the insulated walls and in heated compartments, allowing us to operate our water systems even in the most extreme environments. 

We had previously tested the temperatures in these compartments by placing temperature gauges in each one while cold weather winter camping, so we were comfortable that we could take our Winnebago EKKO into sub-zero temperatures without winterizing the systems. I also knew how long our propane powered heating systems could keep me warm in cold weather conditions, since we had previously tested how long our propane would last while camping in the middle of winter.

Another very important feature of our Winnebago EKKO is its Ford Transit AWD chassis and its ability to handle safely through snow-covered roads. We had also recently put on new tires specifically designed for more winter and off-road style camping. I had already driven our Winnebago EKKO multiple times in snowy conditions, plus had grown up driving in cold weather conditions, so was comfortable with my ability to drive safely through these types of extreme environments.

Preparing for a Solo Winter RV Camping Trip

Before I headed up into the mountains that day, I first made sure that all our Winnebago EKKO’s systems were operating as they should (e.g., heat, water pump, etc.) and filled up my propane tanks. As an additional precaution, in the event I had any issues with our heating system, I carried a small electric heater as a back-up. 

I knew that the campground I was headed to did not have water operating in the winter, so I filled up my water tanks as well. In the event I were to get stuck in an unexpected winter snowstorm, I wanted to make sure that I would be prepared to ride it out safely in my Winnebago EKKO. After checking the systems and filling the tanks, I headed to the grocery store and made sure that I would also have enough food and drinks in the event I got stuck up in the mountains for longer than I anticipated.

After loading the groceries into the RV, I did one last check of the weather forecast before driving up into the mountains and, despite the forecasted cold, it was not calling for a significant winter snowstorm. The drive up the mountain to the campground at 7,000 feet was uneventful. I already knew the road well, having driven it on prior occasions during other camping trips, so I was comfortable with the route I had mapped out to get to the campground.

I also knew from previously camping at the location that the cell signal was strong at the campground, so I would have connectivity. In addition, I had our Starlink so I would have multiple ways to stay connected if necessary.

Getting Setup After Arriving for My Winter Camping Trip

When I arrived at the campground, I backed into the campsite and plugged up into the 30-amp power supply. While I would have been okay simply boondocking at a site without power, this particular campground offered electric hookups, and I was happy to take advantage of them.

The time of the day was early afternoon, so I had plenty of daylight left to set up my home for camping both inside and outside of the Winnebago EKKO. I always try to arrive well before sunset, because setting up your campsite during the daytime is a much easier experience, especially during the cold winter months.

In terms of setting up my home that day, I first turned on the propane and the heating system. I next put on the window covers and the internal insulation blanket, which does a great job keeping the living space warm during cold-weather camping.  

That’s when I received the weather alert on my cell phone. I was suddenly smack in the middle of a winter storm warning. The weather had changed quickly in my mountain retreat, but fortunately I was well prepared as the snow began to fall. I added an additional layer of clothing, put on my winter gloves and a warm hat, and grabbed our shovel and ice scraper out of the Winnebago EKKO’s back garage. I then called Dave to let him know that I had arrived at the campground and, of course, about the unexpected winter snowstorm.

Without any place to go and the snow falling hard, it was time to enjoy myself with our kitties, Brady and Bailey, in our cozy winter retreat. I cooked a nice warm meal and then snuggled up with the cats, settling in for the night. 

I continued to keep tabs on the weather forecast and it looked as though I could expect to wake up to a beautiful snowy landscape in the morning.

Looking Back at My First Solo Winter RVing Adventure

I slept well inside our Winnebago EKKO that night. I was warm and cozy inside my home, despite the snow falling and very cold temperatures outside. The next morning was beautiful waking up to fresh snowfall and the morning sun starting to peek through the breaking clouds. There is nothing quite like the sun sparkling on freshly dropped snow after a snowstorm, especially in a beautiful mountain landscape. I shoveled the snow from my campsite and went for a short walk to enjoy the stunning snow-covered scenery. 

Everything went smoothly after that and I truly believe my advanced preparation for camping in these types of conditions, as well as the capabilities of the Winnebago EKKO, made a huge difference. 

I will never forget my first time winter camping during a snowstorm alone in our Winnebago EKKO. (To see more, you can watch the video recap of the experience here.) It was truly rewarding and helped me build confidence about safely camping alone in extreme conditions, if necessary.