Winter is a great time to rent an Airstream in California. Campgrounds are quieter, the coast is mild, and the desert parks are at their best. We rent year-round, including ski trips, and here is where our winter renters go and what to know before you head somewhere cold.
Do you rent Airstreams in the winter?
Yes, all year. Most of our winter renters head for the coast to stay out of freezing temperatures. If you are going somewhere it freezes, we walk you through keeping the plumbing safe before you leave.
Where to go: the coast
The coast rarely freezes, which makes it the easiest winter trip in an Airstream. Our destination guides cover the campgrounds we know first-hand:
- Santa Cruz Monterey Bay KOA, one of our most popular delivery runs.
- Costanoa on the San Mateo coast.
- Big Sur Campground and Cabins, among the redwoods.
- Morro Strand State Beach, with Morro Rock out the window.
- Carpinteria State Beach and Jalama Beach in Santa Barbara County.
Where to go: the desert
The desert parks that are brutal in summer are comfortable in winter. Joshua Tree and Death Valley’s Furnace Creek are both long drives from Lathrop, so they suit a week-long rental, which takes 5 percent off the nightly rate. Desert nights still get cold, so the plumbing advice below applies there too.
Where to go: the mountains
Ski trips in an Airstream are welcome. Up near Lake Tahoe, Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville is one of the few campgrounds open year-round; our Lake Tahoe guide has the details. Just plan for freezing nights.
How to keep the plumbing from freezing
The main concern in winter is cold weather on the trailer’s systems, especially plumbing. Water that freezes can stop flowing or damage the pipes, and wind speed and direction affect how well the plumbing holds up.
- Run the furnace. Most trailers can handle temperatures in the 20s if they are kept warm inside. The furnace pushes heat through the ducting into the walls and compartments where the plumbing runs.
- A space heater is not enough. A portable heater warms the living space, but it does not heat the walls and compartments, so it will not protect the pipes the same way.
- Follow our walkthrough. We go over cold-weather care at pickup. Call us before the trip if you would like advice on preparing.
Since conditions vary, we cannot guarantee the plumbing will not freeze. Renters who go somewhere cold are responsible for following that guidance and preventing freezing, and could be liable for repairs if the plumbing freezes. Many people rent in winter without trouble by preparing properly.
Skip the winter towing
Not keen on towing on winter roads? We can deliver the trailer to your campsite, level it and hook it up, then collect it at the end. Here is how delivery works.
Book your Airstream
Browse our Airstream fleet and check your dates here. Every rental comes stocked and trip-ready, and if you would rather skip the towing, ask us about delivery and setup. Here is how the rental process works. Questions first? Call us at (209) 440-7520.
