Family cross country skiingWinter RV trips on the East Coast are a bit of a challenge, as there are very few campgrounds that remain open after Columbus Day. However, we had had such a great time in Acadia last February that I was determined to find another winter wonderland to go to this year. I pored through the Woodall’s, reading each campground description to see if they were open year round. I practically went blind. There had to be a better way to search for year round campgrounds, but if there was, I didn’t know it.

Then I found it. I should have known just by the name—North Pole Campground, and it was just a few miles north of Lake Placid, New York. Perfect! I made reservations for 4 nights. We would spend the other 3 at our old favorite, Mount Brodie Ski Area, the only East Coast ski resort I know that has slope-slide camping.

Then came the preparations and packing, which for a winter trip can be quite daunting. Fortunately, Herb had already done a lot of modifications for our last winter trip so that things would be nice and cozy even if we encountered subzero temperatures (for a full description on what Herb did, see our Tips section for RV Modifications/Winter Camping. Then we loaded up all the winter gear—downhill skis, cross country skis, snowboards, ice skates, tubes, snow clothes, boots, etc. I had even ordered some pre-made dinners (Eggplant Rollatini and Chicken Parmigian) so I wouldn’t have to cook every night.

Hoping for some good weather, at least for the drive up, we headed north on the Thruway towards the North Pole.