Just because the temperatures drop doesn’t mean your recreational vehicle has to sit idle. Winter in the Kansas City area offers a surprising number of activities that make owning an RV, trailer, or gear hauler worthwhile year-round. From weekend getaways to outdoor adventure staging, here are 10 ways to make the most of winter with your recreational setup.

1. Winter Camping at Regional State Parks
Many Kansas and Missouri state parks remain open during winter and offer RV-friendly amenities like electric hookups and paved sites. Great options include:

• Clinton Lake State Park (KS)

• Pomona State Park (KS)

• Knob Noster State Park (MO)

• Weston Bend State Park (MO)

For those with winterized campers or four-season rigs, these parks provide quiet, off-season serenity with great views.

2. ATV and UTV Riding at Tuttle Creek ORV Area
Located near Manhattan, KS, this off-road vehicle park is a year-round destination for trail riders and off-road enthusiasts. If you have a toy hauler or side-by-side setup, this is a top winter spot to let loose.

3. Lake Season Prepping at Smithville Lake
While your boat might be stored for the winter, that doesn’t mean the work stops. Smithville Lake offers shoreline access and calm conditions for gear cleaning, trailer checks, and maintenance that gets you ready for spring launch.

4. Snowmobiling in Northern Missouri (When Weather Allows)
On years when the snow sticks, open farmland and backroads in northern Missouri offer rideable terrain for snowmobiles. If you store your sleds in a trailer or enclosed bay, you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Of course you'll be sure to avoid private property unless you have permission!

5. RV Tailgating at Local Sports Games
Arrowhead Stadium and Children’s Mercy Park are great destinations for winter tailgating. If you're a Chiefs or Sporting KC fan with a heated RV or camper van, game day becomes a full-on event.

6. Trout Fishing at Bennett Spring State Park
About three hours from KC, Bennett Spring (MO) remains a favorite winter destination for trout anglers. The campgrounds are open and RV hookups available, making it an ideal weekend getaway with your rig.

7. Off-Grid Getaways with Your Winterized Camper

The Flint Hills and Ozark foothills offer beautiful, secluded camping opportunities, especially for those with 4-season RVs. If you crave quiet and wide-open skies, winter is an underrated season to enjoy off-grid escapes.

8. Boat and Trailer Maintenance at Local Lakes
Use the off-season to clean, drain, and inspect your gear at accessible lakes like Lake Jacomo or Blue Springs Lake. With your boat stored safely in a covered unit, it's easy to plan touch-up days during winter weekends.

9. Winter Gear Prep and Storage Days
Smart RV and rec owners use the winter to prep for the season ahead. A powered, oversized garage unit makes it easier to install upgrades, organize gear, and keep everything ready for spring.

Make the Most of Winter with the Right Storage
Whether you're headed for a trail, a tailgate, or a quiet weekend by the lake, having your RV or trailer staged and accessible makes all the difference. AP Garages offers large, secure, and weather-ready units designed for RVs, boats, snowmobiles, and gear trailers.

Keep your setup protected and ready for anything this winter.
Reserve your storage unit today.