January and February in are quite cold in ND, but expected and accepted. By March, however, the snow and cold is getting old. So heading for warmer weather would be nice, and much closer.
ptoole
My wife and I grew up in Bismarck so, like you, we know cold weather. We also like to go south in the winter and have found going into the RGV (Mission area) give us the best chance of having nice warm weather most winter months.
We do really like the Kerrville/Fredricksburg area and spend at least two weeks there on the way home. We like Buckhorn Lake RV Resort and have booked the first two weeks of April there. Generally; however, I think you would find Jan, Feb and early March quite cool there.
By the way, we have friends that grew up in Mandan--graduated from high school in the early 60s. We may have some mutual friends.
Bill