You don’t have to stop camping during winter because it’s chilly outside and the days are short. That just means there’s more time for bundling up around the campfire. If you are deciding where you want to camp in the winter—traveling to somewhere warm or embracing the wonders of the season—the following tips will help you choose where to go and the best camping mode for you.
Essential Winter Camping Tips
1. Camp in a Warm Destination
When you think of camping in the winter, does your mind flash to struggling with unpleasant weather conditions? Snowbirds, people who leave cold areas to camp in warmer regions, have reverse routes figured out. Many states in the south, like Florida and Arizona, are warm winter refuges for campers from chilly parts of the US. All you have to do is “fly” there and enjoy.
2. Embrace Cold Weather Camping
Camping in the cold brings its own rewards, like spending time in a winter wonderland. Beautiful rushing waterfalls come alive, fresh powder snowfall to play in, and getting cozy inside your camp shelter with family and friends are all inspiring reasons for braving the cold.
3. Winter Harden Your RV
If you are planning an RV camping trip this winter, prep your home on the road to keep it warm inside. Lay rugs on the floor to warm your feet, use thick window curtains to block cool air and run a space heater to stay comfortable throughout the night.
4. Get Cozy in a Cabin
Experience the magic of winter from inside a warm cabin or glamping accommodation, like a train caboose or yurt. Go out and play in the snow or get caught in a rain shower and return to camp to dry off and enjoy the evening protected from the elements.
5. Fortify Your Tent
If you plan to tent camp this winter, staying off the ground is key to keeping your body temperature up. Create a tarp layer under the tent, and use a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag inside the tent to avoid contact with the cold, wet ground. Consider using a tent and sleeping bag made especially for cold-weather camping to ensure warmth all night long.
6. Dress in Layers
When you’re out having fun in the snow or braving a drizzle, wear a moisture-wicking base layer to keep your skin dry and your body warm. Wear several layers of clothes so you can remove the outer layers as you heat from activity.
7. Pack Winter Gear
Think of all the things that will make moving around in winter easier and bring them. A beanie hat to keep your head warm, hand warmers to slip inside your gloves and boots, protecting your eyes with snow goggles and sunglasses, and rain jackets and parkas to stay dry all go a long way to keeping you comfortable outdoors.
8. Check Weather Reports
On a camping trip, you’ll want to spend as much time outside exploring as possible. Weather reports can help prevent you from getting caught in extreme snow, rain, or wind events. Take precautions to stay safe and plan to stay inside on rough weather days and relax with a good book and get out the crafts and games.
9. Switch on the Headlamp
It gets dark early when you camp in the winter. Make sure to bring a dependable light source to show you the way when moving around outside and lamps to bring light into your camping accommodations.
10. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
When it’s cold out, it might be challenging to remember to keep up with your water intake. Your body is working hard to keep you warm when it’s chilly outside, requiring you to keep munching and drinking throughout the day to replenish fuel for energy.
11. Have Winter Fun
Pack or rent snow shoes, skis, a snowboard, sled, or an inner tube, and have a blast on the snow!
Eva Barrows is a San Francisco Bay Area freelance writer. Eva writes about local places, people and events on her website www.evabarrows.com. She founded the online literary journal Imitation Fruit in 2007 and has enjoyed promoting fellow writers and artists ever since.
