7 Tips for Camping in a Winter Wonderland

Winter is steadily approaching, offering a unique and peaceful adventure. As the vibrant colors of the previous season fade, it’s a good time to transition your planning from our Fall Camping Tips to preparing for the cold. Winter camping provides stunning landscapes and solitude, as most warm-weather campers have retired for the season.

As amazing as the adventure can be, it can also be very dangerous, or at the very least uncomfortable if not properly planned. Planning is key to ensuring you are warm, cozy, and safe. These seven tips focus specifically on winter conditions, but for a complete overview of year-round best practices, be sure to read our guide on the 9 Safety Tips for a Successful Family Camping Trip.

1. Choose a Realistic Destination

While the thought of spending a week in the glorious Alaskan wilderness sounds exciting, you may need to consider several things prior to booking your flight. First, examine your limitations and expectations. Do you even enjoy cold weather or sleeping in snow? If you are not accustomed to such extreme weather, you may want to consider somewhere with more moderate temperatures.

2. Check the Weather

Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast for any imminent storms and the temperatures for each day that you are expected to be out. Keep in mind that winter storms often form unexpectedly so be prepared!

3. Dress and Pack Appropriately

Layers! Dressing in layers can help to regulate your body’s temperature and are a must for extremely cold temperatures. Warm boots, thermal underwear, a warm jacket, gloves, and wool socks are highly recommended.

4. Pack the Essentials

Sleeping bags are essential and should be rated to temperatures below what you will actually experience. For example, if the nighttime temperature is known to reach -15 degrees Fahrenheit, then your bag should ideally be rated to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Foam pads work well as a barrier between your sleeping bag and the snow. Stoves and fuel tend to be more ideal that relying on fires for cooking. Dry firewood may be difficult to locate in snowy climates, so stoves can provide the ability to cook as well as a heat source.

5. Winterize Your RV/Camper

If you plan on utilizing an RV or a camper trailer to enhance your comfort during your trip, make sure to winterize it property prior to setting off. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your model. One of the biggest concerns with RVs is freezing water lines. Also, if your RV comes equipped with a heater, ensure that it is working before you leave.

6. Warm Your Sleeping Bag Before Bed

Sleeping bags often take some time to warm up from just body heat, so pre-warming your bag is a great way to get cozy in no time. Boil water and then place it in a watertight container. Let the water cool a bit and after making sure that the container is completely sealed, place it in your sleeping bag approximately 20 minutes before bedtime.

7. Cook Warm, Hearty Meals

Canned soups, stews, and hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate warms the body temperature and helps to sustain energy during colder temperatures. Make sure to eat plenty of carbs and drink extra water to prevent dehydration.

Hopefully your extra planning will pay off and result in a winter camping adventure that you and your fellow travelers with never forget!