in

Winter Camping Tips & Tricks

how to camp in winter

Feeling adventurous and ready to tackle winter camping?

It can be a ton of fun and campgrounds are way less crowded during the colder winter months!

Like anything done when it’s cold out, safety and preparation are key to a fun winter camping trip. The last thing you want to do is put yourself in a situation where you are under dressed, have no reliable heat source and can’t get to safety or a warmer place.

Unless you are familiar with the area, always go winter camping with a friend or family member and take the necessary safety precautions.

It’s all about preparation and education when it comes to winter camping. What gear do you need? How do you plan for danger? Which campgrounds will be open? Is motorhome camping or tent camping your preference?

Winter camping is an experience not only of the mind but also of the body. While you’ll be away from home in the wild, make sure that your physical condition is in good shape. Keep in mind that even though you may be well hydrated and well-prepared, you may still end up having a case of hypothermia or other cold-related illnesses. That said, these are some tips for those who’re considering the possibility of winter camping.

how to camp in winterBefore setting out, decide if you want to bring along a personal tent, a sleeping bag or even just your own sleeping mat. If you decide on just your own mat, make sure that it is strong enough to keep you warm and dry in the coldest conditions and that the tent you will be sleeping in is extremely well insulated and has a safe heat source that can be used if it becomes too cold.

A sleeping bag rated for extremely cold conditions would be more appropriate for most winter camping adventures. Remember that there may be times when you might even be out all night long so make sure that you have the necessary supplies ready for such events.

If you do decide on a personal tent, be sure that you get one that can cope with the coldest temperatures. This means that it should be waterproof, durable, and able to keep you warm even during nights when the temperature drops to zero degrees.

Insulated camping tents are a great choice for winter camping expeditions because they help to seal body heat inside of the tent walls. The sacrifice with insulated tents, however, is ventilation.

It’s important to wear proper footwear too, especially if you’re planning on going hiking in the snow or over ice. Make sure that you have shoes that are specially made for snowy conditions so that they can cope with the cold as well as the snow.

There are many varieties of boots and insulated hiking shoes that will not only be perfect for winter camping but will also help you in your day-to-day activities while you’re away from home.

The most important thing you need to consider when it comes to winter camping is the safety aspect. As long as you have the necessary clothing and supplies, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t venture out into the wild as long as you have a plan and have taken the necessary safety precautions.

Always ensure that you keep yourself abreast of the safest routes to take and that you’re aware of where the nearest campsites are. Also, check whether or not you have any backcountry trails that you can access during the winter months {In order to do this, ensure that you’re aware of any maps, trails around the area and ensure that you don’t stray too far from them}.

Winter camping also calls for a lot of preparation, so ensure that you pack enough supplies. Don’t forget to include some survival kits as well as some food and a first aid kit. It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit as well because it might come in handy in the event of any accidents.

It would be helpful to have some fire starters and ice axes for carving out a path over extremely icy conditions. Remember in winter, the risk of freezing to death is greater than it is in summer.

Winter camping can be a big adventure, so it would be advisable that you have someone with you at all times that has experience and knowledge of the area. It would also be worthwhile trying to make a camp with an experienced guide vs go solo in a new area for the first time.

It’s always wise to check out the local weather forecast before you go and take a trip into such an area so you can make plans accordingly. With all the planning and preparation you have to do, ensure that you never lose sight of the main objective of your camping trip – enjoying the wilderness without having to worry about any problems.

When it comes down to it, there are many benefits of winter camping. Whether you’re doing it as a part of your family adventure or for the very first time, it could be the perfect vacation. So don’t let anything get in your way and remember to check out these tips before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

Written by Kenneth Craig

Kenneth is an avid camper and amateur survivalist who has been passionate about wild places his whole life. Ken loves taking new camping gear out in the woods and putting it through the "Ken Test". Favorite place to be: Glacier National Park in MT.

best camping axes

The Best Camping Axes And Hatchets

trailer hitch cargo carrier

Best Trailer Hitch Cargo Carriers For Camping