Camping in Winter: A Guide

Don’t let the cool winter air keep you indoors! Winter camping is a great option to get out of the house and explore while taking advantage of less crowded campgrounds. Not to mention, nowadays, we have much more access to great camping gear, vehicles, and campsites that stay open year-round for a much better experience. If this is your first winter camping trip, welcome! We’re here to help you get started and make the most of your adventure.

Here, we’ll give you a thorough overview of camping in winter, a guide for beginners. Even if you’ve camped in winter before, you may still find some great tips for an even better experience. So, stick around to the end for all the details. Continuing our van life guide, we’ll also cover how to prepare your vehicle and make the most of van camping during the winter months.

Is Camping a Good Idea in Winter?

Camping during winter can be a terrific choice as long as you’re prepared with the right clothing and equipment to handle cold temperatures and keep an eye on the weather conditions. Many campgrounds that offer year-round camping have great winter activities and options, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. It’s a fun way to have unique outdoor experiences during the colder months of the year.

Some other perks of winter camping include:

• Fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere
• Less or no bugs and pests
• A fun alternative way to celebrate the holidays
• It offers more of a challenge that can feel rewarding

You might also consider cold camping in southern regions across the U.S., such as Florida or Arizona, that typically have warmer temperatures during the winter to escape the cold.

Challenges of Winter Camping

When you’re wondering, “Is it possible to camp in winter?” the answer is yes! However, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges in preparing effectively. Some common obstacles include:

• Freezing Temperatures: In colder areas of the U.S., temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at night when the sun is down. Managing body temperature by dressing in layers is crucial to stay warm and avoid sweating, which can lead to cold exposure.
• Disrupted Sleep: The cold can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay comfortable through the night.
• Wet Gear: When there’s snow on the ground, you may get wet and have to dry off your clothes after taking hikes or doing other outdoor activities.
• Extra Planning: Winter camping demands more preparation to ensure you have the proper gear for warmth and safety.
• Weather Risks: Extreme cold and blizzards can pose safety hazards.

However, you can ensure a great winter camping experience with the right preparations.

How Cold Is Too Cold for Winter Camping?

While creating a winter camping checklist, it’s a good idea to understand what you should pack to stay comfortable and safe in different types of weather.

Generally speaking, anything below 0℉ (-15℃) can be risky if you’re inexperienced or unprepared. Most RVs are insulated enough to keep you comfortable at or above 0℉, but modifications or adjustments may be required to ensure you stay warm. Camping with kids is also not recommended when it’s below zero.

If you’re a beginner, it’s usually recommended that you try camping when it’s between 20-40℉ (Approx. 0℃) to get an idea of what it’s like. If you think you’re up for it after a few times camping in that temperature range, you can use the tips below to prepare for RV camping when it’s below 20℉ or sub-zero temperatures.

RV Camping in the Winter

Some tips to stay comfortable and safe while RV camping in the winter or extreme cold are:

• Ensure you have the necessary winter camping gear, including specialized equipment for cold weather.
• Wear multiple layers of clothing, including heavily insulated jackets.
• Cover up with several layers of blankets at night. Wool blankets are a great choice for staying warm.
• Add extra insulation to your RV’s walls, ceiling, and floors.
• Consider bringing a portable electric space heater.
• Make sure your vehicle is winterized. Add antifreeze to water lines, insulate pipes, and install RV skirting to protect the vehicle’s underbelly and keep pipes warm.
• Have a backup plan in place, such as a nearby hotel where you could get a room if conditions get too harsh.

How to Winter Camp Comfortably

To camp comfortably in winter, winter campers should consider these cold-weather camping hacks:

Layering Clothing and Winter Camping Gear Effectively

An essential part of staying comfortable in the cold is having the right winter gear and layering up. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin. Then, add insulating layers like fleece or wool to trap body heat, and finish with a waterproof outer layer to shield against wind and snow.

Always make sure you have a spare set of dry clothes to change into after outdoor activities to warm up once you get back into your camper van.

Keeping Your Camper Van Setup Warm and Cozy with a Winter Sleeping Bag

As you’re getting ready for the night, you’ll want to make sure your sleeping space stays warm so you get some good rest. You can create an insulated sleeping area with extra blankets or a winter sleeping bag rated for cold weather. Using curtains or window covers will also help reduce heat loss and maintain a warm interior.

Cooking Warm Meals Efficiently and How to Melt Snow for Water

When it’s cold, prepping and cooking tedious meals is probably the last thing you’ll want to do after a long day. Efficient cooking equipment is essential not only for preparing warm meals but also for melting snow and drinking water, ensuring you stay hydrated. So, make sure the meal plan you make before your trip is simple and easy to manage. Before you leave, you can even make sure to prepare anything you can ahead of time and portion out what you’ll need for each meal.

Breakfast burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, or salad wraps are all good quick things you can make when you need to fuel up.

Begin Your Winter Camping Adventure with Escape Camper Vans

Winter camping doesn’t have to be complicated. With an Escape Camper Van, you’re equipped for comfort, convenience, and adventure, no matter the season. Enjoy cozy amenities like hot chocolate to warm you up after a day in the cold. That includes cozy sleeping areas, built-in propane stoves for hot meals, a refrigerator, a sink with a water tank, and more. With 10 locations across the U.S., we’re here for all your travel needs.

You can reserve your Escape Camper Van today to begin your winter camping journey or contact us with any other questions.