Winter camping is a both fun AND challenging time for any camping enthusiast. It will give you plenty of new experiences and new adventues that you will grow to love.
It’s a MUCH different experience from camping other times of the year. Prepping for it can go beyond just packing all your warmest down gear, a quality tent and plenty of camping food.
Added bonuses in the winter…
If you are planning to hike into a remote area in the winter then you may enjoy snow shoeing to your camping destination. This provides you with a larger foot surface area to allow for easy walking on top of the snow.
Another option is cross-country skiing to your favorite camping spot. This is a favorite of many camping aficionados.
Another bonus when camping in the winter (as opposed to camping in the spring, summer or early fall) is that you may see animals with slightly different coats. They will have their winter fur.
Also, when camping in the winter, you can go to the same spot you would in other seasons, but the scenery will have changed. The trees will look different (no leaves!) and you’ll will see birds that thrive in your camping area during the colder winter months.
Rule #1 for fun… stay warm!
To make winter camping more fun, make sure you are able to stay warm. Bring a warm coat, thermal underwear, wool socks and gloves. It is also a good idea to bring a stocking hat and hand warmers in your camping pack.
Inside your tent, you can set up a kerosene heater in the middle (far away from anything that could ignite). There are also many other types of camping heaters that your camping retailer will be able to tell you about.
Sleeping bags for your camping trip are rated for temperature, so make sure you bring a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperatures you’re about to experience on your camping adventures.
When you first get up in the morning you may want to pull your clothing into your sleeping bag in order to warm them just a bit before putting them on. Most tents for camping are well ventilated and do not hold in heat for very long. To make your tent hold in the heat a bit longer, you may wish to throw an extra tarp over it and fasten it down with tent pegs designed for camping.
Wait… then get deals!
Camping equipment retailers will also often have special deals in the slower winter months, so waiting to buy your camping gear until you are ready to go camping is a big plus, as well.
You’ll find that fewer people end up camping in the winter, so you will most likely find your favorite camping location not only available, but also very peaceful and quiet! So, if you like camping in peace and quiet and NOT with a lot of other campers coming out to your favorite spots, then camping in the winter will work perfect for you.
Winter Camping Tips & Tricks
Here’s a video from Lonnie at Far North Bushcraft And Survival with plenty of tips and tricks you can use this winter for your camping adventure…