Where To Camp in the Winter and How To Stay Warm
Are you curious about trying winter camping this frosty season? Whether you want to escape the cold or embrace a winter wonderland, you’ll need to find the right campground and know how to stay warm and enjoy your time in the snowy outdoors.
Your friends at Rjourney will show you some of the best winter RV camping destinations in the United States and practical tips for staying warm.
Warm Winter Camping Destinations
If you’re looking to avoid the chills and find a warmer climate for winter camping, you can choose from plenty of winter camping destinations in the southern U.S. Here are two warm-weather camping hot spots for you to explore this winter:
Sam Houston National Forest
Let us begin our winter camping journey near the heart of Texas with the Sam Houston National Forest. This hilly terrain has countless campground sites, especially alongside neighboring Lake Conroe. With seamless highway access to Houston, there are countless opportunities for cozy camping without the cold.
Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles, LA, is another premier warm weather camping destination for the winter. Travel the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road and explore the natural beauty this serene area has in store. If you’d like to add some urban exploration into the mix, you can find plenty of festivals and events hosted in town.
Cold Winter Camping Destinations
If you’re searching for snow instead of escaping it, there’s no shortage of premier cold weather camping during the winter. We have plenty of great snowy spots, but here are two of our premier winter camping destinations:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit place to camp this winter. There are countless winter activities and recreation opportunities, such as sledding, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. You can also take advantage of the breathtaking views of the mountain range wherever you look.
Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
Utah and its Mighty Five national parks sit just west of Colorado, and each is perfect for colder weather camping opportunities. These five national parks contain many stunning natural features that offer unique sights and activities once the snow falls. One such feature is the Natural Bridges National Monument, which stays open throughout winter.
Essential Winter Camping Tips
Once you’ve decided on a winter camping destination, it’s time to prepare for your trip. There’s more to winter camping than just throwing hiking gear and gloves in a backpack, starting your RV, and hitting the road. Whether it’s been a while since you’ve gone exploring during the winter or it’s your first time, we have several practical tips for winter camping.
1. Plan Ahead of Time
Before you begin packing, at least outline a plan for your trip. Decide which days you want to camp and reserve your campsite in advance. Check for any harsh weather conditions that might come to the area during your stay and plan accordingly.
2. Bring the Right Gear
Whether you plan to camp deeper in the wilderness or stay on the beaten path, you’ll need the right supplies to prioritize your safety and well-being throughout your trip. Here’s a list of essential equipment to bring on your winter camping trip:
- Backpack
- Safety equipment
- Extra nonperishable food
- Water bottles
- Kitchen supplies
- Map and GPS
- Travel toiletries
- Cellphone
- Portable phone charger
3. Purchase a Winter Tent
Don’t have an RV or camper to make your base with? Purchase a cold weather tent for your winter trip. Ensure you get an insulated tent to hold onto as much warmth as possible. Remember to bring along insulated sleeping bags as well.
4. Dress in Layers
To best shield yourself from freezing weather, dress yourself in multiple layers of clothing. You’ll want moisture-wicking clothing for your base layer, followed by a middle insulating layer. Your outer layer—also known as the shell layer—should shield you from wind, snow, or rain.
5. How To Take a Dog Winter Camping
If you plan to bring a furry friend along for the journey, practice certain precautions so your dog can safely enjoy the winter landscape. If your canine companion burns calories quickly, bring nutrient-dense, high-protein food. Keep your dog dry, and avoid letting them splash in puddles or spill water to prevent freezing. They should also have a dedicated sleeping bag or bed to create a cozy atmosphere. Unless your dog is a cold-weather breed like a husky or Samoyed that thrives in the snow, they should also have winter gear to keep them warm and safe.
6. Stay Hydrated and Well-Fed
A proper diet and remaining hydrated will keep you in the best shape for hikes, skiing, and other winter activities. Pack multiple cases of water bottles for the ride and a reusable bottle so that you never run out. As for food, you can make several scrumptious winter camping recipes either in your RV’s kitchenette or over a campfire.
7. Use Camper Covers for Winter
Extra vehicle protection is always a good idea for winter RV campers. One simple way to achieve this is to use a designated camper cover for winter weather. These covers use water-resistant fabrics to protect your vehicle while keeping excess moisture out.
Enjoy Winter RV Camping at Rjourney
Are you interested in bringing your RV out of the garage and into the great outdoors for a winter camping extravaganza? Look no further than to Rjourney for premier RV resorts nationwide. Each campground offers plenty of on-site amenities and activities so you can enjoy the winter in style.
Contact our team or find your nearest Rjourney resort online to book your stay today!