Ultimate Guide to Cold Weather Camping: RVs, Tents, Cabins, and More

Winter camping offers a unique experience to enjoy the peace and solitude that can be hard to come by when camping in the summer. Whether you’re a powder chasing skier, an ice fisherman, or simply looking to dodge the summer crowds, traveling and camping in the colder months opens the door to all kinds of experiences. If you’re new to winter exploration, let this be your guide to discovering some of the finest cold weather camping locations across the nation.

Tips And Tricks For Your Next Winter Camp Adventure

RV Camping

Winter camping in an RV or camper van can be remarkably comfortable and cozy, provided you put some time into the necessary preparations. Ensure a safe and comfortable winter journey by following this list of RV winterization tips:

• Put skirting around the exterior of your RV.

• Invest in covers for windows, doors, and stairwells.

• Double check that the seals around all of the windows and doors are still in good shape to minimize heat loss. Consider adding extra insulation to windows, doors, and other spots where cold air sneaks in. Use reflective insulation or thick thermal curtains for better warmth.

• Always keep a full propane tank.

• Winterize your plumbing.

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Driving an RV in winter conditions requires extra caution. Follow these safety tips to ensure a safer and smoother journey:

• Tire Maintenance: Equip your RV with winter or all-terrain tires. Carry snow chains if required by local regulations.

• Slow and Steady: Drive cautiously and allow extra braking distance in icy or snowy conditions.

• Plan Your Route: Check the weather and road conditions before leaving. Stick to plowed roads whenever possible.

• Carry Roadside Assistance Information: Ensure your roadside assistance plan is up-to-date and covers RVs.

Maximize Comfort

Once parked, focus on maintaining a cozy and inviting environment:

• Efficient Heating: Supplement your RV furnace with an electric space heater or heated blankets to reduce propane use.

• Campfire Nights: If allowed, a roaring campfire adds ambiance and extra warmth for evenings under the stars.

• Lighting: Shorter days mean longer nights. String up LED lights or lanterns for a cozy atmosphere.

• Cook Comfort Food: Warm soups, hot cocoa, and hearty stews bring extra comfort to winter camping. Try simple one-pot meals to keep you warm and refreshed for adventure.

Tent Camping

Tent camping in the winter requires the most meticulous planning and preparation, but it can also still be a fun and rewarding cold weather camping experience. Having the right gear is key to the success of a winter camping trip and with a sea of options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know what you need. Here’s a list to help get you started:

Tent Camping Gear List

• Sleeping bag — Invest in a high quality down sleeping bag rated to the coldest temperature you plan to camp in. Including a sleeping bag liner can slightly increase warmth and keep your sleeping bag clean.

• Sleeping pad — A quality sleeping pad is necessary to insulate against the cold ground. When you’re looking for the right sleeping pad, pay attention R-values and other insulation factors to help decipher which one is the best option for your cold weather adventure. Many tent campers swear by the combination of a closed cell foam pad on the ground with a self-inflating pad like a therma-rest on top to beat the cold.

• Tent — Invest in a winter specific or 4-season tent designed to withstand winter temperatures. Be sure to bring along a footprint/ground tarp and a rainfly to protect you against any precipitation or even the morning dew.

• High-quality clothing — Your clothes are your last line of defense against the cold, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. Bring along plenty of extra layers, insulated and waterproof hiking boots, gloves, and gaiters if you’re planning to head out into a snowy wonderland. You might also through in a couple of packs of hand warmers that can help keep your toes and fingers warm in the middle of the night.

• Waterproof fire-starting materials — Starting a fire in wet conditions can be challenging, so bring along waterproof matches or a fire starter kit to help you get the flames rolling no matter the conditions.

Tent Camping Tips

• Put a hot water bottle into your sleeping bag before bed to warm you up as you fall asleep. Just boil some water, pour into a Nalgene or any reusable plastic water bottle, and pop it into your sleeping bag. Simple as that! It will act as heater throughout the night.

• Zip your sleeping bag all the way up! This one may seem obvious, but you’d be shocked by how many campers skip this step and lose out on all that extra warmth.

• Wear a beanie or balaclava to bed. This can be a game changer, as most of your body heat escapes from your head.

Cabins, Cottages, and Glamping Accommodations

If you want to travel during the winter, but cold really isn’t your thing, opt for climate-controlled lodging to experience the magic of winter camping without sacrificing comfort. Lodging and glamping rentals have become a much more common accommodation option at many campsites and RV parks, and they generally offer a much cheaper price point than a hotel room. And the great thing about cabins, yurts, and vacation rentals is that you don’t need any fancy camping gear that you wouldn’t need in your own home. But there are still a few things to consider when selecting your winter accommodations.

• Group size: Be sure to check beforehand that the cabin can accommodate everyone in your group.

• Heat: Many lodging options have a heating system, but it’s best practice to check ahead of time. If choosing a rental that doesn’t provide heat, bring a sleeping bag with a temperature rating that will keep you nice and toasty.

• Winter Availability: Be sure to check that the property and cabins are open year-round.

• Kitchen Facilities: Many lodging options feature a kitchen unit, but others may not. Check in advance to determine if you need to pack your own cooking supplies.

Clothing Tips for Cold Weather Camping

Mastering the art of layering is essential to regulating your body temperature and staying comfortable while winter camping. Follow this packing list to ensure a toasty adventure!

Clothing List

• Base layer: Merino wool is a great material for base layers and long underwear, as it is moisture-wicking, temperature regulating, and smell resistant. It will generally run you a little more money than other materials, but it’s worth every penny!

• Insulating layer: These layers can depend on how active your plans are, but generally you’ll be set with a fleece or down jacket and a pair of insulated pants or bibs.

• Outer Layer: Packing a wind-proof and water-resistant winter jacket with a hood is also a great option for your winter adventure. Depending on the temperature, you’ll also want a beanie or balaclava, as well as a good pair of gloves or mittens as part of your outer layer.

• Socks: We cannot stress enough the importance of a good pair of socks. Having cold feet is the quickest way to ruin any winter adventure. Invest in a quality pair of wool socks designed for cold temperatures to ensure a warm and comfortable trip.

• Sleepwear: It’s always a good idea to pack dedicated sleepwear to avoid cold nights in your wet day clothes.

Top Winter Camping Destinations

Now that you’re all set with our winter camping tips and tricks, here are some of our top destinations for your adventure. Each of these destinations features a close proximity to a variety of outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, winter hiking, and snowshoeing.

Coachland RV Resort - Truckee, CA

When you think of California, it’s probably sunny beaches and swimsuits, but nestled up in the mountains, Truckee is the fifth snowiest city in the country! Located only 10 minutes from Northstar California Ski Resort and surrounded by miles of trails perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, Coachland RV Resort is the perfect destination for a snowy California getaway. And with a wide range of accommodation options, including upscale and rustic cabins, you can tailor your experience to your winter camping dreams.

Bearlodge Mountain Resort - Sundance, WY

Alaska may be America’s last frontier, but if you’re looking for the frontier feel in the lower 48, Wyoming is where it’s at. Life moves a little slower here, and you can feel the connection between nature and the community. And Bearlodge Mountain Resort puts you right in the heart of it all. Nestled in the small town of Sundance, you’ll be just one hour away from Terry Peak Ski Area and surrounded by world-class cross country skiing and snowmobile trails. The resort also features a selection of cozy tiny homes to make your winter camping excursion that much more comfortable.

Starry Night Lodging and RV - Whitefish, MT

Northwest Montana is perhaps the best place to find yourself in the winter if you’re looking for a true wonderland with unlimited potential for winter recreation. Starry Night Lodging and RV Glacier places you right in the action — 25 minutes from Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, 50 minutes from Glacier National Park, and 20 minutes from Whitefish Lake, you have access to world-class resort skiing, unparalleled backcountry skiing, and top-tier ice fishing. And that’s not even to mention the miles and miles of Montana forest within reach of the property.

Bring your RV, or stay in one of the cozy cabins decked out with a full kitchen, bathroom, and heat source!

Superior Times Resort - Au Train, MI

Superior Times Resort is your one-stop destination for all your Michigan winter fun. Located on the shores of Au Train Lake and just 2 miles from Lake Superior, this resort is any ice fisherman’s dream. And if you’re looking for a basecamp for your next hunting or snowmobiling trip, you’ve found it. Surrounded by the north woods, the potential for outdoor recreation is endless.

Equipped with a wide variety of cabins and bungalows, as well as RV and tent sites, you can stay your way when you book at Superior times!

Smiley Creek Lodge - Ketchum, ID

Smiley Creek Lodge offers a cozy retreat in the heart of Idaho's breathtaking Sawtooth Mountains, perfect for winter adventures. With its warm accommodations, hearty meals, and access to snowmobiling, skiing, and other cold-weather activities, it's an ideal base for embracing the season.

Choose your stay from alpine view RV sites, or luxury heated cabins and yurts with spectacular views and all the comforts of home.

Umpqua's Last Resort - Idleyld Park, OR

Umpqua's Last Resort is a perfect winter camping destination offering heated cabins, RV sites, and unique glamping options including glamping tents, tiny homes, and vintage RV rentals for a cozy stay in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Embark on a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, all just minutes away. Whether you’re looking to explore the surrounding trails or relax by the fire, this campground provides the ideal base for winter adventures.

Ready to head out on your winter adventure? Let us make the planning process a breeze with our user-friendly interactive booking platform. Find premium sites near your favorite winter destinations and only see what’s available for your selected dates. Happy camping!