When the temperatures dip and most people winterize, cover and store their campers or pack up the tent and store in the garage or attic for the winter, I’m ready to enjoy my favorite camping season. Campgrounds that remain open in the winter are sparsely populated and quiet, the campfire is much more satisfying in the cold and being spontaneous and reserving a spot last minute is not a problem. Winter camping takes a little more preparation than warm weather camping, but is well worth the effort. Most of it revolves around keeping yourself and whatever you are camping in warm.
Keeping Your Camper or Tent Warm
The most important consideration when camping in the freezing weather is to make sure the campground you are staying in has electric and open bathroom facilities. Whether you are staying in a tent or camper, an electric heater and blanket will keep you comfy and warm all night long. A small ceramic heater is perfect for a 13 or 16 foot and an electric radiator works well for larger campers. Both work well in a tent. While you can use your propane heater in a camper, it uses a lot of propane if the temperature is below 40* F. If you are paying for a camping spot, you may as well use the amenities. To help insulate your camper or tent, placing foam puzzle flooring on the floor of each helps you keep feet warmer than without. Foil bubble insulation makes a great insulator over doors and windows. It can easily be cut to size with scissors and rolled up for easy storage.
Bring The Right Clothing
Although winter camping brings cold temperatures, being outside can be just as beautiful as a warm spring day. Bringing appropriate clothing is key to enjoying the outdoors. Think layers. Bring at least 4 layers to wear on the top half of your body including undershirt or long underwear, long sleeve cotton tee, cozy flannel and a wool sweater. For your bottom half, a pair of leggings or thermal bottoms and snow pant overalls or quilted overalls work well and for me are key to staying toasty. A good pair of wool socks and winter boots go a long way for keeping feet warm and of course hat, gloves, scarf and a winter coat to top it all off. Adjust layers accordingly to stay warm but keep from sweating.
Drinking Water
The final consideration for winter camping is water. Winterized campers can be used for winter camping. While bathrooms and electricity will be available in many campgrounds, potable water may not be. Be sure to bring drinking water and water for dishes.
Camping in the winter can be enjoyable with the right preparations. Consider taking your winterized camper and packed away tent out of storage and giving winter camping a try. The quiet peacefulness of the winter won’t disappoint.
Thanks to Girl Campers from Delmarva for contributing photos
Holly Johnson |Girl Camper Guide Delmarva
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We enjoyed ourselves so much! Anytime camping with Holly and the girl campers is a good time. I would also add that a hot water urn is a great appliance to keep hot beverages flowing, pre-warm thermos containers to keep contents hot, and use for washing dishes. It really made a difference.