If you like active outdoor recreation, you will not find a better hobby than camping! After all, no matter the season and weather, you can always plan a trip and enjoy any time of year, spending a few days in nature with friends or family.
Among the main challenges of winter camping are snow, sometimes in large quantities, and colder temperatures. However, all these obstacles are easily overcome. All you need is suitable equipment, warm clothes and a winter camping tent with a stove. With this set, you can plan trips to different places and not worry about your safety and comfort!
Also, there are a few things to remember when choosing a winter campsite. On the plus side, winter camping is often free of crowds and bugs, making this time of year ideal if you want to enjoy nature with peace and quiet. As a bonus, if you are visiting colder northern regions, frozen ponds and other bodies of water will allow you to explore previously inaccessible areas and get to them easier and faster.
However, keep in mind that planning winter camping can take a little more time and effort, especially if you are a beginner. But this is not a reason to abandon the idea, because spending the night in a winter camp is an experience that is definitely worth getting at least once in your life!
If you are already ready or are just thinking about where you could camp in winter, then we have selected 5 excellent places where you can enjoy outdoor recreation even in the cold season.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Winter is perhaps the ideal time to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It stretches along Lake Superior, which is the largest and most pristine of the Great Lakes.
Typically, most visitors to this preserve come during the summer and fall months to admire the impressive sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, and Grand Sable Dunes that rise above Lake Superior.
At the same time, the crowds disappear in winter, meaning that the best spots around the stunning lakeshore are available, so you can choose the best place for comfortable winter camping.
Activities here include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, ice climbing, and more.
Red Cliffs, Utah
Red Cliffs is a truly stunning place. The campground is located in the scenic Red Cliffs Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles northeast of St. George.
It is home to a variety of flora and many species of wildlife. Travelers can see historical, cultural, and natural attractions, including the rare and endangered Mojave desert tortoise.
There is a Red Reef Trail for hikers. This is a seven-mile trail that leads into the scenic Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. Also, you can hike a shorter, half-mile Anasazi Trail to the Red Rocks Archaeological Site, where you can visit various historical sites to make your winter camping more educational.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is among the most popular national parks in the USA. It is also one of the first wildlife parks in the United States.
It is famous for its many waterfalls, sequoias, and deep meadows. It is not surprising that Yosemite is popular with many tourists. The park is usually visited during the summer months. However, visiting Yosemite in winter is a great idea. Because this place perfectly showcases its unique winter charm and offers an amazing camping experience.
It’s best to plan your visit between December and March, when most of the park is covered in snow. Yosemite Valley and the Wawona area are accessible by car. Once you set up camp, you can ski, snowshoe, or hike. Glacier Point leads to Badger Pass Ski Area, popular for downhill and cross-country skiing. You can also ski along the Wawona Meadow Trail to Mariposa Grove, home to redwood trees. And don’t forget to visit Yosemite Falls!
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
As with most national parks, the Great Sand Dunes attract many tourists during the summer months. At the same time, if you decide to set up a winter camp here, you can enjoy clear skies, solitude in nature, and silence both day and night.
Although it can get chilly during the day, the weather is usually sunny, making the climate pleasant for winter camping. However, you still need to be prepared for sub-zero temperatures or even heavy snow. Tourists can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby mountains.
The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. Located in the southern half of the state, 35 miles northeast of Alamosa, the national park offers a diverse landscape that includes not only huge dunes, but also grasslands, swamps, forested areas, and even alpine lakes. One of the most popular activities in both summer and winter is sand skiing. This is an exciting activity to do while camping in the park!
Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
This spot in Oregon is a stunning place for both summer vacation and winter camping. Mt. Hood National Forest may be even more picturesque in the winter than in summer!
A variety of winter sports are popular here, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and even skijoring.
The national forest covers a large area, so you’ll have plenty of options when choosing a campsite. It’s also worth visiting Trillium Lake. This lake is small and beautiful with great views of the majestic Mount Hood. Several trails in the area are especially suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Either way, camping here is the perfect opportunity to get an exciting experience and have fun during the winter season!