Follow These Winter Camping Tips Before You Brave the Arctic Tundra

Last week, we covered some simple winter camping ‘dos’ to make your chilly adventure the best it could possibly be. But there are also some things you should avoid when you’re braving the cold, especially in a tent.

It’s important to think a bit differently when you’re planning a camping excursion in the winter. Some things that you might not even consider in warmer months become front and center in terms of how relevant they are. So, let’s take a look at three things you should avoid when camping this winter.

1. Don’t Forget the Food

While one of the best parts about camping in any season is cooking over an open fire (or whipping up something tasty in your rig!), it’s incredibly important to bring the right kinds of food with you when you’re camping in the winter.

Quick-energy foods will help you to stay warm, especially when you’re doing things like setting up a campsite, hiking, etc. Packing the wrong kinds of foods will leave you feeling hungry quickly! You should also avoid bringing foods that will freeze easily. Pre-packaged foods that you can just heat up to eat are always a safe bet.

2. Don’t Ignore the Wind

We already talked about the importance of checking the weather forecast. But, ignoring it once you get to your campsite is a big mistake. Mother Nature can change in a matter of minutes, and in certain parts of the country, the winter winds can become extremely harsh.

If you’re setting up a tent, paying attention to wind direction will also help to keep you from getting wind-blown! Bottom line? Keep checking your phone for the local weather forecast. You don’t want to get caught in a sudden winter storm.

3. Don’t Forget the Tools

You might need to bring along different tools when it comes to winter camping. Anything that can help to de-ice your RV is always a good idea. You might also want to bring along a chisel or an ice auger. They’re great for getting to fresh water below a layer of ice, and can even be used for ice fishing.

When you think about “tools” for the winter, think outside the box. Sometimes, a bag of salt, or even cat litter can be beneficial when it comes to getting your rig out of an icy patch.

As you can see, camping in the winter takes a little extra preparation, and there’s a little less room for error if you want to be comfortable and safe. But, as long as you don’t forget some of the essentials, and you’re willing to stay on top of the forecast, it can be one of the most beautiful times of year to spend outdoors.

So, whether you’re taking a winter road trip in your RV, or you’re exploring some nature trails and sleeping in a tent, combine the do’s and don’ts from our blogs to make sure you have the best winter camping experience possible. Stay warm out there!