It’s definitely getting cold out, so it is time for Cold Camping Tips. In the Midwest we have had a pretty mild winter so far but a cold front just moved in. The groups I am in have gotten a lot of posts on cold camping lately, and I see a common response: “Just drive south!” While that may sound easy enough, it’s not always practical. Sometimes we have jobs, commitments, or our cars just aren’t up for a long trip. And let’s be honest, some of us actually love the winter. I’ve been living in a camper in the midwest through winters, camping in the winter in several different places so I have a lot of experience with how to keep warm. If you are like me and enjoy the cold, here are my tips for staying warm and making the most of winter camping.
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1. Understanding Your Environment
Winter camping can be a real challenge, especially if you’re in areas like the Rockies, where nights can dip into deadly temperatures, yet the daytime can be t-shirt weather. But let’s be clear—cold camping doesn’t have to mean freezing to death. It’s about being prepared for fluctuating conditions and knowing how to make your space cozy, no matter how cold it gets.
2. Essential Gear for Cold Camping
a. Wool Is Your Best Friend
The most important Cold Camping Tip is making sure you have the proper gear you need in cold weather, which means clothing & bedding with wool. Wool is versatile, warm, and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for staying warm in extreme temperatures. If regular wool is too scratchy for you, try merino or camel wool—although they tend to be a bit more expensive. You don’t have to buy everything new; many of my wool layers came from thrift stores. However, for certain items like long johns (or baselayers) and socks, it’s a good idea to go for quality, as these are more personal.
Having a good nest of wool—blankets, hats, socks, gloves—can keep you comfortable even in extremely cold temperatures. The only thing you may notice is your nose getting cold and the need to get up to pee, but other than that, you’ll be toasty.
Pro tip: Be careful when buying wool; many products claim to be “wool” but contain very little. Always check the fiber content.
b. Other Warm Materials
While wool is the gold standard for cold weather camping, there are other materials that can help. Fur, though controversial, is incredibly warm. If you’re lucky enough to find sheepskin coats at a thrift store (like I did), they can be a great addition to your cold weather gear. However, they’re not as accessible as wool, so I mainly stick with wool for this post.
If you don’t want to rely solely on wool, consider synthetic materials like Carhartt insulated overalls for farm chores or other extreme cold activities. They’ve kept me warm during sub-zero temperatures without issues.
c. Sleeping Systems
A good sleeping bag is essential for winter camping. I use one rated for 0°F, and while it’s down (which some people have strong opinions about), it’s done the job in temperatures as low as -20°F. I also make sure to use extra padding underneath and a wool blanket on top to trap as much warmth as possible.
This idea is an oldie but a goodie, where back in the day they used to put hot coals in a pan and stick it at the foot of the bed to keep people warm. Instead of burning my feet like that I use a water bladder and tuck it into my sleeping bag with me. You can also use a water bottle in a sock (using what you have on hand). They start off very hot, but as they cool down, they warm the foot of the bed and can even help get you through the night.
I use my tea kettle to heat up the water and the spout makes it easy to pour into the top portion of the bladder or water bottle. Just make sure the water isn’t so hot that it melts the plastic water bottle if you are reusing a drinking bottle (like Dasani or Aquafina).
3. Heating Options: Pros and Cons
Some people have diesel rooftop heaters or electric blankets, which are nice luxuries for winter camping. However, I’ve always avoided relying on electricity, as it hasn’t always been a reliable source for me. If you get snow on the solar panels, you have to go brush them off and they won’t be charged. If I’m camping in a car or small space, I prefer not to use electricity as my main heat source. Your body is a natural heater—you generate several hundred BTUs while resting. Your goal is simply to trap that heat inside your space.
If you’re in a larger setup like an RV, electric blankets can be useful to take the edge off, but always have backup layers and blankets on hand in case something fails. For extra warmth, use thicker layers or extra wool blankets to make sure you’re safe from the cold at night.
4. Managing Condensation and Ventilation
One thing that can make cold camping uncomfortable is moisture buildup. When you’re warm inside your car, RV, or camper, you’re exhaling moisture, and in extremely cold weather, that moisture can condense on the walls or metal surfaces. Make sure to crack your windows slightly for ventilation to prevent frost from building up.
Reflectix or radiant barriers like Prodex are great for keeping the cold out and the warmth in. You also need to be mindful that mold and mildew will become an issue with moisture. Get some Damprid to make sure that you don’t make yourself sick trying to stay warm!
5. Practical Tips for Staying Warm
There are a cold camping tips that can help you stay warm throughout the night:
- Warm up your feet and wrists: Your feet and wrists have a lot of blood flow, and warming them up can help the rest of your body feel warmer.
- Layer under the covers: If you take off any layers at night, keep them under the covers to ensure they stay warm for when you put them back on.
- Keep your phone warm: If you’re camping in the cold, keep your phone near your body or under the covers to prevent it from freezing. It will keep your battery from draining, and it’s good for the phone’s health in the long run.
6. Food Storage and Preparation in Cold Weather
Food storage can be tricky in cold temperatures. A cooler can help prevent food from freezing, especially fruits and vegetables, which tend to freeze first. I’ve also found that winter camping is great for food preservation—no need to worry about things going bad when it’s cold enough to keep them fresh. Just store things outside, but make sure that critters cannot get into things. That will not be helpful.
7. Cold Camping in Specific Setups
Whether you’re camping in your car, RV, or Skoolie, the principles remain the same, but there are some differences:
- Car Camping: Cold camping in a car is similar to outdoor camping—just more cozy. There are no walls or insulation like in an RV, so make sure you have a solid sleeping bag and plenty of wool layers.
- RVs and Skoolies: These larger setups require a bit more consideration for heating. If you use an electric heater or propane, make sure to have backup layers and ensure proper ventilation.
- Outdoor Camping: Whether you’re in a tent or a yurt, make sure you have enough insulation and warmth through layers, blankets, and your body heat.
8. Winter Camping Safety
When camping in extreme cold, safety should be your top priority. Make sure you have backup heating systems and plenty of warm clothes in case something fails. Pay attention to signs of frostbite or hypothermia, and never hesitate to head to safety if things start to feel too risky.
BIGGEST CONCERN: If you are going to attempt to run any kind of heater inside, please also make sure you have a fire alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm (this Carbon Monoxide only one uses batteries and does not require an installation which is perfect for car campers). Get a propane/gas detector if you are using a propane heater, but also get some moisture packets because that is going to cause a lot of moisture build up.
Conclusion
Winter camping is a unique adventure that offers a lot of joy, but it requires preparation and the right gear to make it through safely. Whether you’re living full-time on the road in your car, RV, or Skoolie, there are ways to stay warm, keep your morale high, and make the most of your winter adventures. Share your own tips or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
Stay warm and happy camping!