Best Winter Camping Spots Where You Won’t Freeze
I don’t know about you but winter and I have a love-hate relationship. I love freshly fallen snow. I love seeing sunsets on snow covered mountains. And I love getting cozy after a long day of skiing. But I also hate how short and dark the days are. I hate driving in bad weather. And I absolutely HATE being cold.
Because of this I generally waffle between two inclinations. The first is feeling super excited about the snow and wanting to spend all my time playing in it. The second is wanting to sleep 16 hours a day and spend the rest of my waking hours sitting on the heater vent eating cookie dough. While some days it truly is a battle to see which inclination will win, I have found that no matter how strongly the heater vent is calling, I feel better when I get outside.
That’s why today I wanted to share 10 amazing winter camping spots.
But first, let’s get something clear. I am not talking about going camping in the snow. Oh, heavens no! There will be none of that unless it involves a yurt and a wood-burning stove. No, these spots are nice and toasty in the winter months so you can get away from it all and enjoy a little vitamin D.
Best Winter Camping Spots Where You Won’t Freeze
Big Bend Ranch State Park – Texas
While Big Bend National Park is an amazing place to explore, don’t forget about its little brother Big Bend Ranch State Park. There are a variety of roadside campsites, along with pristine backcountry sites. While there be sure to check out the park’s 70 miles of mountain biking trails and spend at least one day over at Big Bend NP where you can enjoy soaking in the hot springs next to the Rio Grande.
Cumberland Island – Georgia
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island and has the only herd of wild horses on the Atlantic coast. This magical place gives you the opportunity to camp in a maritime forest (e.g. gorgeous campsites), enjoy undeveloped beaches, and explore the Dungeness Castle ruins. This is one winter camping location you won’t want to miss.
Death Valley National Park – California
As the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the country Death Valley NP is the ideal place to visit in the winter. It also offers a variety of experiences such as the Artist’s Palette (pink, aqua, and purple hills), Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (where you can enjoy sandboarding or sand sledding), and Racetrack Playa (where large rocks mysteriously glide over a dry lake bed, leaving tracks behind them). And with 7 campgrounds open in the winter you are always bound to find a spot.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida
If you are up for an adventure then head to Dry Tortugas NP. This national park is comprised of seven small islands off the coast of Florida and can only be reached by boat. There are primitive campsites at Garden Key, where you can enjoy exploring the historic fort or lounging on the beach. But if you are really up for an adventure then make sure to rent a kayak in Key West and make the 3-mile paddle from Garden Key to Loggerhead Key where you can enjoy more solitude and explore the massive coral reefs and shipwrecks via snorkeling.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Texas
This area is famous for its massive pink granite dome and is perfect for any adventure-seeking family. The park has a variety of campsites, ranging from walk-up sites (100 ft walk) to hike-in sites (1-2 miles: perfect for families that have little kids that can’t hike far). While you are there you can enjoy exploring nearly 11 miles of hiking trail or try your hand at some of the rock-climbing routes or bouldering on the dome.
Everglades National Park – Florida
While Everglades NP is a popular summer destination, it is actually best explored in the winter months when the bugs have abated and the temperatures are more comfortable (mid-70s). While many tourists enjoy exploring this park via day trips, to get the full experience be sure to spend a few nights on a “chickee”, a wooden camping platform. You can then use that as your home base to explore the park via canoe or kayak. (FYI this is not ideal for camping with little kids as you are literally camping on a wooden platform over water – so either save this for later or leave the kids at home).
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Arizona
If you are looking for some beautiful desert camping, thank look no further than Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This area has two campgrounds with a little bit of something for everyone. The Twin Peaks Campground is suitable for families looking for a more established campground with restrooms with running water and solar showers, while the Alamo Campground is more suitable for families looking to get away from it all with 4 first-come first-served primitive campgrounds located in the quiet desert landscape. And don’t forget to enjoy the variety of hiking trails that leave right from camp.
Padre Island National Seashore – Texas
If you are in the mood for some beach time this winter, then be sure to check out Padre Island National Seashore. This park protects 66 miles of undeveloped coastline (the longest in the world). All campgrounds are open year-round, but are considered primitive and are first-come first-served. While you are there enjoy kayaking or windsurfing and be sure to check out Laguna Madre which is only three feet deep and is one of the saltest bodies of water in the world.
Santa Catalina Island – California
This 22-mile long island is a great place to head if you are wanting to spend your time exploring isolated beaches. While there be sure to check out the Parsons Landing Campground, which has 8 primitive campgrounds located on a secluded beach surrounded by tall cliffs. If you get the chance be sure to grab site number one, which is separated from the rest by its own cove, and spend time kayaking, standup paddleboarding, hiking, and snorkeling.
Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada
If you have a soft spot in your heart for sandstone formations then this is the park for you. With over 40,000 acres there is no end to the spires, arches, and slot canyons to enjoy. If you are looking for some epic star gazing then be sure to head to the back of the loop of the Atlatl Campground where you can find three walk-in sites to get away from the crowds and enjoy the wide expanse. And don’t miss out on the White Domes Trail a 1.1 loop through a slot canyon or the 2,500-year-old petroglyphs on Mouse’s Tank Trail (.8 miles).
Which spot are you most excited to explore? Comment below!
