Winter camping isn’t for the faint of heart, but there’s no better way to test your adventuring skills. Really, I’ve found that the only thing you need to do to have an awesome trip is to stay warm. If you can manage that, then winter camping is actually an enjoyable experience. There’s nothing better than being a short walk away from some of the best winter sports around. If you’re looking for the best places to camp in the winter, there’s nowhere better than our beloved national parks.
Yosemite National Park
Adam Jaime / Unsplash
In my opinion, Yosemite National park is one of the best places for winter camping. If visiting Yosemite during the crowded summer season is not your cup of coffee, you might just enjoy winter camping here instead. There are four campground options that remain open during the winter season. Upper Pines and Camp 4 are both in the Yosemite Valley, so if you’re a beginner, these might be decent options due to the slightly milder temperatures. Hodgdon Meadow and Wawona are just forty-five minutes away from the Yosemite Valley, so they are also excellent options.
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When you camp in the Yosemite Valley, there’s still plenty to do, from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even some of your favorite hikes like Mirror Lake or the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. Since these trails will be icy, the National Park Service recommends that you bring traction gear and trekking poles just to be on the safe side.
Rocky Mountain National Park
John Marino / National Park Service
Winter campers prepared for some chilly temperatures might just enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park. The winter camping season begins in late October when most of the campgrounds close. However, Aspenglen Campground remains open on a first-come, first-served basis along the C-Loop.
With a table, tent pad, and fire grate, these campsites have everything you need for a great winter camping experience, if you don’t mind some limited facilities. Aspenglen acts on a bring your own water policy, so be sure to bring enough for you and your crew. Also, be aware that only portable toilets are available. Since the campsites aren’t plowed, it’s also a good idea to bring a shovel with you.
Once you have your campsite set up, you’ll be ready to experience all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer during the winter. For sledding, head up to Hidden Valley. There’s a designated area 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance and the Fall River Entrance on the east side of the park. For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, just strap on your gear and wander through the many ungroomed trails!
For some serious winter camping, consider the frigid slopes of Mount Rainier National Park. Many of the park roads are closed for the season, but the Longmire-Paradise road will remain open, weather permitting. This road will close at night and may open or close at unpredictable hours, so be prepared to be flexible.
Here, there are three areas where you can camp. The Paradise area is a prime destination for winter camping due to the stunning snowfields and proximity to popular trails like Mazama Ridge and Reflection Lakes. For a quieter experience, you can camp at Mazama Ridge and Reflection Lakes.
Safety is a top priority at Mount Rainier, and winter camping requires careful planning. The park mandates the use of hard-sided food storage containers to prevent habituated animals like foxes and ravens from scavenging camper supplies. The park also requires the use of blue bags for human waste disposal, reflecting a commitment to Leave No Trace principles that keep the environment pristine.
Despite the challenges, winter camping at Mount Rainier is a great experience. From the solitude of starlit nights to the exhilaration of waking up surrounded by pristine snowfields, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the snow melts. This is a perfect trip for snowshoers, back-country skiers, and campers. Just make sure that you get your permits.
No matter where you go for your winter camping adventure, be sure to pack lots of warm layers. Don’t skimp out on your gear, especially if you are headed to a colder climate. Make sure that you bring a winter-grade or four-season tent that can withstand snow loads and high winds. Your sleeping bag should also be rated for winter temperatures, and you can always add a liner for extra warmth. Since many national parks don’t allow campfires during the winter, it’s a good idea to pack a reliable stove or heater. For safety, bring more than enough fuel, water, and food for your trip.
Tire chains may be required for many of these locations depending on the amount of snowfall, so make sure that you have a set and check the local authorities. As someone who’s had to learn the hard way, it’s always a good idea to practice putting chains on your vehicle before you go. That way, it will be a smoother and less freezing of a first-time experience.
A long-awaited reopening in the Smoky Mountains is finally here
Great Smoky Mountains National Park repairs a culvert and more at this favorite hiking spot
Ever since the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has slowly but surely been reopening sections of the park following reconstruction efforts. The Cosby Area, which is a popular place for visitors to hike, camp, and picnic, is next on the list. As of May 12, 2025, the Cosby Area has officially reopened following the completion of a culvert replacement under Cosby Entrance Road.
This is one of many rehabilitation projects in the area aimed at protecting aquatic species and managing water flow, since flood damage has been a major concern. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and recent debris buildup have heightened risks in the area.
Peak season, minus the people: National parks to visit in June
June is one of the best times to visit a national park. Here are the top ones on my list.
For most national parks, June is the busiest season of the year. School's out, vacation's in full swing, and families have been planning for months for a little adventure. Yosemite is one of these crown jewels, with its waterfalls full of snowmelt and the weather finally perfect enough for hiking. However, with the timed entry reservations so difficult to snag, you might be better off finding another national park for your summer adventures. Here's my list of the top national parks to visit in June.
North Cascades National Park
Known as the "American Alps," North Cascades National Park holds a similar candle to the Austrian Alps. With its rugged and remote glaciers, jagged peaks, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, you'll see some amazing sights. In June, the melted snow reveals famous trails like the Cascade Pass, with wildflowers growing this way and that. Personally, I can't tear my eyes away from the deep turquoise lakes.
Our ultimate guide to festival camping: What to bring and how to make the most of it
How to make festival camping fun and comfortable
Festival season is right around the corner, and if you've never been festival camping before, it's quite the trip. Personally, I think there's no better way to connect with people in the music scene, and you're bound to make some friends along the way. Whether you're planning to enjoy Glastonbury, Coachella, or the renaissance faire, here's are my top tips for festival camping, including what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of your time.
What to pack for festival camping
The essentials for festival camping are more or less the same when you look at the basics. Just like with normal camping, you'll want to be as prepared as possible for any weather you might encounter. Between the scorching sun, chilly nights, and sudden rain, pack for these surprises. A tent and a good sleeping system are a great start.
