If someone were to ask me a couple of years ago to go car camping in the winter, I would’ve laughed pretty hard. Who would want to go camping in the freezing cold with no one else around? Well, turns out it’s actually pretty nice if you know how to stay warm. Winter camping sees some of the lowest traffic at your favorite national parks, and those peaceful moments are 100% worth having. Car camping in winter might seem daunting, but early spring and late fall are the perfect times to try it out if you’re on the fence. Here’s everything you need to know about car camping in the winter.
What is car camping?
If you’re new to camping, car camping is exactly what it sounds like: you drive to your spot, park, and set up camp right there. Some people actually do fold down the seats in their vehicle and sleep inside, but car
What should I pack for car camping in the winter?
Since you’re hauling everything with you, don’t be scared to bring all of your best gear. Here are a few of my personal must-packs:
- A four-season tent: If you are tent camping, choose a shelter that is rated for the cold and built for snow and wind. Practice how to set it up a few times with your gloves on to make sure you know how when the time comes.
- A good sleep setup: For optimum warmth, choose a sleeping bag and sleeping pad that is rated for the temperatures you’re expecting to experience. I recommend the “mummy” style for the warmest sleeping bag experience. Just don’t wear too much when you go to sleep, and make sure you’re all warmed up before you tuck yourself in, and you’ll be toasty all night.
- Cooking gear: A winter-rated portable propane stove beats damp firewood any day, but they can be finicky. If needed, use your car to help block any wind so that the stove heats upwards like it’s supposed to. Bring at least twice the amount of fuel you think you’ll need.
- Heaters: Heaters are a great way to stay warm while camping in the winter, but there are some safety risks. Be careful to never leave it unattended, and keep a carbon monoxide detector handy.
- Safety & extras: Stay safe and bring a headlamp with fresh batteries, as well as a lantern for camp. You never know what you’ll encounter, so bring that trusty first aid kit with a space blanket and hand warmers just in case. Don’t rely solely on your electronics for navigation, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
What clothes should I wear for car camping in the winter?
The key to staying warm is layering up and staying dry. I’ve found that layering with a base layer, an insulating layer, and an outer layer is the most efficient way to stay warm because if the temperatures fluctuate, you can always add something or remove something to make sure that you’re not sweating or shivering. Make sure that you bring a spare change of clothes in case your primary sets get wet. Here are some of my current favorite layers:
Base layer top: Decathlon Foreclaz
The Forclaz from Decathlon is an MT900 Merino 1/4 zip that fits like a glove, which is exactly what you need for a base layer top. This base layer is moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and most importantly-warm for those chilly nights. Best of all, they have thumb loops and a stand-up collar.
Base layer bottoms: GoreWear Concurve Thermo Tights
I just recently got my hands on the GoreWear Concurve Thermo Tights, which were just released last fall. These tights are so comfortable with the fleece interior that I’ve found myself reaching for them in my daily life, not just winter activities (My husband might have even stolen them for a ski trip that we took to Santa Fe). They give just enough warmth and comfort without compromising freedom of movement.
Insulating layer top: Terrex Xperior Primaloft Insulated Jacket
Insulating layers should fit right on top of the base layers. I recommend a down, fleece, or insulated jacket such as the Terrex Xperior Primaloft Insulated Jacket. The stitch pattern on this one is so unique, but it’s also functional. Stuff it in a pack when you’re not using it, and you’ll be ready for those chilly evenings.
Outer layer: North Face Antora Jacket
Whenever I face the frigid outdoors, I often reach for my North Face Gear. The North Face Antora Jacket is a great outer layer because it’s windproof and waterproof, yet breathable so that moisture can escape. With elastic cuffs and an internal cinch cord with a cord lock at the hem, you can adjust this jacket to your exact measurements, which will keep you warmer than ever.
Outer layer bottoms: North Face Freedom Pants
This season, my favorite outer layer bottoms were the North Face’s Freedom line. These pants are perfect for active movement, and they are toasty warm without being overly bulky. I’d recommend sizing up if you plan to wear an insulating layer, but I’ve found that unless I’m going out in negatives, these are fine with just a thermal base layer underneath.
Common mistakes that people make when car camping in the winter
Store your food in an insulated cooler
Winter has its way of throwing a few curveballs, but I’ve learned a few hacks along the way to stay ahead. One problem I had when I first started car camping was that all of our food and water froze in the sub-zero temperatures, so by morning, all we had were ice blocks, rock-hard muffins, and frozen bananas. Do yourself a favor and pack your food in an insulated cooler (hold the ice). Just wrap everything in a towel and keep it all in your car. Otherwise, choose foods with a low moisture content, like oatmeal, that can easily be made over a stove.
Keep snow-clearing gear on hand
It never hurts to bring an ice scraper or a compact snow shovel. While you might get lucky and have perfect snowball snow to roll out of the way, temperatures and weather are often unpredictable. Not all camp sites are plowed during the winter, so be prepared to do some of the clearing yourself. If it’s allowed, bring a bag of sand to sprinkle along high-traffic walkways for extra traction.
Protect and prepare your car
The last thing you want to do is end up with a dead battery in subzero temperatures, especially if you’re camping in a remote location. Bring jumper cables and try to run your engine for about ten minutes every few hours. If you know that no one will be a holler away, don’t skimp and get yourself a portable booster just in case. Otherwise, keep a full tank of gas, keep a bag of sand for traction in case you spin out, and bring your tire chains. Practice putting them on your vehicle before you head out.
With all these in mind, you’ll be well on your way to having an awesome car camping experience in the winter.
