Just because the weather turns cold does not mean that our fun has to stop. With a bit of thought and planning, we are able to continue our monthly excursions throughout the winter. When planning a winter camping trip keep in mind that not all campgrounds are open year-round, so it is important to confirm that the campground you plan to stay at is actually operating. It would be pointless to plan a trip to a great place but have nowhere to spend the night. It’s also a good idea to verify hours of the office and camp store and what the after-hours check-in policy is. You may need to make alternate arrangements for firewood if you can not get there before they close.
In addition, you may want to double-check the hours of activities you would like to do and the restaurants you would like to go to. Especially in resort areas, a lot of businesses have shorter hours out of season, if they are open at all. We look for opportunities for activities that are unique to winter. While planning our next trip to Virginia Beach, I discovered that there is a whale watching tour. Apparently, there is a significant amount of whale activity in the area over the winter (they even guarantee you will see whales from December to mid-February). In all the years I have lived in the area, I never knew this existed.
While planning where you want to go is important, the other half of the equation is having a great time when you get there. We always check the weather forecast for where we are camping ahead of time and then dress for the weather. When it is cold we always dress in layers. Temperatures can vary greatly over the course of the day and can shed or add clothing as needed. Before heading to bed, I always change the layer of clothing against my skin (including socks). That layer is damp from the activities of the day so changing to a dry layer is warmer.
Around the campfire, it is easy to stay comfortable. Not so much for sleeping outdoors in the cold. We use an air mattress (I do not sleep on the ground), which can quickly drain your body heat. I layer a blanket between the mattress and our sleeping bags, making for a much warmer sleep. I sleep with my hoodie, socks, and hat on. The hat is a must to keep from losing heat from the top of your head. On really cold nights we use hand warmers as well. I am also bringing an extra blanket as a top layer this weekend with temperatures expected to dip below 20 degrees.
With a little preparation winter camping is a wonderful experience. I particularly enjoy the peace and quiet of enjoying nature with no one else around.
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