How to Camp in the Cold While Staying Safe and Still Having Fun Out There

If you have ever spent a long, hot, sticky night in a tent — not to mention long days spent swatting mosquitoes and mopping your brow — you know that trying to camp in hot weather can be pretty miserable. But on the other hand, even the warmest and least pleasant of summer days are usually just that: unpleasant.

On the other hand, colder temperatures can be dangerous or, sorry to go dark here, but even deadly. Does that mean that camping season is over as soon as the mercury starts to plummet in the late fall? By no means! In fact, cold weather camping can be an absolute pleasure. Your sleeping bag will never have felt so warm and welcoming and you’ll appreciate the crackling campfire like never before.

What’s more, as many people do shy away from camping when it’s cold out, you may just get the forest (or the mountain or the meadow or the valley) to yourself. And winter camping can reveal some true natural beauty, too.

All that good stuff said, in order to enjoy safe cold weather camping, you need to do some extra planning before you head out. To help inform that planning, we spoke with an expert on the topic, Bill Gamber, the founder and president of the company Big Agnes, a brand behind some of Dad Gear Review’s favorite outdoor gear, like the Sidewinder Sleeping Bag, not to mention quite a number of superlative cold weather sleeping bags, including great winter sleeping bags for kids.

Bill had plenty to offer on the cold weather camping of it all, so let’s get to our Q&A with him.

What are some of the ways camping in cold weather differs from fair weather camping, especially ways that may not occur to some people?

“Cold weather camping can be really fun,” Bill Gamber said, adding: “It’s usually much less crowded if you see anyone at all. But bringing the right gear for the trip is important. One of the most critical things is to plan ahead so that your gear, clothing, or footwear doesn’t get wet or you have back-ups for items such as socks and long underwear. Campfires are rarely as welcome as they are on a clear, cold winter night.”

What are essential elements of your kit for cold weather camping, from base layers to bedding?

“Muck boots, insulated booties, extra insulated jackets, extra dry wool socks and hats, tarps, and even an extra down quilt to cover everyone — this is key!”

What are needed precautions for safe cold weather camping? And ways to make the outing more enjoyable?

“Always take extra dry clothes. Depending on how many days you are going, say for a long weekend, [bring] four insulated coats of different warmth levels. It’s just never an issue to be ‘too warm’ when cold weather camping, but being cold sucks. And never let your boots freeze! Take extra tarps, build a camp with tarps over the kitchen or group areas, and make plans to start a campfire if appropriate for the area where you’re camping.”

What are some good "hacks" for camping in the cold?

“Sleep with hot water in a bottle in your sleeping bag, especially to warm the bag up before you get in. Drink often so that you are well hydrated. Get into your sleeping bag warm; do some exercises, dance around, jump, swing your arms in circles. And add a warm quilt to cover everyone’s sleeping bags, as it traps body heat and maintains a constant temperature. Also, bring an insulated thermos and use it to keep your water from freezing and so you can drink lots of tea or hot soup. 

What are some things to make sure you avoid when camping in cold weather camping?

“Being wet. Really stay dry! Keep your gear dry. Make sure you go with good friends or family that you can stand being stuck in a tent or cabin with for hours or days on end. Bring books or board games or cards to help pass the time on long, dark nights.”

When do temperatures/conditions get so cold/inclement that it's just not a good idea to head out there?

“Wet snow can make things pretty miserable.”