Winter Camping for the First Time: How to Prepare for Snow

Waking up to fresh snow outside your tent, or trailer, is pure magic. In the video below, Primal Outdoors heads out on a first winter trip in the snow after a storm rolls through. If you’re tempted to try it yourself, the good news is that winter camping is very doable with the right preparation. Here’s how to make your first snowy night a good one.

Start with an easy first trip

For your first winter outing, keep it simple:

• Go car camping. A campground that stays open in winter, or a site you can drive to, lets you bring extra gear and bail out if needed.
• Pick a mild forecast. A night just below freezing is a great first test. Save the deep cold for later.
• Keep it short. One night is plenty to learn what works.
• Bring a friend and leave a trip plan with someone at home.

Your sleep system matters most

Most cold nights come down to your sleep setup, not your tent.

Sleeping bag

Choose a bag rated below the lowest temperature you expect, because ratings assume you’re on a good pad and wearing a base layer. Adding a fleece liner or a second bag on top is an affordable way to add warmth.

Insulation from the ground

In snow, the ground steals heat fast. Use an insulated pad, or stack a closed-cell foam pad under an inflatable pad. This is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.

Sleeping tips

• Change into dry base layers before bed.
• Wear a warm hat and dry socks. Camp booties make late-night trips outside more bearable.
• Eat a snack with some fat and protein before sleeping.
• Fill a sturdy water bottle with hot water, close it tightly, and tuck it into your bag.
• Keep tomorrow’s clothes, batteries and your phone inside your bag so they stay warm.

Dress in layers

Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold. Instead, layer:

• A moisture-wicking base layer (wool or synthetic)
• An insulating midlayer such as fleece or a puffy jacket
• A waterproof, windproof outer shell
• Warm hat, gloves or mittens, and waterproof boots with warm socks

The key is to avoid sweating. Remove layers before you get hot while shoveling or hiking, then add them back as soon as you stop.

Setting up camp in snow

1. Pick a sheltered spot out of the wind, away from dead branches and the bottom of slopes.
2. Pack down the snow with boots or snowshoes where the tent will go, and let it firm up for a bit.
3. Anchor your tent well. Regular stakes may not hold, so use snow stakes or buried “deadman” anchors.
4. Ventilate. Crack the vents to reduce condensation and frost inside the tent.
5. Dig a kitchen area out of the wind if you’re staying in one spot.

Cooking and water in the cold

Cold makes everything slower. Canister stoves can struggle in freezing temperatures, so keep the canister warm in your jacket or sleeping bag until you cook. Liquid-fuel stoves often handle cold better. Hot meals and drinks warm you from the inside. Soups, pasta and hot chocolate are winter favorites. Store water bottles upside down so ice forms at the bottom, not in the lid, and never melt snow without a little water already in the pot, or you may scorch it.

Stay safe

• Never use a fuel-burning stove or heater inside a closed tent unless it’s designed for that. Carbon monoxide is a real danger.
• Watch each other for signs of hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, confusion) and frostbite (numb, pale skin).
• Check the avalanche forecast if you’re anywhere near steep, snowy slopes.
• Days are short, so plan to have camp set up well before dark.

For more cold-weather advice, read our 5 tips to make winter camping warmer and more enjoyable and our guide to choosing a sleeping bag for winter camping.

FAQ

Do I need a 4-season tent for my first winter trip?

Not usually. A sturdy 3-season tent is fine for mild, sheltered car camping. Four-season tents are for heavy snow, strong wind and alpine conditions.

How do I stay warm at night?

Insulate well from the ground, use a bag rated for the conditions, wear dry layers and a hat, and eat before bed.

Can I use a heater in my tent?

Only heaters designed and rated for indoor use, following the maker’s ventilation instructions and with a carbon monoxide alarm. Many winter campers skip the heater and rely on a warm sleep system.

What’s the biggest beginner mistake?

Sweating during the day and going to bed damp. Manage your layers and change into dry clothes before sleep.