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Outdoor Fun: Winter Camping Winter Camping Tips
In General
- If you've never camped in winter before, it's smart to stay close to home the first time - maybe right in your backyard.
- Start your adventure by gathering your gear.
Packing List
- warm sleeping bag (or even two bags, one inside the other)
- sleeping pad along with some folded blankets to keep you off the cold ground (a closed cell foam pad works better than an air-filled pad)
- long underwear, wool socks, and a warm hat to sleep in
- tent (layer a tarp over the top to hold in the heat better)
- meals and snacks
- layers of warm clothes for outside time (see below)
- flashlight
- book, or deck of cards, for in the tent
- sleds, skis, snowshoes, or other fun outdoor stuff
What to Wear
- Avoid cotton clothes. If they get wet or sweaty, they'll quickly make you cold.
- Wool and "wicking" fabrics work well.
- Dress in layers:
- first layer: wool socks and long underwear
- next layer: fleece pants, turtleneck, fleece or wool top
- outer layer: warm boots, snow pants, warm and waterproof jacket, scarf, hat, and waterproof gloves or mittens
- Be sure to remove layers if you get hot, so you don't sweat - or add layers if you get cold.
- Take extra clothes - especially socks and gloves - so you can keep your feet and hands dry.
What to Do
- Explore and see what you can discover.
- Play in the snow (if there is any). Sled, ski, snowshoe, or build a snowman or snow fort.
- Cook a meal over the campfire or toast marshmallows.
- Gaze at the stars. Winter is a great time to do this.
- Read or tell stories inside your tent. Make shadow puppets with a flashlight, or play games.
Groups to Check Out
Many groups across the country lead outdoor trips or offer tips on camping, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities.
Here are just a few. Ask an adult to help you find one near you.
NOTE: Some of these groups may only take school groups or older kids.
--Kate Hofmann
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