Outdoor recreation is one of the most exciting ways to get away from routine and make your life more fulfilled and interesting. Moreover, walks and overnight stays in nature have a positive effect on people’s physical and mental health. This is why camping is among the most popular options when it comes to planning your vacation.
Even though when we usually
talk about camping, it is most often the summer season, this hobby is
year-round. Each season has its own unique charm, so the same place can give
you completely different experiences and impressions depending on the time of
year you visit.
Winter camping is less popular
than summer trips because many people, especially beginners, can be intimidated
by the prospect of sleeping in a tent on a cold winter night. However, such
trips are actually not as difficult as they might seem at first glance! With a
wide selection of gear, all-season tents, and many useful camping items,
everyone can plan their winter trip without having to worry about staying warm.
Additionally, different locations may have different types of climates, so
winter camping does not always mean snow.
Check the best cold weather
tents: https://hot-tent.com/collections/tents
Let's take a look at some of
the great locations in the US that are available to visit in winter and where
you could have a great time with friends or family during the cold season.
1. Chugach State Park in Alaska
Alaska is one of the most
scenic and amazing places in the USA, especially during the winter season. So
it's no wonder this state is often among the most popular winter camping
destinations.
Chugach State Park is an
excellent camping option for both experienced travelers and beginners for whom
winter overnight stays in nature are something brand new. This park offers
visitors both wild spots where you can set up your tent and more than 300
cabins that you can book. These cabins can sleep up to 12 people and provide
basic amenities for the duration of your stay, making Chugach State Park a
one-stop solution for people with varying needs and winter camping experiences.
It may offer stunning views,
many hiking trails, and activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
2. White Sands National Park in New
Mexico
Usually, when we imagine
winter camping, the first thing that comes to mind is snow. But what about
snow-white sand? These are the landscapes you can find in White Sands National
Park in New Mexico.
This park will give you a
unique winter experience even without snow. Here, visitors can have a great
time doing many exciting activities that are an excellent alternative to winter
sports. For example, you can slide down the dunes on plastic saucers.
There are different types of
camping available in the park, including primitive spots, public & private
campgrounds, and RV sites.
The average temperature here
in the winter months is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, the
nights in the park are cold, so make sure you bring enough warm clothes and a
reliable all-season tent to keep warm. At night, the temperature can drop to
20-25 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Great Smoky Mountain National Park in
Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountain is one
of the most popular parks in the United States. Here, you can enjoy beautiful
winter scenic views, hike the many trails available to explore the area, and
experience all the wildlife charm by camping within the park.
The Cades Cove campground,
located on a wide mountain valley, is available to visitors all year round.
However, it is worth noting
that Great Smoky Mountain offers more primitive campgrounds with basic
amenities such as electricity, water, and restrooms. Therefore, this location
is best suited for experienced travelers or those for whom amenities are not
the main factor when planning a trip.
With its wonderful views and
natural diversity, especially in winter, this national park in Tennessee is
truly a great place to visit!
4. Adirondack Park in New York
This is truly a huge
protected park located in upstate New York. There are over 6 million acres of
land available to visitors, filled with diverse landscapes, forests, waterways,
and rich wildlife and fauna.
Camping in the Adirondack
Park is a great opportunity to forget about routine, work, and noisy cities.
Instead, enjoy a stunning outdoor experience that will not only provide you
with visual pleasure but also a wonderful experience as this park is truly scenic
no matter the season.
In addition to the more
traditional tent camp, you can also book lean-tos, thereby making your trip
experience even better.
So if you're looking for
backcountry winter camping surrounded by pristine nature, the Adirondack Parks
are the place to be.
5. Lake of the Woods in Minnesota
Camping is not only about
tents and camps but often about hobbies. And one of the most common activities
when it comes to winter camping is ice fishing.
Lake of the Woods in
Minnesota is one such place where you can bring your fishing rods and
equipment, set up camp on the shore of a frozen lake, and try your luck at
catching a trophy.
Various types of campsites
are available to visitors, making this destination a versatile option for
winter trips. You can go the traditional way by camping in a tent, or try
something else like staying in an RV or going glamping.
In addition, Lake of the
Woods attracts many ice-fishing enthusiasts each year. That's why this place
has developed infrastructure, amenities, and various services to make your stay
here more comfortable.
So, if you've ever wanted to
go winter camping on a frozen lake and discover ice fishing, then Lake of the
Woods is the perfect choice!
