Winter camping doesn’t just mean sitting around a tent trying to keep warm. It’s all about getting outside and discovering everything the winter season offers. From snow sports to campfires, to playing games, there are endless opportunities to enjoy winter camping activities with the whole family.
Outdoor Activities
With a little extra gear and additional camping accessories, you can enjoy endless winter wonderland fun!
Cross-Country Skiing – Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to warm up and explore the surrounding areas. It’s a full-body endeavor and you can really work up a sweat doing this, so make sure you’ve stretched beforehand and are wearing the right clothing (moisture-wicking and merino layers).
Like any outdoor activity where you’re trekking out somewhere, you’ll want a small daypack with a few essentials like water, sunblock (yes, UV rays reflect off the snow), a headlamp, etc.
If you have small kids with you who aren’t yet skiing on their own, pulling them along in an insulated sled or ski trailer allows them to come along for the ride!
Snowshoeing – Get a serious workout during your winter camping trip with a snowshoeing excursion! Either bring your trusty waffle-stompers from home or sign up to go with a guide in your area. Snowscapes are full of surprises like wildlife and gorgeous views, and snowshoeing is a special way to experience it. Like cross-country skiing, don’t forget to wear extra layers and bring your essentials!
Snowmobiling – Maybe a swift ride through winter wonderlands is what suits your fancy. Try snowmobiling! This is allowed in designated areas only and requires extra safety measures such as knowing the weather conditions and wearing proper protective gear like a full-face helmet, boots, gloves, and a snowsuit. With the proper preparedness and expertise from experience or a guide, snowmobiling allows you to dash through the snow on a fast-paced ride.
Building a Snow Shelter – Snow shelters are an ancient tradition amongst various Arctic and northern indigenous peoples. From highly insulated cozy Quinzhees to the architectural genius of igloos, building one is an interesting and rewarding activity in the snow. This can be your hideout for snowball fights, or you can even try spending the night in your homemade shelter! (Just make sure you have a ventilation hole and a candle to monitor oxygen.)
Watching the Stars – Get out your night sky charts, bundle up, and kick back in a fold-out chair while your eyes adjust. A crisp, clear winter night sky in the wilderness has nothing but an endless depth of cosmos to view.
Build a Snowman – Get the creative, goofy competitive juices flowing with a snowman-building afternoon. Outside your family camping tent, create a snowman village to liven up the campsite. Better yet– turn it into a game! You can have a snowman-building competition with friends. Extra points for dressing them up!
Bird Watching – Spotting birds and other critters against the stark white of winter is a little extra exciting than during other seasons. Bring along your trusty binoculars, maybe a camera, and an info book on bird species to help you identify what you see. This activity may involve some light trekking through the snow, but overall is an accessible activity that all ages can enjoy.
Bundle up for this one! Waiting for birds in the cold weather will definitely involve some extra warm layers to your winter getup, so make sure you’re dressing adequately.
Hot/thermal Springs – The winter season is the perfect time to visit hot springs. Soothe the body after a day full of snowshoeing, skiing, or trekking with the naturally rejuvenating qualities of warm waters. It’s like hot tubbing in the snow!
S’mores –Now what’s a camping trip without a good campfire? Never leave for a camping trip without marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate of your choice. Then gather round and enjoy the well-deserved ooey gooey goodness of s’mores with the whole crew after a full day of outdoor adventuring. You don’t even have to leave it at that! Roast sausages or veggies over a wood fire for some filling snacks, too!
Cozy Indoor Activities
The wintertime fun doesn’t have to end when you zip up your winter tent! Keep the good times rolling over some fun and cozy indoor activities for all ages and group sizes.
Card & Board Games – This is a camping essential year round! You’d be amazed how much more fun board and card games seem to be when camping with friends and family. Enjoy endless rounds of your favorite travel-size games that you can keep coming back to all trip long.
A Good Book to Read or Journal – Being camped out in nature– especially in the quiet serenity of a winterscape– offers some great opportunities for reflection and focus. Enjoy a book you’ve been meaning to read, or spend some time writing out your thoughts.
Sketching or Coloring – a great option for families with little ones, or for unlocking your own creative juices. Bring a small travel sketchbook and some pencils or markers and pass the time by either drawing some of the scenery around you or letting your imagination run wild!
Cooking a Warm Stovetop Meal – It’s important to eat warm nourishing meals while winter camping, especially if you’re exerting your energy doing so many activities. If you meal prep before your trip, you’ll have ingredients ready to go for quick, easy, warming meals. On your propane or wood-burning stove, prepare a hearty stew or soup, or even heat up some water for hot cocoa, tea or coffee to bring some color back to your cheeks.
Maybe you’re already a winter outdoor enthusiast or more of a cozy homebody in the colder months. Either way, you’re sure to find a way to find joy in reconnecting with friends, family, and nature through winter camping and activities. This winter, don’t let the cold keep you from spending quality time in the great outdoors!