Where to Camp in Winter
For those who love the quiet and solitude of the “off-season,” winter provides the perfect time to embark on a camping trip. Winter sports can test your skills and keep you in shape, as well as be an exciting time in the out-of-doors. Here ReserveAmerica has listed eight destinations for memorable winter camping trips.
1. Tumalo State Park, Oregon
This state park rests along the Deschutes River, with clear trout streams, alpine lakes, and miles and miles of scenic hiking available. Mt. Bachelor is close by, where you can take part in skiing, snowboarding, and moving along the Nordic and back-country trails. If you want to fish, take the Deschutes River Trail and you’ll find places to cast a line. Choose between any of the 23 full hook-up sites.
1. Harriman State Park, Idaho
Harriman State Park is within a large wildlife refuge, making it a great stop to enjoy the animals that make their home here. Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skate skiing. Try any of the 24 miles of ski trails. On the Henrys Fork that flows through the park, you can see waterfowl and trumpeter swans. On land, you may catch glimpses of moose and elk for one of the most unforgettable winter camping trips.
3. Kanopolis State Park, Kansas
This park was the very first state park in Kansas. The bluffs, the rolling hills, and the woods make for one of the most scenic winter camping trips. There are 30 miles of trails, with half of those being located in the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. Fish and game are abundant for hunters and anglers. You can watch ospreys and bald eagles fish in the river. In the northwest part of the wildlife area are the Faris Caves, created in the pioneer days. Be sure to explore these historic sites while here. Campsites have full utility hookups but you can also rent a cabin in harsher winter weather.
Recommended: Hiking in the Snow: What You Need to Know
4. Harmonie State Park, Indiana
Beautiful scenery abounds at Harmonie State Park, located on the banks of the Wabash about a 30-minute drive from Evansville. It is a trail lover’s paradise with plenty of routes to explore the ravines, rolling hills, and woods by foot or bike. There are eight picnic areas, a playground, and 211 campsites, including eleven cozy cabins perfect for a winter camping trip. Nearby Historic New Harmony town offers a fascinating insight into the early settlers to the area.
5. Steinaker State Park, Utah
Winter camping at Steinaker State Park offers a wide variety of activities that make it a great place to go in the cold and snowy months. You can bundle up and fish for largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Find remote adventure by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in this premier white wonderland. Discover the frozen lake and 20 inches of solid ice when locals clear off the snow to do some ice skating. Bring your RV and camp out for a unique winter experience.
6. French Creek State Park, Pennsylvania
Winter camping trips with virtually no crowds and for a quiet, relaxed time? Yes, please! French Creek State Park is the ideal destination for folks looking to get away from it all and really decompress. Hopewell Lake provides fishing and you can catch largemouth bass, trout, and sunfish. There is also a smaller lake called Scott’s Run where you can catch stocked trout. Hike through the wide variety of landscape – from forests to wetlands and marshes to bluffs. For your winter stay, there are 47 campsites available as well as cottages, yurts, and cabins.
7. Wellesley Island State Park, New York
The scenic secluded wilderness of Wellesley Island State Park is a place you must camp this winter. Hike across snow-covered ground, or do some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the five miles of trails available. The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is open all year and provides recreational and educational programs for all ages of campers. With a fireplace to warm up next to and other campers ready to meet and talk with, it’s a great way of spending those cold winter nights.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!