Winter Camping

Experience the serene beauty of winter camping. From snow-covered forests to mild desert escapes.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: December through February

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Winter Camping by State

Explore 18 state guides with curated campgrounds

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins

4.6

(122)

White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins

Fairbanks, AK

Thirteen remote log cabins scattered across a million acres provide heated shelter along groomed trails built specifically for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding through Alaska's winter wilderness.

4.9

(29)

Cape Horn Winter Rental

Salmon-Challis National Forest
Challis, ID

A dedicated winter rental cabin in Idaho's Elk Meadow offers direct access to miles of cross-country ski trails, snowmobile routes, and backcountry slopes blanketed in untouched powder.

4.8

(31)

Matterhorn Cabin

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Ophir, CO

Cross-country skiers glide directly from the heated cabin onto 10km of groomed trails winding through snow-draped pines, while downhill enthusiasts reach Telluride's legendary slopes within minutes.

About This Season

Winter camping transforms America's most spectacular landscapes into serene, snow-draped wonderlands where adventurous campers can experience the backcountry in its quietest season. From Alaska's northern lights dancing over wilderness cabins to the sun-warmed desert rocks of Joshua Tree, winter camping offers diverse experiences across dramatically different climates and terrains.

Best Time

The winter camping season varies dramatically by region and elevation, with optimal timing depending on your desired experience and skill level. Alaska's winter camping season runs from November through March, with February and March offering the best combination of daylight hours and northern lights activity, though temperatures regularly drop below zero.

Season Highlights

Year-round open campgrounds
Snow and winter activities
Mild climate destinations
Ultimate solitude and peace

More Winter Camping

Discover 17 additional top-rated campgrounds for winter camping

4.6

(192)

Indian Cove Group

Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA

Granite boulders shield tent sites from winter winds while mild desert temperatures invite dawn-to-dusk rock climbing on legendary routes. When darkness falls, crystal-clear winter skies reveal the Milky Way in stunning detail, with zero light pollution to dim the celestial show.

Tents

4.9

(14)

Tilly Jane Guard Station

Mt. Hood National Forest
Parkdale, OR

This 1930s cabin sits at 5,700 feet where you ski or snowshoe through untracked forest to reach your wood stove-heated refuge on Mt. Hood's snowy flanks. From your door, glide through the trees toward Cooper Spur or climb to ridgelines where Mt. Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier pierce the winter sky.

4.9

(20)

Warner Mountain Lookout

Willamette National Forest
Westfir, OR

Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile up to 10 miles through ancient forest to reach this 5,300-foot fire lookout tower surrounded by untouched powder. Sleep above the clouds in a heated cabin where Roosevelt elk tracks crisscross the snow below and crystalline night skies blaze with stars.

4.6

(61)

Zips Place Cabin

Flathead National Forest
Hungry Horse, MT

A mile-long journey by snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile through snow-laden forest leads to this secluded eight-person cabin warmed by propane heat and powered by electricity.

5.1

(13)

Indian Meadows Guard Station

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Lincoln, MT

This remote Montana cabin serves as your basecamp for exploring the legendary Copper Bowls snowmobile terrain and Scapegoat Wilderness backcountry trails.

4.5

(26)

Monture Guard Station Cabin

Lolo National Forest
Ovando, MT

Snow blankets groomed trails right from your doorstep, launching you into miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling through ancient forests in Montana's backcountry.

4.4

(25)

Hager Mountain Lookout

Fremont-Winema National Forest
Silver Lake, OR

This historic fire lookout transforms into a snow-accessible retreat where you'll trek through deep powder to reach panoramic views stretching from Mt. Hood to Mt. Shasta. The 360-degree windows frame endless winter landscapes by day and impossibly bright stars by night from your 7,195-foot perch.

4.2

(22)

Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

Mt. Hood National Forest
Government Camp, Oregon

A 40-foot fire lookout tower crowns Clear Lake Butte, reachable only by snowshoe, skis, or snowmobile through Mt. Hood's deep winter snowpack. Sleep above the clouds in this off-grid cabin where endless Cascade views and untouched powder surround your elevated perch.

4.5

(315)

Tortilla Campground

Tonto National Forest
Mesa, AZ

Winter transforms this Sonoran Desert basecamp into a sun-soaked refuge where daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 60s and 70s, beckoning hikers into the rugged Superstition Wilderness trails.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Winter Camping Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Winter Camping Nationwide

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Map Key

White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins

Cape Horn Winter Rental

Matterhorn Cabin

Indian Cove Group

Tilly Jane Guard Station

Warner Mountain Lookout

Zips Place Cabin

Indian Meadows Guard Station

Monture Guard Station Cabin

Hager Mountain Lookout

Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

Tortilla Campground

Texas Springs Campground

Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground

Cottonwood (Big Bend, Tx)

Squilchuck State Park

Goliad State Park

Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campground

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Cross-country skiing on groomed and backcountry trailsSnowshoeing through pristine winter forestsNorthern lights viewing in AlaskaDog sledding and winter mushingBackcountry skiing and ski mountaineeringSnowmobiling on designated trail systems

Tips & Recommendations

1Winter camping requires specialized gear and preparation beyond three-season camping.
2Invest in a four-season tent rated for snow loads if tent camping, or book cabin rentals for your first winter trips to build skills gradually.
3Bring a sleeping bag rated at least 15-20 degrees below the expected low temperature, and use an insulated sleeping pad with R-value of 5 or higher to prevent heat loss to frozen ground.
4Layer clothing using moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells, avoiding cotton which loses insulating properties when damp.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Winter Camping

Winter Camping FAQ

Great winter campgrounds offer protection from wind, proximity to winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing, and facilities that remain open year-round. Desert and southern campgrounds offer mild winter escapes.

Winter camping is safe with proper preparation. Choose December through February for the best conditions. Ensure you have cold-weather gear, check weather forecasts, and let someone know your plans. Many campgrounds in warmer climates offer perfect winter weather.

We list 20+ campgrounds rated excellent for winter camping across the USA, from snowy mountain retreats to mild desert escapes.

Explore Other Seasons

Find the best campgrounds for every time of year

Summer Camping

The best campgrounds for summer adventures with warm weather and peak-season amenities

Fall Camping

Scenic fall camping with colorful foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds

Spring Camping

Spring camping with wildflowers, mild weather, and the awakening of nature

Guide last updated: January 6, 2026

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