For many campers, the tents and sleeping bags get tucked away in the garage once the snow begins to fly. But, the chillier winter months often offer the best camping experiences. Not only are the campgrounds quieter and more peaceful without the summer crowds, but the snow-dressed scenery offers unparalleled beauty as it sparkles and glimmers in the late winter sunshine.
Even better: the winter attractions. The coldest months bring a slew of fun-filled winter activities that are unique to each destination — if you know where to look. We’ve rounded up our favorite winter campgrounds that are sure to please the most robust of campers. If you have the gumption to take your camping game into the fourth season, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Yosemite National Park, California
Why should you visit: Firefall
While Tioga Road and most of the backcountry are closed in the winter, Yosemite Valley turns into a quiet winter wonderland. North Pines Campground is situated just across from Curry Village, so campers can enjoy unadulterated views of Half Dome or El Cap topped with glittering snow.
If you’re a photographer or just want to see one of nature’s most epic displays, consider visiting in February for the annual Firefall event. If Horsetail Falls has enough water, the clouds clear from above, and the sun aligns just right, the typically unassuming waterfall morphs into a blazing orange and red “fall” near sunset.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Why you should visit: Winterfest
If you fancy posting up in a tent for your Christmas celebration, look no further than the Cades Cove Campground. Only the C-loop is open in December but if you score a campsite, you can use it as a homebase to explore historical sites like the grist mill or drive-thru barn (Or, hike-thru barn. Forge Creek Road is closed seasonally, so you’ll have to hike to these destinations — but it’s worth it!)
Once you’re ready to feel the festivities, head to nearby Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg — both are about an hour away. Pigeon Forge boasts an amazing Winterfest that begins in early November, complete with Polar Express train rides, driving tours of lights, chili cookoffs, twinkling light displays, bluegrass concerts, holiday handcrafting festivals, and more.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Why you should visit: Bryce Canyon Winter Festival
North Canyon sits just across from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and a short walk from the Rim Trail, the iconic route that offers campers spectacular views of the hoodoos within the Bryce Amphitheater. In the winter, the view is especially jaw dropping as the stark white snow shockingly contrasts against the orange and red sandstone structures.
Campers can also enjoy the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, a celebration of winter that takes place over President’s Weekend and has done so for the last 30 years. Cross-country ski and snowshoe tours, kayaking demos, cookie decorating, watercolor painting, archery, and wildlife tracking are just a few of the activities offered during the three-day event.
Lake Wenatchee State Park, Washington
Why you should visit: Christmas lighting in Leavenworth
It’s not common to find campgrounds open in the winter in Washington, which makes Lake Wenatchee’s snow camping a winter gem. It can be found in the designated area of the south park day-use area on a first come, first served basis. You’ll find picnic tables, fire pits, and covered shelters, along with heated restrooms and hot showers nearby. For RV campers, there are no hookups available.
You’ll also find four Sno-Parks with a combined 50 kilometers of groomed ski trails and another 12 miles of snowshoe trails. Once you’re done breaking a sweat, drive the 30 minutes into nearby Leavenworth, an adorable Bavarian-style town. From late November until early February, the entire town twinkles with over a half million lights — like a snowglobe come to life.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Why you should visit: Night Sky Festival
Joshua Tree National Park is relatively warm in the winter, making the Black Rock Campground a great camping destination for those who aren’t trying to sleep in the snow. Daytime temperatures hover around 60°F, so you’ll see plenty of sunshine on your daily hikes throughout the park.
If you can visit J-Tree earlier in the season, it’s worth a visit in October to check out the annual Night Sky Festival. It’s a fundraiser put on by two local nonprofits and celebrates all things night sky. Since Joshua Tree is designated as an International Dark Sky Park at the Silver Tier level, it’s the perfect place to come and gaze at the stars.
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