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Winter RV Camping: 10 Tips to Make it Even Better

Cold weather camping can be a wonderful way to get outdoors in the long Alberta winter, but only if it is done right. The nights (and days) can get awfully cold and conditions can even be dangerous if you don’t plan for the weather.
9-4A  10 tips for winter camping November WJP
Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay

Here are a few tips that will help make any winter camping trip a lot more comfortable and safer:

1) Check the weather a few times before you go. Take a look at the long-term forecast when you start planning your trip and then again when you start to prepare and pack. Check again just before you set out. Be prepared to cancel or postpone your trip if conditions look dangerous.

2) Call ahead. Make sure to check in with the campground before heading out. Verify that they are open and check on the services they are currently offering. Ask about electrical hookups, water availability, and where to purchase firewood.

3) Pack winter specific emergency items. Add these items to your emergency kit for winter camping:

  • Extra blankets
  • Gasoline powered generator
  • Extra propane
  • Blow dryer for thawing frozen pipes
  • Tire chains if you’re in an area that allows them
  • Emergency GPS
  • Hand crank radio that doesn’t require electricity or batteries
  • Extra food
  • Extra water stored in a heated area
  • Portable cell phone charger (make sure it is fully charged)

4) Plan meals to warm up bellies and the RV. Use the RV’s oven to serve two functions: make delicious hot food that warms everyone up from the inside and helps to heat the RV. Once cooking is finished and the oven has been switched off, leave the oven door open so the excess heat can move into the main cabin.

9-4B  10 tips for winter camping November WJP
Image by Pezibear from Pixabay

5) Pack the right types of clothes and pack extra. When packing for winter, think in layers. Include breathable base layers, warm wool or fleece mid layers, and waterproof/windproof outer layers. Make sure everyone has warm pajamas and slippers for inside the RV at night.

6) Don’t skimp on outerwear. Make sure everyone has extra warm boots, gloves/mitts, toques, and neck warmers. Be prepared to cover all exposed skin if the weather turns.

7) Bring extra light. Summer camping means long hours of sunlight, but Alberta winters can get dark pretty early. Take along headlamps and extra batteries so everyone can see what they’re doing while keeping their hands free.

8) Don’t forget a shovel. You will probably need to clear an area around the RV to make it easier to get in and out without having to trudge through deep snow every time. A shovel also helps if the vehicle is stuck in a snowbank or the stabilizing jacks get stuck.

9) Reusable or disposable boot and glove warmers make a huge difference. These handy little accessories quickly heat up inside boots, on socks, or in gloves to keep fingers and toes nice and toasty.

10) Prepare everyone for cold. Winter camping is a unique experience, but it can get cold. If everyone is mentally prepared for the weather, they will get a lot more enjoyment out of the trip. Keep active, have fun, and the weather won’t feel like a burden at all.

When you are prepared for the weather, a winter camping trip can be an incredibly invigorating experience. The beauty of Alberta in the winter makes all of the prep and packing worth it. Stay toasty, stay safe, and have fun!

CPC-logoThis story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you RV City for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
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