Best Places To Go Camping When the Country Gets Cold

The idea of camping in winter might make you want to crawl back under your heated blanket. Visions of shivering in a flimsy tent and eating frozen granola bars are enough to put anyone off. But what if you could still get your family outdoors without subjecting them to frostbite?

Believe it or not, some parts of the country offer fantastic camping opportunities even when the rest of us are scraping ice off our windshields. You can trade snow for sunshine and enjoy the great outdoors year-round. Here are some of the best places to go camping when the country gets cold so that you can escape the chill without sacrificing your sanity.

Death Valley National Park, California

Don’t let the name scare you. While summer temperatures in Death Valley are famously unbearable, the winter months are surprisingly pleasant. Daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 60s and 70s, making it ideal for hiking and exploring.

The park’s stark, otherworldly landscapes, from the salt flats of Badwater Basin to the colorful hills of Artist’s Palette, will keep your kids fascinated. Plus, the stargazing here is phenomenal, thanks to the minimal light pollution.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Winter is the best time to visit the Everglades. Why? Because the oppressive humidity and swarms of mosquitoes take a much-needed break. The cooler, drier weather makes exploring this unique wetland ecosystem far more enjoyable.

You can go kayaking through mangrove forests, bike along Shark Valley, or take an airboat tour to spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds. It’s a living science lesson that doesn’t involve a textbook.

A few things to remember when you camp in the Everglades:

• Book your campsite well in advance, as this is peak season.
• Bring bug spray, just in case some rogue mosquitoes didn’t get the memo.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Alligators are not interested in being your friends.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Located in a remote corner of West Texas, Big Bend offers rugged beauty and a welcome escape from winter. The park’s diverse terrain includes desert, mountains, and river canyons.

You can hike in the Chisos Mountains, soak in the historic hot springs along the Rio Grande, and marvel at the vast, open spaces. The mild winter days are perfect for exploration, but be prepared for chilly nights. This is where investing in high-quality classic wool pieces for the whole family really pays off.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

If you want desert camping without the national park crowds, Anza-Borrego is your spot. As California’s largest state park, it offers endless opportunities for hiking, off-roading, and discovering hidden palm oases.

Winter brings mild temperatures and, if you time it right in late winter or early spring, a spectacular wildflower blooms that transform the desert floor into a carpet of color. The park’s famous metal sculptures scattered throughout the landscape also provide a quirky and fun scavenger hunt for the kids.

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your family’s camping adventures. Pick one of these spots best for camping when the country gets cold and you’ll find plenty to do and see without sub-zero temperatures. Pack your bags, leave the heavy-duty winter gear behind, and get ready for a different kind of cold-weather camping trip.