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Winter Camping Tips & Locations: Create Warm Memories

Preparing for Winter Camping with Your Scouts

winter camping

Winter camping can be a thrilling adventure, offering unique experiences that can’t be found during the warmer months. However, it also comes with additional risks that require proper preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing. Here are some essential tips for preparing Scouts for winter camping:

winter hike

Tips for Safe Winter Camping

Layer Up: Dress in layers to maintain body warmth. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and loses its insulating properties when wet.


Stay Dry: Wet clothing or gear can quickly lead to hypothermia in cold conditions. Always have a spare set of dry clothes, keep sleeping bags dry, and store gear inside waterproof bags or containers.


Bring the Right Gear: Winter camping requires specialized gear, such as a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, insulated sleeping pads, and snow-rated tents. Hand warmers and a quality headlamp with spare batteries are also a must.


Keep Hydrated and Eat Well: Cold weather increases the need for energy, so bring plenty of high-calorie snacks and hot meals. Staying hydrated is crucial as well, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Warm drinks like hot cocoa or soup are great for keeping warm and hydrated.


Know the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite: Teach Scouts to recognize early signs like shivering, confusion, or numbness, and make sure they know how to act quickly to warm up. Keep an eye on each other and take action before conditions become dangerous.


5 Winter Camping Destinations for Scouts

  1. Wehinahpay Mountain Camp (WMC-MountainCamp.org) - Located in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, this camp offers a beautiful snowy mountain setting, making it ideal for winter camping and cold-weather skills training.

  2. Camp Daniel Boone (North Carolina) - Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Camp Daniel Boone provides a scenic winter camping experience, complete with opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing in a snowy environment.

  3. Tahosa High Adventure Base (Colorado) - Known for its breathtaking mountain views and challenging conditions, this camp offers an excellent winter camping opportunity for Scouts looking to experience the Rockies in snow.

  4. Camp Buffalo (Indiana) - This camp offers winter camping in a woodland setting, with activities such as snowshoeing and ice fishing. It’s a great spot for Scouts looking to explore the outdoors in a winter landscape.

  5. Camp Raymond (Arizona) - Located in the Coconino National Forest, this camp experiences a true winter climate with snow-covered pine forests, offering an excellent location for Scouts to practice cold-weather camping skills.


Winter camping can be a memorable and rewarding experience when Scouts are prepared with the right gear, knowledge, and mindset. By taking these precautions and choosing a beautiful winter destination, Scouts can safely enjoy the wonders of the season!


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Last reviewed: August 2026

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