Winter Camping: Best Places to Visit in 2025

In this blog, we are hitting every corner of the U.S. and everything in between to cover some of the best winter camping and glamping opportunities in 2025. From fan-favorite national parks to backcountry wildernesses to cozy glampsites, we hope this guide helps you discover your perfect winter camping destination. We’ll also cover how to pack and some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your winter camping trips this year.

Pacific Northwest

If you crave snow-draped forests, rugged coastlines, and towering peaks, the Pacific Northwest delivers winter camping at its finest. From Alaska’s untamed wilderness to misty mountains in Washington, this region is a winter camper’s paradise.

Denali National Park

Kicking things off way up north in the Last Frontier, we are diving into Denali National Park. This is the ultimate winter camping experience. For those dreaming of going off-the-grid and getting up close and personal with winter conditions and wildlife, Denali offers the trip of a lifetime.

Riley Creek Campground is the only official campground open in the park from two weeks after Labor Day until spring. Like many winter campgrounds, this is more on the rustic side, with few amenities and no reservations or nightly fees. It is a great opportunity to experience the full extent of living out of your four-season tent. You will have to provide or purchase your own firewood, which can easily be kept dry and organized in a camping bag. This area is wooded and has direct trail access to the Denali Visitor Center– your trusty access point for various trails in the entrance area.

Wilderness camping throughout Denali National Park is welcome all year round with a free backcountry permit. Extreme and unpredictable weather conditions require a higher level of wilderness and survival preparedness. With the right gear, mindset, and preparedness, the gorgeous, rugged Denali wilderness can be a life-enriching experience. Savor endless scenic views and winter activities, including skiing, snow-shoeing, dog mushing, hiking, and more! This really is the ultimate place to set up your winter tent wood stove and cozy up around the fire under the stars. 

Olympic National Park

Gear up for a misty, coastal winter camping trip in Olympic National Park! This remote peninsula serves rugged cliffsides, forests, and views that are nothing short of iconic. Kalaloch Campground, located right on the southern coast, offers a one-of-a-kind winter camping experience with direct ocean access. The site requires reservations, as it is the only campground available year-round in the area. Camping here is committing to a damp and chilly time, so utilize your waterproofing skills! Bring plenty of extra layers for your winter camping tent, including a canvas tarp for a footprint and a rainfly to ensure you are warm and dry, enjoying your perfect campsite.

Beach hiking trails will lead you from the shore into mossy forests and flowing waterfalls. Hike to Ruby Beach for amazing marine life and beaches, and drive only 45 minutes to see the Hoh Rainforest. The Kalaloch Lodge is nearby as well, which offers a communal space to cozy up and meet other campers!

West

The winter seasons transform the mountains, canyons, and sprawling plains that define the West into bright, snowy wonderlands. So whether you’re seeking high-altitude adventure in the Colorado Rockies or a snow-laden red rock backdrop in Utah, the West has something for every winter explorer!

Yellowstone National Park

It’s hard to beat this rugged western landscape blanketed in snow. A dream destination to many, Yellowstone in the winter has so much to offer, from scenic views and geothermal features to a wide range of unique wildlife year-round. This historical national park is definitely on our camping bucket list this winter!

Although boondocking, or free camping, is not allowed in this park, that doesn’t mean you won’t get up close and personal with the wild. Mammoth Campground is the only official Yellowstone campground open year-round. Located near the northern entrance, it’s open on a first-come, first-served basis. This campground has no shortage of elk and bison appearances and is close to hiking trails, fishing, and hot springs.

Backcountry camping in Yellowstone is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the landscape. It requires a free permit, emergency preparedness, winter camping expertise, and extra gear, as campers will be skiing or snowshoeing to their destination. For those committed to roughing it through the snow, this can be an amazing experience!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Aspenglen Campground is the only campground open in the winter season, but it is nothing short of picturesque. If you’re open to a quaint, cozy adventure, this campground does not disappoint. You’ll pitch a winter camping tent amidst a conifer forest with sprawling snow-laden meadows.

With limited amenities, campers will get to experience feeling remote and self-sufficient. Aspenglen presents a great opportunity to utilize all your winter camping skills, from waterproofing and heating the tent to burning a wood fire to cozying up in heaps of blankets. According to the National Park Service, this campsite will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with limited sites in 2025. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Southern Utah is also known as the “Adventure Capital of the West,” and rightfully so. It encompasses the Might Five– a cluster of five unique national parks all nearby. These include Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of them as a winter camping destination. Additionally, much of this region offers ample BLM land to camp on. 

North Campground in Bryce Canyon National Park is an iconic place to pitch a tent and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Utah! It’s fairly large, with 100 sites to choose from, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis during the winter. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, be prepared for the full winter camping setup! We’re talking a four-season tent, a tent stove, waterproofing, and ample firewood.

The North Campground is close to the Visitor Center, General Store, and trailheads. The whole family can get in on winter sports fun at the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival. This is a family-friendly event with all kinds of snow sport clinics, hikes, and wellness activities. Be sure to see the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, amongst other incredible views!

Pro Tip: Purchase the America the Beautiful National Park pass. Because southern Utah’s parks are so close together and there is so much to see and do, you will undoubtedly get your money’s worth with this pass. 

Southwest

The wild southwest isn’t all just cowboys and desert dust– the winter coats it in a whole new layer of magic. Cool, crisp days and star-filled nights make it a great season to camp in the dunes, deserts, and rugged mesas.

Picacho Peak State Park

Between Phoenix and Tuscon lies Picacho Peak. Dusted in snow, this towering 1,500-foot peak stands as a wintertime icon. Camping in the park means you will be surrounded by prehistoric geological features, national monuments, and numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. The campground is open year-round, requires reservations, and accommodates winter camping tents and RVs.

Saguaro National Park 

This amazing and truly unique national park features an extremely diverse desert ecosystem. There are multiple campgrounds within the park, though none are available by vehicle. You will have to hike into your spot of choice. Grass Shack Campground is a beautiful landscape shaded by large, old sycamore trees. With two peaceful streams running through it, this is truly a serene winter getaway. It is usually protected from winter storms and has access to stunning hiking trails. 

Northeast

The Northeast transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and dense evergreen forests. It’s the perfect place for cold-weather camping and glamping. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of the Adirondacks or desire a serene retreat in Vermont, this region offers a magical mix of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. 

Adirondacks

Winter in the Adirondacks is unmatched. A snowsport paradise, cozy lodges and bars, a winter carnival, and luxurious glamping opportunities would make this winter in upstate New York one for the books. If you need a cozy, snowy weekend getaway, glamping in upstate New York is the answer! Cozy up in a log cabin or canvas yurt and enjoy the comforts of home in a winter wonderland. There are numerous glampsites to choose from in the Adirondacks, but some of our favorites include Adirondack Safari, Camp Orenda, and Schroon River Escape Lodges & RV Resort. 

Gifford Woods State Park

This Vermont state park looks just like a postcard in the winter. Explore the dense, old-growth forests covered in snow on numerous hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails. At this spot, you will also get a taste of the Appalachian Trail, as this is a popular stop for many through-hikers, though, in the deep winter months, it is far less crowded. The state park campground is small but has multiple options for camping, including cabin rentals and multiple tent and RV sites. This state park is a hub for numerous trailheads, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Southeast

If clear skies and a low-key vibe suit your fancy this winter, you may be headed southeast this winter. No, this region likely won’t involve all the hefty snow gear, but don’t be fooled! Even southern temperatures in the winter can drop well into the forties and thirties. A cozy winter camping tent and a reliable heating system will still be a good call for this trip. A healthy dose of Florida rain is very likely this season, and therefore, you should come prepared with a fully waterproofed and weatherproofed canvas winter camping tent.

Everglades National Park

Bet you didn’t expect a Florida destination on our 2025 winter camping list! It’s a stray from your typical rugged mountains or snowy plains. But let’s be real– who could refuse a vitamin D boost in the winter? Join the snowbirds this winter on a camping trip in the Everglades and soak up the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. 

Amongst other Wilderness camping is available with a permit on a number of ground, beach, and elevated camping platforms known as “chickees” throughout the park. These spots amongst mangroves allow adventurous campers to immerse themselves in the habitat of incredible endangered wildlife like manatees, crocodiles, and the Florida panther.

Winter Camping Gear: A Few Extras

Now that you’ve compiled your ultimate winter camping destination bucket-list, it’s time to get packing! Because of heavier weather and often unpredictable conditions, winter camping entails extra gear, wool layers, knowledge, and general preparedness. 

As always, your go-to camping packing list simply wouldn’t be complete without the 10 Essentials. But the real key to cold weather adventure is making sure you have some special extra pieces of gear made especially to support campers in the winter!

Winter camping tent – Camping in remote winter regions means you’ll need a heavy-duty, reliable shelter like a sturdy, four-season tent. The ideal winter tent is built to withstand heavy weather and high winds and keep you warm and dry inside. Waterproofed cotton canvas is the perfect material, as it is naturally insulating yet breathable and made to stand up to the elements.

Tent wood stove – This is the ultimate way to effectively and safely heat your winter camping tent. Oftentimes, a four-season tent made with canvas will include a built-in stove jack, making installation and use of a tent wood stove super easy and safe. And what better way to wind down than by the ambiance of a wood-burning fire on a snowy night?

Canvas bag – When it comes to camp packing solutions, we want accessories that do the heavy lifting for us. With a heavy-duty canvas bag, all your extra winter gear stays dry and organized in one place. And when your canvas bag matches your canvas tent, there’s no better feeling.

Canvas tarp – Bringing a multipurpose, waterproof outdoor tarp is always a good idea! Using a canvas tarp underneath your tent as a footprint or above your tent as a rainfly provides an extra layer of warmth and protection from the elements.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the winter blues keep you inside all season. Make 2025 your year of getting outside no matter the weather and thoroughly enjoying everything nature has in store for you. Whether you’re backcountry camping in the rugged wild of Yellowstone National Park or cozying up in a canvas yurt by a warm fire in the Adirondacks or anywhere in between, make winter memories that last a lifetime in 2025!