Camping during the summer is an easy pastime to love, but camping in the winter can be truly special. Winter camping brings the chance for open campgrounds, cozy clothes, and beautiful, quiet, snow-covered scenery.
But with the benefits come some specific obstacles and even hazards, so it’s important to prepare correctly. Read on to learn our favorite tips for camping in the winter. If you’re looking for a well-equipped trailer for winter camping, it’s hard to beat Airstream. The iconic RV manufacturer has demonstrated through years of legendary models that they know how to make an amazing camper, and here at Airstream of Montana, we offer a wide selection of their models. Located in Missoula, Montana, we proudly serve the areas of Bozeman and Kalispell, Montana.
Account for the Weather in Your Plans
Weather is probably the most important element for anyone looking to camp during the winter. Before you head out on your trip, make sure you are familiar with the weather forecast. If any storms are predicted, you probably want to cancel the trip. (That you might need to cancel trips at the last minute can be one of the more frustrating parts about camping during the winter.)
While we often get some pretty serious amounts of snow here in Montana, there’s a difference between planning for a warm week of winter weather and planning for blizzard conditions. Since weight economy is important when towing a trailer, make sure to bring the things you need.
Prepare Your Trailer
Camping in any old trailer during the winter isn’t always pleasant because many trailers aren’t equipped to handle the cold. Airstream’s unique design makes them a good candidate for camping during the colder months. The collection of features in an Airstream will give you the ability to stay warm, cook your meals, and sleep comfortably when you camp.
There are a few small changes you can make if you’re going to be spending some time in the cold. Skirting is a good place to start. A skirt will help to keep your trailer much warmer than it would be normally. If it’s really, really cold, you can cover the windows with reflective insulating sheets. Depending on the model and year, you might want to look into water tank heaters or heating strips to keep the pipes from freezing.
Be Extra-Thorough With Preparations
Having the right equipment for your trip can be serious business. Make sure to plan thoroughly and keep track of everything you’ll need for the trip. As you start to pack, check and double check every item on your packing list to make sure it comes with you on your trip. It’s also helpful to call ahead to campgrounds or RV parks to make sure they’re open during the winter and have openings. You might not need to make a reservation if it’s an area that sees little tourism during the off-season. But it’s always best to be sure you’ll have a place to stay when you show up.
Keep an Eye on Road Conditions
Road conditions are a big deal when you’re towing a trailer. Make sure to keep an eye on the conditions as you drive because they can change dramatically over the course of just a few miles. Look online to find any road closures and try to get road reports on any place that might be especially troublesome, such as mountain passes.
For all your RV camping needs, stop by Airstream of Montana. Our location in Missoula, Montana proudly serves the areas of Kalispell and Bozeman, and we offer a broad selection of the best models from America’s most iconic RV brand.
