{"id":25419,"date":"2023-07-28T08:21:33","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T22:51:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=25419"},"modified":"2023-07-28T09:03:12","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T23:33:12","slug":"winter-family-camping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/winter-family-camping\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips for Family Camping in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Spring approaches, it\u2019s amazing how many large retailers begin to advertise new gear to promote the upcoming camping season. Have we become conditioned to believe that adventure is only meant for the warmer months? That couldn\u2019t be farther from the truth! Some of the most memorable camping adventures can be in sub-five-degree weather.<\/p>\n

Why is winter camping best? The air is crisp and clean, the campfire is warm, and dinner is\u00a0cooked in a camp oven. Rustle up some\u00a0damper<\/a>, enjoy some hot beverages, and shoot the breeze around the campfire. Plus, there are always opportunities to go for walks, which not only keeps us warm but reminds us to appreciate nature.<\/p>\n

That said, the cold can ruin a trip fast if you are not prepared. In this blog, we cover the steps to family camping bliss in the winter!<\/p>\n

\"CampersRustle up some damper, enjoy some hot beverages, and shoot the breeze around the campfire! Image: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n

Tent, Swag, or Trailer?<\/h2>\n

With so many choices available, it can be confusing to decide what makes a good all-year-round shelter. Here’s a breakdown:<\/p>\n

Swags Vs Tents<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canvas swags<\/a> for ground-based shelters are often less susceptible to the cold and wind, compared to tents<\/a>. While there is an array of excellent alpine-style tents for mountaineers, swags for the average family are great as the canvas effectively retains the heat that you generate. Plus, swags in general are not as tall as tents, so the warm air stays close to you.<\/p>\n

Swags also mostly come equipped with 50-70 mm mattresses, having them very comfortable. The swag range by\u00a0OZtrail<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Darche<\/a>, for example, are well-made and will last you a lifetime if well cared for.<\/p>\n

The ground at the campsite can get pretty darn icy, so if you are camping in a tent, sleep on a\u00a0stretcher.<\/a>\u00a0Not a fan of stretchers? well-insulated mat<\/a> will also provide a barrier between you and the frosty tent floor.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Canvas swags for ground-based shelters are often less susceptible to the cold and wind than tents. Image: Ian Treseder<\/em><\/p>\n

Soft-Floor Trailers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to elevated beds, you won\u2019t feel the cold from the ground. Trailers also offer families a place to store loads of gear.<\/p>\n

A soft-floor trailer often provides more open space with a drop-down PVC floor. They tend to be popular for bigger families, as they allow bunk and camp bed setups. That said, it\u2019s important to consider the outside area and be aware of exposed rocks (these can tear a hole in the floor). Groundsheets<\/a>\u00a0or EVA foam floor mats\u00a0<\/a>can resolve these scenarios.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If you are camping in a tent, sleep on a stretcher or a well-insulated mat. Image: Oztent\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Rear-Fold or Forward-Fold Hard-Floor Trailers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hard floors are often quick to set up, where rocky or difficult grounds are no longer an issue. However, these trailers don\u2019t tend to be as spacious. Despite the ability to set up a\u00a0double bunk<\/a>\u00a0for two young children, there is still less space overall for walking around.<\/p>\n

Forward-folds are proving to be the new hot item for families, partly because they offer an internal dining area with a small table to eat at too.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/em>
\nA measured piece of carpet enhances the luxury camper trailer experience tenfold across all models, and can easily be stored on top of the bed when packed away.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Trailers tend to be popular for bigger families. Image: Ian Treseder<\/em><\/p>\n

Choosing Your Campsite<\/h2>\n

With the winter sun setting earlier, it\u2019s a good idea to hustle the family into the car at the crack of dawn \u2013 maybe even pre-dawn, especially if you\u2019ve got a long drive ahead. You\u2019ll be grateful you made the effort when you pull into your camp at the flip side of the day, when there\u2019s still plenty of light for setting up and getting the fire going.<\/p>\n

Scout out the area and avoid setting up camp near a creek bed or on a slope, in case it buckets down and the area floods. When the weather is wet and rainy there\u2019s a higher risk of a branch snapping off and falling on your site too \u2013 so find a spot as clear of trees as possible.<\/p>\n

Campfire Considerations<\/h2>\n

Most winter camping enthusiasts will tell you that a campfire is a must-have for a campsite. Some of the best memories can be sitting in front of a fire with the kids in your lap, reading a book. Nonetheless, you must always consider the following for a campfire before leaving for the trip:<\/p>\n

The Campground<\/strong><\/p>\n

Where you go will dictate whether or not you can have a fire. Check to ensure that the venue allows fires, and if they do, if wood can be collected there or brought with you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

State forests more often than not allow you to run a chainsaw and collect wood from the ground. National Parks tend to be less flexible. If you have a dry stash of wood at home, it\u2019s recommended to bring that along.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Where you go will dictate whether or not you can have a fire. Image: Ian Treseder<\/em><\/p>\n

Equipment for Collecting Wood<\/strong><\/p>\n

A handsaw works but can become tiresome. Chainsaws will always make light work of wood collection, but National Parks don\u2019t allow chainsaw use due to noise considerations. Therefore, the battery-powered brushless saws can be a great option.<\/p>\n

Just to be safe, check with the ranger on your options before your trip. Ensure you bring lighters and even firelighters in case the wood is damp<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Weather and Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n

Look into the weather conditions leading up to your trip, as well as the area itself. If it has been raining for two weeks prior, it is safe to assume that the wood local to the area won\u2019t burn well. The remedy is to bring some of your own dry wood; if nothing else, you can at least combine the wet wood when the fire is underway. If the wood is sparse in the area too, bring your own supply.<\/p>\n

Tip<\/em>:
\nOften a campsite has a predetermined fireplace and the opportunity to place your tent where you like. Try starting the fire first to track the direction of the smoke before setting up your accommodation. Some campers make the mistake of spending an hour setting up, only to start a fire and notice that the smoke travels straight through the front door!<\/p>\n

Keeping Warm<\/h2>\n

Consider the clothes, shoes, and sleeping gear to bring. Once the winter cold creeps in, it can be very difficult to become warm again. Some careful consideration can make all the difference, especially if it\u2019s your first time camping in the winter.<\/p>\n

While there are some great things about camping in the chilly season, you still need to be prepared for the worst. Always carry an\u00a0emergency blanket<\/a>, or even some\u00a0disposable hand<\/a> or toe warmers<\/a>; the weather could take a bad turn, you may struggle to light your campfire, or your sleeping gear may not perform as it should. It\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n

Ben and Lauren further discuss how to camp cosy in Episode 58<\/a> of the Snowys Camping Show<\/a>:<\/p>\n