Best Places to Go Camping in Winter

While many people think of camping as a 3-season activity, there is a particular magic about getting outside in the winter. The quiet solitude, the crisp mountain air, and the fresh snowfall that covers the landscape—it’s something everyone should experience! To celebrate the benefits of winter camping, we compiled our top places to go camping in the winter. Grab your hot chocolate, and get to planning your next winter camping trip!

Embrace adventure at a hike-in Colorado ski hut

A list of the best winter vacation destinations wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the stunning Rocky Mountains of Colorado. These cabins near Aspen, Keystone, and Breckenridge (and more!) all require some cross country skiing or snowshoeing to access, but are sure to provide an air of adventure to your mountain getaway.

Get cozy in a Pacific Northwest cabin

What sounds better than cozying up in a romantic cabin with views of Mt. Hood National Forest and a fresh cup of joe? If this is your kind of winter weekend, you’ll love this list of cabins to rent in the Pacific Northwest, perfect for a relaxing retreat. Bonus: Your Instagram feed will thank you.

Settle in at a snowy cabin in the Sierra

For anyone looking for places to see the snow in California this winter, we’ve compiled a list of cozy cabins near Lake Tahoe, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and more! A few favorites include a cute A-frame cabin in the redwoods and a hike-in cabin near Tahoe National Forest.

Warm up from winter hiking at a Great Smokies basecamp

There is a ton of amazing winter hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This list of camping near the Smokies includes the perfect basecamps to come back to after a long day of hiking Clingman’s Dome, Alum Cave Trail, or one of many other awesome winter hiking trails in the area.

Conquer snowy Wisconsin

If it’s set near the Ice Age Trail and a number of cross-country trails, you know it’s a good spot for a winter adventure. Purplehaze Acres offers a rustic off-grid tiny house for extra comfort and plowed drive-in spots for the brave.

Try a Big Bear Lake winter

No one’s going to judge you if you’d prefer to pass on the frigid northeast and instead opt for a comfortably cold stay near Big Bear Lake in Southern California. In the San Bernardino Mountains, Holcomb Valley Ranch serves as a snowy escape from Los Angeles.

Looking for something a bit more local?

Hipcamp offers all kinds of ways to #FindYourselfOutside. From treehouses to yurts, campsites, glampsites, RV sites, and more—we’ve got a getaway for everyone this winter.