Camping Yosemite National Park in the Winter.

Winer Camping Tips and Suggestion

I went to bed in the rain and woke up in the snow! Now I’ve been camping and backpacking in some not so friendly weather but camping in actual snow is something one must prepare for. But with the proper preparation and set up you certainly can enjoy winter camping.

As you will be able to see from the images in this post. I’m not talking about a little bit of flurries. The snowflakes were massive and by the time we really woke up and made our way out of our tents there was already 3-4 inches on the ground! So, preparation is key to be able to enjoy such a winter wonderland.  This post is to help you prepare and become confident when camping in the snow. The weather was about 19 degrees so I will highlight ways to stay warm as well.

Camping Location

We were camping at the Upper Pines Campground Yosemite National Park. For winter camping I suggest doing more research than you normally would on your campsite. Try to really get a feel for the site and the location before you book. You will want to try to find images of the site to see if it has shade partial day, all day, or not at all. If you site is shaded all day you may have to lay your tent out on ice and that is never fun. You also want to see look at the bathroom locations as well as where you can get any supplies, food, or gear you made need. I like to be close to the bathrooms any time of year when I’m camping. But it’s extra important in the winter as there is limited daylight and the light from the bathroom can help you in the early am or late in the evening when you’re at your site.

Take Your Bed With You

This is not the time to show off your ability to pack light! The more comfortable you make you tent the better you’ll be able to sleep. Bring an air mattress, invest in a very high-quality sleeping bag, and bring as many extra blankets as you can possibly find in your home. If you don’t use them great but they will be there in the chance that you start freezing. Over packing is key when it comes to winter camping.

Here is a breakdown of my sleeping supplies.

• Air mattress with a sheet and blanket placed on it. I like to make my “tent bed” resemble as much as possible my real bed. You will sleep on TOP of the sheet and the blanket.
• (2) A Quality Sleeping Bag. We’re talking something that actually has the power to keep you warm. On this trip I used the Teton Trailhead +20 Ultralight.
  • In cold weather you’ll be better off with a mummy sleeping bag, it’ll help to retain more heat. However, I must admit mummy bags are not my favorite and when I attempt to us them properly, I can never fall asleep. For that reason, I need additional layers to stay warm. If you run into these same problems following my sleeping supplies will most likely help.
• Bring on the Comforters. Over my sleeping bag I also may use a down comforter and a regular comforter. Just more to add to the warmth. Best thing is if you get too hot, just remove them.
  • Let’s be honest you’d rather be toasty hot and take off some layers instead of freezing cold and can’t get warm to save your life!

Insider Tip: You need to make sure that you have warmth surrounding you, not just as a top layer, that’s why it’s important to put some layers below you as well. Especially is you have to set up your tent on ice. You will need protection from the cold ground. The ground temperature is going to radiate up and your tent will mimic that temp. So, if there’s already snow on the ground or ice try as hard as you can to remove it before putting your tent down and then follow my tips.

Keep Your Neck and Head Warm

Like I already said I’m horrible with completely wrapping myself up in a mummy sleeping bag. I start gasping for air within seconds and feel too confined sleeping on my bed all wrapped up so tight. How to fix this if you’re like me? Wear a beanie, snow hat, knit cap, whatever…just something to cover that noggin.

So now your lil head is nice and toasty but your neck and shoulders may feel left out. Go ahead and wrap a comfortable (non-itchy) scarf around your neck and shoulders. Now the parts of your body not under the covers or in the sleeping bag are good to go!

Hand Warmer Aren’t Just For The Slopes

Ok, so this is an awesome tip I learned from someone that lives at a National Park. Go ahead and buy yourself some Camping Hand Warmers. These will last you through the night. There are a few ways you can use them, and you just have to find what works best for you. Some people like to throw one or two in their sleeping bag. Some like to put them in their socks or where gloves and put them in their hands.

Insider Tip: The actual best way to use the hand warms is put one in your underwear, very low on your belly. I know it sounds a bit out there but it a fantastic way to keep your core warm. It will heat up your entire body. 

Additional Resources

• Winter hiking in Yosemite
• Make sure to check out the trail and road conditions.
• REI winter tips!
• Camping not your thing? Check out where to lodge in the park!

I hope you’re ready to enjoy your winter camping. Adventure awaits!!