Winter camping gives you and your family an opportunity to get out of the house, enjoy the outdoors, and escape the daily grind. It’s the best way to enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, or ice fishing. Of course, winter camping takes a bit more planning than fair weather camping, so use these great tips to give yourself a head start.

10 – Bring Your Own Water

Leave your camper winterized with all lines blown out and a little antifreeze (RV pink) in the tanks and traps. Bring your own water in 5-gallon water bottles. Set the water on the trailer floor or leave it in the back of the truck, depending on nighttime temperatures.

9 – The Best Source for Heat is to Use Your RV’s Furnace

Make sure your tanks are full before leaving and monitor the gas supply carefully during your stay. If you are not plugged into an electrical supply, the furnace can quickly drain your battery(ies). Batteries not fully charged can freeze, rendering the furnace unusable. For long-term stays, plan for access to an electrical supply, run the furnace at 45 degrees, and supplement with electric heaters.

8 – Find a Camp Site with Sun Exposure

Select a site that will be exposed to the sun throughout the day, with some type of wind break available. Position the RV/trailer on the site so the front or rear will be facing the brunt of any wind and not on either of the long sides.

7 – Insulate Your Rig

Cut insulating foam boards to fit snugly between the ground and the base of your rig. This barrier will help insulate tanks, water lines, and the floor by blocking out cold air. This is especially important during long-term trips.

6 – Cover Windows to Keep the Heat In and Cold Out

Cover your windows on the inside with bubble wrap. Lightweight and easy to cut, you can tape it to the window frame. The air inside the bubbles is a great insulator and allows sunlight to warm and illuminate your camper.

5 – Protect Your Stabilizing Jacks from Winter’s Icy Grip

Stabilizing jacks can freeze to paved or concrete pads, so place blocks of wood beneath them. This way, you can raise the jacks, drive forward, and then free the blocks with ice melt, a hammer, and a chisel.

4 – Be Proactive in Case the Need Arises for Assistance

Make sure family or friends know where you will be and when you will return home. If you can, leave your GPS coordinates with someone before you depart — it could save time if you require help.

3 – Protect Your Holding Tanks and Hoses from Freezing

Empty your black and gray water tanks before your trip. Add pink RV antifreeze to prevent dump valves from freezing. Consider tank heaters and pipe insulation for extended stays at electric hook-up sites. Wrap the sewer hose with insulation and use it only to dump the tanks to prevent it from freezing.

2 – Check the Weather Forecast Before You Leave

In some parts of the country, winter storms can appear suddenly and are unpredictable. Be safe by checking with the National Weather Service to see what the forecast is for the areas you’ll be in.

1 – Ceiling Vents Are a Huge Source of Heat Loss

Roof vents or skylights are places for heat to escape. Seal these spots by installing RV vent cushions that fit securely into standard-size vents and push them into position. You can also make custom vent cushions out of foam padding from a home improvement or fabric store.

When Winter RV Camping, Always Have the Following:

• Cash for unexpected fees or emergencies
• Tire chains
• Weather band radio
• Extra blankets
• Extra warm clothing
• Sleeping bags rated for zero degree temperatures
• 5 gallons of drinking water and extra food
• A “white gas” camping stove (does not require propane)
• Gasoline-powered generator
• Extra propane tanks
• Blow dryer to defrost pipes and tanks
• Emergency GPS system
• Catalytic heater
• Solar charging panels for recharging house batteries

Check out our infographic below where we’ve compiled our favorite winter camping tips.