For Some, Winter Means Outdoor Adventures

At this point you may be asking yourself why anyone would want to drag themselves out of the warmth of their home in order to brave the cold of the Indiana winter — even a relatively mild winter, as the one we’ve had. Winter camping can help burn calories, cure cabin fever, get your kids interested in nature and the environment, and be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also, unlike summer camping, there are no bugs.

In fact, according to the Outdoor Foundation, most winter camping trips last two days, which is longer than the average camping time for both spring and fall trips. Sixty-three percent of campers are married couples with children, meaning winter camping can be a family-friendly activity.

Understanding your skill level is the most important part of picking a location for your winter excursion. The veteran backpacker and the parent bringing three kids should not plan the same type of trip. Long, multiday winter hikes can require specific, expensive gear. They also require a range of knowledge on subjects like first aid, wilderness survival, and bushcraft. So, for now, let’s focus on camping in state parks and recreation areas, leaving the 50-mile hike to the more advanced outdoor enthusiast.

While major state parks, such as Brown County and Turkey Run, are good options, don’t overlook other locations. National and state forests, such as Charles C. Deam Wilderness and Yellowwood, are much less crowded.

“Part of [the appeal] is being out there by yourself,” says nature enthusiast Peter Slothower. “It’s very peaceful and very quiet. You don’t have to fight the crowds.”

But there is a trade off: Smaller state parks typically have fewer amenities and activities than large state parks.

After deciding on location, it’s important to pick the correct time. Typically, you want to shoot for the dead of winter, like January or February. Temperatures below freezing are preferable. “If it’s hovering around or above freezing, that just means it’s muddy and cold — and you’re just gonna be miserable,” Slothower says.

According to backpacker Clayton Cunningham, the best time to go winter camping is anytime after the first snowfall. The snow can bring out people who want to explore the winter wonderland, and, unfortunately, high traffic can make parks a loud, muddy mess.

Check the weather forecast to see the chances of there being snow on the ground and not a layer of ice. But be prepared for either. Snow, while not essential to the winter camping, adds to the experience.

Temperatures below freezing are preferable for winter camping. | Photo courtesy of Pexels

If you’re not ready to dig your tent out of a snowdrift, then reserving a cabin may be a good idea. Most cabins are insulated and provide you with better protection against the winds of winter. Some also have bathrooms, eliminating the unpleasant but inevitable midnight hiking trip to the latrine. Be aware, however, that only larger state parks offer cabin rentals. You may also want to check with the specific state park to make sure they are open in winter and have the amenities you are hoping for.

What you’ll need

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear, says Cunningham.

The most important thing to pack when winter camping is warm clothing that wicks away sweat. “Make sure you have a good base layer — not a cotton-like material,” says search-and-rescue worker Joe Blattner. “Something to go over that would be like a fleece top. And then some kind of shell — a water-resistant top layer.”

In addition to the three basic clothing layers, you’ll also need wool socks. Warm socks are crucial, as they can prevent major medical issues such as blisters and frostbite.

A subzero sleeping bag is also a necessity — they seal in body heat better than a standard bag. If they’re too expensive, you can look at borrowing one from a friend or renting one. A fleece sleeping bag liner, which will help improve the warmth and thickness of the sleeping bag, is also a good idea.