Winter camping is quiet, cold, and different from what you might expect. Camping in winter can also be cheaper and better for the planet. You don’t need flights or hotels. You use less, bring your own gear, and leave little behind. It’s a simple way to take a break without making a big impact.

But winter camping takes more planning. You need to know how to set up a tent in winter, how to cook food that keeps you warm, and what to do to stay active and safe. The activities are also different but no less fun. In this article, we will go over several of the best activities to take part in when winter camping. 

1 – Snowshoeing

Walking on snowy trails feels different from a regular hike. Everything is quiet, and the cold air wakes you up. If the snow is deep, snowshoes help a lot. They spread your weight so you don’t sink. Just put them on and start walking.

Choose an easy trail if you’re new to it. Snow makes walking harder, even on flat ground. Stay on marked paths if you can. You might see animal tracks, frozen water, and trees covered in snow. 

If you dress in layers and pace yourself, snowshoeing or hiking in winter becomes one of the best ways to see what winter camping really offers.

2 – Build a snow shelter

Building a shelter from snow isn’t just for fun—it also teaches you how to stay safe if something goes wrong. You can shape the snow in different ways, depending on how much time and energy you have. A snow trench is fast and simple. It gives you basic cover from the wind. 

A quinzee takes more work. You pile up snow, let it settle, then dig out the middle. It holds in heat better and can fit more people. An igloo needs the most effort and skill. You cut blocks from packed snow and stack them in a circle. It’s strong and warm but takes practice to get right.

Try these shelters even if you already have a tent. They give you a backup plan if your gear fails. They also help you understand how to use what’s around you. If the snow is deep and the weather is cold, there’s no better way to test your limits and learn something useful.

3 – Ice fishing

Ice fishing can give your winter camping trip a clear goal and a quiet way to pass the time. Sitting by a hole in the ice, waiting for a bite, forces you to slow down and focus. If you’re lucky, you might even catch your dinner. Fresh fish cooked over a fire tastes better when you’ve pulled it from a frozen lake yourself.

Before you try it, make sure the ice is thick enough. Stay away from moving water or spots that look slushy. Dress warm and wear something waterproof. If you’re not used to fishing, start small and keep it simple.