Originally published in Travel by Vacation Rental November 16, 2023
When I think of camping, I usually think of those summer trips my family took when I was a kid. Though summer is the most popular time of year for camping, don’t overlook the other seasons, especially winter with its myriad of reasons to connect with nature and the great outdoors.
According to a Kampgrounds of America’s 2023 report, camping makes up nearly one third (32%) of the leisure travel market with over 58 million households participating in the pastime in 2022.
In a September 2023 update, KOA revealed that 38% of campers say they will camp this winter, compared to just 17% last year. Another 27% say they’ll likely do the same.
The benefits of winter camping can include fewer crowds, snowy scenery and opportunities to ski – or escape to a warmer destination.
Think past the tent-only camping scene.
Cabins and glamping are growing in popularity, according to the annual report, with over 12 million households citing those as their primary camping accommodations in 2022 compared to about five million in 2021.
Here are five winter camping options to satisfy the nature lover in all of us.
National Parks RV Trip
Luxury RV Rental Company Blacksford rents fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles from Winnebago with an all-inclusive pricing model that provides unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, a free annual pass to the national parks, 24-hour roadside assistance and no generator fees.
Travelers can also use the AdventureGenie AI-powered camping trip planner for quick and easy RV trip planning.
Tiny House Glamping
Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 luxuriously outfitted tiny house vacation rental units designed by Wheelhaus just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect place to stay for a winter ski trip.
You’ll even get to enjoy your very own private campfire.
Glamping the Galapagos
Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, particularly when it comes to weather and wildlife.
The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a new program that includes glamping in luxury safari-like tents in the middle of a magical forest on Isabela Island, day trips aboard the Sea Lion yacht and visits to remote and mysterious places that highlight the incredible diversity of the stunningly beautiful archipelago.
Inca Trail Luxury Camping
Adventure Life’s Luxury Inca Trail combines a classic trek with an upscale camping experience.
Visitors will pass glacier-covered peaks and descend into lush, green cloud forests on the way to the ruins of Machu Picchu, enjoying the incredible views with comforts like cots to sleep on, hot showers and fine cuisine in a portable dining tent.
Before hitting the trail, guests get acclimated in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Death Valley Camping + Cycling
Roam Death Valley National Park – America’s second largest national park – by bike and on foot during a tour with Escape Adventures.
Despite its foreboding name, Death Valley is a spectacular destination. Outdoors enthusiasts who come to marvel at spring’s astounding wildflower blooms often return to enjoy the mild temperatures of fall and winter, because one visit is never enough.
Guests will relish the park’s vast 3.3 million acres and 350 miles of road and trails to explore.
Since 1992, we at Escape Adventures have been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Each successive season, our passion for adventure grows through memorable moments with our guests. Fresh air, faith, fitness and friends are the building blocks for our ventures, the treasured experiences that keep us moving forward. For those of you who have trekked and traveled with us over the past quarter century, Heather and I express our sincerest gratitude. The memories are priceless.
