Originally published in Drift Travel Magazine November 17, 2023
According to 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 update, KOA revealed that 38% of campers say they will camp this winter, compared to just 17% last year. Another 27% say they probably will. The benefits of winter camping can include fewer crowds, snowy scenery and opportunities to ski – or to escape to a warmer destination. And 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 5 million in 2021. Here are five winter camping options:
National Parks RV Trip: 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. Use the AdventureGenie AI-powered camping trip planner for an unforgettable vacation. https://www.blacksford.com/
Tiny House Glamping: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 luxuriously outfitted tiny house 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. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
Glamping the Galapagos: Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, particularly when it comes to wildlife and weather. The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a new program that includes glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island, day trips aboard the Sea Lion yacht and visits to remote and mysterious places that highlight the incredible diversity of the archipelago. https://www.scalesialodge.com/
Inca Trail Luxury Camping: Adventure Life’s Luxury Inca Trail combines a classic trek with an upscale camping experience. 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, get acclimated in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. https://www.adventure-life.com/peru/tours/3573/luxury-inca-trail
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. Guests will relish the park’s 3.3 million acres and 350 miles of road and trails to explore. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/death-valley-and-red-rock-road-bike-tour/
