Going to the best places for winter camping transforms ordinary outdoor adventures into extraordinary discoveries. Take the whole family a bond amidst snow-laden landscapes. If you’re yearning for an eco-friendly winter retreat with your loved ones, then these enchanting camping destinations with its frosty landscapes meet sustainable practices. Yes, winter camping can be cold. But it’s a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget!
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Yellowstone has always been a favorite spot for me. It’s one of the jewels in the U.S. national park system, which gives you a whole other look when it comes to wintertime. Families can enjoy eco-friendly camping options here along with recycling facilities and energy-efficient amenities. Come here to explore the geyser basins adorned with steamy geothermal features and marvel at wildlife in their winter habitat.
Animals tend to act differently through the seasons. So, it’s always something of wonder and a new experience! If you plan on venturing further into the nature, go on ranger-led programs. These are great for both kids and adults, making it an educational and entertaining family affair.
Watch Curious Kids!
When I was a kid, maybe around 12 years old, my family and I went on a road trip and visited this magical place. It was amazing and with me being young, I didn’t understand that the animals are wild. So, I tried getting closer to a mama moose and a baby. It’s a good thing that a ranger was with us, since I didn’t know better! Kids don’t understand the dangers of wildlife as fully as adults. With that being said, keep your eyes on your little one while wandering out in nature.
Now, since it’s wintertime, many of the roads are closed in Yellowstone. Be sure to check their website before driving there. They have tips and keep up to date on the weather there. Plus, it will show you the best places that aren’t closed off and how to get to many other parts.
2. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway: Nordic Serenity under the Northern Lights
For a truly unique winter experience, head to Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park to one of the best places for winter camping. Along snow-draped mountains and frozen lakes, there are eco-friendly cabins. As a Family or solo, you can take on traditional winter activities, such as dog sledding and cross-country skiing. With dog sledding, I highly suggest you research the companies first to make sure they work ethically and care for their dogs properly.
Besides having those adventures, you can enjoy the Northern Lights which often grace the night sky. You can learn more about the myths about the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis here.
Since it’s wintertime, that means there will be less light here, which makes it amazing for the northern lights. But it also means that the bitter cold will be there. Be sure to prepare for the cold and for the darkness. Even with those, it adds to the mystery of the place and gives you a magical feeling!
On my Wishlist
I’ve always been interested in venturing to Lapland. But it’s just been recently after hearing friends talk about their visit there that I plan on wandering there next winter! My friends talked extensively about the adventures they had and how they wandered the peaceful snow with the family. They said, among the cold, you can even enjoy a sauna, which seems very popular with the Scandinavian countries. Here in Sweden, my hubby and many swedes are all about the sauna.
3. Lapland, Finland: Santa's Homeland Beckons
Lapland, if you haven’t heard is the official hometown of Santa Claus. So, it’s an inviting place to families especially during winter. Here, you can find sustainable accommodations which provide warmth after an adventure packed day in the snow-covered forests.
Take on husky sledding (research it to be sure they are ethical), reindeer safaris, and the chance to meet Santa himself. Lapland’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures your family experiences the magic of winter responsibly.
The Scandinavian countries are known to care a lot about their nature. This makes it easier to find eco-friendly options while you wander here. Plus, that makes this one of the best places for winter camping since they have high standards on the environment.
4. Dolomites, Italy: Alpine Splendor and Family-Friendly Trails
Italy’s Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase their true beauty in winter. You can choose eco-friendly huts or campsites for a sustainable camping experience. This also adds to your trip giving you a fuzzy feeling of helping the environment while taking on new adventures.
Family-friendly trails wind through breathtaking landscapes that are worth a visit. Besides that, there are other winter sports for example, skiing or snowshoeing. Snow sports in the Dolomites offer some incredible experiences and views, so get yourself to a ski shop and get ready to make the most of it. Be engulfed in the rich cultural heritage of the nearby villages while wandering the snow-covered lands.
When you venture to this beautiful place, it will feel like you just jumped into a painting. The snow-covered mountains and magical forests cover the horizon and leave you speechless. At least, that’s what happened to me. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at since it felt so surreal.
5. Abisko National Park, Sweden: Arctic Adventures with the Family
Abisko National Park is in the Swedish Lapland. There, as you experience one of the best places for winter camping, you get to enjoy the Artic Circle. Besides experiencing a bit of culture, you can stay in Eco-lodges and traditional Sami-style tents that are great for a cozy night. Take on family-friendly activities like ice fishing, northern lights tours, and even meet reindeer herders. Abisko’s commitment to sustainable tourism aligns with its untouched natural beauty. You can see that as you wander around in the nature and go on any of their tours.
Now, being wintertime can make it a little tricky at times. However, this can add even more the splendid beauty you can see in the sky or the experiences that you can have. This is a great place to see the Northern Lights.
If you decide to come here during the other seasons, check out The Amazing Abisko National Park.
6. Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand: Southern Hemisphere Serenity
For those seeking a winter escape in the southern hemisphere, Mount Cook National Park aka Aoraki in New Zealand beckons. The Department of conservation has 17 huts that have the stunning highest peak as their background. These are great for the ones that want to take on hiking the mountains. Otherwise, they also have lodges in the park. Explore icy trails, try snowboarding, and enjoy stargazing in the clear southern skies.
For outdoor adventures, there are local guides for mountaineering, glacier skiing, and hiking. These can be great fun for the whole family. But be sure to check ahead of time on how hard the trails might be and the weather as well. That can limit what you can do.
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Winter Camping Experience:
When it comes to having an eco-friendly winter camping experience, you need to be on top of looking into every place before staying there. Make sure that the companies values follow what you’re looking for. This is what I do when I look at the tour companies and places to stay.
Doing this has helped me realize that more and more accommodations are noticing just how important eco-friendly is becoming for travelers. So, they are following in suit with what more people are wanting.
- Choose Sustainable Campgrounds: Opt for campsites that prioritize eco-friendly practices. You can find this out on their website, or if it easily able to see it, then write them a message and ask them what they are doing for sustainability.
- Leave No Trace: Practice responsible camping by cleaning up after yourselves and minimizing your impact on the environment. This is something that I love about Sweden. They have a law, Allemansrätten, and with this law you are allowed to camp anywhere out in nature. But you have to leave no trace. Be considerate of the environment and leave it as you had found it.
- Use Renewable Energy: Bring solar-powered chargers and use energy-efficient camping gear. Check out my article, You Don’t Want to Miss: 10 Must-Have Eco-Friendly Camping Gear for more options.
- Pack Wisely: Bring reusable and recyclable items to minimize waste. Plus, I always say, bring a metal or reusable water bottle. If you’re in a country where the water is undrinkable, then bring a filtered straw or a filtered water bottle.
Try out One of the Best Places for Winter Camping!
Embrace the thrill of winter camping with your family and create lasting memories surrounded by the serene beauty of these enchanting destinations. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring snow-laden trails, or meeting Santa in his homeland, these are the best places for winter camping and they promise an eco-friendly and magical experience for all.
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