Get ready BCFing legends… winter camping season is here! While those scorching summer days are well and truly in the rear-view, the cold-weather camping adventures are just getting started. From misty mornings and crisp nights to empty campsites and drop-dead gorgeous sunsets, winter touring is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors.
Whether it’s your first time pitching a tent, or you’re a seasoned pro, camping in winter can be an absolute pearler with the right gear, mindset and preparation. The cooler weather brings with it a whole new feel. From the landscape to the wildlife, epic campfire feeds to cosy campsite setups — it’s all part of the fun.
To help you make the most of your next winter camping trip, the BCFing Experts have pulled together 5 winter touring essentials every camper should know. So rug up, grab your favourite camping chair and get ready to dive head-first into cold-weather camping.
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1. Get a campfire started – a winter camping must-do!
Staying warm is one of the most crucial ingredients to winter camping success. When the temperatures start to drop and the campsite is getting a little chilly, the right heating setup can make all the difference between a cosy night in the outdoors and a cold one you’d rather forget.
A campfire is hard to beat in winter. Whether you’re gathered around an open fire, using a fire pit or setting up a portable camping heater, having a reliable heat source is an easy way to ensure the whole crew stays comfortable — even after the sun goes down. Plus, there’s nothing better than kicking back around the fire with family, friends and a few good yarns.
Before lighting up, it’s a good idea to check the local fire restrictions for the area you’re visiting. Rules can change quickly depending on the weather and location, with some national parks being strictly no open flames — so it pays to check. If campfires are off limits, don’t stress — there are plenty of quality portable heaters and gas appliances that are a great option and will still keep you warm all through the night.
2. Cook up a hearty campfire meal
While keeping yourself warm on the outside is super important when winter camping, warming up the inside can be just as beneficial. Getting stuck into a hearty camp meal is an easy way to make a chilly night suddenly feel a whole lot cosier, especially when you’re enjoying it with your friends and family around the campfire.
If you’re lucky enough to have a campfire going, there’s no better time to pull out the camp oven and get it involved. From slow-cooked stews to the ever-reliable roast chook, winter camp cookups hit differently. Camping stoves are a great alternative that can still dish out some pretty impressive meals and ensure the crew is content after a full-on day of camping adventures.
When it comes time for dessert, you can’t go past a bag of marshmallows — the winter camp classic that everyone will enjoy.
3. Separate your sleeping setup from the ground
In winter, cold air has a sneaky way of creeping into your sleeping setup during the night, so it’s important to create a proper barrier between you and the cold ground below. The more insulation you have underneath you, the easier it is to retain body heat and stay comfortable during the night.
While an air mattress or sleeping mat can be a great option for summer camping, it’s not always the best choice when the temperature drops. In cooler conditions, the air inside the mattress can get cold, leaving you feeling the chill from below. A self-inflating mattress is a great winter camping alternative, with its foam construction helping to retain warmth and provide extra comfort.
Camp stretchers are another handy option for cold-weather camping, as they help keep you elevated off the ground. Just make sure you pair your stretcher with a foam mattress or insulated sleeping mat, plus a quality sleeping bag should be at the top of the list — for an extra cosy touch, try adding a hot water bottle to your kit.
4. Take time choosing a camping spot
Choosing the right campsite can make a huge difference — no matter what time of the year. A good spot will help you stay warmer, drier and more comfortable, while the wrong one can leave you exposed to the elements, with cold winds and a soggy ground really putting a dampener on your outdoor adventure — literally!
Look for a sheltered location that gives you protection from the wind, while still making the most of the sun during the day. A bit of morning sunlight can make a huge difference when trying to warm up after a chilly night, so keep an eye on where the sun will hit before you start to set up camp.
It’s also worth thinking about how rain and runoff could affect your campsite. Avoid setting up at the base of hills or in low-lying areas, as water can pool quickly and turn your camp into a soggy mess. Hilltops can be just as tricky, with extra exposure to cold winter winds. For the best winter campsite setup, aim for somewhere flat, protected and well-drained, so you can make the most of your winter camping escape — without waking up in a swimming pool.
If you’re lucky enough to have a caravan or camper trailer in tow, having a quality leveller is second to none.
5. Dress for the conditions, don’t dress to impress
When you’re touring in winter, style points mean very little — staying warm is the real aim of the game. Packing the right winter wardrobe can make a huge difference to your comfort levels, especially once the sun has set.
Layering up is one of the best ways to stay both warm and comfortable in cold weather. Start with a quality base layer to help manage moisture and support body temperature regulation, then add a cosy mid layer for insulation. Finish it off with a weather-resistant outer layer that’ll help protect from wind and rain — check out our tips for layering up in winter here.
So there you have it, five handy hints for camping in the colder months. This time of year couldn’t come fast enough for many campers, but if you prefer things a few degrees warmer, maybe these tips will help you. Get out there and enjoy some teeth-chattering BCFing fun, just make sure to leave some hot choccie in the pot for us!
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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