Ultimate Winter Camping Checklist: 12 Must-Haves

The really bitter cold weather that the upper Midwest is famous for has been a bit of a bust this year (with a couple days of exceptions), but If you are still somewhat-cold averse, and still want to extend your camping season and embrace the comparatively chillier outdoors, we are right there with you! Winter camping, though tedious in its preparation stage, is a uniquely beautiful, often humbling experience. Don’t worry – you can make it through comfortably and easily as long as you have the right gear.

In this guide, we’ll share our 12 must-haves to make winter camping in your teardrop trailer a cozy and successful adventure!

Even with the comfort of a teardrop trailer and its climate control options, Invest in a high-quality cold-weather sleeping bag with a temperature rating suitable for winter conditions (15F-0F) . Look for options with added insulation (down or synthetic doesn’t matter as much since you will be sleeping inside and hauling your gear in the trailer or car) and features like draft tubes to keep you warm during chilly nights.

The cold winter finds everything – even the floors. To help keep the inside of your teardrop cozy, consider using thick rugs to provide an extra barrier against the cold. While you want to choose a rug that is warm, be mindful if you are going to come inside with wet or snowy shoes.

As we mentioned before, you don’t want to soak your floor or rugs with snowmelt or slush. Normally, we would tell you to be sure to leave your shoes outside before coming in but in winter, this would only create shoe-sicles. Instead, bring a plastic, weather-proof (won’t leak) bin to keep your shoes inside.

Keep your teardrop trailer comfortably warm with a reliable propane heater. For maximum comfort, choose an option with adjustable settings, allowing you to create the perfect cozy environment for you! As a safety precaution, always be sure there is proper ventilation when using the heater.

Furnace control panel and black vent for heat

Did you know cold weather can potentially damage your kitchenware? Ensure your teardrop trailer’s kitchen is equipped with winter-ready essentials. This includes a reliable stove, cookware suitable for cold weather, and insulated containers to keep your food and beverages warm.

Teardrop trailers with plumbing systems require special attention in winter to keep them working properly and avoid any surprises (like pipes bursting). Ensure that your plumbing is winterized to prevent freezing by using antifreeze solutions and insulating your pipes. You’ll also want to have a backup portable water supply just in case the weather gets the best of your plumbing.

While you want to go camping in a winter wonderland, you also want to keep it outside of your teardrop trailer. Be prepared for unexpected snowfall by packing snow shovels and ice melt. Clearing a path around your teardrop trailer will help prevent any slips or falls and limit the amount of slush you track inside. For an easily stored option, consider a collapsible shovel.

Shoveling a path to the Vistabule

Cold temperatures can affect battery performance. Packing extra batteries and power sources will help ensure you have a reliable power supply in case your battery starts to falter. You’ll want to be sure you can power your essential devices and features! For a more sustainable option, explore solar-power!

While teardrop camping is comfortable, it is still camping and accidents are always possible. Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by having a comprehensive emergency kit. Before you embark on your trip, be sure your emergency kit is fully stocked with non-expired items. Include things like a first aid kit, flashlight, extra blankets (consider emergency blankets that are designed to reflect rising body heat back onto your body), and non-perishable food in case of unexpected delays or emergencies. Prior to your trip, be sure to locate the nearest hospital or Urgent Care in case you need to get there quickly.

Teardrop maintenance is important year round. In winter, you want to make sure everything is up to par, keeping you shielded from the cold. Before heading out on your trip, check and upgrade the seals around doors, windows, and any other openings in your teardrop trailer. These seals will help keep the cold air out and maintain a cozy interior temperature, which you will greatly appreciate during those chilly winter nights. Silicone-based sealants are effective for enhancing insulation.

Create an outdoor space shielded from sun, snow and wind by bringing along a portable awning. Take in the beauty of the winter scenery around you while enjoying a meal or beverage without worrying about sunburns or snow piling up on your head! The awning can also help keep the walking space leading up to your trailer dry, further limiting the amount of slush and dirt tracked inside.

Enhance your warmth during the night by using heated blankets or sleeping bag liners. These can provide an extra layer of insulation and comfort, ensuring a restful night’s sleep even in the coldest conditions. Battery-powered or USB rechargeable options are convenient.

Safety tip: Don’t leave your heated blanket on throughout the night. Instead, use it to warm up your sleeping bag and shut it off before laying down. No one needs an electrical emergency on a restful camping trip.