9 Unforgettable Places to Go Camping in January (+Map for Winter Camping)

You don’t have to hibernate when winter arrives – January camping offers unique adventures across America’s diverse landscapes. From Death Valley’s star-filled skies to Cumberland Island’s mild shorelines, you’ll find pristine destinations with fewer crowds and stunning seasonal beauty. Whether you’re seeking snow-covered peaks or desert solitude, these nine remarkable locations will transform your perception of winter camping. Let’s explore where you can pitch your tent during the year’s first month.

Death Valley National Park: Ultimate Winter Desert Escape

Three key factors make Death Valley National Park an exceptional winter camping destination: mild daytime temperatures, fewer crowds, and crystal-clear skies.

You’ll enjoy daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, perfect for hiking popular trails like Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Pack cold-weather gear, though, as nights can dip below freezing.

For accommodation, choose between two main campgrounds: Furnace Creek, which takes reservations and offers full amenities including RV hookups, or Texas Springs, a first-come, first-served option with basic facilities. Advanced planning is essential as 6 months advance reservations are required for Furnace Creek Campground.

At either campground, you’ll experience spectacular stargazing opportunities and ideal conditions for astrophotography.

Dark desert skies and minimal light pollution make Death Valley’s campgrounds a stargazer’s paradise after sunset.

While cell service is limited, you’ll find the visitor center, restaurants, and other amenities within walking distance of Furnace Creek Campground.

Cumberland Island’s Wild Beauty in Winter

While Death Valley offers a desert winter escape, the Atlantic coast beckons with its own unique winter camping experience. Cumberland Island’s winter temperatures hover in the 60s, making it an ideal time to explore without summer’s intense heat and notorious gnats. The island’s pristine undeveloped beaches stretch along its 17.5-mile coastline.

You’ll find five well-maintained campgrounds, though you’ll need to plan around limited ferry service during winter months.

1. Winter camping advantages:

• Smaller crowds and peaceful atmosphere
• Better wildlife viewing opportunities
• Comfortable hiking temperatures

Essential preparations:

• Book ferry tickets and campsites in advance
• Pack rain gear and layers for variable weather
• Bring camp stoves (no campfires allowed)

Available amenities:

• Flush toilets and cold showers at select sites
• Bear boxes for food storage
• Access to 50+ miles of trails

Mount Hood’s Snowy Paradise for Adventure Seekers



For winter camping enthusiasts seeking a true snowy adventure, Mount Hood stands as Oregon’s premier destination with diverse accommodation options and endless recreational activities.

You’ll find RV camping at Mt. Hood Meadows with 14-18 overnight spaces and Hoodoo Ski Area offering 32 sites with electrical hookups. For safety and comfort, 24-hour restrooms and shower facilities are available at Hoodoo. If you prefer indoor comfort, Government Camp’s winter cabins provide cozy amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.

The mountain’s terrain delivers exceptional skiing and snowboarding, while trails such as Crosstown and Mirror Lake beckon snowshoers and cross-country skiers. You can rent all necessary gear on-site.

For family fun, head to Summit or Snow Bunny tube hills.

Remember to monitor weather conditions, pack appropriate winter gear, and secure permits when needed. RV stays are limited to three consecutive nights within a five-night period.

Big Bend Ranch: Texas-Sized Winter Solitude



Trading Oregon’s snowy peaks for Texas desert solitude, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers a different kind of winter camping experience.

Experience winter’s quiet charm in Big Bend Ranch State Park, where Texas desert solitude replaces Oregon’s snow-capped wilderness.

You’ll find mild daytime temperatures in the 70s, though nights can dip near freezing. The park’s vast landscape provides excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and river adventures under typically clear winter skies. The park accommodates 138 total campsites spread across primitive, equestrian, and single bed lodging options.

1. Reserve your campsite through Fort Leaton State Historic Site or Barton Warnock Visitor Center, with spots accommodating up to 12 people.
2. Pack layers for temperature changes and bring emergency supplies – the park’s remote location demands preparation.
3. Check road conditions before arrival, as interior roads are unpaved and may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain.

Remember to carry plenty of water and grab detailed maps from the visitor centers before heading into the park’s rugged interior.

White Mountain Forest’s Winter Wonderland

Nestled in New Hampshire’s rugged terrain, White Mountain National Forest transforms into a pristine winter camping destination with two year-round campgrounds: Barnes Field and Hancock.

You’ll find plowed access at both locations, though summer services aren’t available. Barnes Field, just 6 miles south of Gorham, offers spacious sites perfect for group camping at $18 per vehicle.

You’ll need to camp on gravel areas and can’t switch sites once you’ve settled. The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center offers heated gear storage and showers.

For backcountry adventurers, you can camp in wilderness areas, but stay 200 feet from trails and water bodies. The alpine zone allows camping only on two feet of snow.

With nearly 800,000 acres to explore, you’ll discover countless hiking trails and scenic drives. Remember to check trail guides for specific regulations before heading into the backcountry.

Joshua Tree’s Starlit Desert Nights

The pristine desert skies of Joshua Tree National Park invite winter campers to experience some of America’s most spectacular stargazing.

You’ll find ideal viewing conditions during January through March when crowds thin out and temperatures remain mild. The park’s unique combination of Mojave and Colorado desert landscapes creates an otherworldly backdrop for your winter camping adventure. Winter nights can be particularly challenging as temperatures in the 30s make cooking and sleeping difficult.

1. Choose prime stargazing spots at Indian Cove or Jumbo Rocks campgrounds, where massive boulder formations frame your view of the night sky.
2. Pack essential winter gear including a 3-season tent, down sleeping bag, and warm layers – temperatures drop considerably after sunset.
3. Secure your campsite early through the reservation system, bring at least one gallon of water per person daily, and don’t forget navigation tools for after-dark exploration.

Dry Tortugas: Remote Island Winter Camping

While Joshua Tree offers desert solitude, adventurous winter campers can find an entirely different experience 68 miles west of Key West at Dry Tortugas National Park.

You’ll need to plan ahead for this remote archipelago, as the Garden Key campground requires reservations up to a year in advance. The ferry limits stays to three nights, but private boats allow up to 14 nights. Each $15 site accommodates three tents and includes a picnic table, grill, and food-hanging post.

Pack thoroughly—there are no stores on-site. Bring a gallon of water per person daily, plus all camping gear, food, and charcoal (no liquid fuels allowed). The campground offers composting toilets for visitors.

January offers lower humidity and cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring Fort Jefferson’s history and snorkeling the surrounding waters. Remember, you’re responsible for packing out all trash.

Grand Teton’s Pristine Snow-Covered Wilderness

Deep within Wyoming’s winter wilderness, Grand Teton National Park transforms into a snow-covered paradise for hardy campers seeking solitude.

You’ll find primitive winter camping at the Colter Bay Visitor Center parking lot from December to April, with a $5 nightly fee starting December 15. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are available daily from late December through March, offering guided winter exploration of the park.

1. Lodging options include Triangle X Ranch and Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins, both offering cozy shelter and direct access to winter activities.
2. You can explore pristine landscapes through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails from Taggart Lake to Signal Mountain.
3. Essential preparations include winter-specific gear, food storage in provided bear boxes, and advance reservations through Recreation.gov.

Lake Pleasant: Arizona’s Winter Oasis

Located northwest of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers an idyllic winter camping destination across 23,362 acres of pristine desert landscape.

You’ll find 148 campsites spread between Desert Tortoise and Roadrunner campgrounds, with options ranging from fully developed RV sites to basic tent camping spots.

The developed sites come equipped with water, electricity, dump stations, and comfortable amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. For extended stays, you’ll appreciate the clean restrooms and free shower facilities.

Pleasant Harbor Marina & RV Resort provides an additional 254 full-service sites. For large gatherings, the Desert Tortoise Group Campground accommodates a minimum of 10 camping units.

Winter camping here means mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. You can spend your days fishing, boating, or hiking the surrounding desert trails.

Escape the cold and embrace Lake Pleasant’s perfect winter weather, where outdoor adventures await on land and water.

Don’t forget your camera – the scenic shoreline and diverse wildlife make for excellent photo opportunities, especially during the quiet winter months.

Recap

Pack your bags and hit the ground running – winter camping awaits at these nine spectacular destinations. You’ll find your perfect spot whether you’re seeking starlit desert nights or snow-covered wilderness. Don’t let winter weather keep you indoors when these incredible camping locations are calling. Remember to check conditions, make reservations early, and bring appropriate gear for your chosen destination’s unique climate and terrain.