When most people think of camping in California, they picture sun-soaked beaches, lush forests, or scenic deserts. Try picturing this instead - snow covered mountains, serene forests, and vast deserts, all without the bustling summer crowds. That's winter camping in California in a nutshell.
Camping in the winter lets you explore the state's wilder, quieter side. You'll get to wake up to fresh snow outside your tent, sip hot chocolate with marshmallows by a campfire and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Winter camping isn’t for the faint of heart, and comes with challenges like extreme temperatures, snow-covered terrain and shorter days. Not only will this guide help you prepare for those challenges, it'll also help you find the best camping spot for your adventure in the snow.
Best Winter Camping Spots in California
There are several fantastic spots for camping in the snow across California. Here are our top picks:
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite in the winter is nothing short of magical. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful, snow-covered paradise where you can snowshoe through the meadows or catch the famous Firefall—a phenomenon where the waterfalls glow in the setting sun. The best part? Far fewer tourists. Campgrounds like Camp 4 remain open, and while you may need a backcountry permit if you want to go off the beaten path, the views alone make it worth it.
Where to camp:
Four campgrounds remain open in Yosemite during winter:
- Upper Pines (Yosemite Valley)
- Camp 4 (Yosemite Valley)
- Hodgdon Meadow (45 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley)
- Wawona (45 minutes south of Yosemite Valley)
Weather: Average temperatures in Yosemite Valley range from 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C).
Winter Activities:
- Hiking: Many trails remain open, including the trail to Inspiration Point and parts of the Mist Trail. However, be prepared for snow and icy conditions.
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: There are marked winter trails in the Glacier Point Road, Mariposa Grove, and Crane Flat areas.
- Wildlife Viewing: Winter offers unique opportunities to spot animals in the snowy landscape.
- Photography: The winter scenery provides stunning photo opportunities.
- Ice Skating: Available at Curry Village when conditions permit.
Booking info: Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow are first-come, first-served during winter. Upper Pines has some reservable spots, and reservations open 5 months in advance. You can reserve your site via recreation.gov.
Related read: A Guide to the Best Campgrounds in Yosemite
2. Joshua Tree National Park
If you're looking for a winter camping destination with milder weather, Joshua Tree is the ideal spot. You can experience the beauty of the desert minus the sweltering heat. The park is also less crowded in winter, providing a more serene experience. Make sure you're prepared for cold nights as there are occasional winter storms.
Where to camp:
Weather: Winter in Joshua Tree offers comfortable daytime temperatures (60s-70s°F) for outdoor activities, though nights can be cold (30s-40s°F).
Winter Activities
- Hiking: Many trails remain accessible in winter, including Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Ryan Mountain
- Rock Climbing: Winter's cooler temperatures make for ideal climbing conditions
- Stargazing: Clear winter nights offer excellent opportunities for stargazing
- Wildlife Spotting: Winter is a good time to observe desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep
Booking info: Joshua Tree and Ryan Campground require reservations, while Hidden Valley Campground is first-come, first-served. You can reserve your campsite via recreation.gov.
3. Lake Tahoe
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With its snow-covered forests and crystal-clear waters, Lake Tahoe is a dream for winter campers. The Tahoe National Forest offers several campgrounds that are open during the colder months. If you're an experienced backpacker, you can try out Desolation Wilderness.
Where to camp
1. Sugar Pine Point State Park
Weather: Temperatures can range from mid-20s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (-4 to 7°C) during winter
Winter Activities
- Skiing and Snowboarding: World-class resorts like Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Mount Rose cater to all skill levels.
- Sledding: There's an on-site sledding hill at Tahoe Valley Campground
- Winter Hiking: Popular trails include
- Olympic Heritage Trail
- Eagle Falls Trail (1.5 miles round trip)
- Mount Rose Summit Trail (10 miles round trip)
- Sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail
- Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing: Many trails and resorts offer these activities.
- Ice Skating: Available at various resorts and outdoor rinks.
- Snowmobiling: Guided tours and rentals are available in the area.
Booking info: There are no reservations needed for Sugar Pine Point State Park, and it's first-come, first-served. You can make reservations for Tahoe Valley Campground and Camp Richardson Resort through the official website and the resort site respectively.
Related read: Top 7 Places to Camp Near Lake Tahoe
4. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
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If towering snow laden trees sound like the perfect backdrop for your winter camping trip, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are ideal. Some campgrounds are open year-round, and the parks offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ranger-led snowshoe hikes. The parks experience significant snowfall from November through April, so some areas may be closed.
Where to camp
- Potwisha Campground (Sequoia National Park)
- Azalea Campground (Kings Canyon National Park)
- South Fork Campground (Sequoia National Park)
Weather: Temperatures can range from 16 to 43° F during winter.
Winter Activities
- Snowshoeing: Guided ranger-led walks are often available on weekends
- Cross-country skiing: Many summer hiking trails become ski trails in winter
- Sledding: Popular areas include Wolverton Meadow in Sequoia and Big Stump in Kings Canyon
- Winter hiking: Trails like Congress Trail offer great views of snow-covered sequoias
CampsiteTonight's recommendation: The Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls, Heather Lake Trail
Booking info:
Potwisha Campground : You can make reservations via recreation.gov. No first-come, first-served sites available. Azalea Campground : No reservations required during winter. All 20 available sites will be first-come, first-served. Download the recreation.gov mobile app before getting there as you'll need it to make your payment. South Fork Campground : No reservations needed. All sites are first-come, first-served.
5. Mount Shasta
Located in Northern California, Mount Shasta is a winter camper’s paradise. This volcanic mountain experiences extreme temperatures, but the breathtaking views are worth it.
Where to camp
Weather:
Temperatures can range from -2.4°C (27.6°F) to 1.6°C (35°F) in winter. On the coldest nights, temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F).
Winter Activities
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Mount Shasta Ski Park offers 425 acres of skiable terrain
- Snowshoeing: Guided ranger-led snowshoe tours available in nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Cross-country Skiing: Mt. Shasta Nordic Center offers 7.5 miles of packed trails
- Snowmobiling: Hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the surrounding national forests
- Tubing: Available at Mount Shasta Ski Park on varying weekends
- Ice Skating: Siskiyou Ice Rink in nearby Siskiyou County
- Winter Hiking: Trails like Heart Lake offer unique winter experiences
- Fishing: Winter fishing opportunities available in nearby lakes and rivers
Essential Winter Camping Gear
Having the right winter camping gear is crucial for staying safe and comfortable. Here's a list of essentials you'll need:
1. Four-Season Tent
Your regular summer tent likely won’t cut it when snow starts falling. A four-season tent is designed to withstand wind, snow, and low temperatures. These tents typically have sturdier poles and less mesh, keeping heat in and the cold out.
2. Sleeping Bag Rated for Cold Weather
Investing in a sleeping bag rated for at least 10°F (or even lower) is a must. Down sleeping bags offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratios, but synthetic bags are better if you’re worried about moisture.
3. Insulated Sleeping Pad
Even with the warmest sleeping bag, you can lose a significant amount of heat to the ground. An insulated sleeping pad (preferably with an R-value of 4 or higher) acts as a barrier between you and the cold earth, helping you stay warm throughout the night.
4. Winter Boots
Camping in the snow means your regular hiking boots won’t be enough. You’ll need waterproof, insulated winter boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Pair them with moisture-wicking and wool socks for extra protection.
5. Snow Shovel
A snow shovel is essential for clearing your campsite, digging out your tent spot, or creating a snow wall to shield your tent from wind. If you’re camping in deeper snow, it will also come in handy to create a flat area for cooking or setting up a fire pit.
6. Cooking Gear
A reliable stove, like a liquid-fuel or cold-weather canister stove, will ensure you can make hot meals even in freezing temperatures. Don't forget an insulated mug for your hot beverages!
Things You Need to Pack
Aside from the gear, here are some winter camping essentials you should pack to make your trip safer and more enjoyable:
1. Warm Layers
The key to staying warm while winter camping is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by an insulating layer like fleece, and then a waterproof, windproof shell to protect you from the elements. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves and a scarf to protect your face.
2. Headlamp with Extra Batteries
A reliable headlamp (with fresh batteries and spares) is a must for navigating your campsite and cooking once the sun goes down.
3. Hand Warmers
Small but mighty, hand warmers are perfect for keeping your fingers toasty on especially cold days or nights. Slip them into your gloves, boots, or even inside your sleeping bag.
4. Trekking Poles and Snowshoes
If you plan on doing any hiking or snowshoeing during your trip, trekking poles can help with stability, and snowshoes will keep you from sinking into deep snow. They're essential if you're exploring off-trail areas.
5. Map and Compass
Even if you have a GPS or phone, winter conditions can drain batteries fast, and deep snow can obscure trail markers. A good old-fashioned map and compass will ensure you stay on track, especially in remote areas.
Safety Tips for Winter Camping
- Check the Weather Forecast: Winter storms can roll in fast, making it difficult to hike or camp. Always check the forecast before you go and be prepared to change plans if necessary.
- Know the Signs of Hypothermia: Cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, even when you’re bundled up. Knowing the signs like shivering, confusion, and fatigue will help you deal with it immediately.
- Stay Hydrated: It might not feel as obvious in cold weather, but you still need to stay hydrated. Snow melts slowly, so be sure to pack plenty of water or a way to melt snow efficiently.
- Take High Energy Snacks: Make sure you have high protein bars or other snacks on hand especially if you're planning on hiking. Unpredicted weather conditions may leave you on the trail for longer.
- Leave No Trace: Snow can cover trash, but it doesn’t mean it’s gone. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything you bring in, including waste.
Ready for Your Winter Adventure?
Winter camping lets you experience nature in a whole new light—quiet, serene, and with landscapes transformed by snow. With the right winter camping gear, a well-packed list of winter camping essentials, and a little preparation, you can enjoy the thrill of camping in the snow and discover a whole new side of California’s wild landscapes.
So grab your gear, layer up, and head out for a winter camping trip you’ll never forget!
For more tips, campground booking options, and camping resources, check out Campsite Tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp in the winter in California?
Winter camping is popular in places like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Sequoia National Park and Joshua Tree. You can choose from snow-covered landscapes to desert camping.
Where is the best place to camp in the winter?
Yosemite National Park is a top choice for winter camping, with fewer crowds and opportunities for snowsports.
Where is the warmest place to camp in California during winter?
The deserts, like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, are the warmest spots in winter, offering milder temperatures and sunny days.
What is the best national park to visit in California in winter?
Yosemite and Joshua Tree are both excellent choices. Yosemite offers a snow covered wonderland, while Joshua Tree provides a warmer, desert winter.
