Winter Camping! Brave the Cold with a Campervan!

Utah camping is usually enjoyed between the seasons of Spring and late Fall, but for those who are willing to brave the colder weather, Winter camping has much to offer. From November 1st thru March, the campgrounds are far less crowded. The national parks that are loaded with tourists the rest of the year, empty out leaving these gorgeous places in solitude. Snow covered mountains and red rock buttes are certain to touch your soul. Winter’s quiet stillness and crisp air provides a pathway for an adventure unlike any other. Snow shoeing, cross country skiing, dessert hiking and ice fishing are some wonderful ways to explore Utah’s winter wonderland, not to mention world class resort skiing and snowboarding all over the state!

A Lost Campers camper van is an excellent way to camp in all seasons. Our low winter rates are a steal! No hotel cost and a vehicle that lets you camp in the heart nature on the cheap, it can’t be beat! Our vans will provide you with shelter and comfort from the winter elements, along with all the basic gear you need to sleep, eat and wash up after an action packed day.
For winter camping to be enjoyable and safe, you will want to come prepared with the proper equipment. If your staying at a campground with electric hook ups we offer electric heaters that you can use to help stay warm. Our camper vans come stocked with many of the basics you’ll need, for everyday camping but we recommend that you bring along your own cold weather equipment to ensure that you stay warm and cozy.
Here is a list of recommendations that are vital to camping in winter:
A sleeping bag rated for below freezing temperatures ( Below zero is even better)
Base layer clothing
Hats/Gloves
Hand/feet warmers
Water proof , insulated coat and pants
Water proof, insulated boots
Wool socks are great too!
Here is a List of great winter camping spots in UTAH:
Utah State Parks that are open year- round
Reservations and information about Utah State Park Campgrounds can be found at www.utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Snow Canyon State Park

Despite it’s name, Snow Canyon offers some of the most mild winter weather, rarely receiving snow because of it’s Southern location. It is surrounded by breathtaking red Navajo sandstone overlaid with black lava rock. Two volcanic cones are found at the head of the canyon. It is an area that is great for hiking and biking year round. The campground offers electrical hook ups, bathrooms and showers.
Escalante Petrified Forrest State Park
Enjoy a winter hike through a forest of colorful mineralized wood. Escalante Petrified forest is a great place to connect with ancient earth. A full service campground with electrical hook ups and hot showers makes for a great winter adventure. The lake is also lake is popular with locals for ice fishing.

Dead Horse Point State Park
Near Moab, where you have access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks you have Dead Horse Point that towers 2000 feet directly above the Colorado River. A great place for hiking and biking. A nature photographers dream getting panoramic shots of the frosty pinnacles of Canyonlands National Park. The campground offers electrical hookups and bathrooms, but there is not showers available.
Willard Bay State Park

For the avid bird watcher, Eagles nest here for the winter and it is a great area for winter nature photography. The North Marina has electrical hook ups , hot showers and flushing toilets. This fresh water reservoir is located on top the Great Salt Lake flood plain. It is located less then an hour from Salt Lake City and loads of fantastic ski resorts. It is also close to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge where Bald Eagles and other birds of prey feed in the winter time.
National Parks- Campgrounds open year-round
Information about National Parks and the campgrounds can be found at:
www.nps.gov

The Devil’ Garden Campground- Arches National Park
This campground booked solid all summer long is and located within Arches offering only 51 sites. In the winter there is always space and it is first come first serve after Nov.1st. The facilities offer bathrooms and drinking water, but no electrical hook ups. You will want to come prepared for chilly nights! Arches has the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. Imagine hiking in the winter, no crowds around, breathing the crisp air while you take in the majestic beauty of Delicate Arch….fantastic.

Watchman Campground- Zions National Park

Stand in awe of the massive red sandstone cliffs of Zions. There is some of the most breathtaking views to be had hiking through this amazing place! Watchman Campground in Zions is located ¼ mile from the South entrance and is open year-round in loops A and B. From Dec.1 thru Feb. It is first come fist serve. There are electrical hook-ups and bathrooms. It is wise to call prior to arrival and verify that the loops are open because they sometimes close them in Winter for vegetation and maintenance crews.
Call 877-444-6777 to make sure. It is close to the town of Springdale where you can utilize pay showers and a laundry mat.
North Campground- Bryce Canyon National Park

Check out the Hoo-Doos in Bryce and stay at the North Campground. They leave one Loop open for year-round camping. But heads up- it does not have electrical hook-ups and only potable water is available. You definitely want to come prepared for winter temperatures and bring your own drinking water. These sites are first come first serve.
Privately Owned Campground -open year-round
Crystal Hot Springs Campground
One hour north of Salt Lake City, nestled against the mountain in Honeyville, is the hot, soothing mineral springs of Crystal Hot Springs. There are 6 pools of varying size and temperature where you can soak your aches and pains away. One of North Americas highest natural mineral content springs, this place is a local favorite. The campground offers electrical hook-ups and there are showers available at the main lodge. Your only steps away from natural hot tubs that feel amazing when it is cold outside. A fantastic way to finish a big day on the slopes riding the best snow on earth. With a dozen ski resorts within 2 hours drive you’ll enjoy a rock star ski trip on an average Joe’s budget.
For Reservations-Phone 435-279-8104
www.crystalhotsprings.net


Submitted by Launi Haygood, Lost Campers-Salt Lake City