A Third of Campers Now Camp in Winter, Says New Data from The Dyrt
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec., 2023 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, recently completed a survey of campers showing that near one-third (31.2%) camped during the winter in 2023. Winter camping sharply increased by 40% between 2019 and 2021, and this new survey shows that the trend has not tapered off.
“The fact that the rate of winter camping remains level from the height of the pandemic is remarkable,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “Travelers have every option available to them again, but winter camping remains at an all-time high. People bought the gear, braved the elements and fell in love with enjoying the great outdoors at a quieter, cozier time of year.”
Advancements in clothing and gear have made camping in colder, wetter climates more feasible and enjoyable. Winter-specific tents with four-season ratings can help shield campers from low temperatures, high winds and overnight snowfalls. Once inside the tent for the night, a portable heater and zero-degree sleeping bag will keep campers toasty until morning.
“I’m fairly new to winter camping, but I love the cooler temperatures and can’t wait to camp in the next few months,” says The Dyrt camper Dan H. of Arizona. “I once took a long road trip and was able to experience winter in seven states — it was nice to see so much of our nation covered in white, fluffy stuff. And there’s less people so you’re able to enjoy amazing landscapes without the crowds.”
Along with winter camping, overall demand for camping remains at peak levels. The Dyrt’s 2023 Camping Report found that campers reported five times more difficulty finding an available campsite than they did in 2019. With many campgrounds fully booked months in advance throughout the summer season, winter can be a great time for last-minute, world-class camping.
“The cold and short daylight provides a challenge, but it’s also very cozy and it feels good to align myself with the change in seasons,” says The Dyrt camper Elisia F. of Oregon. “It is also challenging from a skill set point of view. If you know how to stay safe and comfortable in cold weather, that is an important life skill that many folks no longer possess.”
Winter Camping in the Sierra
Personally I find these statistics astonishing. I am not a winter camper, as much as I love playing in the snow. Sleeping in freezing temps has never been my thing. But it brings up an interesting point. Covid changed our outdoor community, and people seem to really embrace the soul healing effects of being outdoors always. If you seek solitude, I cant really think of anything better than winter camping for example. in the Sierra most all National Forest Campgrounds are closed during winter, meaning campers are risking winter roads that are not plowed, plus staying in dispersed camping locations. I do see overnight vehicles in California Sno-Parks from time to time when I am out moonlight snowshoeing. Overnight parking, including in-vehicle camping is allowed except where noted or signed at SNO-Park sites. When overnight parking is allowed tent camping or sleeping outside a vehicle in the parking area is prohibited at all SNO-Park sites.
Winter Camping in the Eastern Sierra Desert is always an option, and we know that visitation in places like Death Valley and Joshua tree National Parks increases int he winter for hikers and backpackers, avoiding the summer heat that is typical in the summer season. So based on the information i have personally and looking at this region here are a couple ideas for winter camping in the Sierra Region:
- Death Valley National Park – Obvious first Choice for so many reasons.
- Yosemite National Park – Backpacking from Yosemite Valley seems like it would be challenging, yet every year i see blog posts and YouTube videos of people Snowshoeing into the Yosemite backcountry. Of course If i could reach the Winter Snow Huts in Tuolumne I think i would change my personal toon on winter camping!
- Fossil falls near Olancha off Highway 395 – Stayed here a couple winters ago, cold night, but fossil falls is an epic stop and within a couple hours of Death Valley, so it makes a great overnighter on your way into other adventures, like skiing in Mammoth.
- Blue Lakes Sno-Park – Pretty Certain Overnight stays are welcome here, at least i see car campers here regularly. 9check Regulations first) – great area for night skiing and snowshoeing.
- Snow backpacking – Scotts Lake – This short snowshoe or cross country trip off highway 88 could provide you with a winter wonderland experience
- Loon Lake and the Crystal Basin – Access into the Crystal Basin in Eldorado National forest screams winter adventure and camping. From backpacking into Desolation wilderness or traveling up portions of the Rubicon trail by snowshoe or ski, i can only imagine how peaceful winter could be out there. Of course if a big storm hits, it might be a bit before you got plowed out?
Winter camping — like camping anytime of year — doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Camping properties have been adding glamping accommodations at a faster rate than any other type of campsite, which can include beds, heat, electricity and more. Plus, more than half of campers today camp in RVs, trailers or vans, so they’re well equipped to head to warmer camping destinations in the South.
“Growing up in northern Minnesota, I’ve always embraced the cold, and I’m happy to see camping becoming more of a year-round pursuit,” says The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith. “I’m glad more people are discovering the bliss of unzipping your tent or opening your RV door to a silent blanket of snow on a pristine natural landscape.”
About The Dyrt
The Dyrt is the only comprehensive camping resource with over 12 million user-generated reviews, photos and tips for every RV site, cabin, glamping and tent camping location, including all public, private and free camping areas in the United States. The Dyrt is how campers search, save and book camping of any type anywhere in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, advanced maps, discounts on camping and more. The Dyrt is the No. 1 camping app and receives more than 30 million visits from campers each year because The Dyrt has it all. www.tphedyrt.com.
