Life Between Lifts
Winter car camping looks romantic on social media - steaming coffee in the morning, snow-covered views, and the mountain right outside your window. But the truth is, it can be very dangerous if you’re not prepared.
Freezing temperatures, poor ventilation, and dead batteries can turn a cozy night into a real safety concern fast. Roads can ice over, snowplows may move through unexpectedly, and condensation can make your gear - and you - miserably cold by sunrise.
Still, for those who plan ahead, there’s nothing quite like it. Waking up steps from the first chairlift, watching the sunrise paint the mountain, and sipping coffee in the back of your car - it’s a kind of freedom few things can match.
1. Start with Insulation
Cold air creeps in from every direction, especially through windows and metal panels. Reflective window inserts, wool blankets, or even DIY foam cutouts can make a huge difference. Insulating your sleeping area helps trap body heat and makes your space feel cozy rather than icy.
Basecamp Tip: Keep a separate set of insulation panels rolled or stacked under your sleeping platform for easy setup.
2. Layer from the Ground Up
Your sleeping pad matters just as much as your sleeping bag. Cold seeps upward through the car floor, so use a thick foam pad (I never use inflatable mattress) with an R-value of 4 or higher. Add an extra blanket underneath for insulation and comfort.
3. Stay Organized (and Dry)
In the winter, chaos = cold. Having a place for everything helps you move quickly, find what you need, and keep damp gear away from your sleeping space.
Basecamp Tip: A modular platform system with drawers or cubbies keeps gear dry, contained, and easy to access - even when it’s snowing outside. Add a few small RV moisture absorbers under your platform or near windows to help control condensation and keep your setup feeling fresh and dry.
4. Ventilate, Even When It’s Cold
It sounds counterintuitive, but cracking your windows slightly at night helps prevent condensation inside the car. Trapped moisture turns to frost and can make your setup damp and chilly by morning.
5. Bring Heat, Not Hazards
Skip the propane heaters and focus on safe, passive heat sources. Hot water bottles in your sleeping bag, hand warmers, and battery-powered blankets go a long way. Always test your gear before heading out.
6. Prep Your Vehicle
Check your battery, fluids, and tires before every trip - especially if you’re heading into the mountains. Keep jumper cables, traction boards, chains, and a small shovel handy.
Basecamp Tip: Keep an emergency kit (snacks, headlamp, power bank, and an emergency blanket) in an easy-to-reach spot in case you need it quickly.
7. Simplify Your Setup
The less you have to unpack, the better. Design your space so your bed, cooking setup, and storage are ready to go without rearranging everything each night.
That’s where the Basecamp System comes in - a flat-pack modular platform designed to fit most vehicles, keeping your setup warm, dry, and efficient no matter the season.
8. Always Have a Backup Plan
Even the best setups can’t beat extreme cold or unpredictable weather. Always know where you can go if something goes wrong - a nearby motel, a 24-hour rest stop, or a friend’s driveway. Keep your phone charged and your gas tank at least half full in case you need to move quickly.
And before you settle in, make sure you’re parked legally and safely. Some ski resorts and mountain towns restrict overnight parking, especially during snow removal hours. A quick check with local rules and some good old fashion Facebook group intel can save you from a 2 a.m. knock - or a ticket buried under snow.
Final Thoughts
Winter car camping is about simplicity and intention. With the right setup, it becomes less about surviving the cold and more about enjoying the stillness, the stars, and the sound of snow under your tires.
So grab your skies, do your research, and find your base this winter.
**Car camping in winter comes with real risks, including extreme cold, carbon monoxide buildup, and changing weather conditions. The information in this post is based on personal experience and general knowledge, not professional safety advice. Always check local laws, weather forecasts, and your vehicle’s condition before camping overnight. The Basecamp Collective is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur while using this information.
