We love the great outdoors, especially when the weather gods treat us to perfect temperatures and beautiful skies. What to do if a camping trip might be impacted by less-than-pleasant weather? Think about camping with an RV, and lean on that old scout slogan, “be prepared.” Here are a few steps to help you avoid cold weather obstacles while you’re camping.
Layer up
Of all the need-to-know camping terminology, “base layer” might be the most crucial if you’re out in the cold. Smart campers wear a base layer – or the layer closest to your skin – for warmth but also for wicking away any sweat. Usually that’s a shirt made of polyester or wool, as cotton takes too long to dry. After the base layer, toss on a sweater (or two) and a jacket for ultimate warmth.
Get off the ground
The ground is a hard place to sleep, literally and figuratively, so what better way to keep yourself off it than by sleeping in an RV? These vehicles come in a variety of sizes and therefore have any number of beds and pull-out couches. You’ll get to enjoy your scenic surroundings by day and firelight while still getting a good night’s rest on a cushy mattress. If your camping location is super chilly, layer on those sleeping clothes and wear wool socks.
Make a fire
Making a fire is a necessary skill for camping in colder temps. Bring a firestarter kit with you (which usually includes things like weatherproof matches), gather some good, dry kindling from the area, and get that fire going in a safe spot out of the elements. Now you’re ready to warm up. If you’re RVing throughout the cold season, you may have an onboard furnace inside your vehicle, making for a cozy evening of boardgames or curling up with a good book.
Move your body
This may be obvious, but if you’re feeling chilled, move around to raise your body temperature. Explore a nearby trail, do some jumping jacks or hunt and gather wood for your fire. And if you’re RVing during the cold, there’s the option to hop back inside and even make a hot cup of tea to warm you up – and that brings us to our next tip.
Make warm meals
A good camping stove will allow you to make a hot meal outdoors with ease, and most RVs come with a propane stove or electric cooktop. This means you can boil water quickly for coffee, tea, or to fill a hot water bottle (put this against your body to warm up fast), and you can make easy meals. Pack things like quick oats or ramen in a cup for a fast snack, or even dehydrated camping food from your local outdoor store.
For more tips and information on RV camping during the colder months, visit GoRVing.com.
