Discover Camping

Where to Camp in Winter

Unfortunately not all Ontario Parks or private campgrounds are open for winter camping, but there are still a few good options available. Check out these spots for a winter camping experience in the Haliburton Highlands.

Gear Up for Cold Weather

When winter camping, it’s all about the gear. Before heading out make sure you have the right equipment because if your feet, hands, or ears are cold you will be cold all over. Check what temperature your sleeping bag is rated for, and then look at your outdoor clothing to make sure it’s waterproof or resistant and will keep you warm even if daytime temperatures are far below freezing.

Tips for Success: If you don’t own a pair of snowpants, buy some because they will keep your clothes dry, which is key for keeping warm.

Pack the Thermals

This is not the time to skimp on your base layers, you will want to layer up with long underwear, preferably made of wool. Your outer layers should be easy to shed, because you will be surprised by how quickly you warm up with only a little bit of outdoor activity in winter.

Tips for Success: The inclination is to sleep fully dressed, but you don’t want to sleep in too many layers or you will find it cold the next day. Instead, strip down into your base layers and then climb into your sleeping bag which will warm up in no time. Make sure you wear a toque though, to keep your head cozy warm.

Get Moving

Exploring the forest in winter is a wonderful experience that is far different from a summer hike. This is the time to strap on the snowshoes or cross country skis and push yourself forward into a frosty and magical world. Wander through a snow covered forest and listen to the sweet calls of chickadees drift through the crisp wintry air. Watch for delicate tracks in the snow as tiny animals scurry busily on a warm winter’s day.

Tips for Success: Dress in layers to remove as you warm up from your activity. Pack a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate to enjoy during a break where you sit and marvel at the stillness of the forest in winter.

Look to the Stars

In the winter the cold air holds less moisture than summer air which creates extraordinarily clear skies filled with millions of brilliant stars. This is the best time to tip your head back and marvel at the beauty of winter under a hushed and starry sky.

Tips for Success: Find a clearing in the forest and then lay back in the snow and feel small beneath the vastness of the galaxy. The Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve is considered one of the darkest skies in Ontario.

Also read a couple of stories about Star Gazing – Looking at the Stars & Looking at the Stars -part 2 and the 2023 Winter Celestral Calendar

Eat Up

This is one thing to really get excited about for winter camping – you will need to eat more than you normally do (yay!). Keeping your body warm burns a lot more calories than normal which means you need to fuel up with carbohydrate-rich foods to be sure you are have enough fuel to burn. Plan ahead for some quick or easy to make meals that will fill your belly. The good news is you won’t need to worry about keeping food frozen until you are ready to eat it!

Tips for Success: Some good winter camping meals that are carb-laden, quick and easy to heat up are oatmeal for breakfast, soups and stews. Make a spaghetti sauce ahead of time and bring it with you to reheat with some pasta. Bring plenty of coffee or tea, hot chocolate, and marshmallows, too.

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