Camping isn’t just a summertime activity. In fact, camping in the colder months of winter can be just as enjoyable (or even more enjoyable) than camping in other seasons. The thinner campground crowds, exciting outdoor winter activities and thrill of camping in more extreme conditions make this one of the best times of year to hop in your RV and enjoy the great outdoors.

However, camping in the colder temperatures of winter means you need to take extra precautions to keep yourself and your fellow campers safe. The following five tips are ones that will help you make the most out of this winter camping season.

Pre-plan Everything

Make yourself checklists to be sure you have extra food, clothing, water and emergency supplies to last days more than your trip. Call campgrounds ahead of time to make sure they are open and that there are no hazardous conditions that you need to avoid such as avalanches.

Take Precautions Against the Cold

Be sure you have packed plenty of warm clothing that you can layer. It’s always good to have a base layer, middle layer, and outer layer of clothing. This is especially important if you do go out hiking or exploring while camping. Also be sure your boots are waterproof and insulated. Thick hats and gloves are also a crucial factor if you are out and about. The use of skis or snowshoes is recommended if you will be out trekking through snow. Snowshoes will work better for areas where trees might be close together.

Have a Second Helping

Remember that your food intake during winter camping should be almost three times more than you normally intake. That way you don’t lose more energy than needed. It may be cold, but you still need to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water.

Know Your Surroundings

One of the most important pieces of information is to know your surroundings. Familiarize yourself with everything from types of snow and ice to emergency skills. Don’t wander too far afield, especially if bad weather is in the forecast.

Wear Fire-Resistant Outer Layers By the Fire

You’ll want to sit close to a hot fire when you’re camping in cold temperatures, but it’s important to wear a flame-resistant outer layer, such as wool, when close to the flames. Down jackets burn easily due to heat and stray embers, so keep flammable materials away from the fire and in your RV.

Find Your RV and Gear at Woody’s RV World

Woody’s RV World isn’t just a place to purchase new recreational vehicles. Our online parts store is stocked with all of the latest and greatest camping supplies for this winter camping season. Stop by Woody’s RV World today before you plan your winter season.

When we hit the road in our RVs, most of the time it’s with a destination in mind. Usually these destinations are either National Parks or big cities, like Vancouver, Montreal, or Banff National Park. But this neglects an entire countryside full of deserving destinations: the innumerable smaller towns and villages that dot Canada.

While not every village is a compelling draw, there are some that certainly deserve attention. If you’re planning a road trip in your RV this summer, consider checking out one of Canada’s most beautiful villages.

Waterton, Alberta

Okay, so this one is technically within a National Park, but the village itself is still charming and the surroundings are obviously gorgeous. A tiny mountain village located in the midst of the mountain and lake strewn landscape of Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton township has its fair share of scenery. Set on the Canadian-USA border across from Montana, Waterton Lakes National Park is adjacent to Glacier National Park and shares the same type of environment.

Entering the village, you’ll see the historic Prince of Wales Hotel and enjoy local hospitality in a laid-back manner. There are restaurants and shops to explore when you’re not out enjoying the surrounding park.

Tadoussac, Quebec

Located a mere three hours from Quebec City, Tadoussac’s main draw are the excellent whale watching opportunities in the summer. Situated where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence Estuary, whales enjoy lingering in the area before they migrate to the Atlantic Ocean in the autumn. Whale watching tour boats regularly leave from the village, but some whales can be spotted from shore.

The village of Tadoussac itself offers fantastic shopping opportunities at its eccentric stores and quirky boutiques. Tadoussac also possesses an ineffable artsy atmosphere that’s sure to charm any tourist.

Merrickville, Ontario

Considered by some polls and surveys to be Canada’s most beautiful village, Merrickville is nicknamed the “Jewel of the Rideau.” Home to a disproportionate amount of heritage sites, you’ll encounter Gothic churches, historic stone houses, and exceptionally well-maintained Victorian-era mansions.

The village attracts a large number of creatives, likes artists and musicians, and lends the village a charming quality. Add to this the shops and cafes, and you’ve got days worth of fun and exploration. The Rideau Canal runs through the town, adding to this charm.

Visit Woody’s RV World

When you’re exploring Canada this summer, from the big cities and national parks to the smallest villages and campgrounds, don’t forget to stop by Woody’s RV World in Alberta to make sure that your RV is in good shape for travel. If it’s time to retire the old RV and find a new one, Woody’s RV World has the selection necessary to find the perfect RV for you.

Camping is one of the best summer activities for a number of reasons, but aside from cooking s’mores over the fire, camping food is often less than desirable. Try these unique and delicious camping recipes next time you’re at the campsite, and you’ll never think of dining in the woods the same again.

Hobo Hamburgers

What You’ll Need:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 teaspoons of your favorite meat seasoning
• 1/2 cup green pepper (chopped)
• 4 red potatoes (sliced thin)
• 1 onion (sliced thin)
• 4 carrots (peeled and cut into strips)
• 4 slices of bacon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix the ground beef, cracker crumbs, egg, cheese, lemon juice, seasoning and green pepper together in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into four equally-sized patties.
2. Place each patty on two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
3. Place the potato slices, onion slices and carrot slices on top of each patty.
4. Cut the slices of bacon in half and put two slices on top of each patty.
5. Seal the aluminum foil around the patties, and cook over the campfire for roughly 45 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked.
6. Unwrap and enjoy.

Curly Dogs

What You’ll Need:

• 8 Pillsburry (or Rhodes) dinner rolls (thawed but cool)
• 8 hot dogs

Cooking Instructions:

1. Roll each dinner roll into a roughly 15-inch rope.
2. Twist the dinner roll around the hot dog four or five times, making sure to attach the ends of the rope to another piece of dough.
3. Place on a campfire skewer and roast over hot coals until the dough is fully cooked.
4. Serve with ketchup or other desired condiments.

Get Your Camping Supplies at Woody’s RV World

Woody’s RV World may already be your go-to place in Alberta for new and used RVs, but we’re also the best place to stock up on your RV parts and camping supplies too. Come see us today if you’re ready to take on the road with a new or used RV!