Off the Beaten Path
Forget the crowded national parks. These winter camping spots are quieter, cheaper, and just as stunning—maybe even more.
#20. Iowa
Yellow River State Forest
Yellow River State Forest offers peaceful winter solitude with scenic snow-draped bluffs and backcountry campsites. It’s great for tent or hammock camping, and nearby trails are perfect for cross-country skiing. Affordable and quiet, it’s a favorite for Midwest winter adventurers.
#19. Georgia
Fort Mountain State Park (Cabin Loop Trail Area)
This northern Georgia gem offers cozy hike-in sites with great views of snow-dusted Appalachian foothills. Winter temps stay mild, and rustic cabins make it accessible for first-timers. Stargazing is a must on clear nights, and the trails are open year-round.
Thomsonmg2000, Wikimedia Commons
#18. Indiana
Shades State Park
Less famous than neighboring parks, Shades offers icy sandstone ravines, frozen waterfalls, and off-grid hike-in sites. It’s ideal for solo campers or minimalist trips. Winter hiking is scenic and the park remains peaceful even during holidays.
#17. South Dakota
Bear Butte State Park
Campers love Bear Butte for its striking views and sacred atmosphere. While it's small, the area gets snow and offers stunning winter sunrises. Best for experienced tent campers who want solitude and history without tourist traffic.
JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, Wikimedia Commons
#16. Kentucky
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Known for its cave system, this park also has walk-in and equestrian campsites with winter access. Ice formations around the caves are beautiful, and some trails stay open even in snow. Horseback-friendly and less visited during winter months.
#15. Nebraska
Indian Cave State Park
This underrated spot has bluff-top campsites and backcountry trails that shine in the winter months. With views over the Missouri River and several miles of snow-covered paths, it’s ideal for both hiking and quiet snow camping.
DickClarkMises, Wikimedia Commons
#14. Missouri
Hawn State Park (Backpacking Loop)
Hawn’s loop trail leads to primitive campsites under pine canopies. It’s a backpacker’s paradise, even in cold weather. You’ll find granite outcroppings and icy creek crossings that feel like secret landscapes.
#13. Arkansas
Lake Catherine State Park (Falls Branch Area)
This park is lesser-known compared to others in the state, but its peaceful winter waterfalls and wooded hike-in sites offer a cozy escape. Great for tent campers who want quiet nights and snowy trail views.
#12. Oklahoma
Robbers Cave State Park
Famous for its outlaw history, this park features remote winter campsites and cabins. Horse trails stay open year-round, and it’s ideal for RV or trailer camping. Affordable, scenic, and rarely crowded in colder months.
#11. Illinois
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Located in the Shawnee National Forest region, this park has seasonal waterfall trails and basic winter camping options. It’s ideal for car campers and winter photographers. The bluffs and overhangs look magical with snow.
#10. Maine
Nahmakanta Public Lands
Remote and peaceful, Nahmakanta offers serious backcountry snow camping in the heart of Maine’s wilderness. Popular with snowshoers and wildlife watchers. It’s a great spot for those who want adventure without the crowds.
#9. Michigan
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
Winter campers here enjoy snow-covered dunes along Lake Michigan. Accessible by hike-in only, this area is known for peaceful scenery and epic sunrises. It’s ideal for experienced campers and those seeking winter beach vibes.
#8. North Carolina
Panthertown Valley (Nantahala National Forest)
Often called “Yosemite of the East,” this backcountry paradise offers winter hikes to frozen waterfalls, hidden campsites, and easy-access forest roads. Best for tent campers or hammock setups with cold-weather gear.
Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons
#7. West Virginia
Cranberry Wilderness
With no marked campsites and few winter visitors, this remote destination is perfect for rugged winter backpackers. Snowy river valleys and highland bogs offer epic solitude. Bring snowshoes and a GPS.
#6. Vermont
Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
This hidden part of the Green Mountain National Forest features scenic trails and remote winter campsites. You’ll find snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and incredible views of Lake Dunmore. Ideal for those seeking serenity in Vermont’s winter wilds.
#5. Oregon
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
It’s not just about antelope—this remote high-desert destination offers free dispersed camping, hot springs, and snow-dusted plateaus. Best for campers with AWD vehicles and those looking for desert silence under a snowy sky.
#4. Montana
Garnet Ghost Town (Winter Rental Cabins)
You can rent rustic cabins in this frozen ghost town—no electricity, no Wi-Fi, just candlelight and snow. Cross-country ski or snowmobile in, then hunker down in this eerie, peaceful slice of history. Perfect for true solitude.
John Manard, Wikimedia Commons
#3. Alaska
Eagle River Nature Center (Yurt Camping)
Only 40 minutes from Anchorage, this area offers yurt rentals with stunning snow-covered mountain views. Perfect for families or beginners wanting an intro to Alaskan winter camping. Stargazing is unreal and trails are well-maintained.
RangerRichard, Wikimedia Commons
#2. Colorado
State Forest State Park (Never Summer Nordic Yurts)
Skip the crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park. This park offers backcountry yurts in snowy pine forests. Ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s a quiet, affordable option with incredible mountain access.
KimonBerlin, Wikimedia Commons
#1. Utah
Goblin Valley State Park (Dispersed Desert Camping)
The red rock hoodoos dusted with snow look like something from another planet. Goblin Valley is perfect for dispersed winter camping and stargazing. Affordable, open year-round, and rarely crowded—it’s Utah’s best-kept winter secret.
User:Creationlaw, Wikimedia Commons
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