Winter Camping Provides Unique, Fun Experience

Akiko Inoue / Japan News Staff Writer

12:24 JST, March 24, 2026

Camping is a popular activity normally associated with warmer seasons. However, cold-weather camping has become more recognized in recent years, and some camp sites are open during the winter.

Camping in the winter has many advantages.

First, and perhaps most importantly, there are no bugs biting and flying around food and bothering humans. It’s a great feeling to spend time in nature without worrying about all the little critters.

Second, there is much less worry about food going bad. It is easier to carry and store food supplies, since the entire outdoors is like a refrigerator.

However, for many, one major downside is the cold weather. Therefore, winter campers must be well-prepared. Having the proper clothing and sleeping equipment is key for being comfortable in this environment. Without proper preparation, the experience could turn out to be a night of enduring freezing temperatures and even be harmful to one’s health.

For this trip, I stayed at a car camping site just down from the plateau after hiking. By the time the tent was set up, the temperature had started to drop. For supper, meat and vegetables cooked on a charcoal grill made for a hot, delicious meal. As it got dark, the temperature began dropping faster, and the vegetables set aside on the table started to freeze.

Wearing down pants, down shoes and a thick down jacket over multilayered clothing is recommended. Sleeping bags have grades indicating the temperature they can withstand, so it is important to check beforehand. A small electric blanket powered by a portable battery helps keep the body warm. The camping experience can differ widely depending on the types of tent and other equipment used.

That night, the temperature went down to around minus 10 C. Although it was freezing outside, winter camping can be a unique and fun experience.