The sleeping conditions were perfect onboard—a tad chilly, giving you a chance to pile on the blankets. You awake to a—dare I say—brisk morning, opening the door of the RV for a deep breath of crisp December air.

The campground is virtually empty, snow clinging to branches in a picturesque scene, like something out of a snow globe.

Is there anything better? You nod to your neighbor well across the way in solidarity, both of you holding down the collective fort of the pioneering spirit, man’s nomadic nature, and the can-do attitude of camping in 20ÞF. Sound the horns, people, you’re winter camping.

Frosty Solitude

Consider this the anti-snowbird stance, an argument for sticking around and taking your lumps during the winter months instead of running scared to balmy climes, sunny beaches, and the tough decisions of poolside fun or golf.

No, winter camping is just the opposite–you’re guaranteed some tough times, fighting the battle for preservation even in a $200,000 motorhome. But the solitude alone is worth it. The untouched scenery ain’t bad, either, especially if an afternoon snowshoeing excursion is in the game plan. However, tackling Mother Nature at her blustery worst isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to pull it off.

We know you’re up for the challenge, but is your RV? A fold-down camper isn’t gonna cut it when the wind starts howling.

Consider the following features and prerequisites or you’ll wake up bluer than a Smurf: An onboard heating system, full insulation (the higher the “R” rating, the better), enclosed and preferably heated holding tanks, and a generator.

The first task is staying warm—warm enough to keep teeth from chattering and the pipes from freezing. Help the furnace out by weather-stripping doors, adding floor rugs, and sealing windows in plastic.

Better still, park in a sunny spot and let Ole Sole warm the RV for half the day. Adding a space heater is fine, but never leave it on unattended. Of course, you’re going to have to bring a few extra sweaters and not be afraid to use them.

Warm Thoughts

Thawing out holding tanks is a job nobody wants. With that said, let’s work doubly hard to keep them from freezing up. The pipes, too, while we’re at it. This is where those enclosed tanks come in, soaking in the interior warmth of the coach.

Other manufacturers, particularly those offering “arctic” packages, may go the extra mile by insulating pipes to avoid such conditions. Adding anti-freeze to wastewater tanks (black and gray water tanks ONLY) will also do the trick.

However, the best defense is simply to leave cabinet doors open to allow the interior heat to reach the pipes that are buried in the walls. In addition, keeping your various tanks full makes them harder to freeze.

Winter Hookup Tricks

That handful of northern campgrounds per state who sportingly stay open for the winter make cold-weather camping easier since the awaiting hookups take much of the drama out of roughin’ it. But you still have to pay attention.

A fresh water hookup—assuming it’s offered—might require a little extra TLC to do the job. Opt for a shorter hose wrapped in heat tape for greater efficiency. Further insulating it in PVC pipe and elevating the hose from the ground (on top of hay or rolled up towels) will also help to take some of the chill out. It’s best to cover and insulate any exposed water connections, as they are indeed the weakest link. Take the same steps to mummify the sewer hose as well. Purge your holding tanks only when they are nearing capacity.

Check Your Levels

For those looking to test their self-contained camping skills, well, you’re going to have to work that much harder. It just seems everything must work that much harder when temperatures get dicey.

Don’t head out into the backwoods unless the LP tanks are full, the generator fully fueled, and you have enough gas, food, and water to endure a potentially tough stretch.

Watch those batteries when dry camping, as capacities decrease in falling temperatures. Also, double-check exhaust pipes and vents to prevent blockages from drifting snow. You definitely don’t want these fumes coming back inside. Finally, keep some spray De-icer handy (ideally in an outside storage compartment) in case a lock decides to freeze up and shut you out. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way.