Winter Camping 101: A Complete Guide with CanvasCamp

Why Go Winter Camping?

Winter camping rewards you with unmatched peace and solitude. Campsites that are crowded in summer become quiet escapes when blanketed in snow. Frozen landscapes offer new activities—snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing—and CanvasCamp tents can bring you closer to the experience. Aside from the outdoor activities, nothing beats cozying up together and watching a crackling fire in your comfortable hot tent. 

Not to mention, winter means fewer bugs to bother you! 

Of course, it comes with challenges: frigid temperatures, limited daylight, and extra gear to haul. But with the right approach, those challenges become part of the adventure. Beat the winter blues by opening your horizons to a new cold weather experience.

What is a hot tent?

A hot tent is a camping shelter designed to safely house a wood-burning stove inside, keeping the tent warm in cold-weather conditions. Unlike traditional 4-season synthetic tents, hot tents are usually made from breathable, fire-resistant materials like canvas, which allow for safe ventilation and long-lasting durability.

Why should I choose a canvas tent for winter camping?

While nylon tents are lightweight and portable, they often struggle with condensation, limited space, and the inability to safely use a heat source. Our stove-compatible 4-season canvas tents are the ultimate component of your hot tent setup. Here's why:

• All-weather ready: The canvas in our tents is treated to be waterproof and helps to keep you warm in the winter. It is also naturally fire-resistant, making it safe for in-tent stove use. The thick PVC groundsheet also provides heavy-duty ground protection that keeps you and your gear dry in any conditions. It is important to use a fireproof mat to protect the flooring when using a tent stove.
• Spacious and sturdy: Our tents provide ample room for bedding, cots, rugs, and gear, with frames that handle inclement weather. The Sibley Bell Tent or Tipi with their steep canopy angle and conical shape will collect less snow build-up than a wall tent and is a better option for heavy snow conditions. Read more about how to manage a heavy snow load on your tent here. You could also add a nylon fly to help snow slide off your roof.
• Stove-ready: All of our Sibley Bell tents can be paired with a stove and have optional pre sewn in stove jacks.

How do you pick the best location for winter camping?

If you're back country camping, avoid avalanche paths and low valleys where cold air settles. Look for natural wind breaks such a row of trees, that provide shelter from the wind. Many campsites are open year round and provide ideal, low-effort locations for your winter camp.

How do you ensure your tent is pitched securely for winter camping?

When setting up your tent, it's important to note that regular tent stakes don’t hold in snow. The easiest thing you can do is buy some snow stakes, like these here. If you want to level up your skills, you can use deadman anchors (buried sticks or bags of snow), or lash/use cord to attach to logs and rocks. In deep snow, pack down snow under your tent to prevent sinking. For long stays, you can build a raised platform of snow blocks or wooden pallets.

How do I avoid hypothermia and frostbite when winter camping?

Having a tent stove as a warm gathering place to take a break will help you feel more comfortable in the cold. Always dress dry, layer properly, and try to avoid sweating. Early symptoms to hypothermia are shivering, slurred speech, confusion. If this starts, move to a warm, dry place, replacing wet clothing with dry, warm layers or blankets. Then, apply heat to the body's core by placing warm, dry compresses. To avoid frostbite, protect your fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Rotate gloves and socks often. Be sure to always have communication plans in case of emergency.

How do I use the tent stove safely?

Never run stoves without proper ventilation. When setting up your stove, you will use a stove jack to vent the pipe outside of the tent. Keep the vents cracked even in storms. It is also best to use fire-safe mats under stoves and ensure a s night.

What kind of wood should I use in my tent stove?

Burn well-seasoned hardwoods (like oak, hickory, or maple) as they produce more heat and burn longer than softwoods. Softwoods can create smoke and embers that can burn a hole in your tent. If you must use softwood, ensure it's been properly seasoned by stacking it and drying it out before use. Avoid using wet or green wood, as it creates more smoke and less heat. Using wood that is too “green” can put out your fire.

During your trip:

• Snow management: Regularly clear snow from the roof to reduce strain.
• Ice buildup: Knock ice off gently—never scrape aggressively.
• Repairs: Keep a patch kit on hand just in case

When heavy snow builds up faster than it can melt, an extendable car scraper with a soft brush is a great tool to brush snow off the canvas on the exterior, or from inside the tent, gently beat the canvas, so the snow falls off the tent.

Post-trip:

Never pack your tent wet! Even one damp guy line can cause mold growth.  The groundsheet will likely be wet on the snow-side so detach it fold it up separately if needed. Let your tent dry completely at home before packing it back in the bag if necessary.  Throwing the tent/groundsheet over your car in a garage is a great way to dry it out if your short on space inside your home.