This article is sponsored and made possible by Toyota Trucks.
Winter camping is magical as long as you know where to go and how to prepare. The trails quiet down, snow settles in, and parks that were busy all summer feel much calmer. For Detourists, the travelers who prefer open roads to lift lines, it’s another chance to see a different side of familiar places. With the capability, traction, and safety features of Toyota Trucks, getting there feels just as fun as being there.
These hidden-gem parks deliver snowy trails, crisp skies, and cozy camps without the resort crowds.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
In winter, Lassen becomes a peaceful landscape of snow-covered forests and steaming geothermal vents. The Manzanita Lake area stays open year-round for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and walk-in winter camping. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are also available, but require advanced skills, avalanche awareness, and proper safety gear.
The Toyota Tundra handles the terrain with confidence. Its available 4×4 system and traction control help keep you steady on icy climbs and slushy roads. Inside, there’s enough room to stash wet gear, change layers out of the wind, and keep essentials from freezing. Pack snowshoes or skis so you can access trails directly from the snow-covered parking area near Manzanita Lake.
Tip: The main park road (Hwy 89) is closed at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (southwest entrance) and Devastated Area (northwest entrance) for the snow season. Check road and trail conditions on the park website so that you can be properly prepared.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park settles into a quiet winter calm with frozen lakes and wide-open trails perfect for snowshoeing. Moraine Park Campground stays open year-round for first-come, first-served winter camping. Its proximity to Estes Park means easy access to supplies, warm meals, and last-minute gear if the weather turns.
The Toyota 4Runner is equipped to handle shifting winter conditions. Its available 4×4 capability, traction control systems, and high ground clearance help you navigate icy roads and snow-packed pullouts with confidence. Inside, there is plenty of room for layers, boots, and the extra cold-weather gear that winter camping requires.
Tip: Weather in the park can change fast. Bring microspikes or snowshoes for icy trails, and always check for road and trail updates before heading into higher elevations.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs is one of the few national parks where frozen lakes become trails in the winter. Once the ice is thick enough, visitors can snowmobile, ski, or hike across miles of snowy wilderness. Winter camping is allowed by permit, and the dark skies make for some of the best stargazing in the Midwest.
The Toyota Sequoia is ideal for exploring through the Minnesota winter. Its available 4×4 system and high ground clearance helps handle snowy roads safely, while the spacious interior leaves room for family, gear, and extra layers. Available heated seats add an extra touch of comfort after a cold day on the ice.
Tip: You can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis through the park visitor centers or online. Always check ice conditions before traveling onto frozen lakes, and carry traction mats or sand for tricky conditions.
Gear Up for Cold-Weather Camping
Winter camping takes extra preparation, especially in parks with deep snow or rapidly changing weather. Keep these practical tips in mind:
- Use two sleeping pads, not one. A foam pad under an inflatable pad prevents heat loss to frozen ground.
- Pack boiling-water bottles (wide-mouth and leakproof). Fill them at night and slip one into your sleeping bag to stay warm for hours.
- Keep water filters from freezing by storing water and filtration gear inside your tent or your sleeping bag footbox.
- Expect that your food will freeze. Pre-chop ingredients, choose meals that rehydrate quickly, and store water bottles upside down so the ice forms at the top.
- Keep headlamp batteries warm by storing them inside your jacket during the day and in your sleeping bag at night. Cold drains batteries quickly.
- Use your Toyota Truck as a transition zone. The cab warms up cold fingers before cooking or setting up camp, and the rear cargo area keeps gear dry and organized between snowstorms.
Be a Detourist
When the crowds head for the slopes, take the road less traveled. Find the parks where the trails are quiet and the snow is untouched. With Toyota Trucks, you’ll have the confidence and comfort to get there, and the space to enjoy every frozen mile along the way.
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