Here are some campgrounds that are open year-round for your winter camping enjoyment. They provide winter activities for hearty souls who like to live outdoors, even when the weather is cold. Make sure that you call ahead, and make sure none of this information has changed before you venture out and that the campground still accommodates your camping equipment.
Some of these sites will allow RV camping, and some require you to walk in, which means tents. I have tried to provide an overview of some campgrounds that are open, along with the activities available, but I have not been to each of these campgrounds personally in the off-season. I have been to Glimmerglass, and find that to be a great NY State Park to visit any time of the year, but if you can’t go to that one, I’ve also listed some other options. Leave a comment below if you have other suggestions, or if you have experiences you would like to share from one of the campgrounds I have listed.
Best Places to Enjoy Winter Camping
Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, New York
Located on Otsego Lake, near the upstate NY town of Cooperstown, Glimmerglass is a great spot for snowmobiling, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Glimmerglass also draws anglers for ice fishing. The campground’s Beaver Pond Loop, sites 38 through 43, is open year-round. Note that campsites in this loop are walk-up only after the regular camping season ends in October.
There is a 2.5-mile wooded trail for hiking and snowshoeing. Snow tubing is available on weekends thru 2/19, weather permitting. Check This Is Cooperstown for details on the tubing.
Area attractions include Cooperstown, which is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Many of the baseball shops close up for the off-season, but a few remain open. The Hall of Fame is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Cooperstown is close to numerous snowmobile trails in the Catskills area if you want to get out for a nice long ride.
Other highlights include the Cooperstown Beverage Trail, which includes many small local breweries and wineries. Check the website for details on winter hours for the attractions, but many have winter hours available.
Address: 1527 County Rd 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-8862
For more info:
Glimmerglass State Park Details
Official Cooperstown NY Web Site
Crown Point Camping Area, Perkinsville, Vermont
This campground is closed in the fall, from mid-October to December 1st, but is then opened for snowmobilers from 12/1 until March 31st. You get direct access to VT’s VAST snowmobile trail network, right from the campground.
Other attractions include the Inn at Weathersfield. A great Country Inn to visit if you want to get inside and warm up with a good home-cooked meal.
131 Bishop Camp Road, Perkinsville, VT 05151
Phone: 802-263-5555
Stony Brook Recreation and Camping, Hanover, Maine
Located in Hanover, ME, Stony Brook provides year-round camping. Centrally located near Ski Resorts, cross country ski trails, and snowmobile trails, Stony Brook will give you a great winter outdoor experience.
Sunday River Ski Resort is located about 7 miles away. Sunday River has over 100 trails across 7 mountains for a great skiing weekend. The Bethal area has many cross-country ski trails for endless fun. And family ski areas Mount Abram, and Black Mountain are also nearby providing more skiing options. Snowmobile trails can be easily accessed directly from Stony Brook, giving snowmobilers access to the major trail networks of the northeast.
Route 2 42 Powell Place, Hanover, ME 04237
Phone: (207)824-2836
Apple Hill Campground, Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
Bethlehem, NH is located on the western side of the White Mountain National Forest, in western, NH. The campground is open in the winter for Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, and Snowmobiling. There are a number of ski resorts in the area for a downhill skiing weekend, with Bretton Woods less than 15 miles away.
647 Maple St, Bethlehem, NH 03574
(603) 869-2238
http://www.applehillcamping.com/
Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park has the largest camping complex in the St Lawrence region. Wellesley Island is located on the St Lawrence River, just west of Alexandria Bay. NY. The campground hosts some of the most amazing views of the river, secluded wilderness campsites, hiking trails, and many other attractions. Much of the campground closes down by early October. However the Chipmunk Cabin area is open until late November, and the Eel Bay Cottages are open year-round.
The Eel Bay Cottages are located near Eel Bay, which is a protected bay on the St Lawrence River. This is one of the areas listed on the NY State DEC which are good for ice fishing for Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and a variety of Panfish.
Besides ice fishing, Wellesley Island is perfect for cross country skiing and snowshoeing as well as hunting. And while Eel Bay is a protected area off the main shipping channel of the river allowing that to freeze over, you may be able to catch site of some of the large ships traveling the river depending on when you go. The seaway is generally open from late March until late December.
Nearby towns include Alexandria Bay, NY, and Ivy Lea, Ontario on the Canadian side. Wellesley Island is one of the islands that are used by the Thousand Islands Bridge System, which links the US and Canada across the St Lawrence River.
Find out more about the Wellesley Island State Park campground here, and visit the NY State DEC website for more information about fishing in the St Lawrence River.
44927 Cross Island Rd, Fineview, NY 13640
Phone: (315)482-2722
Further Reading:
For further reading, check out some tips for cold weather camping, and some essential winter camping tips, both here on this site. And of course, winter camping can be a lot of fun if you’re prepared. Make sure you bring the appropriate gear, as well as plenty of food and water. Travel can be difficult, and being stuck outdoors without the proper gear can end badly. Use common sense, and have fun!