Most meteor showers occur in the later part of the year, so winter camping is a great way to experience the full show & not miss any of these special night time shows.

weather:

We are not talking about igloos, cross country skiing & snow camping here. This is just the basics on how top tolerate chilly temps in the milder climates for California's dry destinations. Make sure to check the closest town forecast online.

camp:

Great desert locations & destinations:

• Hot Springs
• Ghost Towns
• Panamint Valley
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Mojave National Preserve
• Red Rock State Park
• Picacho Peak SRA

More helpful links:

• GEAR - basics & beyond
• no getting lost - Maps & GPS
• Camp Clueless
• All about Firewood
• No toilets?
  no problem, See Camp Potty
• SUV fun back roads!

Camping isn't only a summer time thing. In California, it can be enjoyed all year long, if you have the right gear to enjoy yourself. The deserts alone are prime destinations for your wintertime fun. Star gazing is great with crystal clear skies & Back Road exploration is a great way to break in that SUV.

Weather is pretty much 'mild' here in California & do have it pretty good. So get out & start enjoying the seasons.

Bring enough clothing for a variety of temperatures. You may go from shorts to winter jacket all in 10 hours.

sleep:

A good zero or 20 degree sleeping bag is well worth the cash you will spend on it. And it will make those chilly Sierra nights bearable even in the early season. Where fold-up cots will circulate the cold air underneath you, Inflatable air mattresses are a god send!

Don't throw out that old sleeping bag. Make is useful! Try placing a blanket under your air mattress & another on top for cushion & warmth...and to protect you from the cold ground temperatures that can creep up.

snow camping:

Book a National Forest Cabin!

• Robbs Peak Lookout
  aka. Robb's Hut (cabin)
• Loon Lake Chalet
• Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Anza Borrego State Park allows you to camp along nearly any dirt back road, but requires that you use a metal fire ring to protect the soils & sandy washes from unsightly black ashes & coals.

A metal bucket like this can be found at your local Home Depot. Old washing machine tubs work well too.

heat:

Firewood Dealers all over California can sell you a way better deal than those grocery store bundles.

Make sure to bring more firewood than you think you may need. It's better to have more than enough than to be wishing you had more.

Tent Heaters are the latest great idea to keep you super toasty even inside your tent.

• tent heaters
• zero degree bags
• good clothing
• lotsa firewood