Desert Camping can be a great time. Our family loves spending long weekends in the dunes making memories. Our family has been desert camping for over 5 years now and we've learned a lot! Here are a few tips we've learned to help you have your best adventures!
Layer Up: While the desert may be hot during the day, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Dress in layers and pack warm clothing, including thermal base layers, insulating jackets, and cozy hats and gloves to keep you comfortable in the chilly desert evenings. I love my lined leggings for the cool mornings while enjoying my cup of coffee.
Insulate Your Sleeping Area: Prepare for colder nights by insulating your sleeping area. Use a good-quality sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures and consider adding a sleeping pad or air mattress underneath for extra insulation from the cold ground. While we use a trailer now, we started our desert memories in tents! Even in a trailer high quality sleeping bags and insulation is important on those cold desert nights! Here's the sleeping bags we've used for years and work so well!
Plan for Early Sunsets: During the winter months, the sun sets earlier in the desert. Adjust your camping activities accordingly, ensuring you have enough time to set up camp and prepare for darkness. Carry headlamps or flashlights to navigate after sunset. Here are our favorite lanterns - the kids love to run around camp with them in the evenings!
And don't forget to enjoy those beautiful desert sunsets - like this one:
Stay Hydrated: Although it may be cooler, staying hydrated is just as important in the winter desert as it is in summer. Drink plenty of water and bring a thermos with warm beverages to enjoy during the day. Remember, even though you may not feel as thirsty, your body still needs hydration. Whether we're riding or just hanging at camping having a Camelbak has been the best way to ensure we all keep our water intake up!
Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Desert weather can be unpredictable, even during winter. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden temperature fluctuations, wind, and even the possibility of rain. Pack appropriate gear, including rain jackets and extra layers, to adapt to changing conditions. Wind has been our biggest challenge. Using things like neck gators and goggles has helped us survive some intense wind storms!
Enjoy your camping trips! The desert has so much to offer, always remember to respect your environment and leave it cleaner than you found it!
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