Whether you’re camping in Texas or cabin camping in Ohio, there are a number of spots you can choose for winter camping. But not all campgrounds locations are created equally. Depending on the weather and the accommodations, you could have a vastly different experience at one campground or another.

For example, much of a camping trip is dependent on the weather. Of campers surveyed, around 70% of those who stayed in tents only stayed out one or two nights — no matter what the weather. By comparison, those who stayed in an RV tended to have the longest trips on average, and 28% of them spent five or more nights camping. Booking cabin rentals can also extend a trip and keep the family better sheltered in all types of weather; this is the preferred method of camping for about 30% of campers.

Being prepared for anything (rain, snow, or shine) is a necessary part of camping around wintertime in any part of North America. How can you make the most of a winter camping trip? Make sure you don’t leave home without these three essentials:

• Warm bedding and outerwear: At night, especially, temperatures can drop to their lowest point of the day, even during the summer. As a result, you’ll need to find as many ways as you can to stay warm. Don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing, boots, outerwear, hats, and gloves for everyone on the trip, especially children. You’ll also need to make sure you have the appropriate items for sleeping, including insulated sleeping bags and bedding in materials like flannel and fleece. Even if you’re staying in a cabin, you’ll still need to bundle up to keep warm, and this is especially true if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
• Food and cooking supplies: Because temperatures may be below freezing on your trip, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough food and supplies to make warm foods and drinkings. Bring pots and pans to cook over the fire, if you’re staying outdoors; if you’ll be in a cabin, bring warm drinks with you like tea or cocoa. If your winter camping trip will last several days, ration your food so everyone has plenty to eat.
• Someone else: Finally, whether you’re headed to your favorite camping grounds or planning a trip in the wilderness, make sure that you take someone with you. Surveyed campers indicate that they bring a friend with them 70% of the time, so planning a trip with close friends, a significant other, or family members is the best course of action. Not only can this help you have fun as you participate in outdoor activities, but it’s also safe. Should you get hurt, wind up lost, or have some other kind of emergency, having someone to travel with ensures that help will be there when you need it.

Being prepared for anything (rain, snow, or shine) is a necessary part of camping around wintertime in any part of North America. Enjoy your family adventures in camping by being safe!