Winter camping might sound crazy-especially in temperatures below 0F, but we had some brave souls come and try it out at Dragon Adventures Base Camp! They stayed toasty and showed off their set up to us. Check it out in the video.

So what is hot tent camping? Hot tent camping is a cold-weather camping style that lets you stay warm and comfortable—even in winter—by using a wood-burning stove inside a specialized tent. Instead of bundling up and enduring the cold, campers enjoy a heated shelter that makes snowy adventures far more inviting.

Unlike traditional tents, hot tents are designed with fire-resistant materials and a stove jack, allowing a stovepipe to safely vent smoke outside. The result is a cozy interior where you can warm up, dry gear, cook meals, and relax while winter does its thing outdoors.

Hot tent camping has become especially popular among winter campers, hunters, ice anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to extend their camping season beyond summer and fall. It’s most commonly done as car camping or sled-supported trips, since the stove and tent are heavier than standard backpacking gear.

With the right setup and safety precautions, hot tent camping offers a unique way to experience winter—quiet trails, snowy landscapes, and a warm place to retreat at the end of the day. It’s proof that camping doesn’t have to end when the temperatures drop.

As you can see by the video above, it was plenty warm in the tent! It was so cool seeing it in action! I’ve seen a hot tent set up before, as my buddy, Dave Scott, tested out his bike packing setup in our old back yard, but this one was awesome as it had room for more people! We enjoyed hanging out in the tent and playing games while observing the winter just outside. Winter camping is definitely a unique experience and there are multiple ways to do it! Hot tent camping, though, is one of the coolest! (or should we say warmest 😉

Stay Adventurous!

Mark and Amy Deering