Who wants to go Cold Weather Camping?
Updated:
It was a nice idea, but Corona quarantine and unemployment will be preventing any 2020 camping.
Maybe, I can go camping in the first few months of 2021... Stay Tuned...
The weather for the last week of December in Murrells Inlet is cloudy about half the time, but only about 25% precipitation. The average low is around 42, and the high is around 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun that week will be rising around 7:15 am and setting just after five in the evening.
The park is usually very full of RVers during the winter, however it doesn't feel crowded, the beaches are usually empty, the castle feels like you have it to yourself, and Brookgreen Gardens seems deserted. (Yes, I said castle. If you haven't been reading my blogs, you might not know, there is a castle in South Carolina, you can click HERE to check out the inside of the castle! Click HERE for the history.) The RVers are mostly baby boomers who stay in their warm cozy RVs, or go shopping, and go out for supper to enjoy nearby seafood restaurants.
I have enjoyed my other trips to HBSP during winter. Currently all of the primitive sites are available during the time I'd like to go and only one RV site. That means I need to plan a hike in, no electricity, cold weather camping trip. (Baby will need to stay with Grandparents for this trip, too much exposure to elements for an infant.)
Primitive Hike In Tent Camping
I have stayed in one of the primitive sites before. Last November with my twin sister. I was several months pregnant. We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed it! Hopefully, for this trip I can convince some friends to join the fun. I have camped for New Years Eve several times before, including on the beach in very cold temperatures. I am confident that if I plan ahead and prepare, we will have fun no matter the weather.
The primitive sites are listed on the map as T-1 through T-6. Each site can have six people with two vehicles in the parking area. They have large tent pads with a fire ring and a picnic table. They also have a food safety lock box so you can keep critters out of your food and trash. They are technically 'hike-in' sites, but it is just a short walk down a sandy path through the trees. The primitive sites are not far from a beach access and a bathroom. The bathrooms are heated and have showers. They are usually kept very clean. For the four nights and five days at the end of 2020, each primitive site is only $100. That doesn't include taxes or and supplies. They ask that you not bring fire wood from else where because of invasive bugs. So budget for several bundles of fire wood which locally range from $4 to $7. Also, at the primitive sites, you're in the woods, there is some amount of small branches and twigs you can use. (Only, use dead dried out wood.)
Strategies For Staying Warm in Winter Weather
I have several strategies for beating the winter weather. Dress for success. That means layers. I usually wear leggings under my jeans, and a tee shirt and hoodie under my leather jacket. Always warm socks and boots or non slip shoes. Layers also are my strategy for prepping a site for winter camping. I like to create a large outer tent using popups and tarps. I set up the kitchen area and a bedroom tent inside the large space. When it is really cold I use fabric to line the inside. I set up my tents facing the fire and the woods. With the tarps I can create a pretty weather resistant wall towards the trail. You can never have too many tarps.
With the tent structure facing the fire, private, and protected from wind I can concentrate on extra things to create a warm cozy camping trip. I like to bring lots of tapestries and extra fabric to make sure I am extra weather proof. I usually try to get the picnic table in the tented space, I have a table cloth and pieces of leather I put on the benches. I have small rugs and a canvas drop cloth that I use on the ground inside the tented area. Always take camp chairs, with a cozy throw for each chair.
When I winter camp with electricity I bring all sorts of things, like a coffee maker and a space heater, but with no electricity I'll be concentrating on things that generate warmth with out electricity. Open flame generates heat no matter how small, you'd be surprised how much warmth can be generated by simple candles. Never leave them unattended or put them close to any fabric. I usually have some citronella candles for the picnic table. I also bring incense and sage to burn to keep away bugs, (and evil spirits). I like to bring tiki torches for the area outside of the tent, they provide light, heat, and keep away critters. Propane heaters are a good way to heat up a large camp spot. I suggest they are kept well ventilated and away from anything flammable.
Glamping
Sleeping accommodations are where I tend to go from camping to glamping. Air mattress with a cordless pump. Mattress pad cause the plastic air mattress can get cold. Sheets, blankets, comforters, and extra pillows. I like to give the tent an extra layer of fabric for insulation, though I place the tent inside a popup with tarp walls that are already lined with fabric, there is usually a side open facing the fire and that extra layer helps late at night when its coldest and the fire has gone out.
Food
When I camp I usually take lots of snacks that don't require cooking, however when cold weather camping I like to bring things that are sure to warm me up. Sweet potatoes are amazing baked over a fire. Bring a camp pot and any soups or noodles can warm you up. I like to make mac and cheese with tuna and sweet peas. Instant coffee and tea are also great. It is easy to leave the park and go into town for groceries, so a steak dinner is not out of the question either.
Light
Light sources other than tiki torches and candles: Battery operated LED lanterns are fantastic. I also love to bring a few strands of 'fairy lights' to make things extra magical. Since this trip is a special occasion, my 40th and New Years, I'll probably bring extra things to decorate with! A wagon is always helpful to carry all your stuff to the site, or to the beach.
