When preparing for an overnight camping trip, you need to make a comprehensive checklist of all the items you’ll need. The harsh weather of winter complicates things, but with proper preparation, you can enjoy your trip no matter how cold it gets. Add a sporty BMW to the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun-filled camping experience!
Food and Water
Winter camping presents some unique challenges, especially when it comes to cooking and keeping your supplies from freezing overnight. Here’s what you’ll need to protect your food from the elements and curious creatures:
- Water bottle covers
- Lightweight mug or thermos
- Eating utensil kit
- Headlamp or another stable light source
- Liquid-fuel camping stove (and fuel)
- Flat stove platform
- Lighter or waterproof matches
- Cooking utensils (a deep pot is a must)
- Spice kit
- Soap and dishcloth
- Waterproof bags, rope and carabiners for hanging food
Overnight camping limits your meal options to dried foods and frozen pre-cooked meals, but you can still make a delicious hot meal with the right ingredients. Here are some popular camping recipes you can try:
- Campfire pizza: add any ingredients you want to the dough, store in a cooler and cook right over the campfire.
- Shepherd’s pie: flavor-packed comfort food with simple ingredients that can serve a large family.
- Chicken stir fry: a nutritious meal with versatile ingredients that you can change to fit your preferences.
- Chili: high in protein and easy to make. Just freeze it ahead of time.
- Mac and Cheese: pre-cook your favorite recipe, place it in individual pie tins, store in a cooler and heat over the fire when you’re ready.
Make sure you have every tool on the checklist and you can cook all of these meals over the fire or stove in less than an hour. Before you settle in for the night, store all of your supplies in waterproof bags and hang them out of reach from any animal that might be drawn towards the smell.

Proper Clothing
Layering is the name of the game when dressing for cold weather. Start with thermal shirts and leggings. The layer over your thermal gear should be a breathable sweatshirt and fleece/cotton pants. Bring a light jacket for the daytime and a heavy coat for the evening when temperatures drop. This final exterior layer should be water-resistant.
Socks are arguably the most important clothing item. Wool socks are the best for cold weather. Bring a quality set of boots, gloves, and a warm hat to protect your extremities. Pack an extra set of each item, just in case. Your head, hands and feet are the most essential body parts. You need to keep them warm no matter what.
Shelter from the Elements
Along with proper clothing, your sleeping arrangements have to keep you warm. Inexperienced campers often don’t check the weather and thus underestimate how cold a winter night in the wilderness can be, leading them to pack insufficient protection. You don’t want to make that mistake.
Purchase a sleeping bag that can handle temperatures at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower than what the weather forecast anticipates. Get a thick sleeping pad to go along with it, so you don’t have to sleep on the cold ground. The more elevated you are, the better, so you can also get a portable cot if it can fit inside your tent.
You must have a four-season tent that can trap heat inside. The tent’s fly should also wholly cover the tent to add an extra layer of protection. Remember to keep your hat and socks on when you settle in for the night, and sleep with your feet closer to the entrance.
In the event of heavy snowfall, keep a snow shovel in the tent with you so you can dig yourself out. Also, keep your boots, heavy coat and a light source on hand so you can leave the tent if you need to.
BMW’s Outdoor Features
BMW offers some cool outdoor-friendly accessories, such as the outdoor adventure pack with weather-proof floor mats and boot liners. You can also get the outdoor car cover to protect your BMW from the elements on your camping trip.
Some of BMW’s models are well-known for their outdoor capabilities, especially the 2019 X3 and X5. These SUVs can handle any terrain, have heated seats and a built-in navigation system that can guide you along your path in areas with no cell phone service.
If you don’t want to use a tent, most BMW SUVs have enough space for you to put the seats down and sleep inside. Just don’t run the heat all night, or you might find yourself in a real predicament in the morning. Keep your owner’s manual in the glove compartment and bring along a set of tools if you need to make any minor repairs.
Take Your BMW Camping with Confidence
BMW’s luxury vehicles hog most of the spotlight, but their SUVs are reliable vehicles for any outdoor activity, including overnight camping. Take your BMW on your next camping trip with confidence, and make a checklist of all the things you need to cover the essentials: food, water, clothing and shelter.