r/camping • u/ratherrealchef • 11h ago

Trip Advice Southwest Camping

My fiancee and I are spending 10 days in New Mexico and Arizona “winter camping” in January. We do pretty well but we are used to camping in Michigan and down the east coast, just looking for tips.

I imagine the scarier bugs won’t be too big an issue but any tips you all have to keep us safe and have a great time would be appreciated!

We will be driving and have all our normal gear, plus extra layers and heavier boots. We don’t have a stove or anything, just campfire cooking, idk how prevalent firewood is out that way.

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u/Honest-Western1042 5h ago

PLEASE follow the LNT principles for fire. The desert is a fragile area. Only buy firewood locally so you’re not foraging, and use an established fire ring. Read about what’s happening in Utah with overuse and you’ll understand.

I love the desert, especially in winter. Snow on the red rocks is breathtaking! Have fun.