Camping during the winter is something that an average city dweller may never dream of taking on. It's actually not as hard as one may think if you follow these five easy steps it can actually be an enjoyable experience.

1. Where proper clothing. Camping during the winter obviously means that you will have a challenge staying warm, but if you know the right types of clothes to bring you'll actually find that you stay very comfortable during your trip and therefore have a much better time.

Wool will be your best friend when camping in the chilly winter months. You'll want to where a wool hat to keep your head and ears warm, wool underwear (preferably long), wool socks, and a wool shirt. Layer on a jacket or two over your wool shirt to create air space which your body heat will keep warm, and will in turn continue to keep you warm.

Layers are important because when you start doing strenuous activity you want to be able to peel off layers at a time so that you don't begin to sweat in your clothes. If you sweat you will your body temperature will drop and you will get cold very quickly. Take off a layer or two during heavy activity and replace them when you begin to rest and you will stay warm.

For footwear you will want two pairs of socks. The first pair is silk and smooth, and over the top is your trusty wool to keep you warm. This layering will have the same effect as your upper body and will keep an air pocket within your show that will stay warm. Wear shoes that are a size or two too large for you in order to avoid blisters. Also make sure if you buy brand new shoes for you trip, break them in before you leave.

2. Spend time making sure you have the proper sleeping arrangements. For a tent, one with an open tent is preferred so that you can build a reflector fire in front of it to keep you warm during the night. If there is not too much snow on the ground clear it from the area before setting your tent up, if it is too thick stamp it down and cover the area with dead leaves.

Make sure the inside of your tent is properly prepped for a comfortably night's sleep. Set up a proper bed frame and fill it with light brush and dead leaves. On top of the brush lay out a water-proof ground sheet. Remember that when sleeping outdoors you want to have as many layers underneath you as you have on top. This creates the same type of air pocket that keeps you warm during the day.

3. Making sure you eat the right foods while camping during the winter is also essential to your health and comfort. You want to eat foods that are heat producing, foods with lots of fats and sugars. Stew is a staple meal during any camping trip, so make sure to bring the right cooking utensils.

4.Plan your activities before you leave. You will want to plan a number of different activities to keep you occupied and your body moving during the day. Skiing, hiking, snow ball fights anything of that sort. Plan out your activities before you leave to ensure you always have something to keep you occupied.

5.Make sure you stay hydrated during the trip. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you don't need to supply your body with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Many people make the mistake of eating snow which actually uses a lot of energy and you'd be better off melting the snow if no water is available to you at the time. Make sure that all the water you drink is potable; if there is any doubt in your mind, boil the water for fifteen minutes to kill any harmful bacteria.

Hopefully these tips will get you on your way to having a successful winter camping trip. It doesn't take an expert outdoorsman to have a great time in the wild, just a little bit of proper planning. Good luck, and safe camping!