Camping can be rough in the summer if you aren't completely prepared. Throw in some bitter cold, and the experience can be miserable or even life threatening.
Spending the night outdoors in the dead of winter is not for most people. It takes careful preparation, but can be enjoyable if it is done right. It takes you back to more wild times where people were in a struggle for life on a daily basis. Everything was out to get them, including the weather.
It makes you appreciate the simple life we have. You constantly hear people talking about how hard their life is. I promise, that tune can change pretty easily. One uncomfortable night in the winter woods can give someone a whole new perspective on life. You learn that the word life doesn't have anything to do with your housing situation, religious beliefs, job status or car you drive. The word life represents your survival and nothing more out there. What you had previously called life was nothing more than lifestyle.
I do believe if you go out unprepared, that religion will play some role in most people. You will be praying to whatever god you believe in, that the sun will just rise, and you can warm up. Here are measures you can take that can prevent you from having to pray, unless that's just your thing.
Insulation, shelter, and a heat source are the name of the game when trying to camp in the winter. They are differing styles, which can be used alone quite well or you may choose to combine them as most modern campers do, and have the best chance of staying warm. Your shelter design will be chosen based upon what style of heat you will be using. There is a sliding scale based on the size of your shelter in relation to the amount of heat produced. Let's get into some scenarios and how I would deal with them.
You are on a hunting trip that takes you far from home and makes it nearly impossible to hunt the morning because you would have to get up at 2 a.m. and drive to the location. Your best bet is to arrive the previous evening, set up camp, and sleep there. This way you can get up at a reasonable hour and head out on the hunt. Let's just say it's going to be below zero. What would your options be?
Number one for most would be in the back of the pickup with a cap on it. You can use blankets or a mattress to insulate and protect you from the bed of the truck. You should then choose a good sleeping bag. Remember, you can always unzip it if you get too warm, but if it's not enough, you are kind of screwed.
I would bring along a propane heater of some type and use that along with the bag as a system. You can use a lighter bag this way and feel less cocoon-like. Always remember to allow some ventilation when using a heat source. Lack of oxygen and carbon monoxide can be an issue when using petroleum-based heat.
A tent is your next choice. You can do much like the truck, but the heat will escape much more easily from a tent. This will require a much better sleeping bag or more heat production. Again, you must vent it to prevent problems. You will do much better if you layer the ground under the tent with pine bows. They elevate you from the cold ground and prevent heat loss from conduction. A sleeping pad inside the tent will shield you from branches digging into your ribcage as you try to sleep. The pad will also provide some added insulation.
Now to the old trappers’ lean-to: In this scenario you must first check state laws, if you will be camping on state land. Some states forbid the cutting trees and making fires. Others only allow camping by permit. Make sure you know the rules or be on private property, before trying this style of camping.
Build a small shelter covered on three sides. Insulate the ground sides and roof with pine bows, and cover with a tarp if you have one. Remember the larger the shelter, the more wood it takes to heat it. Build a fire directly in front of the shelter and add wood as needed. These shelters can be surprisingly warm, but make sure you have the best sleeping bag possible for this style.
Ice fishermen commonly sleep on the ice in their shanties. All shelter rules apply on the ice as they do on land. As for all styles, hot liquids of any kind will help you keep warm. Heat and drink often!
Good wishes and stay warm on your winter excursion.