Member of the Month

hi_vis360
November, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Camping in the parking lot

profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
Looking to go full ski bum on weekends this year. Anybody have any experience doing this in the northeast particularly at VT/NH/ME resorts?
Aug 20 2019 2:19PM
9 0
profile picture
dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,099
If i had to camp in my car in cold weather id be so miserable. I need heat and warmth in a nice cozy condo. Otherwise the cold mountains are the most awful place to be.
Aug 20 2019 4:39PM
5 68
profile picture
dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,099
At least imo

**This post was edited on Aug 20th 2019 at 4:40:25pm
Aug 20 2019 4:40PM
0 16
profile picture
50Kal
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 5,412
I’d say invest in winter camping wall tent and get a stove in it. If you bought a nice tent you could cook in it, stay warm, and dry your gear out.
And I know that a good wall tent/stove seems expensive but it will be way better than some van/ truck contraption you build unless you have some decent carpentry skills.
Disclaimer:I know nothing of east coast skiing (but I know a lot about winter camping in cold wet places).
I hear east coast resorts are way more understanding of people parking in the lots.
Aug 20 2019 7:17PM
12 0
profile picture
CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,261
It doesn't sound to bad until your windows are drippin with condensation and the snowplows wake you up at 4am. If you get nice gear like @50Kal suggests, it could be nice.
Aug 20 2019 7:56PM
14 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4887 - Karma: 17,400
DolanReloadedIf i had to camp in my car in cold weather id be so miserable. I need heat and warmth in a nice cozy condo. Otherwise the cold mountains are the most awful place to be.


This is because you're weak. "A nice cozy condo" how adorable.
Aug 20 2019 8:34PM
22 0
profile picture
ATRAT24
Posts: 58 - Karma: 132
get a motel. find a motel, find a couple friends and split the price, done this many times usually get away with spending around $20 a night with 3+ friends. well worth the comfort, and this has always been in NH.

**This post was edited on Aug 20th 2019 at 11:48:21pm
Aug 20 2019 11:47PM
15 1
profile picture
ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6680 - Karma: 70,694
CLQIt doesn't sound to bad until your windows are drippin with condensation and the snowplows wake you up at 4am. If you get nice gear like @50Kal suggests, it could be nice.


Down bedding and ventilation are a dirtbag's best friend.
Aug 21 2019 12:13AM
8 1
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51747 - Karma: 163,574
50KalI’d say invest in winter camping wall tent and get a stove in it. If you bought a nice tent you could cook in it, stay warm, and dry your gear out.
And I know that a good wall tent/stove seems expensive but it will be way better than some van/ truck contraption you build unless you have some decent carpentry skills.
Disclaimer:I know nothing of east coast skiing (but I know a lot about winter camping in cold wet places).
I hear east coast resorts are way more understanding of people parking in the lots.


I've been thinking of getting my first winter tent. Ski area salary so budget lyfe. Want to combo touring with winter camping a bit. I've never done anything overnight but there are some huts I'm thinking of checking out.
Aug 21 2019 12:29AM
2 0
profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
CLQIt doesn't sound to bad until your windows are drippin with condensation and the snowplows wake you up at 4am. If you get nice gear like @50Kal suggests, it could be nice.


The snowplows sound like a good alarm clock for first chair haha. I've done camping out of my Subaru Outback in the spring, summer and fall and it's pretty comfy but I have never done it in freezing temperatures. I didn't really think about condensation in my windows... how bad can it get? Am I waking up soaking wet with hypothermia or is my gear just a little damp and I need to dry it out before putting it on?

I obviously fucking know motels exist and are cheap. But not a lot of my friends ski/snowboard as much as me so they're not taking off work midweek to drive a few hours to get the goods from the most recent nor'easter.
Aug 21 2019 10:04AM
7 0
profile picture
CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,261
nosebutterpizzaThe snowplows sound like a good alarm clock for first chair haha. I've done camping out of my Subaru Outback in the spring, summer and fall and it's pretty comfy but I have never done it in freezing temperatures. I didn't really think about condensation in my windows... how bad can it get? Am I waking up soaking wet with hypothermia or is my gear just a little damp and I need to dry it out before putting it on?

I obviously fucking know motels exist and are cheap. But not a lot of my friends ski/snowboard as much as me so they're not taking off work midweek to drive a few hours to get the goods from the most recent nor'easter.

A little damp, you just have to crack a window but that doesn't alleviate all of it. I've heard of people people putting a tarp above them to confine it to a small area. I think the hardest part is finding a place you won't be disturbed by snowplows/cops.

Forgot to add, skiing isn't as fun when you've had 3 shitty hours of sleep and are skiing by yourself.

**This post was edited on Aug 21st 2019 at 11:30:13am
Aug 21 2019 11:22AM
13 1
profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
CLQI think the hardest part is finding a place you won't be disturbed by snowplows/cops.


**This post was edited on Aug 21st 2019 at 11:30:13am

I mainly started this thread to figure out which resorts (if any) are cool with it so I wouldn't have to worry about the cops.
I'm really not too worried about the snowplows and if it is an issue, I could just throw in some ear plugs.
Aug 21 2019 11:41AM
3 0
profile picture
50Kal
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 5,412
nosebutterpizzaI didn't really think about condensation in my windows... how bad can it get? Am I waking up soaking wet with hypothermia or is my gear just a little damp and I need to dry it out before putting it on?

So smaller the vehicle the more condensation will build up faster. Cracking the windows a bit would deftly help.
In my van I can sleep with no issues other than my comforter being a bit damp in the morning when I sleep and temps can be in the 10s-30s f at night. I open my windows while I drive to work and it’s dried out.
That and I don’t live in my van full time in winter so it might be a different story if I was in it more.

A good trick to dry clothes out in winter camping is put your jacket and snow pants between your thermarest pads (when I winter camp I sleep with two thermarest foam pads) and you body heat will help it dry out. Won’t be like out of dryer hot but pretty dry. I would maybe invest in a boot dryer that plugs in to car outlet. Dry it a bit before you go too bed and turn it on before you go skiing for a while.
If you use the double sleeping bag system you can also put damp sweaty clothes outside the inside bag and your body will dry it out as well.
Aug 21 2019 1:43PM
4 0
profile picture
WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,407
CLQForgot to add, skiing isn't as fun when you've had 3 shitty hours of sleep and are skiing by yourself.

Booooo I disagree. Some of my most fun days skiing were after a 12hr drive, after an entire workday, through a snowstorm overnight with 3 hours of sleep because I was too afraid to stay sleep while someone else drove my car. I'd take camping in a parking lot over that any day. I might just be crazy though...

It's easy to find people to ski with.

And for plows, if you're in any motel or lodge in VT near a road, the plows I swear to God pass every hour in a storm. Guaranteed to never sleep. So I say get extra sleep by sleeping at your destination in their lot haha.
Aug 21 2019 3:43PM
7 0
profile picture
elcheapo
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 13,976
Condensation sucks but crank the defroster on high when you get up and it'll be gone in 15 minutes. Can do same after skiing to dry stuff out, stick liners. Gloves etc on dash till dry 1-2 hrs. Good luck
Aug 21 2019 4:04PM
2 0
profile picture
270on420out
Posts: 7514 - Karma: 51,163
If the resort has a hotel use the hotel parking lot to minimize your chances of getting kicked out
Aug 21 2019 4:31PM
13 0
profile picture
Enzob007
Posts: 68 - Karma: 330
It’s really not that bad, just get a good sleeping bag or 2 and leave a window cracked. Sleep in a parking lot with other cars and cover your windows so people can’t see in.
Aug 21 2019 8:53PM
6 0
profile picture
methscratchface
Posts: 1204 - Karma: 4,445
DolanReloadedIf i had to camp in my car in cold weather id be so miserable. I need heat and warmth in a nice cozy condo. Otherwise the cold mountains are the most awful place to be.


ok grandpa.
Aug 22 2019 12:06AM
9 1
profile picture
PeppermillReno
Posts: 4814 - Karma: -707
Don’t camp in a resort lot they fuck with you and don’t want bums there.

You want to park and sleep overnight in a hotel parking lot. That’s the only reliable place to leave your car overnight and be left alone. You will see other cars with people in them. Rage the free buffet in the morning.

And find somewhere to chill in between leaving the hill and parking at the hotel to sleep gas station store lot etc that’s still open.
Aug 22 2019 2:48AM
9 2
profile picture
Nuno812
Posts: 432 - Karma: 1,792
I’ve slept on my car for 8 seasons now. Some thoughts are a bigger car is most comfortable, my girl and I sleep with our dog in the back of a suburban we put a flat platform in that we can use an air bed. Don’t use memory foam as it becomes hard as a rock in freezing temps. Do dry out all your gear after a day of shredding so it will be dry in the morning. Running the car while you wake up and putting your boot liners and gloves will help make them usable. Do get yourself as nice a mummy bag as you can. I have an old LLbean one and a large 2 person one. Never have a problem with the cold in that regard. Bring microfiber towels to clean the condensation, if you crack the windows (which you should) you’ll still have a bunch of it. Do not sleep with your car running. Try to get Intel on where you won’t be woken up by resort security or the local PD. I’d say the worst part is during a very windy night can wake you up. The key is to be prepared and it really isn’t that bad. That said I’ve slept in the front seat of a sedan without proper gear and that situation sucks.
Aug 22 2019 9:05AM
13 0
profile picture
InfamouslyJones
Posts: 63 - Karma: 149
Ive been doing this for years in the northeast and just recently upgraded to a sprinter.

Spent many night in the parking lot of Jay Peak in -10 weather in a 2007 Sentra.

If you want you can shoot me a DM on Instagram and I can give you some pointer and advice on what to do as well as the best spots to post up.

Goes without saying a sleeping bag goes a long way. I have a 0 deg and a -20 that I use. Crank the heat on the way and youll fall asleep toasty. In the morning you'll wanna warm the car up before crawling out of the bag.

Biggest issues will be gear - nothing will dry.

I usually bring two pairs of baselayers for this reason (and socks). Its also a good idea to take your boot liners and either stuff them in the bottom of the sleeping bag or just warm them up in the morning with the car.

The condensation discussion is moot - sure you need to crack a window to help with the condensation - but in reality youre gonna wake up to condensed windows and then go ski... by the time you get back they should be cleared and if not then just crank the heat and wipe them down - I do it all the time.

best places for posting up:

Killington - Skyship lot (across the street - not the one next to the lodge)
Hunter - Bottom lot by the main road
Jay Peak - I hear they want you to park at stateside but ive always parked int he tram side lot with no issues.
Wildcat - Anywhere

I can give some advice on any particular resorts as well.

Last option is always Walmart or BLM lands (trailheads).
Aug 22 2019 1:58PM
15 1
profile picture
BigScaryLarry
Posts: 1448 - Karma: 2,732
what vehicle you have is a major part I think. I have a truck with a cap so I leave my clothes and gear in the cab so it dries out better/stays dry. I've only camped a couple times in below freezing weather and woke up to a lot of condensation in the cap. Its also not insulated in the slightest but I slept in a 20 degree bag with a comforter and was cozy.
As for places in New England to camp, Sugarloaf is super mellow about people camping out there but it gets super cold at night. I know people used to camp in the Carinthia parking lot at Mount Snow but I'm not sure if you can still. You could likely get away with parking in the back of the Sundance lot though. I feel like you'd be fine at most places if you come in late, park in the furthest lot, and keep to yourself
Aug 30 2019 4:06PM
3 0
profile picture
DominatorJacques
Posts: 11234 - Karma: 76,358
https://www.bendbulletin.com/news/1486822-157/camper-found-dead-in-mt-bachelor-lot
Aug 31 2019 9:36AM
4 0
profile picture
wass41
Posts: 65 - Karma: 177
I’ve done car camping at Sugarloaf before. They have no problem with it and several other people were doing the same thing.
Aug 31 2019 10:04AM
4 0
profile picture
Xluben
Posts: 19 - Karma: 136
I’ve had luck leaving my car on all night and just routing the exhaust through the window for unlimited heat. Also makes me sleep really well for some reason..
Aug 31 2019 12:15PM
26 0
profile picture
meyshbeyg
Posts: 70 - Karma: 114
I've done this a lot out west, and I'll agree with the guys above that the BLM land is the way to go if you don't want to be disturbed.
Sep 2 2019 8:28PM
5 0
profile picture
elcheapo
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 13,976
Yea carbon monoxide is quite the sleep aid
XlubenI’ve had luck leaving my car on all night and just routing the exhaust through the window for unlimited heat. Also makes me sleep really well for some reason..
Sep 3 2019 12:07AM
8 0
profile picture
Kooky_Lukey
Posts: 1002 - Karma: 1,966
Anyone have info for Loon and Stratton? Trying to plan a trip for next month and have a pop up tent on the back of my truck. Trying to get to Loon -> Sugarbush -> Killington -> Stratton.

Looks like from another thread there's a trailhead near Pico across from a hotel or according to above one of the killy lots is good to park in so that'll be fine. Gave seen other things about Sugarbush being cool with camping in their lot. So really just curious about Loon and Stratton.

Walmart etc is kind of out as the tent is very noticeable when it's up.
Dec 18 2019 2:13PM
4 0
profile picture
wass41
Posts: 65 - Karma: 177
Kooky_LukeyAnyone have info for Loon and Stratton? Trying to plan a trip for next month and have a pop up tent on the back of my truck. Trying to get to Loon -> Sugarbush -> Killington -> Stratton.

Looks like from another thread there's a trailhead near Pico across from a hotel or according to above one of the killy lots is good to park in so that'll be fine. Gave seen other things about Sugarbush being cool with camping in their lot. So really just curious about Loon and Stratton.

Walmart etc is kind of out as the tent is very noticeable when it's up.

As far as loon goes my best advice would be to stop in Plymouth the night before, and go to the Lucky Dog bar and see if you can find some snow bunnies who might have a place for you to sleep. Also the nearest Walmart to loon is in Plymouth.
Dec 18 2019 6:58PM
2 0
profile picture
Cream_Sauce
Posts: 482 - Karma: 1,562
DolanReloadedIf i had to camp in my car in cold weather id be so miserable. I need heat and warmth in a nice cozy condo. Otherwise the cold mountains are the most awful place to be.


Bro I had no idea you were a dentist.

I'm so sorry I take back everything I said.
Dec 19 2019 12:38AM
5 0
profile picture
foolmetwice
Posts: 605 - Karma: 1,073
For all those that say crack a window how cracked are we talkin? A milimeter, a cm, an inch? 2 inches?
thank u
Dec 19 2019 2:06PM
3 0
profile picture
CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,261
foolmetwiceFor all those that say crack a window how cracked are we talkin? A milimeter, a cm, an inch? 2 inches?
thank u


I've cracked mine like half an inch, honestly not sure how much it really helps. There was still a bit of condensation in my car in the morning.
Dec 19 2019 4:30PM
3 0
profile picture
InfamouslyJones
Posts: 63 - Karma: 149
CLQI've cracked mine like half an inch, honestly not sure how much it really helps. There was still a bit of condensation in my car in the morning.


Anything helps.

With that said you dont have a fan forcing the air out so you will def still have some condensation. Just not as bad as if you didnt crack it.

With that said Ive often forgotten this rule and woken up to quite a bit of frozen condensation.. as long as you gear up before turning on the heat youre fine... turn that heat on and youre gonna have a waterfall in your car.
Dec 19 2019 4:53PM
2 0
profile picture
InfamouslyJones
Posts: 63 - Karma: 149
Worse comes to worse Ill sell you my Sprinter for a decent price lol.

Two ceiling fans and a diesel heater... toasty and dry.
Dec 19 2019 4:54PM
1 0
profile picture
reeski
Posts: 1029 - Karma: 1,704
Sugarbush is cool in one specific lot, you will see the RVs and at Skyship at Killington is cool. I know Stowe is not and I bet Stratton wouldn’t allow it.
Dec 19 2019 7:59PM
2 0
profile picture
notadoctor
Posts: 408 - Karma: 663
anybody have info on car camping at Magic?
Jan 8 2020 9:14PM
3 0
profile picture
PeppermillReno
Posts: 4814 - Karma: -707
notadoctoranybody have info on car camping at Magic?


I would be shocked if they gave a fuck other than plowing if its a deep day. Maybe if they saw the same car for a week straight and you never left.
Jan 9 2020 3:02AM
5 0
profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
Joined a Facebook group for car camping on the east coast called "STE car campers" and one of the dudes called the resorts and asked them what their policies are and this is what he's come up with. But there's also tons of other great info in the group

Killington, VT- ok to camp in lot across from Skyeship lodge.

Mad River Glen, VT- ok to camp in the lot. Please park in upper part of the lot, along the trees.

Sugarbush, VT- ok to camp in the lots. (Mount Ellen might be a more private choice than Lincoln though)

Blue mountain, PA- ok to camp with permit, fee involved.

Jay Peak, VT- allowed in lower lot.

Loon, ME- Overnight parking is prohibited. To inquire about places that would provide overnight parking in the area, you could contact the White Mountain Visitor's Center.

Sugarloaf, ME- Allowed.

Gore, NY- Park in side lot (on right- before main lot)

Plattekill, NY- park in lower lot by pump house.

Sunday River, ME- Not allowed
Feb 14 2020 10:22AM
4 0
profile picture
Butterytips69
Posts: 724 - Karma: 8,073
nosebutterpizzaJoined a Facebook group for car camping on the east coast called "STE car campers" and one of the dudes called the resorts and asked them what their policies are and this is what he's come up with. But there's also tons of other great info in the group

Killington, VT- ok to camp in lot across from Skyeship lodge.

Mad River Glen, VT- ok to camp in the lot. Please park in upper part of the lot, along the trees.

Sugarbush, VT- ok to camp in the lots. (Mount Ellen might be a more private choice than Lincoln though)

Blue mountain, PA- ok to camp with permit, fee involved.

Jay Peak, VT- allowed in lower lot.

Loon, ME- Overnight parking is prohibited. To inquire about places that would provide overnight parking in the area, you could contact the White Mountain Visitor's Center.

Sugarloaf, ME- Allowed.

Gore, NY- Park in side lot (on right- before main lot)

Plattekill, NY- park in lower lot by pump house.

Sunday River, ME- Not allowed

Nice, but Loon's in NH
Feb 14 2020 1:38PM
1 0
profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
Butterytips69Nice, but Loon's in NH


Lol I just copied and pasted straight from someones post on facebook
Feb 14 2020 2:05PM
1 0
profile picture
GrandThings
Posts: 3166 - Karma: 31,947
The fact that Boyne owns Sunday River, Loon, and Sugarloaf but only allows camping at the Loaf makes so much sense and tells you all you need to know about the differences between each resort...

Also....would anyone be down for a group car-camp?
Feb 14 2020 3:29PM
3 0
profile picture
SavageBiff
Posts: 3483 - Karma: 14,753
GrandThingsThe fact that Boyne owns Sunday River, Loon, and Sugarloaf but only allows camping at the Loaf makes so much sense and tells you all you need to know about the differences between each resort...

Also....would anyone be down for a group car-camp?

Group car camp 🧐
u mean like.... Gypsies?



when... I’ll b campin at killi 24th-28th
Feb 14 2020 4:03PM
2 0
profile picture
WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,407
nosebutterpizzaJoined a Facebook group for car camping on the east coast called "STE car campers" and one of the dudes called the resorts and asked them what their policies are and this is what he's come up with. But there's also tons of other great info in the group

Killington, VT- ok to camp in lot across from Skyeship lodge.

Mad River Glen, VT- ok to camp in the lot. Please park in upper part of the lot, along the trees.

Sugarbush, VT- ok to camp in the lots. (Mount Ellen might be a more private choice than Lincoln though)

Blue mountain, PA- ok to camp with permit, fee involved.

Jay Peak, VT- allowed in lower lot.

Loon, ME- Overnight parking is prohibited. To inquire about places that would provide overnight parking in the area, you could contact the White Mountain Visitor's Center.

Sugarloaf, ME- Allowed.

Gore, NY- Park in side lot (on right- before main lot)

Plattekill, NY- park in lower lot by pump house.

Sunday River, ME- Not allowed


What is the lower lot of Jay peak? Would that be the stateside lot?
Feb 19 2020 3:33AM
0 0
profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
BST_PoliceWhat is the lower lot of Jay peak? Would that be the stateside lot?


I'd assume so
Feb 19 2020 2:33PM
0 0
profile picture
nosebutterpizza
Posts: 231 - Karma: 1,397
GrandThingsAlso....would anyone be down for a group car-camp?


Yes. Spring-time parking lot tailgate camp party
Feb 20 2020 11:16AM
3 0
profile picture
hi_vis360
Posts: 5104 - Karma: 51,863
GrandThingsThe fact that Boyne owns Sunday River, Loon, and Sugarloaf but only allows camping at the Loaf makes so much sense and tells you all you need to know about the differences between each resort...

Also....would anyone be down for a group car-camp?


the vibe of the loaf is so different from SR and Loon it's crazy
Feb 20 2020 12:20PM
3 0
profile picture
GrandThings
Posts: 3166 - Karma: 31,947
pinkcamo1000the vibe of the loaf is so different from SR and Loon it's crazy


100% I do still like them all for various reasons tho.


Sunday - Grew up in Maine and learned to ski here. Also the best resort for large group outings with people who arent great skiiers/more casual riders. Not too far of a drive (from Portland or Boston) and deff has the most "resort-y" feel, good for the friends that want to take 3 runs then head to the bar. Plenty of good airbnbs near too.

Loon - A little more "small mountain" feel than SR largely (IMO) due to the fact that they cater so much to the park crowd (and it's just generally smaller.) Best parks on the East Coast and you always see some gnarly snowboarders. Unfortunately it gets the most Jerry's due to its location and the crowds make it almost unrideable on Winter weekends.

Sugarloaf - The mountain for the real skiiers and prolly my favorite East Coast resort. Admittedly the one I've spent the least time and but always have a fucking blast and love the terrain there.


(I know nobody asked for this, but I'm bored at work haha)
Feb 20 2020 12:28PM
4 0
profile picture
itzPebbs
Posts: 91 - Karma: 186
Get a truck with a carpeted fiberglass topper and maybe a diesel heater inside if you really wanna get warm and cozy. Put a cot in the back and you’ll b good.
Jul 8 2020 1:00PM
2 1
All times are Eastern (-5)