4 Ideas for Memorable Winter Campfire and Fishing Trips

The warmth of a crackling campfire (bring on the s’mores!), clear starry night skies, and the excitement of a cool weather catch – just a few of the reasons to plan winter campfire and fishing trips. Whether you tend to opt for warmer destinations as winter approaches or want to embrace the seasonal vibes in a chilly climate, there are places where everyone can enjoy fishing during the coolest months of the year.

Winter Campfire and Fishing Trip Ideas

If you aren’t sure how to find the best winter fishing and camping activities, reviewing a list of ideas from other anglers can certainly help. From there, think about how far you want to travel, how much time you have to spend on a trip, and what you want to catch. Short weekend trips are perfect for budget-friendly fishing camps close to home, while destination trips are best when you have at least a week of time for longer getaway experiences.

1. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida

If white sand beaches appeal to you more than drifts of white snow, saltwater fishing and camping down in the Florida Keys might be your kind of winter trip. There are three campgrounds at Bahia Honda State Park. Two of the campgrounds have electricity, water, picnic tables and grills. The third campground (Bayside Campground) has eight non-electric primitive sites. Campfires are permitted in designated areas and firewood is available for purchase at the park. Fish right from the beach for mangrove snapper or mackerel, then cook your catch on the campfire. When it comes to destination winter campfire and fishing trips, Bahia Honda State Park is also one of the best family-friendly options in Florida.

2. Trinidad Lake State Park, Colorado

No winter fishing and camping guide would be complete without a highlighting a spot in Colorado. Trinidad State Park in Southern Colorado has campsites open through the winter months and you can fish from the shore to catch fish species like rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and bluegill (the boat ramp closes on November 15th). Campfires are permitted in permanent fire rings in developed campgrounds and picnic areas; however, you should check with the park to see if there are any fire restrictions in effect before you go.

3. Vogel State Park, Georgia

When you’re debating on where to go winter fishing and camping, do some research on Vogel State Park in the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are 90 tent, trailer, and RV campsites in the park that have fire rings for campfires and the sites are open on a year-round basis. You can launch a non-motorized boat on Lake Trahlyta to fish for largemouth bass, trout, and bluegill or head to Wolf Creek to fly fish for trout (check GA fishing license and trout stamp requirements). There is also an ADA compliant fishing pier on Lake Trahlyta that is accessible to persons with disabilities.

4. Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin

If you are an angler who loves ice fishing and doesn’t mind braving the elements during the coldest months of the year, check out Ottawa Lake campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Ottawa Lake campground has sites with fire rings for campfires and the contact station sells firewood when they are open. One of the best winter campfire and fishing trip ideas is to bundle up with lots of layers and spend a few days camping at Ottawa Lake campground, then go ice fishing for bluegill, perch, crappie, largemouth bass, and walleye.