Closing up camp for the season involves more than turning off the lights and locking the door. Before you head home, take some time to prepare your camp for months of freezing temperatures, snow and winter weather. From draining water lines to checking your heating system and securing the property, this checklist can help you leave your camp ready for the season ahead.
Water & plumbing
- Turn off the main water supply.
- Drain the water lines by opening faucets and other fixtures.
- Drain the water heater according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Flush toilets and drain remaining water from tanks/bowls.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets.
- Winterize traps in sinks, showers, floor drains and toilets with an appropriate RV/plumbing antifreeze if recommended for the system.
- If you have a well, follow the manufacturer's/plumber's procedure for shutting down and draining the well pump and pressure system.
Remember! Even a small crack caused by frozen water can result in hundreds of gallons of water damage.
Heating & utilities
- Decide whether the camp will be fully shut down or maintained at a low temperature through the winter.
- If shutting down completely, turn off appropriate electrical circuits and fuel supplies after systems are properly prepared.
- If maintaining heat, leave power and fuel supplies necessary for the heating system operating and set the thermostat appropriately.
- Have the furnace/boiler serviced before the heating season if it will remain in operation.
- If using propane, make sure the tank and appliances are handled according to the manufacturer's instructions and your supplier's recommendations.
Kitchen & appliances
- Clean out the refrigerator and freezer.
- Leave refrigerator/freezer doors propped open after cleaning.
- Remove food from cabinets and pantry, particularly anything that could attract rodents.
- Clean the oven/stovetop.
- Run the dishwasher and drain it as appropriate.
- Make sure washing machines and other water-using appliances are drained/winterized.
Exterior
- Clean gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.
- Inspect the roof for obvious damage before snow arrives.
- Check windows and doors and close/lock them securely.
- Remove or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment.
- Store or properly winterize lawn equipment.
- Trim or address dead/damaged branches that could threaten the structure or driveway.
- Secure sheds, garages and other outbuildings.
Safety
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before leaving and replace batteries as needed.
- Check fire extinguishers.
- If there's a wood stove/fireplace, make sure fires are completely extinguished and have the chimney inspected/cleaned as appropriate.
- Never leave portable heaters operating unattended.
- If a generator is stored at the camp, make sure it is stored safely and ready for the next season.
The “before you go” items
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Close blinds/curtains if desired.
- Take out all trash.
- Remove valuables.
- Forward or suspend mail and deliveries.
- Arrange for someone local to check the property periodically, particularly after major storms. Make sure they know where the main water, electric, and gas shutoffs are.
- Consider leak, temperature, or security monitoring if the camp will be unattended for months.