We can’t be expected to wait until spring to go travelling again, so it’s time to pull on some extra layers and head into the wilderness for some winter camping.
Camping shouldn’t be restricted to the warmer months, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. With these camping essentials, you can stay warm and comfortable throughout your trip.
We’ve rounded up the best winter camping tips for your trip, so all that’s left is to hire a winter-ready motorhome for a magical adventure!
What to pack for winter camping
Alongside your usual campervan packing list, there are a few things to consider when winter camping:
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Waterproof clothing. We often bring waterproof jackets but completely forget about our bottom half! Trust us, you’ll regret that when your bottom half gets damp. Rainproof trousers don’t have to be expensive, and can easily be found at Cotswold Outdoor.
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Thermals for your base layer. Aim for clothing you can easily layer, like leggings and a long-sleeved shirt. This will ensure you’re always toasty under your layers.
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A spare set of shoes. If your hiking boots get soaked, you’ll be glad to have something else to wear while they dry (slowly). Also bring an easy pair of shoes or slip-ons for going to the bathroom when you’re staying at campsites.
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Thick socks. You should never wear ankle socks with your hiking boots anyway, but this is especially important during winter. Wear long socks to further trap your body heat and keep your skin protected.
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Sunglasses. You’d be shocked how often these are forgotten! But the glare of the frost or snow can damage your eyesight and also limit your perception of the beautiful winter landscape.
- Sleeping bags. Often in a motorhome, we opt for a regular duvet. But if it gets too cold, you’ll be glad for a sleeping bag. Don’t worry about cuddling, as you can now get two-person sleeping bags as well.
How to prepare your motorhome for winter camping
Choosing to stay in a motorhome when winter camping will provide you with more comfort and flexibility than a tent. You’ll be able to keep your stuff protected, have a warm home to retreat to and easily cook warm meals. Motorhomes can make winter camping accessible to more people, and make it seem less challenging.
There are a few things to consider in prepping for your motorhome for winter camping.
Finding the best campervan heater
If you’re looking to install a campervan heater, you’ll definitely be glad you made that decision on freezing nights. The best campervan heater for you depends on several factors. For a minimal investment, you can opt for a space heater or just purchase an electric blanket.
If you’re ready to commit to winter camping for longer trips and make it as comfortable as possible, we recommend getting a gas heater or diesel heater. Additionally, for some, the best campervan heater is a woodtop stove, but this requires a large quantity of wood to be either sourced or brought along for the entire trip.
Winter tires
In the UK, you’re not legally required to equip your vehicle with winter tires. But if you plan to drive during snowfall or freezing temperatures, especially uphill, then we recommend fitting your motorhome with winter tires. This can avoid potentially dangerous situations, and protect your summer tires.
Other countries in Europe, like Germany, legally require winter tires during several months of the year. So be sure to check the local regulations before taking your campervan abroad.
Reduce condensation
While condensation is to be expected in a motorhome in winter, it can be a big issue if left untreated. This water vapour can cause big issues for the van’s integrity, as well as the occupant's health. Keep your van well-ventilated to replace the stale, humid air with fresh, dry air. As painful as it is, keep the door open for an extended period each day to clear the air. This is especially necessary after cooking in the van.
Motorhome toilets
Usually, if you plan to stay at serviced campsites, you won’t need a toilet or shower on board. But when travelling in winter, you’ll definitely appreciate having these closer to you, and not having to leave the comfort of the van. So consider investing in a motorhome toilet.
The best places to go winter camping
What are the best destinations for winter camping in the UK? You’ve got plenty of options, and we’ve done the difficult task of rounding up our favourites.
The Isle of Wight
This popular summer holiday destination is beautiful in winter and far less crowded. There is something truly unique about walking along the beach when it’s almost freezing. We wouldn’t recommend swimming (unless you’re truly brave) but there are plenty of other things to keep you busy on the Isle of Wight. You could even do a full road trip of the Isle of Wight in about three days.
The Cairngorms
We’d recommend this national park in any season, but it’s especially worth visiting in winter if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Staying in a motorhome for your ski holiday can really help you to save money on accommodation, and give you a way to spend the night closer to the slopes. Even if you’re not skiing, you can enjoy the beauty of this incredible national park. You can also travel along the aptly named Snow Roads Scenic Route for the best road trip in winter.
The Brecon Beacons
This is one of the best destinations in the UK in January. Head over to Wales to make the most of the dark winter sky in the Brecon Beacons. This is one of the few Dark Sky reserves in the UK, and might just be our favourite one. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy here, and it’s ideal for those looking to do some winter hill walking.
Mourne Mountains
If you’re looking to go winter camping in Northern Ireland, then you should definitely head straight to the Mourne Mountains. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is filled with dramatic mountains, green valleys, running streams and much more. It’s affectionately known as the ‘Silent Valley’, and will provide you with all of the peace you’re looking for in winter camping.
Dartmoor National Park
If you’re looking to stay active while winter camping, then we recommend heading over to Dartmoor National Park. This area is renowned for its walking and biking trails, and there are plenty of sights to visit along the way. You can dive into the many myths and legends of Dartmoor, and visit the archaeological sites remaining from the Stone Age.
The Cotswolds
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the pages of a fairytale in the Cotswolds. This is the ideal winter camping destination if you live in or near London, as it’s only a few hour's drive away. You can warm up in cosy pubs and visit crumbling churches, retreating to your motorhome at the end of the day. We also love travelling in the Cotswolds with a dog, as there are plenty of great walking routes.
Tips for winter camping
Here are some final tips for winter camping to keep you warm and toasty on the coldest of nights. Keep in mind:
-It is always better to overpack rather than underpack when it comes to winter camping. Your clothes will not only get wet from the snow, or rather slush, but can also grow more sweaty when you’re active in layers. Don’t risk having to pull wet socks over your feet, and pack an extra set of everything. You have the space in your motorhome so use it!
-It’s all about layering! This will allow you to adapt to the unpredictable weather, and also to adjust to being inside and outside of your motorhome.
-A common misconception is that snow is safe for drinking water. This is not always the case, as bacteria can form in snow. Additionally, your mechanical filtration system can break in the cold, so it’s better to leave it at home. Instead, go old school and boil water.
-Keep your boots inside at night, as plenty of wildlife will see a toasty home in them! This also stops your boots from freezing overnight…
- Keep your electronics in a warmer space as the cold can quickly deplete your batteries. This is especially important for your power bank, to ensure you’re never stuck without any charge.
-Check ahead of time whether campsites are open during your trip. Not all campsites open during winter, but we’ve rounded up:
Campsites open in Scotland all year
Campsites open in England all year
Campsites open in Wales all year
-Park your motorhome away from shaded spots, so that the morning sun can defrost your van and provide a little extra warmth!
-Pack plenty of hot beverages like tea, hot chocolate or coffee, as this will really help to warm you up after a long day spent outside.
-It’ll get dark early in winter, so bring plenty of lights and candles to ensure you can still enjoy your evenings. We also recommend bringing entertainment for the evenings or rainy days.
-Consider combining your trip with an activity, like winter climbing or winter walking, to stay active despite the cold. This will also warm you up quickly, and allow you to explore beautiful destinations in the UK like you’ve never before.
Now you’re ready to discover the joy of winter camping! You’ll quickly adjust to the weather and enjoy the tranquillity. There will be no crowds and you’ll feel like the only people in the world.
Winter camping is not only budget-friendly and adventurous, but also a great way to avoid winter blues and get outside more during the darker months. Check out more tips for winter camping and advice for Christmas camping.
