Tips for Christmas Camping with a Campervan

October 1, 2018 in Tips for Travellers and Camping hacks

Many of us have considered the possibility of going camping for Christmas, but brushed it off due to fears of the cold or discomfort, but this does not have to be the case! Camping during the holiday season can be a great way to get away from distractions, to truly connect with the ones you care about most and get back to the simple roots of Christmas. So check out our tips, get packing and find a campervan to enjoy the festive season in!

Goboony Christmas Camping H2 Elderly Couple Sparklers

Plan Ahead

This is advice that you’ll hear a lot for camping, but it is especially relevant for winter camping. Firstly, be sure to book your campsite as far ahead as possible! You will be surprised how many people enjoy Christmas camping, after all you’re going for a reason, aren’t you? So avoid the possibility of disappointment and book in advance. Consider your location carefully. Are you hoping for a white Christmas Day? Then you’re safer heading North, into Scotland if you can. This also can ensure a lot of Christmas style pine trees, after all what is Christmas without a Christmas tree? Try to arrive on your site early to ensure you get an ideal spot, as there is nothing worse than being crowded or having no privacy. Make a packing list to avoid forgetting anything, as many places may be closed for Christmas. Given that most campsites are in more rural settings, try to do all your shopping prior to avoid any issues later. But if needed, you could always visit a Christmas market!

As for camping gift ideas, keep in mind the limited space of a motorhome when buying gifts. It could be beneficial to wait for gifts after you’ve returned, so you’re not bringing them back and forth. Otherwise some of the best camping gift ideas are ones that you can use throughout the trip! A nice warm blanket or camping gear if they’re an enthusiast. A camera - proper or disposable depending on budget - to capture these festive moments. Avoid anything requiring power or internet, as there will only be disappointment at not being able to use it. A good book or board game, a piece of warm clothing, the choices are endless!

Necessary Supplies

As I mentioned previously, a camping packing list can make the world of difference! But first we must consider what to put on this packing list. Be sure to pack enough warm items, from experience this is something we often greatly underestimate. Bring that extra layer of clothing, extra blanket or whatever it takes. Being cold is not a great way to celebrate Christmas and will greatly reduce spirit. Also, don’t forget that the sun will set far earlier in winter, so there will be extra time in the dark. Be sure to make this time just as cosy and lovely as the day by bringing enough light. Take a string of fairy lights to hang on your awning, to ensure a wonderful atmosphere and the light to see each other well. Bring candles, but be careful lighting them within your motorhome. Bring a torch and lantern, and plenty of extra batteries! Try to avoid things requiring power in case of issues, as you wouldn’t want a shortage to result in a dark Christmas Eve. Pack matches and a lighter, so that a campfire is always possible. But aside from these useful supplies, don’t forget the supplies that simply add to your enjoyment. Board games will ensure you can spend time together and have a few laughs, and a pack of cards is a camping trip must!  

Goboony Christmas Camping H2 Bed Lights

Christmas Cooking

A big fear for many wishing to try Christmas camping is the loss of a traditional Christmas dinner, but it doesn’t have to be this way! I’ll be honest, a traditional entire Christmas turkey will not be likely. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a delicious Christmas dinner. The best way to achieve this would be a dutch oven, as this will allow you to roast food and will make the cooking far easier. As for turkey, perhaps consider cooking some turkey breast instead of the entire bird. Once you’ve added the cranberry sauce and vegetables, no one will know the difference! Cooking your Christmas dinner by campfire will be even more fun, create great memories and make it an interactive family experience. And don’t be afraid to diverge from traditional Christmas foods, Christmas isn’t about the roasted potatoes being done exactly right, but about enjoying and celebrating together. So for dessert? Make your life easier and doing camping desserts such as s’mores or filled bananas! Be sure to bring plenty of snacks, as Christmas is always the time to let loose a little. Here you can find recipes for cooking Christmas dinner whilst camping!

Campsites for Christmas

Never assume that a campsite is open for Christmas! As many family-run businesses may close for this period, but there are plenty of campsites open at Christmas, so a simple search will provide dozens of options. But here are a few of our top picks to get you started.

1. Wells Touring Park is the perfect place for parking your motorhome this winter, an adults-only campsite located just 20 miles from Bath. It is walking distance of historic Wells and offers full service hardstanding pitches along with a heated toilet block, laundry and shop - perfect for the cold reality of winter camping. If you fancy a bit of pampering, head to the on-site beauty room for a treat. This campsite is also ideal given that Bath is a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas. In the centre of the city, you’ll find Bath Christmas Market, filled with over 100 stalls selling all kinds of gifts, festive foods and drinks.

Price starts from £28 per night

GPS: 51.210429, -2.672718

Haybridge, Wells BA5 1AJ, UK

Goboony Christmas Camping H2 Man Car Gifts

2. In Hampshire you’ll find Lytton Lawn Touring Park, only 10 miles from Beaulieu and only one mile inland from Milford-on-Sea - a seaside village with pubs, shops and a shelving beach. The campsite has a well-stocked shop, toilet and shower facilities, a games room and play area. A great advantage of this site is that guests have access to all the leisure and entertainment facilities at Shorefield Country Park which is only two and a half miles away. In Beaulieu you’ll find numerous festive activities, including the historic Palace House decorated and filled with carol singers, serving punch and more.

Price starts from £16.50 per night 

GPS: 50.738462, -1.587055

Lymore Ln, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0TX, UK

3. Scotland’s capital city is famed for their New Years celebrations, and so what better place to celebrate the season than Edinburgh? Edinburgh Caravan Club Site is situated on the Firth of Forth, ensuring you have beautiful peaceful surroundings as well as easy access to the capital. The site is close to the waterfront, where campers can walk along the promenade of Cramond, or drive the short distance to the popular coastal suburb of Portobello, to enjoy the pubs, restaurants and shops. In Edinburgh itself, you can enjoy the German Christmas market, ice rink, Santa Land and more. From a Candlelit Choir Concert to a world-famous firework show, it promises to never disappoint.

Price starts from £10.50 per night (Remember it’s Christmas time and you need to check for the new prices)

GPS: 55.977609, -3.264207

 

35-37 Marine Dr, Edinburgh EH4 5EN, UK

Goboony Christmas Camping H2 Motorhome Campfire Festive

And these are but a few of the many campsites open at Christmas, so you’ll be lucky with plenty of choice. Hopefully these winter camping tips can be of help, and ensure you enjoy a white Christmas in the beautiful outdoors. Camping for Christmas is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life, so enjoy the snow falling down as you cuddle together under a warm blanket with a mug of eggnog! And as for the campervan to celebrate the season in? A quick search on our site should provide plenty of options!