Winter camping: a how-to guide

12 December, 2019 | Update: 24/10/2025

Camping in winter? Absolutely! More and more campers are discovering how wonderful it is to wake up surrounded by nature while a thin layer of snow rests on the caravan or motorhome. With the right preparation, winter camping is not only comfortable but also surprisingly cosy. Whether you’re an experienced camper or trying it for the first time — with these tips you can make the most of the cold season.

Table of contents

• Winter camping with a tent
• Winter camping with a caravan or motorhome
• Insulating your caravan for winter
• Choosing the right winter awning for your caravan
• Choosing the right heater and ensuring ventilation
• Staying comfortable when it’s cold
• Popular destinations for winter camping
• Winter camping in the Netherlands

Summary

More and more campers are venturing into nature during the winter months, and with the right preparation, winter camping can be both comfortable and atmospheric. Whether you choose a tent, caravan or motorhome, this article offers practical tips for selecting a suitable winter pitch, insulating and heating your accommodation, and enjoying snow, peace and winter tranquillity safely and comfortably. From preventing condensation to taking a stroll through a snowy landscape — here’s how to turn your winter holiday into a warm and unforgettable adventure.

Winter camping with a tent

If you’re a die-hard winter camper, you’ll probably head out with your tent anyway — and that’s perfectly doable with good preparation. A warm sleeping bag, thermal clothing, a reliable heater and a suitable tent will get you well on your way. When pitching the tent, clear away any snow and add extra insulation under the groundsheet, as most of the cold comes from the ground. Also, take the right tools with you, such as a heavy mallet and a steel peg to ‘pre-drill’ holes for your tent pegs in frozen soil. Make sure your tent is large enough too — this prevents you from touching the inner tent, keeps you warmer and helps keep your belongings dry.

Winter camping with a caravan or motorhome: preparation is key

Winter camping with a caravan or motorhome requires a slightly different approach than in summer. Start by choosing a campsite that’s open year-round and offers heated sanitary facilities and winter-proof pitches. A hardstanding surface is best so you don’t sink into snow or mud. Pick a sunny spot and park with your door out of the wind. Clear the snow before setting up and keep your pitch snow-free throughout your stay.

Even in winter, preparation is everything. Drain the pipes, water tank and boiler to prevent freezing. Pay extra attention to your caravan or motorhome:

• Tyres and brakes: make sure everything functions properly in cold temperatures.
• Gas supply: propane performs better than butane as it continues to vaporise even in freezing conditions.
• Heating: test your heater and ventilation before you set off.
• Rubber seals: treat door and window seals to prevent them from freezing shut.

For even more comfort, look for special winter sports campsites. More and more campsites now offer facilities tailored to colder months, such as heated ski storage rooms, extra-warm bathrooms, saunas and spas.

Winter camping on winter sports campsites:

Insulating your caravan for winter

A well-insulated caravan makes all the difference between shivering and being snug. Modern caravans already have built-in insulation, but a few extra measures help retain heat even better.

Here’s how to insulate your caravan for the winter:

• • Lay insulating mats or a carpet on the floor to keep your feet warm.
  • Add thermal window film or curtains to the inside of your windows.
  • Use draught excluders on doors and windows to keep cold air out as much as possible.
  • Don’t forget ventilation — a small amount of airflow prevents condensation.

These tips also apply to motorhomes. Using an awning during the winter? Then a winter version is highly recommended!

Choosing the right winter awning for your caravan

A winter awning for your caravan or motorhome is essential if you’re camping during the colder months. These special awnings are made of extra-durable fabric that can withstand wind, snow and frost. They also create a natural buffer between the outside air and your caravan, helping to keep the interior warmer.

When choosing a winter awning, pay close attention to the material, construction and insulation. Opt for PVC or coated polyester, as these are both waterproof and strong. Choose a sturdy frame with storm straps to withstand heavy winds. An insulating groundsheet prevents rising cold, while a sloping roof ensures that snow or rain slides off easily.

Extra tip: Use the awning as a ‘cold buffer zone’ — the perfect place to store wet shoes or skis, keeping your caravan or motorhome clean and warm.

Choosing the right heater and ensuring ventilation

Winter camping is only enjoyable if you don’t have to sit in the cold all day (or night). A reliable heater or heating system in your caravan, motorhome or tent is essential. However, not every heater performs well in low temperatures. Campingaz heaters, for example, struggle in the cold, so you’ll need an alternative. For a small tent or caravan, an electric heater or fan heater works well. Do keep an eye on your electricity usage on the campsite — you don’t want to trip the circuit and end up without power!

Gas or paraffin heaters are not recommended in small, poorly ventilated spaces, as they increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For larger tents or caravans this may be less of an issue, but caution is always advised. Never leave a gas heater running overnight while you sleep. Proper ventilation is crucial — it refreshes the air and helps moisture escape. Damp air is difficult to heat, so make sure to air out your space at least twice a day for five to ten minutes.

Staying comfortable when it’s cold

A good heater is essential for winter camping, but keeping yourself warm is just as important. With a few clever adjustments, you can make winter camping surprisingly comfortable. Many campsites now offer heated sanitary facilities, so taking a warm shower or using the toilet is no longer a challenge.

Dress in layers — several thin layers keep you warmer than one thick jumper. If you’re sleeping in a sleeping bag, don’t wear too many clothes: the interaction between your body heat and the sleeping bag’s filling helps to generate warmth. Thick clothing can block that effect, though thermal underwear is always a good choice.

Keep extra blankets in your caravan or motorhome for chilly nights. An electric blanket or heated floor mat adds extra comfort, especially in colder regions. A traditional hot-water bottle or even a filled soft drink bottle can help preheat your bed. And, perhaps most importantly — create a cosy atmosphere. A mug of hot chocolate, a good book and a view of the snowy landscape make winter camping pure relaxation. Just go easy on the alcohol: it may make you feel warm initially, but it actually lowers your core body temperature!

Popular destinations for winter camping

You can, of course, seek out the snow with your caravan or tent, but you might just as well head south for some winter sun. Europe offers plenty of campsites that stay open all year round, where you can enjoy mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Popular destinations include Spain, Portugal, Italy and southern France. For the more adventurous, Greece and Cyprus are also excellent options. These regions are perfect for campers looking to escape the northern cold.

• • • Southern Germany: the perfect mix of snow reliability and excellent facilities.
    • Austria: campsites close to ski slopes with heated bathrooms.
    • Scandinavia: for true adventurers — deep snow, silence and the Northern Lights.

Winter camping in the Netherlands

You don’t have to travel to the mountains for a winter camping adventure. Winter camping in the Netherlands is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more campsites now stay open during the colder months. While the chances of a snowy wonderland are smaller at home, the peace and natural beauty are just as lovely. Some campsites or nature pitches might even be all yours during this season! And if you’d rather skip the family gatherings during the holidays — or want to avoid New Year’s fireworks — winter camping offers the perfect escape.

Winter camping in the Netherlands:

Low temperatures mean low prices!

Want to spend this winter affordably on a campsite in southern Europe? With the Digital CampingCard ACSI you can get up to 60% off per night at campsites in southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia and Greece. With eight fixed low-rate price levels per country, you’ll quickly save money on your stay. And the best part? You’ll earn the card back within four nights! The digital version is always at hand on your smartphone — and it even works offline. Winter camping? Do it for less!

Do you have great winter camping tips or a favourite site in Europe? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Have a wonderful winter!