Winter camping UK: complete van camping guide

You might associate camping with the summertime, but there are so many wonderful reasons to hop in a van and explore the wintery bliss of the UK during the off-season. With the crowds away and the prices lower, you can watch the glistening sunrise under the comfort of your duvet; hot chocolate or coffee in hand amongst the serenity of the quiet. It might seem more daunting, but we’ve got an expert guide to get you ready for a winter escape in a van.

All the essentials

You can rest easy while you’re planning a winter camping trip knowing that your wonderful van owner will equip you with essentials like motor oil , insulation and other bits that your van will need to keep warm during the colder months. But don’t just keep your van warm, you’ll need to keep the chill at bay too.

When packing clothes for a summer trip, you’d usually go with the mantra ‘less is more’, so you have leftover space for souvenirs, hazy memories and mounds of sand trudged in from the beach. For winter, it’s definitely advisable to follow the ‘more is more’ idea. Start with a comfy winter coat that can suit most situations, accompanied with a collapsible raincoat that can fold up into a pocket-sized pal for emergency rain storms.

Scarves , gloves and a beanie are your winter best friends, and can be shoved into your bag no matter how many cauldrons of mulled wine you’re bringing along. Some thermal underpants will go a long, long way to keeping you snug and cosy at night too. Just remember: layers!

The fun stuff

Not just the remit of doting grandmas, a thermos flask can be your saviour on long winter days. Bring a warm tea, a steaming coffee or even a hearty soup with you when you get out into the outdoors to keep your body warm.

Sometimes winter has the unfortunate side effect of rainier days or particularly foggy mornings, and all you want to do is curl up inside. Well, no matter. If you’ve spent any time in a van you’ll know how special that cosy feeling is when the rain patters gently on the roof, nose pressed against the glass from the comfort of your little abode. Bring a couple of books or board games for these kinds of days, and enjoy the fun of your favourite activities while still being within a few inches of the great outdoors.

Linen, linen, linen

Before you head off on your grand winter adventure, make sure you check in with the owner of the van to double check what kind of linen is provided. Some vans will come fully decked out with everything you’ll need, others will charge a small fee, and some others will require you to bring your own. Whichever applies to you, make sure you’re going to be able to keep warm as the temperature drops.

Blankets are a van-lovers dream. Easier to stow away than a duvet, and able to be repurposed, they’re an absolute must for your getaway. Insulated camping blankets are the pick of the lot, and if you find you’ve got a spare, pop it on the floor of your camper to keep your feet nice and toasty.

Even though you won’t be in a tent (thank goodness right?), a sleeping bag can also come in handy to add that extra bit of protection against the cold. Easily portable and stowable during the day, go for a synthetic option that keeps you warmer and is easy to dry if needed. Throw in a hot water bottle for an even toastier night's sleep.

Bringing your furry friends

It’s easy to be jealous of your dog's furry coat during the long winter months, but don’t leave them at home because of this. Firstly, you’ll have to make sure your van is pet-friendly before bringing them along, but if it is, your pal can provide much needed body heat during the night, and is sure to lift spirits if the days get cold and grey.

Make sure to bring a towel along to dry off any snow or mucky bits that your dog may decide he wants to bring into the van, and keep an extra blanket on hand for them so they can tuck up at night next to you. Consider a doggy coat as well, not only will they look absolutely fabulous, but they’ll thank you for the extra warmth.

Tips and tricks

When choosing a van for the winter, it’s important to know the different categories and classifications vans use. “Winter proof” means that the vehicle has insulation degree 3 and is frost-proof. Heatable septic tanks can be a part of that. “Suitable for winter use” means that the vehicle has insulation degree 2 and has heating that will warm up the vehicle to a minimum temperature of 20 degrees within two hours.

Another important consideration for winter camping is the weather. Keeping an eye on your local weather alerts can help you avoid any especially nasty conditions in the area. With the sun setting a lot earlier than summer, you may want to try and reach your campsite sooner rather than later , as setting up in the dark can be considerably more difficult.

Some places won’t be open in the middle of winter, so do some research beforehand to ensure you don’t wind up at the locked gates of your chosen campsite as night sets in. The UK has plenty of campgrounds that are open year round , so make sure you choose and plan your route accordingly.

At the campsite

Once you arrive at your site, there’s a few things to keep in mind to ensure your winter trip is an awesome one. With fewer people camping, you’ll probably have a wider range of sites to choose from, and if possible it’s always best to pick one that gets a bit of sun during the day. Not only will this hit you with your daily dose of vitamin D, but it will warm up your van and melt off any pesky snow or frost that may accumulate.

Your van is especially important in winter, so it’s integral to keep it in tip-top shape when you’re not out on the road. Check your power and water supply daily to ensure no freezing is occurring, and keep any snow off your roof as this will contribute to the inside staying colder. Last but not least, keep the exhaust pipe and air inlet free of snow to promote ventilation.

It may sound like a lot, but once you’ve covered the basics you’re all set for an inspiring winter adventure in a van. Sometimes a holiday is better spent away from the summer crowds, and getting out into the fresh, crisp air can do wonders for your health and soul. Camplify has a huge range of vans that are winter approved, so hop on and see where your next adventure will take you.

Before you go, check out our ultimate guide to wild camping in Scotland, or if you want to head south where it stays warmer, check out our travel guide to the Isle of Wight. Don’t forget to reserve your van for your unforgettable winter adventure! See you out there.