Winter camping: a how-to guide

12 December, 2019 | Update: 04/10/2024

Camping is no longer just a typical summer activity. More and more campers dare to visit campsites even during the winter months. Winter camping brings you close to your winter sports destination, allowing you to fully enjoy the winter landscape around you. And it doesn’t have to be cold either – as long as you’re well-prepared. That’s why I’ve gathered the ultimate tips for winter campers.

Winter camping in your tent

If you’re a die-hard winter camper, you’ll probably set off with your tent anyway. With the right preparation, this can be done easily. A good warm sleeping bag, warm clothes, a heater, and a suitable tent will get you a long way. When setting up the tent, clear the ground of snow and ensure extra insulation with a groundsheet. Most of the cold comes from the ground, after all. Also, bring the right tools, such as a heavy hammer and possibly a steel pin to ‘pre-drill’ the holes for your tent pegs in the frozen ground. Make sure your tent is large enough to avoid touching the inner tent, so you stay warm and your gear doesn’t get wet.

Winter camping in your caravan or camper

Of course, you’ll enjoy a bit more comfort in a caravan or camper. But don’t set off unprepared. Empty the pipes, the water tank, and the boiler to prevent them from freezing. Check your heating system and treat the rubber door seals to avoid freezing. Also, pay attention to where you park at the campsite. Ideally, choose a sunny spot and position your caravan or camper door away from the wind. If necessary, clear the ground of snow before setting up. Keep it snow-free throughout your stay, and do the same for your vehicle. Take a broom to regularly clear snow off the caravan. If you’re using a tent, do this as well to prevent it from collapsing. You’ll find even more comfort at specialised winter sports campsites. These days, more and more campsites offer special amenities for the colder months, such as dedicated rooms for drying ski gear, extra heated sanitary facilities, and special saunas and spas.

Winter camping at winter sports campsites:

Choose the right tent heater and ventilate

Winter camping is only fun if you don’t have to endure the cold all day (or night). A good tent heater or heating system in your caravan is essential. But not every heater is suitable for the cold. Your Campingaz heater won’t work efficiently at low temperatures, so you’ll need alternative solutions. For a small tent or caravan, an electric heater or fan heater should suffice. Be mindful of your electricity usage at the campsite because you don’t want the fuse to blow, leaving you without power.

Gas heaters or kerosene heaters aren’t recommended in small, poorly ventilated spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. In larger tents or caravans, it’s less of a concern, but caution is still necessary. Never leave a gas heater running all night while you’re asleep. Proper ventilation is a must with these types of heaters. Not only does it refresh the air, but it also allows moisture to escape. Moist air is the last thing you want in your tent or caravan, as it’s harder to heat. Make sure to turn off the heater at least twice a day and open everything up for five to ten minutes to let in fresh air.

Stay warm

A good heater is essential for winter camping, but it’s just as important to make sure you keep yourself warm during your camping holiday. Luckily, this isn’t too difficult. Here are some tips to stay warm: 1. Ditch the pyjamas Spending the night in a sleeping bag? Get in with as few clothes on as possible. Won’t that be cold? Not at all! The interaction between your body and the insulation of your sleeping bag will help warm things up. Thick clothing can block this process. Of course, thermal underwear is fine. 2. Get into bed warm Speaking of sleeping bags… they’re designed to keep you warm, not to warm you up. So make sure you get into bed nice and warm. From a quick workout to a skipping rope session, anything works! Just be careful not to sweat too much, as that will cool your body down again. 3. Hot water bottle or flask Need a little extra help getting warm in bed? Bring a hot water bottle under the covers. If you forget it, you can simply fill a soft drink bottle with warm water – it works just as well! 4. Stay active A warm night starts during the day. Don’t sit still outside your tent or caravan during your winter holiday – keep moving! Take a walk or go for a bike ride to keep your body warm. 5. Limit alcohol Drinking alcohol will make you feel warm initially, as your blood is pushed to the surface of your skin. But you’ll soon lose that warmth to the air, and your body temperature will actually drop!

Build a campfire

If you can build a campfire, it’s the perfect source of heat. Plus, it’s great to gather around with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. Get those marshmallows out and roast them in the fire. Delicious! Just be careful with your shoes. If they get too close to the fire, the glue in the soles might melt, leaving them no longer waterproof. Walking around with wet feet in winter is the last thing you want.

Winter camping in the Netherlands

You don’t need to travel to winter sports destinations for winter camping. It’s becoming more popular in the Netherlands, and more campsites are open during the winter months. You might have less chance of a snowy wonderland in your own country, but the peace and nature are just as beautiful. Some campsites or nature camping areas may even be completely yours during this period! And if you want to avoid family during the holidays, or if you want to escape the fireworks during New Year’s Eve, winter camping can be a great alternative.

Winter camping in the Netherlands:

Wintering in Europe

You could seek out the snow with your camper, or you could head for the sun in the winter. Europe has plenty of winter campsites that are open year-round, where you can enjoy sunshine and milder winters. Popular destinations include campsites in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the south of France. You could also venture further to Greece or Cyprus. These regions are ideal for campers looking to spend the winter in warmer climates than the Netherlands.

Wintering at campsites in Europe:

Low temperatures mean low prices!

Want to spend this winter camping in southern Europe at a bargain? With the Digital CampingCard, you can save up to 60% per night at campsites in southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. Thanks to the eight fixed low rates per country, you’ll quickly save a lot on your stay. And the best part? You’ll earn back the card within just four nights! The digital version is always within reach on your smartphone and works offline. Winter camping? Do it with a discount! Do you have any great winter camping tips? Or know a fun campsite for wintering in Europe? We’d love to hear them. Let us know in the comments. Have a great winter!
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