A winter camping trip can be the perfect way to get out of the house and make the most of your family holidays. Winter can offer a range of fun activities and hobbies and some truly breathtaking landscapes. The weather may be a bit less forgiven but with the right heating, additions, and planning, you’ll find a winter trip the perfect balm to cold nights and cabin fever.
Why Winter Camping is Underrated?
Camping trips in winter are unusual, to say the least. Most people try to book trips to the usual places in the middle of summer but that leaves you with nothing to do for most of the year. A trip into the great outdoors in winter has a range of benefits that you would otherwise miss.
Places of interest like beautiful nature spots, famous landmarks, campsites, hiking trails, and cycle routes are all much less crowded than in summer. This means you can often get great deals, saving you money, and you don’t have to queue for anything. You will also find free campsites and the best camping spots easier to come by. With fewer people, the roads are quieter so you don’t have to worry about traffic either.
It’s not just cost and convenience but the beauty of winter that you get to experience. Animals, plants, and snowy peaks all make for a wonderfully dramatic landscape to enjoy a weekend spent reading, drinking hot chocolate, and hanging out with friends and family.
A winter trip also gives you a wonderful opportunity to escape the confines of your home and give you and the family a change of scenery. A change is as good as a rest, as they say, so why not bundle everyone in the camper and head out on a new adventure.
Winter Camping: Tips to Keep Your Campervan Warm
1. Heating
Your camper in winter is a refuge from the elements. After an invigorating walk through snowy hills, there’s nothing better than coming home to a cosy bed and a warm meal. Make sure your campervan is designed to the highest standards and built with high-performance insulation. Once you have that all you need a small, portable camping heater. Fan heaters, oil radiators, just about anything will do. Why not invest in a portable firepit for clear nights and star gazing? Just make sure you choose something safe and appropriate for your space.
2. Rugs and Carpets
A lot of the time the heat your camper generates is lost through the floor, walls, and roof. A lot of campervans have linoleum, tiles, or other easy-to-clean floors for spillages. These floors are great in summer but can leave your feet feeling cold in the winter. Invest in a few rugs, carpets, and throws, and you’ll find your camper not only feels warmer but looks cosier too. This is also a great way to let your inner designer out and pick materials that suit your style.
3. Reduce Condensation and Humidity
In winter, you may find condensation and humidity build-up. It’s imperative that you make sure to keep this moisture under control, for warmth, van cleanliness, and just so you can maintain those incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Try using a dehumidifier if you find your van sweltering and remember to regularly wipe away the condensation with a cloth or window vacuum.
4. Change Your Bedding
Another quick and easy way to update to winter camping is to change your bedding to thicker winter alternatives. Winter sleeping bags, high tog count duvets, extra blankets and throws, and more can make the difference in getting a restful night’s sleep.
4. Pick the Perfect Campsite
Where you park your campervan can make the world of difference. Try to find a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. Even with reduced daylight hours, a few hours in the sun can really take the edge off a chilly day. A nice, bright spot will also energise you and help you combat feelings associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Travelling in winter can be the perfect balm for the winter blues. Turn your campervan into the ideal winter retreat with these easy and cost-effective methods. If you’re interested in a premium-built campervan that will keep you cosy all-year round then look no further than camper_versions®. Contact us to find out more about our luxurious camper conversions and how you can own your very own mobile holiday home.