Camping in winter gets a bad name and is labelled with an unfair and lazy stereotype – the kind where supposedly you’re constantly soaking wet through and freezing cold, counting down the days until your trip is over. We’re here to tell you why you should ignore all of that, get outdoors and see for yourself just how good a roadtrip at this time of year can really be!
First of all, the landscape is just as, if not more beautiful in the cooler months than in the peak of summer. We’re talking long walks through the bright red, orange and yellows of autumnal forests – or the crisp crunch from the icy leaves on the ground, if you choose to go a bit later on. Either way there’s not much better than exploring out in the fresh air, and you’ll appreciate that hot chocolate or warm camper waiting for you on your return all the more.
Also, snow! Okay so not everyone is a snow lover, but you can’t tell us that it doesn’t look pretty. We’re thinking snow capped mountains in the North of Scotland or Snowdonia; take beautiful winter hikes, among picture-postcard settings, or if you’re feeling more adventurous – try your hand at skiing or snowboarding.
Of course, a big part of camping in winter is having the right equipment and making sure you’re temporary home is up to the job – which is why we’ve made sure all of our vehicles are suitable for whatever trip you’re planning, any time of the year. Our motorhomes and campervans both feature heating, so you’re able to warm up nice and quick when you’ve finished exploring for the day, and the TentBoxes that come with our Jeeps include thick, winter insulation to keep you cosy throughout the night.
“Everything gets wet!”
Fake news – all of our vans come fitted with heaters so if you do get a bit soggy when you’re out and about, you’ll be able to dry yourself and your clothes in no time at all – regardless of what the weathers doing outside.
“It gets dark too early – it’s pointless even going!”
It does get dark early, that’s right – so set that alarm for a bit earlier in the morning and make the most of your day! Alternatively, travel to your next destination after the sun has gone down so you’re not wasting a second of that sweet, sweet sunlight. That being said, don’t be afraid of the dark! There’s some great places around the UK that come alive once the sun has gone down – we’re talking dark sky reserves – fantastic for stargazing, and if you’re far North (and lucky) enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
“It’s too hard to find somewhere to camp in winter!”
We can arrange all your campsites for you in advance if you would prefer to take all the stress out of your trip – otherwise, it’s all about preparation. Some campsites may be closed during the cooler months, but because the off-season also means fewer people, you’ll have most of the camp to yourself – meaning easier social distancing and no queues for the toilets and showers!
If you’re wanting to go wild camping, consider planning your day around this and taking it easy – find and set up camp nice and early whilst you still have day light. Once you’re happy with your new home, cook up a hearty camp meal and enjoy whilst watching the sunset – if done right, wild camping can be the highlight of your whole trip!
“I don’t want to mess about setting up where to sleep when it’s cold and dark!”
Okay so not fake news if you’re camping in a tent: but you’re not in a tent – you’re in a new VW Campervan, Motorhome or Jeep and with a pull of couple of straps, you have your bedroom set up and ready to go.
