Essential Knowledge for Winter Camping in Motorhomes and Vans: 30 Crucial Points to Consider
Embrace the winter season and explore the great outdoors with your motorhome! While there are some challenges to face, with proper preparation, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable winter motorhome adventure.
Winter Motorhome Life Essentials
To stay warm and safe during winter motorhome travel, focus on proper insulation, reliable heating, and careful vehicle winterization. Use insulation materials and window coverings to retain heat, and install heaters such as diesel (Webasto or Espar) or propane heaters for effective warmth. Plan travel routes to avoid severe winter conditions where possible, favoring mild or snow-free areas. Also, winterize your motorhome by maintaining tire pressure, airing the vehicle on sunny days, and keeping the battery charged.
Mice and Rodents in Your Van
Cold weather will cause mice, rats, and other rodents to look for shelter, and they really love hiding in motorhomes and campers. To combat this, use two methods: insulate your vehicle well (walls, floors, windows) to reduce heat loss, and equip with reliable heating options. Additionally, learn how to find campsites which stay open all year to minimize rodent encounters.
Finding Campsites in Winter
Many campsites around the UK and Europe close during winter, which can leave finding somewhere to stay tricky. However, there are still options available. Use apps like Search for Sites to find campsites near your destination, or websites like Park4Night and Pitchup.com to book hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups and other requirements. For long-term stays, consider using motorhome clubs' websites or books to find places.
Winter Motorhome Travel in Europe
For those heading to Europe, there are a few things to keep in mind. Many Aires in France and Europe stay open all year, unless they're closed for maintenance or due to heavy snow (or the roads close to them being closed). In warm places, you might also want to consider using a dehumidifier, damp boxes, or pouches to reduce condensation. If driving through France, don't forget to comply with the French winter tyre law, even if you're just passing through.
Winter Motorhome Travel in the UK
In the UK, campsites for winter road trips can be a bit trickier. Many places shut around the end of October and don't reopen until Easter. However, there are still options available, such as wild camping spots, Brit Stops, and France Passion sites, which often stay open all year. Just beware of soft muddy places in forests- you'll get stuck very easily.
Winter Motorhome Travel Tips and Tricks
Before you head off on your winter motorhoming trip, pay extra attention to the weather. Does the forecast include strong winds, fog, or snow? Make sure you've had a full service on your motorhome or campervan before you go and top up the screenwash; salt on the roads means you'll use it a lot more than usual. Carry water, snacks, and ideally some hot drinks- just in case.
For more tips and tricks, check out the post on motorhome skiing or our video about what we've learned while living in a motorhome full-time during winter. If you'd like more information on motorhome travel and road trips, sign up for our newsletter to receive emails with tips and updates from Wandering Bird.
Stay safe and warm, and happy winter motorhome travels!
[1] How to find and use Aires in France and Europe [2] Everything you need to bring when you road trip in France [3] Grab your FREE France road trip Checklist [4] I can safely say that we went motorhome skiing with our Swift- and it was fine [5] READ MORE: How to plan EPIC motorhome trips anywhere you want to go
- To enhance your winter lifestyle, consider investing in a dehumidifier or damp storage solutions when motorhome traveling in Europe to keep your motorhome dry and prevent condensation.
- In case of an unexpected need for assistance during your winter travel, be prepared with essentials such as water, snacks, and hot drinks for emergencies, ensuring a safer journey in the great outdoors.
