Winter caravanning can be a real treat. The sites are quieter, the walks are crisp and the evenings are cosy. This guide covers what you need to know, for caravans, motorhomes and campervans.
Many tourers put the caravan away in October. However, winter touring has a lot going for it. Campsites are calmer, popular sites are easier to book and pitch fees are often lower out of season.
The winter stays below cover late winter, Christmas and a very foggy Boxing Day. Each one comes with a travel diary and an honest review. So you can see what winter touring is really like.
Winter does need more care, though. Gas, water, heating and roads all behave differently in the cold. So if you’re new to caravanning, start with a short trip close to home.
Real stays from the colder months. Each one has a travel diary and an honest campsite review.
A late winter stay at this site near York.
Four winter nights in the Cotswolds at this Caravan and Motorhome Club site.
A Christmas 2025 stay in the Peak District.
A foggy Boxing Day stay in Norfolk.
These are the things that make the biggest difference in the cold. Each one links to a fuller guide.
Not every campsite stays open, so check opening dates before you plan. Then look for hardstanding pitches, because grass turns soft and muddy after rain. Also, check the hook-up rating, as heaters use plenty of power.
Ellie can help here. Just ask Ellie for sites with the facilities you need.
Heating is the big one. Learn how yours works before you go, and keep a spare gas bottle. Propane copes far better than butane in freezing weather. Meanwhile, open a vent now and then, because warm air inside means condensation.
Water is the first thing to freeze. So on cold nights, disconnect and drain the hose, and protect your water carrier. If a hard frost is forecast, drain what you can. A frozen pipe can split, and that’s an expensive repair.
On cold trips, the hose stays packed away. Instead, an insulated cover goes on the Aquaroll, which keeps the water from freezing overnight.
Before you set off, check the Met Office weather warnings. If snow or ice is forecast, it’s often wiser to wait a day. Then check your tyres, lights and brakes, and allow extra time for the journey.
Most of this advice applies to you too. For example, hook-up, gas and condensation work the same way. For anything specific to your vehicle, such as protecting onboard tanks and pipes in a frost, check your handbook.
Not touring this winter? Then store your caravan properly. Drain the water, ease the damp and keep it secure. After that, book a service before spring, so it’s ready for the first trip of the year.
Above all, keep your first winter trip simple. Pick a site you know, check the forecast and pack extra layers. Then enjoy a quiet walk, a warm caravan and a site almost to yourself.
For more ideas, browse the best caravan sites in the UK or all the campsite reviews.
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