Winter camping: 12 tips for beginners! Clothing, heating & the right campsite

Winter camping – Even though people tend to go camping in summer and in very warm regions, winter camping also has its appeal.
The beautiful landscapes in the “winter wonderland” flair and numerous sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding alone mean that camping is also recommended in cold regions or in winter.
However, it can get pretty cold even in a roof tent or tent trailer.
To ensure that this cold doesn’t spoil your time in the great outdoors and that you can enjoy and make the most of your vacation, you should prepare yourself in advance.
Here are our 12 tips for winter camping beginners so that you can do this without any problems.

Camping Ratgeber:

The right clothing: Weatherproof and warm – Tip 1

First of all, you need the right clothing to be prepared for all temperatures and weather conditions.
This definitely includes sturdy, water-repellent footwear, a rain jacket, a thick outdoor jacket, a sweater and suitable winter pants.
Thermal underwear, gloves, a hat and scarf are also essential.
This means you are not only protected for the night, but also optimally protected for all kinds of excursions.
You should pack this clothing in winter:

Waterproof footwear
Winter jacket (hardshell jacket)
Rain jacket
Winter pants
Winter sweater
Thermal underwear
Gloves
Hat and scarf

With the right clothing, you can camp even in the cold and snow!

Essential accessories for cold days – tip 2

So that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest even in cold temperatures, wind and rain, you should get some winter-proof things in advance. This means you don’t have to worry about freezing during your trip, for example at the campsite in the evening.
Read more about essential winter camping accessories here.

Electric blanket: application & functions

Above all, an electric blanket is a must-have in winter.
Whether in the car while driving, on the mattress in the evening or on the camping bed at the campsite – with an electric blanket, you can always snuggle up when you’re cold so that you can make the most of your time in the great outdoors.
Ideally, you should buy an electric blanket with a rechargeable battery so that it can keep you warm for several hours.
Find out all the other benefits and functions here: Electric blanket.
Or you can buy your own electric blanket for on the go here: In the following video you can watch everything about the CAMPWERK electric blanket in advance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwxxj_hqbP0

Seat heating: function, advantages and tips

Also practical when camping in the cold: a seat heater.
Especially if you are traveling with your own car and a roof tent on top, you should definitely get a seat heater.
It adapts optimally and individually to your seat and warms your buttocks and back comfortably on the way to your next destination.
It is also ideal as a seat cover for camping chairs, so that you can enjoy your evening at the campsite even in cold temperatures.
This means you can enjoy your vacation in the great outdoors at any time of year and are optimally protected from the cold even in sub-zero temperatures.
Find out more about the function, benefits and tips here: Seat heating.
Alternatively, you can also buy your own heated outdoor seat: Find out more about the practical outdoor seat from CAMPWERK in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oPuKrMn17w

Winter vehicle and snow chains – Tip 3

If you’ve packed the right clothing and helpful accessories, you shouldn’t freeze on your camping vacation with a roof tent.
However, it is also important to arrive in the right vehicle.
The roof tent can be attached to any car, but you should definitely check in advance whether you have winter tires on your car.
Depending on the region you are planning to travel to, snow chains may also be a good idea in addition to your winter tires.
Or you can opt for a more robust vehicle, such as a Jeep or Land Rover, so that you don’t have any problems even in the snow.
You should bear this in mind:

Winter tires for your car
Additional snow chains if necessary
Robust vehicle, e.g. Jeep or Land Rover

Make sure you choose a suitable vehicle for your travel region!

Heating for warmth at the campsite – Tip 4

Of course, a heater is a must when camping in winter – especially on longer trips.
There is a selection of different heaters that are suitable for you depending on the route, duration, means of transportation and region.
Do you have electricity available in the camper?
Then an electric heater is a good choice.
A gas heater is more suitable for the awning in addition to your roof tent.

Gas heating: heat without electricity

You can set up a gas heater in your awning, trailer tent or tent trailer at the campsite, for example, so that the entire living area is filled with a pleasant warmth.
And the best thing is: you don’t need electricity!
Instead, the gas heater works with gas.
A gas cartridge with natural gas is most commonly used, but propane and butane are also frequently found.
The heating system can either be a free-standing device or a wall-mounted heater, although a stand in which a gas cylinder is inserted is more suitable for camping vacations.
The gas is ignited in the boiler and then burned in the gas burner.
The resulting heat is transferred to the heating water through the heat exchanger.
Read everything you need to know about this variant of heat without electricity when camping here:

Gas heating

Electric heating: heat for the roof tent

An electric heater is ideal if you have electricity in your camper or if you always stay at campsites where you have direct access to a power connection.
In this case, all you need is an extension cable or a cable reel and you can use an electric heater even on vacation with a roof tent.
As this heater is connected to the power supply, it is a safe and uncomplicated way of heating, as no surrounding objects can be ignited.
Depending on the model and power, an electric heater can also have overheating protection and an automatic switch-off function, so you don’t have to worry about anything and can enjoy your time in the great outdoors to the full.

Tip!
Electric heater from CAMPWERK

If you are still looking for a suitable heater, then you should take a look at the wonder cube from CAMPWERK.
It heats up to 80 m² of space and fills your entire living area with cozy warmth.
In addition, an automatic switch-off function ensures that there is no risk of fire – even if the heater should tip over on a stormy night.
Thanks to the controller, the Ecomat 2000 heater can be infinitely adjusted to the desired temperature, which is automatically maintained if required.
Find out more here in the store: So that you don’t freeze in the evening at the campsite, you should think about a heater suitable for camping in advance!

Exercises against chills: Warmth from the inside – Tip 5

Are you pretty much always cold and would describe yourself as a frostbite?
Then camping in cold temperatures can quickly become an unpleasant experience.
So that you can still fully enjoy your time, for example on day trips or hikes, you should follow a few helpful tips to harden yourself against the chill.
Even if you have already equipped yourself with a heated seat, an electric blanket and possibly a gas heater for your tent, exercise is essential in cold temperatures so that you don’t freeze unnecessarily when you are out and about or sitting together with your loved ones.
These little tips will help keep you from freezing:

Keep moving (walking, sport, etc.)
Avoid chilled food
Use hot spices (heating from the inside)
Mutual massages
Short cold pulses (make resistant)
Distraction (e.g. fun conversations with your loved ones)

Suitable and weatherproof awning – Tip 6

Even if it’s a little colder in winter, you still want to sit together with your loved ones in the evening to end the day in a cozy atmosphere.
As it is probably too cold to simply sit in front of the roof tent or tent trailer, you need a weatherproof awning or trailer tent that is suitable for winter.
When choosing, you should look for a water-repellent, robust material and it should be firmly closable so that as little wind as possible can get inside.
For an extra portion of cozy warmth, either a gas heater or an electric heater can be set up in the room.
Now you can make yourself comfortable with your camping furniture.
Still need the right awning?
Then take a look at this awning from CAMPWERK.

Make sure your water doesn’t freeze – tip 7

Especially in sub-zero temperatures, existing water may freeze.
You should therefore pay particular attention to fresh water, waste water and drinking water when camping.
To avoid frost damage or being left without anything to drink, you should consider a heatable water tank if necessary.
Otherwise, you should always try to store drinking water in a warm place, for example next to the gas heater.

Purchase a heatable water tank if necessary
Make sure that your drinking water is stored in a warm place

Helpful tools for snow and ice – Tip 8

Tools are the be-all and end-all when camping.
However, it is particularly important in winter.
For example, you need a hammer to hammer the pegs for your awning into the snow or a layer of ice.
A broom and shovel are also helpful for quickly clearing the snow from in front of your tent.
It’s best to pack an ice scraper in your tool kit to clear the windows of your car if necessary.
Read more about essential tools for camping and what you should consider when choosing them here: Tools.
You should definitely have this with you:

Ice scraper
Armored tape and insulating tape
Spirit level
Rubber mallet
Cable ties
Screwdriver
Pocket knife
Jack
Shovel
Broom and dustpan

The right tools ensure that your camping vacation runs smoothly and that you are prepared for anything!

Air out your tent regularly – tip 9

It is best to ventilate your roof tent or tent trailer at least twice a day for a few minutes, depending on what you are traveling with.
This allows plenty of dry and cool fresh air into the interior.
This not only improves your ability to concentrate and prevents headaches, but also ensures that any moisture is absorbed, thereby improving the climate.
For example, always make a point of airing the room completely before and after going to bed.

Air your tent at least twice a day for a few minutes
Fresh, dry air absorbs the resulting moisture
Promotes concentration and prevents headaches
Improves sleeping climate

Quick-drying microfiber towels – Tip 10

As it is always damp and cold in winter and towels therefore only dry very slowly in the fresh air, you should opt for microfiber towels for all your towels.
Especially after a shower or spa visit, the towel is usually very soaked.
Campsites often do not have a dryer or they are constantly occupied.
However, to ensure that you can use your towel again the next day or that it is not lying around completely wet in the tent and releasing moisture, you should opt for microfiber.
Another advantage is that microfiber towels are usually thinner and therefore more compact than thick cotton towels, for example.
This saves you some space and storage space on the go.
You have these advantages with microfiber towels:

Dry quickly in the air
Campsites usually have no / only a few dryers
Release less moisture into the tent
More space-saving than cotton towels

The right campsite for winter – tip 11

When choosing your campsite, you should also pay attention to a few things, especially in winter, in order to be as well prepared as possible.
First of all, you can look for campsites in your desired vacation destination that are especially suitable for winter camping.
For example, these have heated sanitary facilities with hot water, covered seating and cozy lounges.
The campsite should also be centrally located so that you don’t have to walk too far for activities and day trips.
Even more luxury is provided by saunas or wellness areas where you can warm up after a long, eventful day.
So check in advance which campsites have freely accessible saunas, for example.
This will definitely be a special highlight of your winter vacation.
You should pay attention to this when choosing your campsite:

Central location
Heated sanitary facilities and hot water
Covered seating
Comfortable lounges, possibly with WLAN
Integrated sauna
Wellness area and spa

The choice of campsite plays a decisive role, especially in winter!

Only ride when you feel safe – tip 12

When camping, you usually want to see as much of the region as possible and travel from one campsite to the next.
However, especially in winter, the roads are often very slippery or some parts are completely covered in snow.
You should therefore always drive your car carefully and only change campsites if you feel completely safe.
It’s best to make sure that it hasn’t snowed or rained too much during the day so that you have clear visibility and unobstructed roads.
Also, set off in the morning, or during the day, rather than at dusk.
So only set off on your next trip when all the conditions are right, bearing in mind that you are on vacation and have no time pressure!
You should pay attention to this when continuing your journey: