How to Prepare for Winter Camper Van Trips

Keep Warm

This tip is an obvious one, but for those not used to the cold weather, we want to offer you some suggested ways to keep warm and toasty on a cold winter night.

A Portable Space Heater

One fantastic tool to help you keep warm in your campervan is a portable heater. Not only are there practical, small, and modestly priced options available- but it doesn’t require electricity. So if you’re boondocking, you won’t have to worry about finding an electricity source or using up what you’ve collected for the day from the solar panels installed on our campervan rentals.

However, please note that if you’re going to use a propane heater like the one recommended, you can’t leave it on for extended periods and definitely not overnight! This type of heater is suitable for short bursts of extra warmth when you need it.

A Heated Blanket

Since our lovely rentals come with solar panels installed, bringing an electric blanket is just the ticket to keep you warm at night. However, they should not be left on continuously. We recommend purchasing one that has a timer so that it will help you get to sleep and then turn off eventually. Leaving an electric blanket on all night will drain your power and could be dangerous.

Layered Bedding

Another option to bring in addition to the others, or as an alternative if you’re on a tight budget, is extra bedding that you can layer. Our suggestion is to first use a blanket, inside a sleeping bag, topped with a comforter. That’ll be quite a bit of insulation and should keep you reasonably warm.

Hot Water Bottles

Another good budget option is a hot water bottle. You can often order these handy rubberized versions to fill with hot (not boiling) water, seal it, and keep it under the covers, and they retain the heat very well. You can keep it at the edge of your bed by your toes to keep your feet warm, which will, in turn, keep your overall body temperature up.

Battery and power management

When you’re vacationing in a campervan during the winter, keeping on top of your battery and power management becomes one of the most important things for staying warm and comfortable. This is because cold temperatures can drain batteries faster, so it’s essential to monitor your power levels closely. It’s easy to do this with Travellers Autobarn Premium Winter Pack, which includes a portable power bank, which will ensure you have enough power to run heaters, lights, and other essential devices. It’s also a good idea to have a portable generator or solar panels as backup options, especially for extended trips.

Bring Proper Winter Clothing

Clothing is another significant consideration when traveling in the winter. Again, if you’re new to colder temps, we want to warn you that there’s a little more to it then just packing a jacket. Here are some great options for winter clothing.

Wool & Fleece Thermals

Winter clothing made with wool is an excellent option as it retains heat very well. These are often referred to as “thermals” because they are specially crafted to keep your body temperature regulated in frigid temperatures. Be sure to invest in a cap and mittens, as well.

Thick Slipper Socks

One great option to help keep you warm at night is some super thick, shoe-like slipper socks. You’ll find the key to keeping your feet warm at night, and these will go a long way!

Prepare for Ice-Slicked Roads

One of the most important considerations for your winter voyage is being aware and prepared for any dangerous driving conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind. Remain alert and be sure to have a charged cell phone in case of an emergency. Our campervans come with 24/7 roadside assistance should you need it.

Listen to Your Local Advisory Station

We highly recommend listening to local advisories and being alert to any signs or displays that may caution against hazardous road conditions. Also, it’s essential in snowy conditions to use the main roads and highways that are monitored and plowed. Winter isn’t the time to go off-roading or to try any detours.

Snow Chains

If you are driving in areas that have seen heavy snow and may have icy roads, you may need to equip your campervan with snow chains. These chains go around your tires to provide maximum traction when driving through snow and ice.

Winter Campground Selection Tips

Prioritize Electric Hookups

When you’re camping in the winter, having access to electric hookups is an absolute game-changer, as these hookups allow you to power essential items like space heaters, electric blankets, and other devices that keep your campervan warm and comfortable. Without electricity, you’ll rely solely on your battery or propane for heating, which can be limiting and sometimes unsafe in extreme cold. Take the time when researching campgrounds to ensure they offer electric hookups, and double-check the amperage to make sure it meets your needs. A 30-amp hookup is often sufficient, but if you have more power-hungry appliances, consider looking for a 50-amp service instead.

Check for Plowed Roads and Easy Access

Navigating snowy or icy roads in a campervan can be treacherous, so it’s incredibly important to choose a campground with well-maintained, plowed roads both at the site and on the way. Access to these roads not only ensures that you can reach your destination safely, but it also means you’ll have an easier time leaving if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Some campgrounds even offer snow-clearing services for individual campsites, which can be a huge benefit if you’re staying for an extended period. You should also always check the local weather and road conditions before heading out to avoid any nasty surprises!

Look for Heated Amenities

One of the luxuries of choosing a winter-friendly campground is the availability of heated amenities, as restrooms, showers, and common areas that are heated can provide a welcome relief from the cold, especially if you’re staying in a location with frigid temperatures. Heated facilities also make it easier to maintain personal hygiene and comfort during your stay, and some campgrounds even offer heated laundry rooms, which can be incredibly handy for drying out wet clothes after a day spent exploring in the snow.

Book Your Site in Advance

Winter camping can be a peaceful and secluded experience, but it also comes with the challenge of limited availability. Many campgrounds reduce the number of sites open during the winter or close altogether, so it’s best to book your spot well in advance. Early booking also ensures you get a campsite with the features you need, like electric hookups and plowed access, and prevents the disappointment of finding your preferred site already taken.

A Few More Tips

We recommend, especially if it’s your first time traveling in winter weather, or freezing temperatures, traveling with one or more people. Going it alone can seem fun, but save that for when you’ve got a bit more experience.

• A winter camping road trip isn’t the time survive on cold sandwiches. It will help you to stay warm and keep your body temperature regulated if you consume hot foods. It requires a bit more effort, but it will be worth it when you full and cozy. Consider bringing an extra freshwater tank or clean water for drinking.
• Go to sleep warm. In other words, get warmed up before you go to bed. You’ll find all the layers in the world aren’t particularly helpful at getting you warm- they only keep you warm. So warm up by the fire or with the portable heater- or do some jumping jacks- to make it easier to stay warm once you’re in bed.
• Check out Winter Campervan Deals; you will find plenty of specials when travelling between November to March – its a great way to explore the US on a tiny budget!

Now that you’re well-prepared for your winter adventure, where should you go? We’re glad you asked! As winter is one of our favorite travel seasons, we’ve prepared some guides to help you figure out where to go during the winter, and which campsites to visit. Plus, we’ve put together a list of some of the best national parks to visit in the winter. Happy trails!

For more winter road trip tips read through our Van Life Guide to Winter Road Trips in a Campervan!