Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping in the UK

Gliding down snowy slopes and feeling the wind whistling in your face are pleasures you won't be able to experience in any other season. If you enjoy these winter-specific activities, then winter camping will be fun.  

And as the temperatures drop and the nights get shorter, the appeal of winter camping grows. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about winter camping in the UK to make the most of your winter camping trip.

Electricity is essential, especially in winter camping, since you need power to charge warmer items, communication devices, cooking equipment, and more. The Jackery Portable Power Station is suitable for winter camping due to its portability, durability, and temperature resistance.      

Is Winter Camping Right for You? 

Winter camping is an experience that is both attractive and daunting for many people. It not only tests the courage and willpower of the participants but also requires specific skills and equipment. So, what aspects should you consider when deciding whether winter camping is right for you?

A unique natural experience

Winter camping allows you to enjoy a more peaceful natural environment. In the cold winter, forests and mountains are covered with ice and snow. Walking into such a natural environment, you can feel the power and beauty of nature.

Unique entertainment activities

Winter camping also provides unique entertainment activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. Sitting around the campfire at night, admiring the starry sky, and sharing stories with friends is also an unforgettable experience.

Skills and equipment

Low temperatures and heavy snow in winter bring more challenges to camping, so you may need to learn skills such as setting up tents, making fires for heating, and cooking food. It would help if you prepared appropriate equipment, such as four-season tents, cold-weather sleeping bags, warm clothing, etc.

Risks and challenges

Winter camping also has certain risks and challenges, such as low temperatures, heavy snow and strong winds that may cause safety issues. Frostbite and other health problems are more likely to occur in low-temperature environments. Therefore, winter camping may bring certain risks if you are sensitive to cold weather or need more outdoor skills and experience.

In general, winter camping is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who like to challenge themselves and are willing to experience nature's different faces. However, if you are sensitive to cold, lack the necessary skills or equipment, or have specific health problems, you may need to consider it carefully.

How to Prepare for Winter Camping? 

Winter camping is an adventure that involves close contact with nature but also brings more challenges than other seasons. The following is a detailed winter camping planning guide to help you proceed in an orderly manner from preparation to implementation.

Step 1: Pick The Proper Time

Choosing the right time for winter camping can better ensure the safety and comfort of campers. Please select a day with relatively stable weather and reserve enough time to set up camp and acclimate to the environment.

• Winter sunshine time is short. If you camp around noon, you can use sufficient light to set up tents and prepare equipment.
• Winter weather is changeable. If you choose to camp when the weather is relatively stable, you can avoid sudden blizzards and other severe weather.
• Winter temperatures are low. Camping during the warmer day can reduce the risks of low temperatures.

Step 2: Prepare the Winter Camping Gear

The right equipment can provide warmth, safety and comfort, ensuring campers can enjoy the outdoors without getting into trouble. For example, warm equipment (sleeping bags) can maintain body temperature in icy conditions and prevent frostbite and hypothermia. In short, equipment is the foundation and guarantee of winter camping, and its importance is self-evident.

Step 3: Plan the Route

Planning the route is essential in winter camping. Winter weather is severe, and the routes are complex and changeable, so you must prepare the route to ensure safe arrival at the campsite and avoid getting lost.

Planning the route can also help campers avoid potentially dangerous areas, such as cliffs or places prone to avalanches. Natural landmarks may be less evident in winter, so a clear route can help campers find their way more quickly when returning. Adequate route planning is the key to safe and successful winter camping.

Step 4: Choose the Camping Site

Choosing the right campsite location is the key to success. And when choosing a campsite, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Avoid camping on river banks, under cliffs, or on isolated high ground.
• Avoid places where cold air gathers, such as canyons.
• Avoid places where strong winds may blow off branches and snow.

In short, the ideal winter camping site should be close to water but not too close. Choose hard, flat, sunny ground to ensure the tent is stable and gets enough light and warmth. A bush or a large boulder is also an ideal winter camping site.

Winter Camping Gear

The temperature is low in winter, and the right equipment can provide warmth and prevent health problems caused by low temperatures. Therefore, winter camping equipment is directly related to the comfort and safety of camping. The following will introduce in detail the various equipment needed for winter camping:

Sleeping equipment

Sleeping equipment can not only provide necessary warmth but also prevent hypothermia. However, the sleeping equipment required in winter differs from that needed in other seasons. When camping in winter, you should be prepared for the worst weather conditions.

Lighting equipment

In winter, the days are short, and the nights are long, and it gets dark early, so sufficient lighting is essential. Lighting equipment allows you to enjoy warmth and light even on cold nights.

Heating equipment

Heating equipment is an indispensable part of winter camping. It improves the comfort of the campsite and ensures the safety of campers.

Food Equipment

Water and food are the basic elements for maintaining life in winter camping and the key to ensuring that campers can maintain physical strength and health in extreme weather. Kitchen utensils are also tools to meet basic living needs in winter camping equipment.

Personal items

When preparing winter camping equipment, you should thoroughly consider the needs of personal items and carefully select and adequately prepare them.

First aid kit

The camping environment in winter is harsh, and accidents are more likely to occur. The medicines and tools in the first aid kit can provide timely assistance in case of injuries, diseases and other emergencies, prevent minor injuries and diseases from worsening, and ensure the safety of campers. It should include common medicines, bandages, disinfectants, etc.

Outdoor power supply

The role of power supply equipment in winter camping must be addressed. Outdoor power supply can charge a variety of equipment. Choosing a large-capacity outdoor power supply, like Jackery Portable Power Station, ranging from 99Wh to 12 kWh, can ensure that it can provide enough power for electronic equipment such as electric blankets and electric heaters.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Winter Camping

Access to electricity is vital for individuals who appreciate comfort and convenience while winter camping. A portable power station enables the enjoyment of contemporary conveniences while exploring the wilderness.

Fully energise your winter escapades! Although the onset of winter diminishes campers' enthusiasm, this occasion is different. Whether skiing amidst snowfall or relaxing at a winter campsite, the portable power station is at your service! Join me for a journey to invigorate your outdoor adventures and transform winter camping into an exhilarating experience with Jackery Portable Power Station.

It will ensure your essential devices and appliances keep working, such as your warming equipment, communication devices, cooking items, etc. Its portability allows you to take it anywhere, and the lower noise level will never bother your outings in winter. Here, we recommend Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus and 1000 v2.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

The Explorer 1000 Plus features an impressive 1264Wh durable LiFePO4 battery and a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter, supplying sufficient energy for practically all essential devices. Remarkably, it can augment its capacity to 5kWh by incorporating up to three more battery packs. This means you can charge some large appliances in winter camping, such as the space heater, portable warming equipment, and more.

Jackery's ChargeShield fast charge technology pioneers the industry by employing a stepped variable-speed charging algorithm to improve safety and extend the battery pack's lifespan by 50%. At a temperature of 45℃, the power station may achieve full charge in around 5.5 hours.

The LiFePO4 battery system is secure and durable, incorporating a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) with integrated protections. After 4,000 charge cycles, the battery retains a charge of 70%, guaranteeing a lifespan of 10 years, even with regular recharging.    

You can effortlessly monitor the power station's status from your mobile devices via the Jackery APP, including the remaining battery level, duration, output/input, and many other metrics. Utilise the Silent Charging Mode for a serene charging experience, maintaining operational noise levels at or below 30dB, guaranteeing complete tranquillity.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station provides an impressive 1500W output, 50% greater than earlier models. It efficiently supplies power to high-demand devices such as kettles, electric grills, and portable air conditioners. Equipped with USB-A/C connections and dual PD charging up to 100W, it can simultaneously charge several devices (phone, GPS device), rendering it the ideal companion for winter camping.

The Emergency Charge Mode, activated via the app, enables the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to achieve a full charge in under one hour, providing essential power backup when the battery is depleted. Moreover, charging from 0% to 100% within two hours via an AC wall outlet prolongs battery longevity.

The Explorer 1000 v2 is equipped with a superior LiFePO4 (LFP) battery, providing notable benefits compared to NCM cells. This power station offers a lifespan of up to 10 years and 4000 charge cycles at 70% capacity, ensuring superior durability and reliability for your power requirements.

The Explorer 1000 v2, weighing 23.8 pounds and 18% smaller than its predecessor, is more lightweight and portable than conventional devices. It includes a compact, collapsable handle for convenient transportation. This powerhouse conveniently fits into the back compartment for storage, ensuring you are always prepared and have power.

Winter Camping Spots in the UK

Winter camping in the UK may sound challenging, but for those adventurers who love outdoor activities and seek close contact with nature, it is an unforgettable experience. Choosing the right camping site and being well-prepared is essential in the cold season. Here are five great places in the UK for winter camping, where you can enjoy the fun of camping even in the cold.

1. Great Langdale Campsite

Address: The National Trust, Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JU, UK (Open with Google Maps)

Contact: +44 15394 32733

Web: Great Langdale Campsite

Features and facilities: BBQs allowed, Chemical disposal, Electric hook-up, Hardstanding, Laundry, Play area, Shop, Showers, Toilets, Washing-up area

Great Langdale Campsite is located in the heart of the Great Langdale Valley, overlooking the silhouette of the Langdale Pikes, one of the most famous peaks in the Lake District. The campsite has a stunning view of the Langdale Pikes, which makes the area look like a winter wonderland in the colder months.    

2. Love2Stay Shrewsbury

Address: Emstrey Bank, Shrewsbury SY5 6QS, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Contact: 01743 583 124

Web: Love2Stay Shrewsbury

Features and facilities: Bar/Licensed, Dog-friendly, Electric car charging point, Free wifi, Garden, Hairdryer, On-site parking, Conference Facilities, Cot, Hot Tub, Laundry, Restaurant, Swimming Pool

Love2Stay Shrewsbury is set in 22 acres of landscaped grounds near the border of England and Wales and has a wide range of facilities for the whole family. You can even find a swimming pool and communal hot tub at this campsite. All in all, Love2Stay Shrewsbury offers a large touring site with beautiful views of the Shropshire countryside.

3. Clippesby Hall

Address: Clippesby Hall, Hall Rd, Nr NR29 3BL, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Contact: +44 1493 367800

Web: Clippesby Hall

Features and facilities: Basecamp, 'BeWILDering' play area, Cycle Hire Centre, Tennis courts, Mini-Golf, Gardens, Free wifi, Free parking, Accessible, Kid-friendly, Restaurant, Kitchens in some rooms

Clippesby Hall is an independent, family-owned holiday park in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. It is ideally located for exploring the charm of the Norfolk coast, with beaches to suit all tastes. Clippesby Hall's popular camping and touring facilities are spread across eight different areas, with a choice of secluded individual sites in natural woodland or more open, family-friendly lawns.

4. Bargoed Farm (Mid Wales)

Address: Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron SA46 0HL, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Contact: +44 1545 580947

Web: Bargoed Farm

Features and facilities: wifi free, Parking, Restaurant, Pet-friendly, Smoke-free property, Child-friendly, Accessible

Bargoed Farm is ideally located between the picturesque seaside towns of Aberystwyth and New Quay, in the heart of the world-famous Cardigan Bay. In addition, Bargoed Farm features an on-site restaurant and farm shop, offering a wide range of homemade and local produce, from cheese to ale.

5. Cofton, Holidays, Devon

Address: Cofton Ln, Starcross, Exeter EX6 8RP, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)

Contact: +44 1626 890111

Web: Cofton Holidays Devon

Features and facilities: wifi in public areas, Restaurant, Bar, Smoke-free property, Bicycle hire, Games room, Pool, Parking, Accessible, Pet-friendly, Kitchen

Cofton Holidays is located in the valley and offers winter hardscrabble, campervan and motorhome sites on the south coast of Devon. It also provides well-maintained facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two restaurants, an on-site bar, play areas, shops, a newly refurbished beauty studio and much more.

Due to its prime location, there is plenty to do nearby at Cofton Holidays to keep you entertained. Just ten minutes down the road, you will reach the mile-and-a-half-long sandy beach (Dawlish Warren), and a little further on, you can reach Teignmouth Pier or visit the model village at Babbacombe.

How to Keep Warm During Winter Camping?

Every detail is crucial, from clothing to sleeping bag selection, from tent setting up to emergency measures. The following will detail warm-keeping tips for winter camping to enjoy a warm and comfortable camping experience even in the severe cold.

Reasonable clothing rules

The three-layer clothing method is the golden rule for winter outdoor activities.

• The next layer should choose quick-drying clothes with good sweat, such as polyester or nylon, to keep the skin dry.
• The middle layer is responsible for warmth; you can choose wool, down or fleece clothes.
• The outermost layer, such as a hardshell jacket, must be waterproof and windproof.

Suitable sleeping bags

Tents are key equipment for warmth. Goose-down sleeping bags are ideal for winter camping because of their high fluffiness and lightweight. Avoid wearing too many clothes in the sleeping bag to prevent it from getting wet and affecting the insulation effect.

Keep your body active.

When camping in winter, do some moderate exercise, such as jumping with open and closed legs. It can promote blood circulation and warm up the body quickly. However, the training intensity should not be too high so as not to sweat and cause the body temperature to drop.

Supplement high-calorie food and drinks.

Prepare high-calorie foods such as chocolate, biscuits, etc., which can quickly replenish energy when you feel cold. Drinking hot water or hot soup can warm the body and increase it.

Emergency warming measures

Carry a life-saving blanket with you to provide additional warmth in an emergency. At the same time, pay attention to keeping clothes dry. Once the clothes are wet by rain or sweat, they should be changed immediately.

Safety Tips for Winter Camping

Here are some safety tips to ensure your camping activities in the cold season are enjoyable and safe.

Tip 1: Prevent frostbite

Keep your clothes and equipment dry, especially in the snow. Wear warm socks and gloves, and use a hand warmer to keep your hands and feet warm if necessary.

Tip 2: Fire safety

Follow the camping fire regulations strictly and use safe fire facilities such as fireproof clothes and fire stations. Remember not to light a fire in the tent and avoid using charcoal or barbecue equipment. In addition, make sure the fire source is wholly extinguished when leaving the campsite and take away unburned fuel.

Tip 3: Stay in touch with family or friends

Keep your loved ones informed of your winter camping location (especially when heading to remote areas) and plans. In the unlikely event you get into trouble, you can also quickly provide rescuers with the rescue location.

Tip 4: Watch out for wildlife

Store food tightly to avoid attracting wildlife with smells. When food is scarce in winter, keep your distance when encountering wild animals.

Tip 5: Prepare for emergencies

Please have a backup plan, including emergency contacts, phone numbers, and backup supplies. Ensure your phone is fully charged and know if there is local coverage.

Winter Camping in The UK FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the winter camping in the UK:

1. Is camping a good idea in winter?

Winter camping can be an excellent idea for camping enthusiasts who seek unique natural experiences and are willing to take on challenges. However, adequate preparation, rich experience, and attention to safety and environmental protection are prerequisites for enjoying this activity. When safety and preparation are ensured, winter camping is undoubtedly an unforgettable outdoor experience.

2. How cold is too cold for winter camping?

When camping in winter, "how cold is too cold" depends on many factors. Here are some considerations to help you judge: First, personal cold tolerance is one of the determining factors.

Second, the warmth of the equipment is crucial. Usually, professional camping equipment can provide adequate protection in environments of minus 20 degrees or even colder. Finally, the campsite's geographical location and environment (wind direction, humidity, altitude) will also affect the feeling of cold.

3. Can you camp in the UK in the winter?

The temperature in the UK is low in winter, where there may be snow and freezing weather. However, some campsites remain open during winter and offer facilities and services.

Therefore, camping in the UK during winter is possible.

Final Thoughts

Coasts, national parks, and other scenic vacation spots are usually quieter during the cold winter. Do you yearn for big skies, deserted beaches, and silent forests? A winter camping vacation may be your best choice. In short, winter camping in the UK is quieter and more peaceful than the peak season, which offers unparalleled outdoor beauty. However, to fully enjoy winter camping fun, you must be prepared and brave the harsh weather.