10 of the Best Campsites Open all Year for Winter Camping
The arrival of the winter season doesn’t have to mean the end of vanlife until spring comes around once more. In fact, it's the perfect time to get away and enjoy the festive season from the comfort of your campervan. Whether you're exploring the magical Christmas markets or cosying up with a hot drink after a day of winter adventuring, vanlife in winter can be just as rewarding. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out 10 of the Best Campsites for the Christmas Markets in the UK. I have already highlighted 3 Handy Tips for Autumn Camping to ensure you are fully prepared. Now, I’d like to show you how, with just a few adjustments, there’s no reason why autumn vanlife can’t extend seamlessly into the winter months, keeping the adventure going strong.
Where can I go winter camping in the UK?
While many campsites in the UK typically close at the end of the season, around late October or early November, a select few remain open year-round, transforming into a winter wonderland. For a festive twist on your campervan getaway, check out 5 Magical Campervan Getaways for Christmas and New Year. To make planning easier, here’s a Google Map featuring over 130 family-friendly campsites that stay open all year, offering EHU, hardstanding pitches and dog-friendly options. If you're searching for adult-only or non-EHU campsites, there are a few more options available, though they have not been included on the map.
From camping in the Lake District, to camping in Cornwall, in this blog post I highlight 10 of the best UK family-friendly campsites that are open all year.
Great Langdale Campsite, Lake District
A National Trust Campsite set in the heart of the Great Langdale Valley. With stunning views of the Langdale Pikes, this campsite has some dramatic scenery. It looks like a winter wonderland during the colder months.
Love2Stay, Shropshire
Located on the England-Wales border in shrewsbury, this campsite has a wide range of facilities suitable for all the family. These include a Pilates studio, gym and wellness centre, a coffee shop / Italian pizzeria, outdoor cooking fire pits, a wooden adventure playground. You’ll also find a swimming pool & communal hot tubs at this campsite!
Edinburgh Club Campsite, Edinburgh
Situated on the Firth of Forth, the campsite provides easy access to Edinburgh, it is a short distance away from lots of modern and historic attractions and landmarks.
Clippesby Hall, Norfolk
An award winning campsite, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park. Providing you with a choice of different areas to camp during the winter months and lots to do in the local area. However, some facilities/activities may be closed October-April (please check online before booking).
Chatsworth Park Club Campsite, Peak District
Set in the beautiful location of the gardens of Chatsworth Estate, this campsite in Bakewell, offers stunning countryside views. It is the perfect place to enjoy some winter wonderland walks. Open to non-members.
Bargoed Farm, Mid Wales
Possibly the ultimate winter campsite with 50 hard standing, hot tub pitches exclusively for your use. Located close to Cardigan Bay, in-between Aberaeron and New Quay, this campsite has an onsite bistro and farm shop offering a variety of homemade and local produce.
Cofton, Holidays, Devon
Situated in its own valley, Cofton Holidays offers winter hard-standing, campervan and motorhome pitches on the south coast of Devon. An indoor swimming pool, cafe, pub and on-site shop make this campsite special and your winter vanlife holiday much easier.
Fforest Fields Campsite, Mid Wales
Fforest Fields Campsite is set among the beautiful Welsh hills. Renowned for its laid back feel, fantastic picturesque swimming/boating lake and unrestricted access to miles and miles of walks directly from your pitch, this is a wonderful campsite during the winter months in Wales.
Luss Caravan & Campsite, Loch Lomond
One of the best lakeside campsites in Scotland, Luss Campsite is situated on the shores of Loch Ness. Perfect for any winter camping adventure but do check their terms and conditions, as adverse weather may impact camping after the end of October.
Globe Vale Holiday Park, Cornwall
Globe Vale is ideally situated for exploring St Ives, Newquay and Falmouth. Winter pitches are setup to make life as comfortable as possible, with a heated shower block, covered washing up area and laundry facilities. Most of the major tourist attractions are open throughout the winter months, including the Eden Project, with spectacularly lit domes in winter, whilst many of the National Trust properties host lots of Christmas events.
