Wild camping in a UK winter is beautiful but dangerous if you are not prepared. Here is how to stay safe when the temperature drops below freezing.
Bottom Line
Winter wild camping is rewarding if you prepare. If you have any doubt about your heater, your battery, or the weather, stay home. The van will still be there in March.
Before You Go
- Check the forecast. The Met Office mountain forecast is the gold standard. Avoid going out when amber or red warnings are in place for snow or ice.
- Tell someone your plan. Give a friend your route, overnight location, and expected return time. What3Words is the easiest way to share an exact spot.
- Check gate closures. Many Forestry England and National Trust access roads close from November to March. Do not rely on summer routes for winter access.
- Test your heater. Run your diesel/gas heater for 30 minutes before you leave. A heater that fails at -5°C is an emergency.
The Big Risks
1. Carbon Monoxide
Running a heater overnight means CO is a real risk. Fit a CO alarm (£20) — not optional. Test it monthly. Replace every 5 years.
2. Frozen Pipes
Water expands when it freezes. Pipes split. The fix is expensive.
- Drain your water system if temperatures will drop below -2°C
- Keep a 5L bottle of drinking water in the cab (it stays above freezing there)
- Add antifreeze to your waste tank
3. Battery Failure
Lead-acid batteries lose 35% of their capacity at 0°C. A diesel heater's glow plug draws 8-10A — that drains a 50% battery fast.
- Keep your leisure battery charged (solar helps even in winter)
- Consider a lithium battery (performs better in cold, but do not charge below 0°C)
- Carry a jump starter pack (£30) for the starter battery
4. Getting Stuck
Snow, ice, and mud. A 3-tonne campervan stuck on a forest track in January is a serious situation.
- Carry snow socks or chains (snow socks are easier to fit)
- A folding shovel (£10)
- Traction mats (Maxtrax-style or basic rubber mats)
- Do not drive on untreated forest tracks when snow is forecast
Winter Kit List
- CO alarm — fitted and tested
- Fire extinguisher — BC-rated for gas fires
- Extra blankets or a -10°C sleeping bag
- Power bank for phone (cold drains batteries)
- Head torch + spare batteries
- First aid kit with blister treatment
- High-vis vest + warning triangle (if parked on a road)
- Flask of hot drink
- Emergency food (oat bars, nuts, instant soup)
When to Abort
If the temperature inside your van drops below 10°C despite the heater, abort. If snow blocks your exit route, call for help before your phone battery dies. If the heater fails at night, get dressed, pack up, and drive to lower ground or a town with accommodation.
Best Winter Spots
- Lowland forest car parks (Forestry England Stay the Night)
- CAMC sites with electric hookup (some open year-round)
- Coastline spots in the South West (milder winters)
- Avoid: high moorland (Dartmoor, Exmoor, North York Moors) in snow conditions
