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 is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the festive season from the comfort of your campervan.
Whether you are 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. Looking for inspiration? Check out 5 Magical Campervan Getaways for Christmas and New Year for a festive getaway.
If you are planning an autumn adventure, don’t miss our 3 Handy Tips for Autumn Camping to help you stay prepared. And for more practical advice, dive into our blog post The Top Causes of Campervan Condensation (and How to Fix Them) to keep your van cosy and dry all season long!
Find 130+ UK Campsites Open All Year
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 is a Google Map featuring over 130 family-friendly campsites that stay open all year, offering EHU, hardstanding pitches and dog-friendly options. If you are 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.
Make a weekend of it
Great Langdale is a brilliant choice for families who actually want to get outside during autumn and winter. You can leave the campervan behind and head out for walks straight from the campsite, then retreat somewhere warm for food when everyone has had enough of the cold! Autumn is particularly beautiful in the Lake District, while crisp winter days can completely transform the surrounding fells.
Best for: Active families, walking and incredible Lake District scenery.
Love2Stay, Shropshire
Located on the England-Welsh 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!
Why we like it for winter
Love2Stay is a particularly good option when you want a winter campervan break without relying entirely on the weather to entertain the children.
There is plenty happening around the site, while Shrewsbury gives you somewhere to explore away from the campsite. It could also work really well for a festive weekend as Christmas approaches.
Best for: Families who want plenty of facilities rather than a back-to-basics winter camping weekend.
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.
What can you do with the kids in Edinburgh?
This is one of the reasons Edinburgh works so well for an autumn or winter campervan break. You are definitely not going to run out of things to do!
Explore Edinburgh Castle, wander through the Old Town, discover some of Edinburgh's gruesome history or visit towards Christmas for the markets, lights and festive atmosphere. It is also a good choice if you're travelling with older children or teenagers and need something a little more exciting than another woodland walk.
Heading to Edinburgh for the Christmas markets? Have a look at our 10 Best Campsites for UK Christmas Markets too.
Best for: Christmas markets, history and a family city break.
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).
Make a weekend of it
Use Clippesby Hall as a base for exploring the Norfolk Broads or wrap everyone up and head to the coast for a winter beach walk. Some attractions and campsite facilities operate seasonally, so it is worth checking what is open on your dates before promising the kids anything!
Best for: The Norfolk Broads, cycling and quieter family breaks.
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.
What can families do nearby?
Chatsworth House is the obvious choice, particularly when its autumn and Christmas events are running. Bakewell is nearby too, and there are plenty of family walks around this part of the Peak District.
Best for: Chatsworth, festive weekends and Peak District walks.
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.
Why we'd choose this one in winter
A private hot tub next to the campervan suddenly sounds even better when it's freezing outside!
Spend the day exploring Aberaeron, New Quay and the Cardigan Bay coast, then come back, get warm and make the most of the facilities on site.
Best for: A winter campervan treat and families who want something a little different.
Cofton, Holidays, Devon
Situated in its own valley, Cofton Holidays offers winter hard-standing, campervan and motorhome pitches on the south coast of Devon.
Why it's a great winter option with kids
The indoor swimming pool is a big selling point here.
Winter campervan trips are brilliant, but after several days of waterproofs, muddy boots and British weather, having somewhere warm where the kids can swim can be worth its weight in gold. Use Cofton as a base for exploring South Devon when the weather behaves and make the most of the campsite facilities when it doesn't. And if you are planning your first colder-weather trip, a little preparation goes a long way. We have put together our Amazon Winter Campervan Essentials, with the bits and pieces we use to keep everyone warm, dry and comfortable when we are camping through autumn and winter.
Best for: Younger families, rainy weekends and having plenty to do without leaving the campsite.
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.
Cornwall isn't just for summer
One of the best things about visiting Cornwall outside the summer months is getting to explore without the crowds.
Wrap up for a winter beach walk, spend a day in St Ives or Falmouth, or head to the Eden Project when you need an activity that doesn't depend entirely on the weather.
Best for: Beaches without the summer crowds and mixing outdoor adventures with family attractions.
Looking for More Campsites Open All Year?
These are just ten of our favourites.
We have found more than 130 family-friendly campsites open all year across the UK and added them all to our FREE Google Map. So if none of the campsites above quite fit your plans, or you just fancy seeing where else you could go, have a look at the map and start plotting your next autumn or winter adventure.
Plan Your Dream Road Trip to Spain — Without the Stress!
Are you planning a campervan or motorhome road trip to Spain, but not sure where to begin?
This Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Northern Spain takes all the guesswork out of your adventure, giving you everything you need to plan an unforgettable family-friendly journey!
This is my most detailed and comprehensive guide yet — perfect for families travelling by campervan or motorhome. Inside, you'll find:
✅ A 7-day itinerary packed with iconic sights, hikes, beaches and unique experiences.
✅ Daily driving routes and travel times.
✅ A fully interactive Google Map covering a wider area of Spain, complete with campsites, must-see locations and hidden gems.
✅ Must-try Spanish foods, campervan safety tips and practical travel advice to help you feel prepared and inspired!
Whether you are taking the ferry straight to Spain, or road-tripping through France, this guide gives you flexible options and customisable routes to suit your style of travel.
What’s Included:
📍 Quick Access Digital Format – Get instant access to your downloadable PDF after purchase. Print it out or save it to your phone for on-the-go exploring.
🗺️ Interactive Maps – Clickable map images throughout the guide link directly to helpful routes and resources. You’ll also receive a full Google Map legend with every featured stop, plus bonus recommendations.
Please note: Due to the digital nature of this product, refunds aren’t available. But if you experience any technical difficulties, we are always here to help.
Ready to hit the road? Let this guide take the stress out of planning and help you create lifelong memories in Spain.