17 Winter Camping Tips for Van Lifers

Imagine waking up in your van in a forest of pine trees freshly blanketed with snow. Or feeling the warm sun on your face as you hike among cacti in the desert during the winter months.

As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, van lifers must think ahead to winter. The cold weather presents unique challenges and adds complexity to living nomadically, especially for those new to van life. You may wonder how you’ll keep warm, manage condensation, and avoid mold in your rig.

But for those van lifers who’ve done their research, made a plan, and gathered the tools they need to keep warm, winter van life can be quite comfortable and open up lots of possibilities for travel. With proper preparation, your van can be a cozy sanctuary even on the coldest nights.

We polled the Van Life Collective Facebook group on their best tips for staying warm in the winter months for van life newbies. This guide covers their practical tips for keeping you (and your van) warm, safe, and comfortable in cold weather. Bundle up and get ready to learn everything you need to stay on the road all season long.

1. Head to Warmer Locations

A straightforward tip for new van lifers hoping to keep warm in their rig this winter is to follow the warm weather. This strategy works particularly well for van lifers who aren’t tied to a particular location. Those who’ve been on the road for years recommend heading south for the winter.

Some popular options for van lifers include places like Quartzsite, Arizona, Joshua Tree, or even Florida. You rarely need to worry about elements like snow or ice in these locations and can enjoy mild temperatures. There are also often community meetups in these places, allowing you to make more friends on the road.

By sticking to warm locations, you can avoid spending on expensive winter gear (and dealing with the hassle of storing it). Plus, in the wintertime, there are often fewer crowds, meaning more campsite options!

2. Install a Diesel Heater

Many van lifers swear by their diesel heaters, a staple for cold climates. When I lived on the road in a Sprinter van, I used my diesel heater almost every night! These heaters are cost-effective and super efficient for vans since they provide consistent heat without excessive moisture, like propane heaters.

Brands like Eberspacher or Webasto are popular for diesel heaters. Depending on your budget, there is a range of the best van heaters to keep you warm at different price points.

Worried about the cost? Some van lifers recommend Chinese diesel heaters as an affordable option. If you use one of these, keep a window slightly cracked to prevent condensation buildup. You may also want to consider carrying extra treated diesel fuel to avoid running out in remote areas.

For extra warmth, you could pair your diesel heater with a small gas heater to quickly warm up the van on frigid nights. Your diesel heater could then work to maintain the temperature inside your van.

3. Invest in High-Quality Insulation

Proper insulation makes your rig more comfortable in cold weather. Insulating your van’s windows, doors, and floors can help retain heat.

Consider using Reflectix on windows and investing in insulated curtains or window covers made of wool (or placing thermal blankets against windows). You can minimize drafts from the door with foam or rubber door seals. If possible, add foam insulation boards under the floor.

Proper insulation reduces the strain on your heater, prevents cold air from entering your van, and keeps the warmth from seeping out.

4. Get a Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag

Although you may have a bed in your van, that doesn’t eliminate the need for a sleeping bag. If your van is cold, a sleeping bag rated for below-zero temperatures is essential (especially if you don’t have a heater).

Invest in a quality sleeping bag rated for at least -20°F. For extra warmth, add a thermal liner or double up with multiple, thinner sleeping bags. Adding a wool blanket over your sleeping bag provides even more insulation.

Another cold weather trick? You can add a hot water bottle to your sleeping bag to pre-warm it. Just boil some water, pour it into a water bottle (with a lid), and place it in the footbed of your sleeping bag. It’s like a heater for your toes!

5. Layer Your Clothing

If you want to keep comfortable in your van (especially at night), one easy thing you can do is add layers. Consider going to bed in thermal underwear, wool socks, and a beanie that goes over your ears. You can even add gloves to keep your hands warm.

Wearing insulated layers is key to managing varying temperatures. And if you get too hot, you can always remove layers throughout the night as needed.

Look for clothing items made of Merino wool, which is an exceptional insulator even if it gets damp. Merino wool is softer and less scratchy than traditional wool, making it a go-to material for base layers, long johns, socks, and blankets. 

6. Use a Portable Heater (with Caution)

If you already have a diesel heater, investing in a small propane or candle heater can supplement heat. It’s crucial, though, to use them carefully with proper ventilation.

A popular choice among van lifers is a Mr. Buddy heater. However, the propane creates quite a bit of condensation. While you’ll still want to use window covers to insulate, crack a window or vent to allow airflow. This will keep moisture to a minimum, prevent mold, and keep your bedding dry.

Another option is a terra cotta pot heater with candles, a safe source of warmth. The pot absorbs and distributes the heat, warming the van without needing much space or power. These can help reduce the chill, but they’re best for mild cold temperatures. Make sure to have some ventilation when using since candles consume oxygen.

7. Plan for Condensation Control

When using heaters in your van in the winter, condensation is the enemy. It can lead to mold and dampness, which are uncomfortable and can damage your van.

Although it may seem silly to crack a window while running the heat, this is a key way to control condensation in your van. Another idea is to use desiccant packets (like DampRid) in areas of your van where moisture builds up.

Are you staying in campgrounds where you can plug into shore power? Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent condensation.

8. Establish a Designated Sleeping Area

The smaller the space, the easier it is to warm. Think about how an old-fashioned canopy bed creates a small area to trap body heat.

Enclose your sleeping area with insulating curtains or thick blankets to keep it cozy. These will block off the bed area, especially if it’s located next to cold windows or doors.

An enclosed sleeping space also minimizes the area that requires heating, keeping warmth closer to your bed. Think of it like a miniature room within your van that stays warmer.

9. Try a USB or Battery-Powered Heated Blanket

Heated blankets can make a world of difference on a cold night. They provide an extra layer of warmth, and they’re useful on nights when you don’t want to run your heater the entire time.

Low-wattage electric blankets are compatible with portable power stations like a Jackery or Goal Zero. Look for USB or 12V heated blankets for added safety. 

10. Prepare for Longer Nights

No matter where you go in your van, days are shorter, and nights are longer in the wintertime. Plan activities you can do inside your van.

Consider packing books, games, or movies to enjoy in the evenings. These can keep you occupied and entertained on nights when it’s too cold to be outside after sundown.

11. Find Campgrounds with Electrical Hookups

When camping in extreme cold or heat, campgrounds with electrical hookups are essential for van lifers. The hookup allows you to use an electric heater or heated blanket without draining your battery.

If you’re worried about the cost, many campgrounds offer lower rates during the winter since fewer people are looking to camp. This also means fewer crowds and less noise!

12. Test Your Setup in Milder Cold Weather

The best way to ensure you’re equipped for cold temps is a trial run. Before the severe cold arrives, take your van out to test the setup.

A trial run in moderately cold weather helps identify weak spots in your heating setup. This will give you time to address them early and make changes as needed.

This can be a lifesaver! It will also provide a solid idea of how well your setup will hold in the winter.

13. Have Emergency Backup Heat

Van lifers always have to think ahead when it comes to cold weather. In the worst-case scenario, if your primary source of heat malfunctions, you’ll need emergency backup heat.

These backup heat sources might include an extra propane heater or a few emergency candles. It’s worth sacrificing a bit of your precious storage space. You never want to be left without heat, especially in bitterly cold conditions.

14. Use Antifreeze

Purchase some antifreeze that you can use in your van, especially if you have a portable toilet and a water tank.

You should add antifreeze to your portable toilet to prevent the water from freezing. This keeps the toilet water usable even on frigid evenings.

A common horror story among new van lifers (and their bank accounts) is waking up to leaking pipes, so you’ll also want to invest in an antifreeze solution for your water tank. Use a solution designed for potable water to keep pipes from freezing, especially when camping in sub-zero temperatures.

15. Invest in a Portable Jump Starter and Power Pack

When living in a van and camping off-grid, it’s crucial to be prepared for the worst. Cold weather can affect your van’s battery life, making it more likely to die.

Consider purchasing a backup portable jump starter. This way, even if your battery dies, you can start your van on freezing mornings.

Some jump starters even double as power packs. These models are convenient because you can also use them to charge small electronics that you use frequently on the road.

16. Store Exercise Gear in the Van

Want a quick and easy way to heat up your body (that’s also good for you)? Consider exercises you can do in your van!

As you probably know, movement generates body heat. Keeping exercise gear in your van such as resistance bands, light weights, or a yoga mat can help you warm up if you’re feeling cold.

This can also help you stay in shape when it’s too cold to go outside. Even a 5- to 10-minute workout routine inside your van can boost your body temperature, especially on a chilly morning.

17. Stock Up on High-Energy Snacks and Hot Drinks

You may not think of food or drinks when it comes to keeping warm, but they’re a convenient way to raise your internal temperature.

High-energy snacks like nuts, jerky, and bars can help keep your metabolism going throughout the night to help your body stay warmer.

Another idea? Sip a cup of hot chocolate, decaf coffee, tea, or soup before bed. These warm liquids are comforting and can raise your core temperature in chilly weather.

Cozy Up Your Travels

While the snow can be beautiful, it can also be challenging. By planning ahead and staying positive, you can embrace this season of adventure! Staying warm is essential, but creating a welcoming and cozy space in your van is also important.

There’s no single “right” way to do van life in the winter. You can choose to embrace the cold or migrate to a warmer climate – and you can change your mind and head in a different direction at any point. No matter which adventure you choose, make the most of the winter season by preparing, packing accordingly, and taking precautions when needed.

Although winter presents unique challenges, it’s all a part of the journey! Following these tips, you can explore all winter long, no matter which road you follow.