Can You Sleep in a Camper Van During Winter? Absolutely!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):
🚐 Yes, winter camping is possible!
🔥 Diesel heater + extra battery = warm nights.
🔋 Battery charges while driving & won’t drain your engine.
❄️ -35°C in Lapland? Maybe book a hotel.
Now, pack those thermal socks and get ready for an Arctic adventure! 🚀🌨️
We get this question a lot, and the answer is yes, you can sleep comfortably in an Arctic Camper even in winter!
Most of our campers come with a diesel / gas parking heater - think of it as a small, powerful stove under the car. It runs on fuel (or gas) from the main fuel tank, consuming only about 0.5 liters per hour on full power. No need to keep the engine running!
The heater has a ventilation system that spreads warm air throughout the sleeping area, but it does need electricity. That’s why we equip our campers with an extra battery (or even a second one!), which is larger than the car’s main battery and charges while you drive. Once you turn off the engine, the system automatically disconnects the extra batteries, ensuring you’ll always have enough power to start the engine in the morning. Bonus: This battery also powers the fridge, lights, and USB ports!
In this video, you can see our brand ambassador, Kari Schibevaag, winter camping while chasing whales with her SUP. At that time, she used our Comfort Camper 4x4 (an older model with the kitchen in the back). She explains how she did it and shares her experience!
Will the Battery Last?
If you drive 2-3 hours per day, the heater will run for your entire trip. In over a decade of Arctic Campers, only one guest has ever completely drained the battery and that was because they stayed in one spot for two days straight, without moving the van, while running the fridge and binge-watching an entire season of Game of Thrones.
On very cold days, you can also connect the RV to a campground’s electricity and run the heater entirely on electric power, ensuring a warm and comfortable night without relying on the batteries.
How Cold Can It Get?
Your personal comfort zone will determine how cozy you feel. Some winter guests actually complain that the heater is too warm (looking at you, Swiss campers!), while others crank it up even in summer. Luckily, the heaters can be easily adjusted to your desired temperature, so you can set it just the way you like it!
For reference, we’ve camped in Finnland at -18°C (0°F) with kids, and they were just fine, though we know that’s not for everyone. (Pssst! Mike from Arctic Campers taps out at -10°C (14°F), or so the rumors say.)
If you’re traveling from Tromsø to Senja and Lofoten in winter, you’ll be perfectly fine, even if you’re used to warmer climates. But if you’re heading to Lapland, where temperatures drop to -30°C (-22°F), make sure you’re well-prepared—or at least consider booking a hotel for the coldest nights!
That said, we’ve camped at -34°C (-29°F) in Finnmark with a Norway Explorer, running the heater on full power the entire time. Inside the RV, we still had a cozy 17°C - 19°C (63°F - 66°F). That was also when we filmed this movie, where our station manager decided to sleep outside in a quinzee, just for the fun of it! 😄
Cooking in the Cold with Smart Camper and ID.Buzz Camper
Yes, cooking in the cold is absolutely possible! Just put on some warm clothes and surprise your partner with a delicious meal under the Northern Lights.
Gas Usage Tips in Cold Weather
We recommend bringing 2-3 extra gas cartridges, as they tend to lose pressure over time in the cold. When you notice a drop in pressure, simply switch to a new cartridge and save the old one for your next cooking session—it will work again once it warms up.
Keep Essentials Warm
On very cold days, we also suggest storing water bottles and gas cartridges in the driver’s compartment while driving to prevent freezing and keep everything ready for use.
Stay warm and enjoy your Arctic cooking experience! 🍽️❄️🔥