Camping in winter: when nature is experienced differently
When winter sets in and the cold reshapes the landscape, camping often disappears from the collective imagination. Yet it is precisely at this time of year that this form of travel reveals another side to itself, one that is more intimate, more silent, almost contemplative. Camping in winter is not just an alternative to summer: it is an experience in its own right, where time seems to slow down and nature takes back its rightful place.
The discreet charm of winter landscapes
Camping in winter means accepting to swap the hustle and bustle of summer for calm. The forests are covered in frost, the mountains are blanketed in white and the trails become almost deserted. The silence is deeper, the air crisper. Every step in the snow reminds you of the fragility of the moment. This season offers a rare closeness to the environment and a feeling of chosen solitude, attracting more and more lovers of nature tourism and off-season holidays.
Sleeping outdoors when the cold weather sets in
Contrary to popular belief, winter camping does not necessarily mean discomfort. Many campsites open in winter offer perfectly adapted accommodation: heated chalets, insulated mobile homes, wooden cabins or even yurts and transparent bubbles.
For the more adventurous, tents are still an option, provided you are well equipped with a cold-weather sleeping bag, insulating mat and technical clothing. You will feel the cold, but returning to a warm shelter will make every evening feel like a cosy cocoon.
Another way to travel
Camping in winter invites a different pace. Days are filled with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife watching or reading by the fire. The longer evenings become moments of sharing and slowing down. A hot meal takes on a special flavour after a day spent in the cold, and every detail seems to matter more.
This type of holiday also appeals to those seeking a more responsible form of tourism, far from the overconsumption of summer. Out of season, sites are less busy, prices are often lower, and the environmental impact is limited.
Campsites open even in the middle of winter
In France, several establishments remain open all year round, offering the opportunity to discover camping in the low season.
Huttopia: chalets and winter caravans
In the mountains, winter camping comes into its own thanks to Huttopia campsites, which offer mountain chalets for rent in the heart of snow-covered regions. These wooden lodgings offer comfort and warmth in a preserved natural setting.
Camping Huttopia Bourg-Saint-Maurice stands out for its winter caravan sites, allowing travellers to set up camp as close as possible to the slopes. Winter caravanning combines freedom and comfort: sites for motorhomes and caravans with electricity, water and winter-friendly facilities. This option allows you to enjoy the snow to the full while experiencing authentic winter camping.
L'Escale au Grand-Bornand: alpine immersion
Also in the mountains, Camping L'Escale au Grand-Bornand in Haute-Savoie offers a complete immersion in the Alpine winter. Open all year round, it welcomes visitors to , just a few minutes from the slopes and ski lifts, with accommodation ranging from traditional pitches to comfortable chalets. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating: the campsite is the ideal base for exploring the mountains and enjoying winter activities to the full, while staying warm in the evenings.
Yelloh! Village Bordeaux Lac: nature and comfort
In the south-west, Yelloh! Village Camping Bordeaux Lac offers a different approach to winter camping, while remaining open all year round. Located on the shores of a lake, a few kilometres from Bordeaux, this four-star campsite offers accommodation suitable for off-season stays, ranging from traditional pitches to comfortable cottages. In winter, the proximity of the lake and wooded areas, combined with easy access to the cultural and gastronomic riches of Bordeaux, allows you to enjoy winter camping that combines nature, comfort and urban discovery.
KanÔpée Village in Trévoux: peace and relaxation
In the Ain department, KanÔpée Village in Trévoux offers a peaceful and friendly camping experience, open all year round. Located on the banks of the Saône, this three-star campsite welcomes visitors in secluded, heated accommodation such as mobile homes and chalets. In winter, walks along the river and exploring medieval villages offer a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of summer, while benefiting from more affordable rates. KanÔpée Village is a perfect example of a campsite open in winter, combining comfort, nature and relaxation.
Camping in winter, an experience in its own right
Choosing to camp in winter means accepting a certain simplicity, but also opening yourself up to a different kind of richness. The cold sharpens the senses, the silence calms the mind and nature reveals itself without artifice. Far from being a simple variation on summer camping, winter camping is a unique, almost initiatory experience for those who love to travel differently.