Winter camping is becoming increasingly popular. Going on holiday or choosing to stay at a campsite during the winter is no longer unusual. Thousands of travellers now enjoy the beauty of the landscape during this lovely season—for many different reasons.
Let’s take a look together at the benefits of camping in winter, how to find accommodation and campsites open all year round, and how to properly prepare your camping setup for the cold season.
Why Go Camping in Winter?
Planning a camping trip in winter isn’t a decision you make lightly. Most people tend to go in early spring or summer to enjoy milder weather and more typical holiday activities. But winter has its own surprises in store, and some truly appealing events. It’s a season that feels like a break from the usual pace, without the pressure summer can sometimes bring.
Travelling in winter mainly means fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and often lower prices for accommodation like campsites. Many of them offer more attractive rates during the low season to help you discover the beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region—with views of snow-covered mountains or close to lakes, waterfalls, and wide-open plains. In winter, the Rhône Valley promises magical moments.
The Big Challenges of Winter Camping
Camping in winter means dealing with cold, rain, frost, and shorter days. Here are a few tips and best practices to help you enjoy your stay in any weather, whether you’re in a campsite or outdoor holiday park.
Very short days
Planning to hike every trail? Made a list of everything you want to see in the region? Keep in mind: you’ll only have about ten hours of daylight to explore. In France, the winter solstice brings less than nine hours of natural light. After 5 or 6 p.m., your flashlight will be your best friend.
Smart strategy
Set realistic goals. Nightfall comes sooner than you think. Half an hour before sunset, visibility already drops noticeably. If you’re covering long distances, build in a generous buffer. Worst case? You’ll get back to your campsite early and enjoy the sunset.
Right equipment
Check all your lighting gear several days before departure. It’s important to do this early enough to have time to replace any faulty items.
The cold, of course!
No surprise here—winter is cold, and you need to dress accordingly. Your goal is to keep as much body heat as possible, because feeling cold simply means you’re losing warmth. Wind and humidity only make it worse. To stay warm, you need to be in good shape and well equipped. Like any other body function, heat production drops when you’re low on sleep or energy.
Smart strategy
To avoid feeling cold—especially early in the morning—make sure you sleep as comfortably as possible. To fuel your energy during the day, pack easy-to-carry snacks like hard-boiled eggs, apples or energy bars.
Right equipment
To sleep well in winter, bring a sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground. You might even use the same sleeping bag as last summer—especially since in high altitudes, nights are cold all year round.
Of course, your camping gear needs may vary depending on where you’re going and the local weather. Check ahead and make sure your setup is appropriate. For meals, bring a camping stove. It’ll be a big help for cooking and preparing hot drinks to keep in your thermos.
In your backpack, be sure to pack all the seasonal essentials: soft, flexible base layers close to the skin, and extra layers made from technical fabrics. These outdoor clothes are designed to keep you warm while letting you move freely—even in cold, windy, or rainy conditions.
Watch out for frost
Icy ground can easily stop you in your tracks if you’re not prepared. Choose your shoes carefully, especially the soles. You can also add anti-slip crampons to your hiking boots.
Managing the rain
Rain and cold don’t mix well. Drying soaked socks at -1°C? Nearly impossible. To improve drying at the campsite, avoid leaving clothes outside overnight. Morning dew will soak them even more. Leave them out in the open during the day, and count on the relative warmth inside your tent to finish the job.
The Good Reasons to Go Camping in Winter
These precautions shouldn’t discourage you from camping in winter. On the contrary, it’s an experience that’s gaining popularity every year. Natural landscapes take on a whole new look during winter, more authentic, more untamed.
Sure, the nights are cold, but they’re also mosquito-free! A real bonus for a peaceful night’s sleep, even by a lake. The days may be shorter, but they’re full of energy. Perfect, since all those activities will keep you warm.
And since many places don’t usually host guests in winter, prices tend to be much lower. Staying away from ski resorts in January or February can be a great way to enjoy a wonderful holiday without overspending.
Finally, winter camping can be much more comfortable than you might think.
What Are the Benefits of Winter Camping?
Going camping in winter means enjoying the crisp, refreshing outdoors, perfect for a trip with friends or family gatherings. Every year, accommodations fill up quickly for events like Lyon’s Festival of Lights. Camping becomes a practical and budget-friendly way to enjoy this magical celebration that’s been loved by everyone for nearly 30 years.
Another great advantage of camping is space. It’s easy to plan your holiday and bring the whole family for Christmas, reserving multiple pitches for parents, children and grandparents.
Price is also a big advantage when choosing to camp in winter. Comfort is still there, comparable to what you’d find in a hotel or ski resort, but with the added bonus of friendly vibes and shared experiences. Campsites usually offer helpful services during the holidays, such as Wi-Fi, fresh bread delivery, and pitches equipped with water and electricity hook-ups.
Ideal Winter Destinations in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers a wide range of places to visit during your holiday (Annecy, Chamonix, Vichy, Chambéry, Évian-les-Bains, and more). Ideally located between the mountains and the sea, the choice is yours. To fully enjoy Lyon and its surroundings, Camping des Barolles welcomes you all year round. The site includes 45 pitches and 6 mobile homes. There is also a bar, a laundry room, and free Wi-Fi.
The Barolles team’s main goal is to ensure maximum satisfaction for all our guests. Our washroom facilities use an autonomous, energy-efficient system. They are heated and accessible all year round. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility was also a key priority. Access to restrooms and hot water is included in the price. Les Barolles offers a peaceful and relaxing setting, perfect for a pleasant stay. Our friendly and welcoming team is always available to help you find the right solution for your needs.
Winter Camping at Les Barolles, Nature Close to Lyon
Camping des Barolles is open year-round with fully equipped pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The campsite is located in the heart of nature, just a short distance from Lyon. On site, you’ll have access to water, electricity, and waste water disposal. Wi-Fi is included for the duration of your stay. Even if you’re here to unplug, it can come in handy for planning a last-minute hike or sightseeing trip.
You can also book your own mobile home to enjoy a warm and comfortable night’s sleep before heading out to explore the surrounding nature or Lyon’s historical heritage. Our mobile homes can accommodate up to 4 people. They include a stove, fridge, one bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. A lovely 12 m² terrace completes this cosy winter accommodation.
Need More Information?
Feel free to contact us with any questions. You can also browse the different sections of our website to find recommended places to visit and get information on public transport.