Reasons to book a year-round site
Who says you can’t have a holiday when folks aren't traditionally travelling? Not the owners of these campsites with vacancies all year – which is why they leave their gates very much open, ready to welcome guests whatever the season.
It’s cheap off-peak
Budget travellers do especially well by taking breaks out of season. The tourism industry tends to lower their prices during the off-peak months, so embracing trips outside the busiest periods is probably the best way to bag a bargain break.
Spacious and silent off-season sites
Looking to have the whole place to yourself? Taking an off-season stay is one of the best ways of getting some much-deserved quiet time when away. Be aware that occupancy rates may vary depending on local school holidays, though – going for an adults-only site could be the best option if you want to be sure of getting a stint of blissful peace.
Dog-friendly finds
Many dog-owning travellers look to pet-friendly campsites, glampsites and holiday parks for trips outside of peak season, as they’re often more likely to welcome four-legged guests than classic hotels or bed and breakfasts.
Going away with your dog outside of the busy late spring to summer period has other advantages too. Many more beaches are open to well-behaved animals outside of the busiest months if you fancy a dog-friendly break by the sea, while those heading inland can take their pets to snuffle through fallen leaves in autumn or up to the mountains in winter for their first time in the snow…
Inspiration for your next off-season holiday
An extra-special festive season
Holidaymakers based in the northern hemisphere may want to get away during those dark December days – a near-certain way of ensuring you head back home with a new lease of life when January comes around.
Lots of camping and glamping sites are open during the Christmas period, so there’s bound to be somewhere you like, whether you’re looking to take the family off for festive fun at a static caravan park, want to camp close to your favourite Christmas market or fancy a minimalist couple’s Christmas somewhere scenic
Want to be based somewhere close to the best New Year’s Eve fireworks? Or to start your next trip round the sun far from the crowds? Book during the quiet period that straddles the old year and the new and start January with a spring in your step.
Cosy off-peak glamping
Have a glimpse at glamping sites open all year round if insulated accommodation, woodfired stoves and chunky blankets are in order.
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Cold outside? Embrace the bubbles and go for a lodge with a hot tub
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Cosy up under canvas in a heated tipi, yurt or bell tent
Year-round sunshine
For European escapades, consider southerly spots in warmer countries like Spain, Portugal or Croatia – while it may not be sunbathing weather here every day during the winter, there’s still an excellent chance you’ll get a decent vitamin D fix.
And for serious sunshine? If ‘going on safari’ is on your bucket list then South Africa, Namibia and Botswana should be your first port of call, while somewhere like Costa Rica could allow you to spend your winter exploring lush tropical rainforests and the Caribbean coast.
Here’s how
Helpful off-season camping hacks
Have a good browse of our camping guide to brush up on skills like how to build a campfire – something that could definitely come in handy when holidaying in chillier climes.
It’s also where you’ll find advice on the kit you’ll need to camp off-season, from how to find the warmest sleeping bag to how to make sure your trip stays within budget.
Think about facilities
Ready to escape somewhere new this autumn? Already waiting for winter to arrive? Narrow down the sort of site you’re looking for using the filters on this page – they’ll help you to browse by themes, facilities and nearby attractions so that the site you end up booking ticks all the right boxes. Popular options include:
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Campsites that are open all year with electric hook-ups
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Campsites that are open all year that allow dogs
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Year-round sites with fully-serviced pitches
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Low-season breaks at holiday parks with indoor swimming pools
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Campfire-friendly year-round sites
Before setting off, it’s worth bearing in mind that some of the services sites offer aren’t available all year round – check the terms and conditions when booking if you’re in any doubt.
Holidaying in high season? Take a look at our main page for a bigger choice of campsites, glamping accommodation and more across the globe.
