How to Enjoy Car Camping in the Winter: Must-Have RV Gear for a Cozy Trip

Car camping in the winter can be an exhilarating experience, offering a serene and peaceful way to explore nature in its quiet, snowy beauty. But the key to enjoying a winter camping adventure is being properly prepared. Whether you're new to cold-weather camping or a seasoned pro, having the right gear will make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore some must-have RV gear that will keep you warm, comfortable, and ready for the winter elements during your winter car camping experience.

Why Choose Winter Car Camping?

If you are a car camping lover,  the season may not be a block you stop your step. Winter car camping offers a unique opportunity to experience nature in a quieter, more serene way. The landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, and the stillness of the snow-covered outdoors provides a sense of peace you can’t find during other seasons. However, with cold temperatures, you'll need the right gear to make your experience comfortable and safe. Fortunately, there are plenty of must-have RV gear options available to ensure you're well-prepared.

1. Portable Diesel Heater: Stay Warm in Any Winter Condition

When camping in subzero temperatures, staying warm isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety. The BougeRV Portable Diesel Outdoor Heater is a powerful, efficient, and reliable heating solution designed specifically for car campers, RV travelers, and overlanders tackling cold-weather adventures. Compact yet mighty, it brings dependable warmth wherever you go.

√ Why It’s a Strong Pick

• Powerful Heating Capacity
  Delivering an impressive 5 kW output, the BougeRV Diesel Heater can heat up a 307 ft³ (≈ 8.7 m³) space in just 8 minutes. Whether you’re camping in your car, van, or tent, this heater quickly takes the chill off, turning frigid nights into cozy retreats.

• Low Fuel Consumption
  With a diesel usage rate of only 0.14 – 0.43 L/h (up to 0.53 L/h under heavy load), this portable diesel heater is built for efficiency. You can run it all night without worrying about excessive fuel consumption — ideal for remote camping trips where every drop of fuel matters.

• 12V Power Compatibility
  Designed to run directly from your vehicle’s 12 V power system, this heater integrates seamlessly with your existing setup. It’s a game-changer for off-grid explorers who need heat without relying on shore power or generators.

• Rugged Stainless-Steel Construction
  Built from 304 stainless steel, the BougeRV Diesel Heater is resistant to corrosion and designed to handle rugged outdoor conditions. Its robust build ensures long-term durability — perfect for frequent winter travelers and full-time van lifers.

• Compact and Portable Design
  Weighing only 22 lbs (≈ 10 kg) and measuring 15.3 × 9.7 × 12.4 inches, this heater strikes a balance between power and portability. It’s easy to pack, store, and carry — ideal for setups where space is at a premium.

• Advanced Safety Features
  Your safety comes first. The BougeRV Diesel Heater includes overheat protection, short-circuit safeguards, and voltage monitoring to prevent electrical hazards. These features ensure reliable performance and peace of mind during extended use.

√ Ideal For

• Winter car and van camping

• Off-grid RV adventures

• Remote overlanding trips

• Emergency heating for vehicles or small cabins

2. Heated Blanket: Extra Comfort and Warmth

Even if you’re running a heater in your vehicle or tent, having an additional layer of active warmth makes a big difference. This BougeRV 12 V heated blanket is designed specifically for mobile setups — it plugs into your vehicle’s 12 V outlet or auxiliary battery, so you don't have to worry about AC power.

√ Key Features & Specs:

• 5 heating levels + smart control via an app (so you can pre-heat, schedule, or adjust temperature remotely).

• Rated power: 0-48 W (≈ 3.3–3.8 A at 12 V) — very modest draw on your vehicle’s power system.

• Dimensions: approx 50.18″ × 70.87″ (≈ 127 × 180 cm); Weight: ~3.3 lb (≈1.5 kg) — light enough for easy layering or wrap-up.

• Material: “Silk cotton” outside with a 3-layer outdoor design for comfort and durability. 

• Safety features: Overheat protection built in. 

√ Why it’s a smart pick for winter car camping:

• Because it runs off 12 V, you can use it in your car, van, or even a tent with a 12 V port.

• With low power draw, you won’t massively impact your vehicle battery if you plan properly.

• The size and weight make it flexible: you can use it on top of your sleeping bag, as a wrap around while reading, or even as a cozy layer while sitting.

• The smart control means you can turn it on before you crawl in and get warm, rather than going to bed cold.

√ Usage Tip:

• Start the heated blanket ~10–15 minutes before you intend to use it so it’s warmed up when you crawl in.

• Use on a moderate setting when you first get in, then dial down once you’re settled — will conserve battery.

• Combine with good insulation (roof, windows) so the blanket doesn’t have to fight major heat losses.

• Since it draws modest ~3–4 A at 12 V, monitor your battery/battery bank usage if you expect several hours of use overnight.

3. Portable Water Heater: Convenience and Comfort

Access to hot water during winter car camping elevates comfort significantly — for washing gear, rinsing off, warm drinks, and even a quick rinse of yourself. The BougeRV portable propane water heater provides that “luxury” in a portable setup.

√ Key Features & Specs:

• Maximum thermal efficiency: 20,500 BTU heat output.

• Quick heating: the unit can raise water temperature by ~ +45 °F (≈ 25 °C) in a short time. 

• Compact dimensions: around 15.7″ × 6.7″ × 14.57″ (≈ 40 × 17 × 37 cm) and weight ~21.6 lb (≈ 9.8 kg) (w/o full tank) in some spec sheets.

• Can run on propane (one-pound canister) and includes a built-in rechargeable battery (e.g., 2,500 mAh) to power pump + controls in some models. 

• Multi-safety protections: tip-over protection, flameout protection, and dry-run protection for the water pump.

√ Why it’s a strong addition to winter car camping gear:

• Hot water makes cold-weather camping far more comfortable — for washing, rinsing, warming up gear, or even a quick “camp-shower.”

• The compact size means it can be mounted or placed relatively easily in a vehicle/van or sheltered tent/storage area.

• Because it uses propane + battery/power, it doesn’t rely solely on your vehicle’s 12 V system (though you’ll want to monitor all fuel/power).

• Helps avoid the “cold rinse” scenario, which is unpleasant and can reduce morale on a cold trip.

√ Usage Tip:

• Ensure good ventilation when using propane in or near vehicles — the exhaust and flame zone need safe clearance.

• Secure the unit firmly (especially in a moving vehicle) and avoid placing it near flammable materials.

• In very cold ambient temps, ensure your water source and hoses are insulated (cold water in = bigger heater load).

• Use a decent-quality water container/reservoir so you’re not dealing with frozen sources or weak pump flow.

• Consider mounting or shielding from wind/cold drafts to maintain heating efficiency.

4. 12V Refrigerator: Keep Your Food Fresh

Winter car camping doesn’t mean you have to settle for instant noodles or cold sandwiches. With a well-designed 12V fridge, you can bring fresh ingredients, store leftovers, and enjoy real meals. The BougeRV 12V fridge is designed for vehicle/van use and cold-weather conditions.

√ Key Features & Specs:

• Compressor technology “quick cool” – e.g., from ambient to 32 °F (0 °C) in ~15 minutes in some tests. 

• Power consumption: In “ECO” mode, the working power is < 45 W in many models; some specs list ~36 W typical. 

• Multiple size options (23-quart shown) and variants with wider/temp-range or freezer options. 

• Suitable for 12 V (and in some models 24 V or AC) input — making it vehicle/van/solar compatible. 

√ Why it matters for winter car camping:

• Fresh food adds morale and health benefits during longer trips. A fridge means you’re not just limited to shelf-stable food.

• In colder ambient temperatures, the fridge has an easier time cooling (less thermal load), but you must ensure insulation and stable power.

• Lower power draw means less risk of draining your 12 V system overnight (assuming you plan your battery/alternator/solar appropriately).

√ Usage Tip:

• Place the fridge on a level, stable surface in your vehicle or van. Secure it so it doesn’t shift while driving.

• Pre-chill the fridge (run it while driving) so when you arrive at camp, it’s already at target temp.

• Use “ECO” mode when ambient temps are moderate; switch to “MAX” mode only if you’re storing large amounts of food or need the freezer function.

• Monitor your vehicle’s charging system and/or auxiliary battery, especially if the engine is off overnight and the fridge is still running.

• Even though ambient temps are cold, don’t rely on your camping setup alone to keep the fridge powered — always have a contingency (battery bank, solar, engine run time).

Conclusion

Winter car camping is an adventure that offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, but staying comfortable requires the right gear. With must-have RV gear like a winter heater, heated blankets, portable water heaters, and a 12V refrigerator, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of winter camping without sacrificing comfort. These products are not just nice to have—they are essential for creating a cozy and safe winter camping experience.

So, are you ready to embark on your winter car camping journey? With the right gear, you’ll stay warm, well-fed, and prepared for any adventure nature throws your way. Happy camping!