When the weather cools down and winter sets in, camping becomes a whole different adventure. Even though we’re on the coast and across the road from the beach, we’re booked out throughout winter with many visitors who enjoy camping in the cooler weather.

There’s something about the pristine crispness of winter mornings that makes winter camping special. And there’s a blazing fire to look forward to at the end of the day, where you can share your stories while you warm your toes.

As always, a good camping trip begins with the right planning and preparation. In winter you want to make sure you stay as warm and dry as possible, regardless of what the weather is doing. You and your family will have a much more enjoyable time, and you’ll want to do it again.

We’ve compiled a winter camping list to help make your camping trip a wonderful experience for everyone.

The winter basics

• An all-season tent which is waterproof and windproof
• A tent tarp for further protection from moisture, wind and rain
• Extra tarps to hang between trees for wind protection
• A tent groundsheet for an additional barrier between your tent and the ground, to keep the tent dry and warmer
• A solid mallet with good quality pegs to make the tent easier to set up
• Folding chairs for each person
• Folding tables for food preparation (and for sitting down to eat dinner)
• A cold weather sleeping bag
• Insulated ground mats or inflatable mattresses for under the sleeping bag
• Torches and headlamps
• A dustpan to easily sweep up leaves and sand that may end up inside the tent

Winter camping clothing

• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Waterproof or water-resistant pants
• Thermal underwear
• Tops for layering – merino wool is always recommended as it’s breathable, warm and has anti-bacterial properties so will stay fresh for many days
• A warm jumper
• Beanie and scarf
• Warm gloves and socks – woollen socks are best for winter camping
• Sturdy boots or shoes, ideally waterproof
• A pair of thongs for getting around the campsite and to and from the toilet and showers

Related reading: Drives, walking trails, camping recipes and things to do this winter in Kingston and Robe

The kitchen

• A stove
• Pots and pans
• Plates and cups
• Eating utensils
• Colander and mixing bowl
• Coffee/tea maker
• Can opener
• Corkscrew
• Scissors
• Skewers
• Camping utensils – tongs, knives, spatulas, mixing spoons
• A cooler with ice
• Water bottles
• Garbage bags
• A washing up bowl
• Tin foil and plastic wrap or resealable bags to store food
• Paper towels
• Kitchen towels
• Tablecloth
• Matches and a lighter
• Dishwash liquid or soap
• Plenty of water

Plan ahead as much as possible and make a pot of stew at home. You can transport it in the same saucepan and simply add the pot to the campfire to heat up when you’re ready. Nothing like a good stew for comfort food on a cold winter’s night around the campfire. It will warm you up from the inside out!

Here are some of our favourite campaign recipes for the whole family.

Our 5 favourite winter warming drinks to enjoy around the campfire

6 winter warming recipes for your camping trip to Kingston

Personal stuff

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen – fair skin can still burn on a sunny winter’s day
• Sunglasses
• Facial moisturiser and lip balm – cold weather can make your skin dry and itchy
• Hand sanitiser
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• First aid kit
• Head torch, lantern
• Disposable body, foot and hand warmers

Related reading: Coastal winters – what to do with the kids on the Limestone Coast when it’s cold

Our facilities at the park

We have an onsite kiosk for essential supplies, tips on regional touring, or just a chat with our friendly team about where to go exploring. We accept cash, Visa and Mastercard and open 7 days.

Our communal firepit is a place to meet other fellow travellers and to keep warm at night. We also have a camp kitchen, outdoor BBQ’s, dump points and fish cleaning facilities. For the kids, we have a Kangaroo Jumping Pillow.

You can find more information about our facilities here.

Powered and unpowered campaign sites available from only $22 a night

Book your next winter camping trip at Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park. We’re located on the Esplanade across the road from the beach where you can rug up and take a stroll in the crisp morning air. We’re also a short walk from the town centre where you will find cafes, pubs and the well-known Kingston Self-Guided Heritage Trail. 

Enjoy winter events this year at Kingston SE – Book 5+ nights and get a 20-30% discount

We’re offering great accommodation deals for the autumn/winter season for powered, unpowered sites and cabins.

Stay 5+ nights on a powered site & get 20% discount

Stay 5+ nights in a cabin & get 30% discount

Please book your camping site online here or call us on (08) 8767 2050 for more information. You can also find our rates here. We’re here to help you and your family have a wonderful winter camping experience.