Is Winter a Good Time to Rent a Campervan? We Asked Rental Shops About Heating, Water Systems, and Snowy Roads

"Isn't it cold to go camper van traveling in winter?" — In short, winter is actually a surprisingly good season for campervans.

Most campervans come equipped with a heating system called an "FF heater," which lets you keep the interior warm all night long without running the engine. What's more, winter is the off-season for rentals, so it's easier to book even popular vehicles — and it pairs perfectly with skiing and hot springs.

That said, there are a few things to watch out for in winter. In most cases, the onboard water systems can't be used, as a precaution against freezing, and some shops don't come with studless tires as standard, so if you're heading to a snowy area, be sure to check before booking.

In this article, based on interviews with rental shops listed on Campingcar Map, we've put together everything you need to know about renting a campervan in winter.

Looking for a campervan you can rent in winter? → Search for campervans near you

What is an FF heater? Why the interior stays warm in winter

An FF heater is a heating device that gradually uses the vehicle's fuel (gasoline or diesel) to warm the interior of the vehicle. Since it works without running the engine, it's fine to use even at campsites or roadside stations (michi-no-eki) where idling is prohibited. Just press the switch and it's ready to go.

The mechanism is simple and reassuring. It burns fuel to heat the air inside the vehicle, but it's designed so that combustion draws in outside air and exhaust is vented straight back outside. In other words, exhaust or combustion gases basically never enter the cabin, so it's safe to use even with the vehicle closed up. The one thing to watch out for is the exhaust outlet. Since the exhaust vent is located outside the vehicle, make sure it doesn't get blocked by accumulated snow while it's snowing.

According to the rental shops we interviewed, here's what real-world use looks like:

• Fuel consumption is minimal. Even running it all night typically uses only about 1-2 liters (varies by vehicle). However, since it runs on the vehicle's fuel, the heater will stop if you run out. Just keep an eye on your fuel level.
• It barely uses any electricity either. You can spend a comfortable night without needing to choose a powered campsite.
• It automatically lowers output once it reaches the set temperature, so it's fine to leave it running while you sleep. In fact, it's powerful enough that you might find it "too warm even in winter" — shop staff will explain how to set the temperature when you pick up the vehicle.

According to data listed on our site (as of August 2026, 1,184 vehicles nationwide), 830 vehicles — about 70% — list an FF heater in their equipment details. If you're renting in winter, be sure to check the equipment list on the vehicle page for whether an FF heater is included.

Why you can't use the "water supply" in winter — and how to work around it

This is the biggest constraint when renting in winter. Many rental shops disable the vehicle's water supply and drainage systems (such as the sink) during winter.

The reason is freezing. If water remains in the tank pipes or pump and freezes, it can damage the equipment. According to the shops we interviewed, this isn't unique to rentals — even many people who own their own campervan avoid using the water system in winter.

That said, this rarely causes real trouble during your trip.

• Bring drinking and cooking water in plastic bottles
• Use wet wipes or waterless detergent for hands and dishes
• Make use of water and restroom facilities at roadside stations (michi-no-eki), RV parks, or bathing facilities

Since campervan trips already involve using outside facilities quite often, not being able to use the sink shouldn't feel like much of an inconvenience.

Studless tires "depend on the shop" — always check before booking

This is the most important checkpoint for winter rentals.

The shop we interviewed fits all its vehicles with studless (snow) tires as standard from December through March, and also offers tire chain rentals. However, some shops don't equip studless tires even in winter. At shops in areas with little snowfall, studless tires may be an optional extra, or may not be offered at all.

If you're planning a trip to a snowy region for skiing or hot springs with snow views, we strongly recommend confirming with the shop beforehand by asking, "Do your vehicles come with studless tires?" It's also a good idea to ask whether tire chains are available for rent.

What's it like driving on snowy roads? — "Weight" is surprisingly an advantage

Many customers worry that "driving a campervan on snowy roads sounds scary." So what's it really like?

According to the owner of the shop we interviewed, a campervan fitted with studless tires actually grips the snow well thanks to its heavier weight. It reportedly feels more stable and less prone to slipping than a lighter vehicle.

That said, there are clear points to be careful about.

• Icy roads are still dangerous. The extra weight works against you when it comes to braking distance, so keep your speed low.
• On ruts or bumpy, frozen road surfaces, the larger body means you'll feel more shaking and jolting.
• Watch out for snow piles at the roadside. Snow that's been cleared and piled up at the edge of the road can turn to ice. This makes the road narrower than usual, and at corners, obstacles can suddenly appear right next to you. If you assume "it's just snow, I can drive over it" and push through, you risk damaging the vehicle body.

In short, the key point for winter driving isn't so much the snowy road itself, but rather the combination of "a large vehicle body × roads narrowed by snow." The golden rule is simply to drive carefully.

Winter-only ways to enjoy your trip — skiing and hot springs

A perfect match for ski resorts

If a ski resort's parking lot is close to the slopes, a campervan makes a wonderfully comfortable base for a ski trip. Here's a favorite way to spend the day, as practiced by the owner of the shop we interviewed:

Ski in the morning, then head back to the campervan for lunch.

Inside the vehicle, you can stretch your legs out and take off your ski boots. It's a much better rest than eating at a crowded slope-side restaurant, which means you'll have plenty of energy to keep skiing in the afternoon.

There are also plenty of rental shops in ski regions. Our site features 37 shops in Hokkaido, along with listings in snowy regions such as Yamagata, Nagano, and Gunma.

Hot springs × RV parks: a great combo

Since the FF heater keeps the interior warm, winter is also a great time for touring hot springs. These days, some hot spring inns have opened their own RV parks (parking spaces for campervans to stay overnight), letting you park right there, head straight into the inn's hot spring, and even enjoy a meal at the inn — the best of both worlds. You could even plan a trip along the Sea of Japan coast in winter chasing delicious crab dishes.

Winter is a hidden gem season for easy bookings

For rental shops, winter is the off-season. Popular vehicles that get booked out months in advance during summer vacation or Golden Week are often still available for last-minute booking in winter, giving you the freedom to choose carefully.

If you've been wanting to "try out a model you've always been curious about" or "travel at a relaxed pace away from the crowds," winter is actually the ideal season for it.

Summary: Winter campervan rental checklist

• ✅ Choose a vehicle equipped with an FF heater (about 70% of listed vehicles have one — check the equipment section on the vehicle page)
• ✅ Keep an eye on your fuel level (the FF heater runs on the vehicle's fuel)
• ✅ Make sure the FF heater's exhaust outlet doesn't get blocked while it's snowing (the outlet is located outside the vehicle)
• ✅ Prepare on the assumption that you won't be able to use the water supply (bottled water, wet wipes)
• ✅ If heading to a snowy region, confirm studless tires before booking (and whether chain rentals are available)
• ✅ Drive carefully on snowy roads (watch out for roadside snow piles, icy patches, and narrow lanes)

A warm interior, easy bookings, and the chance to enjoy both skiing and hot springs — as long as you keep these preparation tips in mind, winter is the perfect season for your first campervan experience.

Looking for a companion for your winter trip? → Search for campervans near you

You might also like

• Your First Night in a Campervan | 10 Things You Should Know
• What's the Average Cost of Renting a Campervan? A Complete Guide by Season and Vehicle Type
• What to Bring on the Day of Your Campervan Rental

This article was created by the Campingcar Map editorial team, based on interviews with campervan rental shops listed on Campingcar Map and data listed on our site (as of August 2026, 473 shops and 1,184 vehicles nationwide).