Nice winter campsites in Finland
Camping in Finland… During winter… Does it feel like an impossible equation? That’s completely understandable, but let me try to convince you of the opposite. In fact, Finland offers a great deal of beauty, even in winter. Meters of snow, untouched landscapes, a calmness that you hardly find anywhere else, and the opportunity for partaking in winter activities. With that said, join us on a journey from southern Finland to Finnish Lapland.
1. Santalahti Resort
Kotka
Santalahti is a 5-star resort that is perfect for those with high standards. If you don’t want to miss out on a certain luxury and comfort, even though you’re on a camping holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you will find top-equipped pitches as well as a spa and sauna section that leaves nothing to be desired. On this campsite in southern Finland, you can simply feel like a king.
Information about Santalahti Resort
| Address | Satalahti Resort, Santalahdentie 150, 48310 Kotka |
| Phone (with area code) | +358 5 260 5055 |
| info@santalahti.fi | |
| Website | Santalahti Resort |
| Opening hours | Year-round |
| Fee | From around 28 € |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Restaurant |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible online |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | Sauna and spa area |
Santalahti Resort is not only a very family-friendly campsite in Finland, but also an excellent campsite even in winter. This is a very popular campsite all year round, while winter provides a special and memorable experience. The 120 pitches have electrical outlets and are located in the middle of nature, some of which are based directly on the beach. Something that is especially appreciated in winter is that these places are paved, so you can easily park. In the service buildings, there are toilets, showers, washing areas, and kitchens.
The sauna area offers different types of saunas. In the Santa Glass sauna, for example, you sit under a glass roof and can enjoy the view. The family sauna, on the other hand, is perfect for families and if you want to feel a kind of magic, you should go to the cave sauna. A match made in heaven (or at least in Finland) is going to the sauna after a workout, and this can be optimally experienced at Santalahti Resort. When we talk about winter camping in Finland, winter sports are of course included and Santalahti is also the right place for the active campers. Here, can rent equipment for cross-country skiing and the tracks start right next to the reception.
Excursion tips:
Santalahti Resort is located right next to the town of Kotka, where you can go shopping or have a coffee. If you like the idea of exploring an even bigger city, you can just take your motorhome or car and go, because you reach Helsinki in just one hour. The Finnish capital offers countless things to explore. For example, the cathedral, which is also known as the white heart of Helsinki, or the rock church, which attracts up to half a million visitors every year and is built into granite rock, are popular sights. Another sight worth paying a visit it the old market hourse by the harbor, where you can try local specialties.
Are you looking for the right camping vehicle for your winter trip to Finland? At MyCamper, you can easily rent a motorhome, campervan, or motorhome near you. There is a wide selection of winter-adapted options.
2. Camping Vuoksi Fishing park
Imatra
At the campsite Camping Vuoksi Fishing park, or Vuoksen Kalastuspuisto as the campsite is called in Finnish, more or less everything revolves around fish. The family that runs this campsite is now in its third generation, and although the business is primarily focused on the summer, the campsite remains open during the winter – and has its very own charm.
Information about Camping Vuoksi Fishing park
| Address | Camping Vuoksi Fishing park Varpasaari Stig 12, 55120 Imatra |
| Phone (with area code) | +358 40 061 2100 |
| info@vuoksenkalastuspuisto.fi | |
| Website | Camping Vuoksi Fiskepark |
| Opening hours | Year-round |
| Fee | From around 29 € |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Restaurant – in wintertime, reservation is required |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible via email or phone |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | Fishing park at the campsite |
If you are planning a stay at Camping Vuoksi Fishing park in winter, it’s recommended to contact the staff in advance, as they will do everything to make your stay as good as possible. The reception is in the campsite’s own café Kaffee, which, however, usually is closed during winter. At the campsite, you can choose between 24 pitches, of which 12 are located directly on the beach. They are all equipped with electricity and the service buildings are a bit old, but functional and clean.
Camping Vuoksi Fishing park is located in the middle of the city of Imatra, but you don’t have to worry about hustle and bustle. Instead, you can find a pleasant calm here. The sauna, for example, guarantees perfect relaxation and is of course a must when you are in Finland. The campsite also has its own salmon pond and smokehouse. So if you like salmon, then you’ve come to paradise. Speaking of food, this campsite is known far beyond the campsite for its cakes.
Excursion tips:
If you want to be amazed by nature’s wonder (and who doesn’t?) Imatrankoski is worth a visit. The waterfall, which arose 5,000 years ago after the ice age, is the country’s oldest tourist attraction. Over 300 years ago, the Russian Empress Catherine visited the great waterfall, and since then, countless people have flocked to Imatra every year.
By motorhome through Finland
In our guide, you will find everything worth knowing about camping in Finland. Here, you’ll, among other things, get important information about Finnish road traffic and the best travel time for campers.
3. Koli Freetime
Ahmovaara
Koli Freetime is named after the national park of the same name. The region is known and loved in Finland, and for many famous artists, Koli is an inspiration. They found their muse in the beauty of the landscape and thus, Koli is synonymous with the nation’s pride. This campsite is located in the middle of the national park, so as you probably understand, this place is something very special.
Information about Koli Freetime
| Address | Koli Freetime Oy, Kopravaarantie 27, 83950 Ahmovaara |
| Phone (with area code) | +358 10 322 3040 |
| koli@kolifreetime.fi | |
| Website | Koli Freetime |
| Opening hours | All year round (except for two weeks closed in the spring) |
| Fee | From about 24 € |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | No |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible online |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | In the national park |
Koli Freetime is open all year round and is also ideal for winter camping. As we said, the campsite is located in the middle of the wonderful national park, which makes the place quiet and cozy. So, if you are looking for a lot of action and a packed program, you have come to the wrong place here. However, the campsite is an ideal starting point for excursions in North Karelia. The 30 pitches are surrounded by mighty trees and near the lake Tarhalampi. In the heated service buildings, there are toilets, showers, kitchens, washing machines, and drying rooms. You will of course also find the mandatory sauna here.
If you arrive when the reception is closed (June to September: 08:00 – 19:00, rest of the year: 09:00 – 12:00 and 15:00 – 19:00), it is best to contact them in advance. They will then make sure that they can greet you in person or provide all the necessary information over the phone. Although we think that the campsite is an ideal destiation for those seeking peace and relaxation, it is appreciated by those who love winter sports. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even alpine skiing are just a few examples of what you can enjoy here. The campsite also has an extra storage room if you bring your sports equipment.
Excursion tips:
Does the idea of driving your motorhome over a thick layer of ice appeal? The longest official ice road in Europe, located near Koli Freetime, offers exactly that. As soon as the ice cover reaches 40 cm, the road is opened to traffic and you can drive seven kilometers over the ice. If the weather permits, a skating rink will also be built next to the road. Alternatively, you can rent a mountain bike or a fat bike and ride across the ice.
Are you interested in how you can take care of your motorhome or caravan during the winter, when you are not away winter camping with it? In this article, you can find tips on winter storage of your motorhome or caravan.
4. BestPark Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi
Camping right next to the home of Santa Claus? This is possible at BestPark Arctic Circle camping. Since Santa’s village is only 300 meters away and can be reached by foot, this is the perfect campsite for those who want a Christmas feeling. Snow as far as the eye can see, reindeer, dog sledding, and the northern lights – what else could you wish for when going winter camping in Finland?
Information about BestPark Arctic Circle
| Address | BestPark Arctic Circle, Joulupukintie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi |
| Phone (with area code) | + 358 300 47 22 99 |
| info@bestpark.com | |
| Website | BestPark Arctic Circle |
| Opening hours | Year-round |
| Fee | From about 26 € |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Restaurants in Santa Claus Village |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible online |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | Across from Santa Claus Village |
If you are looking for a nice winter campsite, which also offers something extra around Christmas time, BestPark Arctic Circle is the place to be. Santa Claus Village is actually open all year round, but there is something truly special about visiting at Christmas. This is something that both young and old can confirm. In Santa Claus Village, located just across the street from the campsite, you can not only experience the magic of Christmas, but also treat yourself to culinary delights.
The 24 pitches at the campsite all have access to electricity. The toilets and showers are located in the service buildings and there is also a sauna. The sauna is a warm and cozy – and obvious – element of your Finnish camping holiday. Other than that, it’s worth mentioning that BestPark Arctic Circle is a relatively simple campsite, where you will find the essentials, but not much more. You can also rent snowshoes or snowmobiles, and watch the northern lights from here.
Excursion tips:
When you’ve had enough of Santa, you can head out and clear your head in nature. Hardly any place is better suited for this than the wild nature of northern Finland. A special adventure is, for example, snowmobile excursions with ice fishing. You then drive through the snowy forests of the Lapland wilderness to a small lake, where you learn ice fishing with the guide. Then, you grill your catch over the campfire on site, and we can almost guarantee that fish has never tasted as good as here.
5.Ylläksen Ykkös Caravan
Imatra
At Ylläsen Ykkös Caravan, you can go directly from your motorhome to the ski slopes. The campsite is located in Äkäslompolo, a village located by a small lake. A little less than a hundred years ago, the Finns discovered the remote location and found it optimal for skiing. In 1950, the first step was taken towards optimizing this area for skiing and today Äkäslompolo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
Information about Ylläsen Ykkös Caravan
| Address | Ylläsen Ykkös Caravan, Riihentie 4, 95970 Äkäslompolo |
| Phone (with area code) | +358 40 513 8400 |
| info@bestpark.com | |
| Website | Ylläsen Ykkös Caravan |
| Opening hours | Year-round |
| Fee | From about 40 € |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Restaurant – only open in spring and autumn |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible via email or phone |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | In the middle of a very well-known ski area |
At Ylläsen Ykkös Caravan, you experience the genuine Finnish Lapland, not least thanks to snow in enormous quantities and the enthusiasm for winter sports. Ylläsen Ykkös Caravan is located by a lake and has 98 pitches with electricity. The toilets are equipped for winter use, and there are also showers, kitchens, and washing and drying facilities. In order for you to be able to relax optimally after skiing, there are also two saunas available.
The restaurant on the campsite’s square is usually only open during spring and autumn, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask if you can access it during the winter as well. Otherwise, the campsite is located in the middle of the village and all the restaurants are within a kilometer radius. In other words, you reach them by a nice stroll. In general, you can also do a lot on foot here – countless hiking trails are prepared even in winter so that you can experience the beauty of Lapland from that perspective. The village trades and the locals, who are very hospitable, also have the best tips at hand.
Excursion tips:
Reindeer is an obvious part of Finnish Lapland. They are ubiquitous in the landscape – be it in the wilderness, by the side of the road, or in the middle of the village. An extraordinary experience, in addition to a visit to a reindeer farm, is to take a ride in a sled – for once not with sled dogs – but with reindeer. This way, you get to know the original Lapland, as it looked before snowmobiles arrived.
Traveling through Finland in a motor home offers a great deal of memorable experiences. Fascinating landscapes, hospitable people, and fantastic campsites, and if you are keen to head to the Finnish archipelago, we present the best campsites there in this article.
6. Ivalo River Camping
Ivalo
At the very top of northern Finland is Ivalo, which is known as the gateway to the Saariselkäs low-mountain area, where lots of winter fun awaits. Ivalo River Camping is the perfect starting point for those who want to tackle the slopes of this area or enjoy breathtaking views from the campsite. The pitches are idyllically located in the dense coniferous forest by the banks of the Ivalojo River.
Information about Ivalo River Camping
| Address | Ivalo River Camping, Kerttuojantie 1, 99800 Ivalo |
| Phone (with area code) | +358 400 395 046 |
| info@ivalorivercamping.com | |
| Website | Ivalo River Camping |
| Opening hours | Year-round |
| Fee | From about 40 € |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Restaurant |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible online |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | Extensive program of winter activities |
Ivalo River Camping has 30 pitches, of which 20 are located directly on the beach, where you can enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. Especially in winter, you won’t be disturbed by many neighbors, because winter camping in Finland is still a real insider tip, and not so widely discovered by people yet. The service buildings are modern and, in addition to toilets and showers, also have washing machines and a well-equipped kitchen. You can also empty your motorhome at the designated place.
The founders of the campsite originally come from Lahti in the south of Finland but have been running this northern campsite with great enthusiasm since 2019. They fell in love with the wilderness of northern Finland, so their goal is to pass this fascination on to their guests. Countless activities can be booked through the reception – from northern lights tours, ice fishing, and scooter tours to sledding adventures and husky safaris. In other words, you will not be bored in Ivalo.
Excursion tips:
Finland’s third largest lake, Lake Enaresjön, is just a stone’s throw from the campsite. Besides countless species of fish and other animals, there are also about 3,000 islands in the lake. On the guided tours, you can visit the islands, eat something good around the campfire, and – if the weather permits and you’re lucky – see one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the world: the Northern Lights.
Your ride to adventure. Rent it.