Are Campervan Awnings Worth It in Windy Weather? What You Need to Know

You’re all set up at the coast… and then the wind picks up.

It’s a familiar scene for many UK campers. The breeze builds into a gust, and suddenly your peaceful pitch becomes a test of nerves. The fear of a campervan awning flapping violently — or worse, taking flight — is enough to make some campers question whether it’s worth the risk at all. Stories of awnings blowing away or collapsing in high winds circulate among camping forums and social media. And while these incidents do occur, they’re almost always the result of incorrect setup or poor-quality gear.

So, are campervan awnings safe in wind? Are campervan awnings worth it in windy weather?

This article separates myth from reality, arming you with facts, expert insight, and proven product advice — so you can camp with confidence, no matter the forecast.

Myth-Busting: Can Campervan Awnings Really Handle Wind?

MYTH: All awnings are unstable in the wind

TRUTH: A well-designed campervan awning in wind, when correctly pitched, can handle strong gusts with ease.

The idea that all awnings are vulnerable to wind simply isn’t accurate. High-quality models like those from OLPRO's Campervan Awnings range are engineered with stability in mind. Designs are rigorously tested against real British coastal and countryside weather — conditions that often include strong winds, persistent rain, and unpredictable shifts.

MYTH: Inflatable awnings collapse more easily

TRUTH: Inflatable awnings often perform better in wind thanks to their flexible air beam structure.

Unlike rigid poles, air beams can flex under pressure and bounce back without snapping. This makes inflatable campervan awnings, aka Breeze Awnings, ideal for windy weather, as they absorb gusts rather than resist them — reducing the risk of structural failure.

Take OLPRO’s Cocoon Breeze as an example. This award-winning inflatable awning features high-pressure air tubes, reinforced seams, and storm straps, allowing it to stand firm during windy campsite conditions. Customers have reported using it successfully on blustery coastal pitches — a testament to its robust design.

MYTH: It’s safer not to use an awning at all

TRUTH: A correctly pitched awning can improve your safety and comfort by providing shelter from wind and rain.

An awning acts as a buffer zone, keeping gusts away from your campervan entrance and expanding your usable living space. When securely fastened, an OLPRO awning becomes a windbreak, a rain shelter, and a comfort zone all in one.

How Wind-Resistant Are OLPRO Awnings?

At OLPRO, we design all our awnings to stand up to real British weather. Whether you're parked up in the Lake District, Scottish Highlands or Cornish cliffs, we want you to feel secure.

Key features across the OLPRO range include:

• OLTECH REPRO fabric – a high-spec, waterproof and eco-friendly fabric that’s both strong and sustainable.

• Reinforced pressure points – ensuring durability where tension and stress are greatest.

• Sturdy frame systems – whether air beam or pole, both are engineered for maximum structural integrity.

• Storm straps included as standard – essential for securing your camping awning in bad weather.

Explore OLPRO's full range of motorhome awnings and caravan awnings designed for versatility and resilience.

Our awnings by van also ensure compatibility and performance, whether you drive a VW, Ford Transit or Renault Trafic.

Top Tips for Securing Your Awning in Windy Conditions

Whether you're new to campervanning or a seasoned tourer, proper setup is critical. Here are essential tips for securing your campervan awning in wind:

1. Use the supplied storm straps – Always tension them correctly for maximum stability.

2. Peg down every guyline – Don’t just secure the corners; use every attachment point.

3. Invest in heavy-duty pegs – Especially for rocky or hard ground; standard pegs may pull loose.

4. Choose a sheltered pitch – Set up behind natural windbreaks like hedgerows, dunes, or trees.

5. Tension inflatable beams properly – Fully inflated but not over-pressurised to allow flex.

6. Heed weather warnings – If gales are forecast, it’s safest to pack down your awning temporarily.

7. Check regularly – Pegs can loosen; make it part of your routine to inspect tension and stakes.

Need better kit? Browse OLPRO’s range of heavy-duty storm straps and pegs to upgrade your wind defence setup.

Should You Choose an Inflatable or Poled Awning for Windy Trips?

Both styles offer benefits — it comes down to your personal preferences and setup style.

Inflatable Awnings:

• Flexible: Air beams flex under wind pressure and return to form without breaking.

• Fast to pitch: Quicker to inflate than threading poles, especially helpful in bad weather.

• Low risk of snapping: No metal or fibreglass poles to bend or fracture.

Poled Awnings:

• Very stable when well-pitched: A properly guyed and pegged poled awning is rock-solid.

• No need for inflation: If you prefer traditional setups or don’t want to carry a pump, poles might suit you.

OLPRO offers premium options in both formats. Browse our full campervan awning collection to find the perfect fit for your van and travel style.

Final Thoughts: Camping with Confidence in Any Weather

So, are campervan awnings worth it in windy weather? Absolutely — with the right gear and the right technique, your awning can be a safe, stable, and incredibly useful addition to your campervan setup.

Don’t let fear of wind put you off. A good campervan awning in wind not only adds extra space but protects your vehicle entrance, keeps gear dry, and makes camp life more comfortable.

OLPRO’s entire range is engineered to perform in the UK’s unpredictable conditions, offering peace of mind to campers across the country. From the innovative Cocoon Breeze to versatile poled awnings, every product is tested with British weather in mind.

As OLPRO's Outdoor Expert, Gareth Walton says:

"The key to wind resistance isn't avoiding awnings — it's choosing a high-quality one and pitching it approprately. Brands like OLPRO are built for Britain’s real-world weather so long as they are pitched correctly."

Next time you're planning a trip, pack your OLPRO awning with confidence. And remember: a storm-proof setup starts with smart gear and smarter pitching.

Explore the full range of OLPRO awnings and get ready to face the elements in style.