Shorter days, longer nights, the weather is cooler, but going camping can still be great in the fall! Activities differ from the spring and summer campouts, but you can still have great times and make super memories with your family and friends!
Everyone has their own favorite pasttimes, but here are some ways we’ve come up with to enjoy those chilly autumn camping trips. Bundle up, and let’s go camping!
Locate a destination. Not sure where to go? You can find campground ideas on our useful links page. Check with individual campgrounds to find out. Make sure you check to make sure your favorite campground is still open before finalizing your plans. Some do close after Labor Day.
Target reduced fee camp sites. One advantage of camping in autumn is that public lands like state parks and national forests may have reduced entrance fees after Labor Day.
Plan with peak fall colors in mind. One of the most compelling reasons to camp in fall is the stunning fall foliage. Depending on your latitude, fall foliage is usually most stunning from September through October, but can linger into November.
Watch the weather. Fall weather fluctuates quickly. Always check the forecasts ahead of time specific to the parks or campgrounds you plan to visit. Remember that warm weather can quickly turn. Depending on where you’re going, you should always be prepared for the chance of snow, rain, or other severe weather.
Prepare for wind. When you set up your campsite, secure your items extra firmly in case of intense winds.
TRICKS TO STAY WARM
Layer up. As with any cool weather recreation, layers are essential to keeping warm. You’ll want to start with a base layer, such as a wicking thermal underwear to keep moisture away from your skin. Then add a layer for warmth, and finally a breathable, windproof outer layer to keep heat from escaping.
Put on that winter cap! About 30 percent of your body heat escapes through your head. Wearing a cap is one of your best defenses against that. As the saying goes, if your toes are cold, put on a hat!
Give yourself permission to eat those carbs and fats. Loads of carbs helps your internal furnace burn. Good fats like fish, nuts and avocados are also helpful as you burn calories on the trail. So dig in! Don’t worry about burning it off. All of your extra outdoor activity will do the trick.
Sip on a hot cup o’ something. Bring an insulated cup for everyone in your party and use it for sipping on a hot beverage or hot soup throughout the day. This will help increase your internal temperature.
Move around. It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. If you are cold during the day, don’t sit around. Get up and move around. Go for a short hike, walk the campground, start working on the next meal, etc.
COOL-WEATHER COOKING
Change of season/change of menu. Forget about those burgers and hot dogs you ate while camping this summer. How about taking out the crockpot and making your favorite chili recipe or a hearty beef stew.
CAMPING WITH LESS LIGHT
Be prepared for shorter days. Be aware of when the sun sets and be sure to allow yourself extra time to arrive at your campsite before dark.
RESPECT FALL RITUALS
Be aware of autumn wildlife safety. Wildlife are often engaged in fall mating rituals so be careful to respect their space. Some animals can be more aggressive as winter nears, so beware bee hives and be sure to eliminate trash from your campsite to avoid attracting bears and other animals. As always, never leave food in your tent. Use a bear can, hang your food from a tree, or if you’re car camping, put in in the trunk of your car at night.
Respect fall lifecycles and leave no trace. Many wildlife species will be engaged in fall mating rituals. This can make for an interesting spectacle, but always be respectful of wildlife rituals and leave plenty of space between yourself and animals. If you want to grab photos, use a zoom lens, but do not approach. Also leave the special places you visit as wild as you found it by always packing out everything that you brought in.
