Summer’s warm nights and sunny days might be fading, but that doesn’t mean your camping adventures have to end! In fall, you gain access to a whole new world of beauty, with crisp air, vibrant foliage painted in fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow, and the tranquility of fewer crowds.
Before you head out on your next expedition, though, it’s important to make sure you and your gear are ready for the changing season.
Check Your Camping Gear
Think of this as prepping your trusty camping companions for a new adventure. Here are the top things to check when it comes to your gear.
Tent
Your tent is like your home base in the wild—so make sure it’s ready for all your camping adventures!
To check if it’s fall-ready, pitch your tent in your backyard or a safe outdoor space. Give it a thorough inspection, looking for any rips, tears, or worn seams. If you find any, patch them up with a seam sealer and patches made for your tent’s material.
If your tent isn’t passing the waterproof test so well anymore, reapply some waterproofing treatment, per the instructions. Most waterproofing treatments come in a spray format, making them easy to apply. Make sure to keep things well-ventilated while you’re applying it, and stick to the recommended drying times for the best results.
Sleeping bag
Where else would you sleep during your fall adventure but in a cozy sleeping bag? Summer nights can be a breeze, but fall nights can get surprisingly chilly, especially at higher elevations or near bodies of water.
So you need a bag with a comfort rating that matches the expected low temperatures of your destination. If you’re planning a fall camping trip where nighttime temperatures typically dip down to 40°F (4°C), you’ll want a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 40°F (4°C) or lower.
Down-filled bags are amazing for warmth and compressibility, making them ideal for backpackers who prioritize weight and space savings. But, they can be pricey and lose some insulating power when wet. Synthetic-filled bags are a good alternative, especially since they do well even when wet. (And we all know that prepping for rain during the unpredictable fall weather.)
Sleeping pad
Don’t forget the silent hero under your sleeping bag – your sleeping pad. This is what provides crucial insulation between you and the cold ground.
The insulating ability of a sleeping pad is measured by its R-value. The higher it is, the warmer the pad. For three-season camping (which includes fall), a sleeping pad with an R-value of 4 or higher is the way to go.
Backpack
While you’re at it, give your backpack a good cleaning. Dirt, dust, and food crumbs can accumulate over time, adding unnecessary weight and potentially attracting unwanted critters.
Use a damp cloth or mild soap solution to clean the exterior of your backpack. Pay attention to areas that get dirty easily, like the straps and hip belt. Allow the backpack to air dry completely before storing it. Check for any rips, tears, or loose straps.
If you find any damage, repair it using a sewing kit or by taking it to a professional gear repair shop. Having a rain cover for your backpack is a wise move in case you get caught in a downpour. Fall weather can be a fickle friend, after all!
Prep For Campground Cooking
For a satisfying fall camping trip, easy access to fresh, warm food and drinks is key. For that, you need to ensure your camp stove is clean and working well. Clear any leftover food or grime from the burner and fuel lines—check your stove’s manual for cleaning tips.
Also, since colder temperatures can affect fuel efficiency, it’s smart to pack some extra fuel.
Pack The Right Clothes
Staying comfy while camping in the fall is all about layering! This way, you can adjust your clothing as temperatures change throughout the day.
Start with merino wool base layers—they’re soft, naturally odor-resistant, and breathable. Plus, they wick away moisture and keep you warm, even if they get damp.
A fleece or puffy jacket will come in handy when you need extra warmth. Fleece jackets are lightweight and provide good insulation, while puffy jackets are warmer and more packable due to their down or synthetic fill.
The jacket type you choose depends on your personal preference and the weather forecast.
And don’t forget a rain jacket! A good rain jacket will keep you dry from fall’s unexpected downpours. Look for a jacket made from a waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex or similar technologies. These materials let moisture escape while keeping the rain and wind out.
Here are a few extra things to look for in a rain jacket:
- Pit zips for ventilation
- Hood with an adjustable brim
- Waterproof zippers
Choose The Best Shoes
Trade in your summer sandals for sturdy hiking boots that offer solid ankle support—a must for handling uneven terrain and avoiding ankle twists, especially with those slippery fall leaves underfoot.
For navigating wet and muddy trails, opt for waterproof boots. Look for pairs crafted from waterproof materials like leather or synthetic fabrics with a waterproof membrane. Consider adding gaiters too—they’re lightweight fabric sleeves that attach to your boots and lower legs, keeping out water, snow, and debris. Plus, they add a bit of extra warmth on those chilly autumn days.
Remember The Lights
Fall days are shorter, so having a flashlight with fresh batteries is essential for navigating back to camp after dark. Headlamps are especially handy—they free up your hands while lighting your path.
When choosing one, opt for a headlamp with adjustable brightness levels and a red light mode. The red light won’t disrupt your night vision and comes in handy for activities like map reading or stargazing quietly without bothering fellow campers.
Extras to Enhance Your Camping Experience
Here are some extra things you may want to bring for your fall camping adventures to take the enjoyment and comfort level up a few notches.
- Camp blanket: Whether fleece or wool, this is a great addition for those cozy evenings around the campfire. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket while sipping on a hot beverage and enjoying the crisp fall air and crackling fire.
- Hammock: Fall is a great time for hammock camping, especially with the vibrant foliage overhead. However, depending on your location, you might still encounter some bugs, so consider a hammock with a built-in bug net.
- Thermos: Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate throughout the day with a trusty thermos. Pack your favorite hot drink mix or brew some fresh coffee before your trip to enjoy throughout the day, especially during chilly mornings and evenings.
- Water purification tablets: Bringing these is always a good practice, even if campgrounds have water sources, as they might be lower in the fall and could potentially harbor more contaminants.
- Fire Starters: Ensure you have reliable fire starters such as waterproof matches, a fire starter kit, or a small hatchet for kindling to easily start and maintain campfires.
- Navigation Tools: Carry a map, compass, or GPS device to navigate trails and explore fall foliage safely, especially in areas with dense tree cover or challenging terrain.
- First Aid Kit: Stock a comprehensive first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications to handle minor injuries or ailments.
- Repair and Maintenance Tools: Pack a multi-tool, duct tape, and extra tent stakes for quick repairs and maintenance of gear and equipment during your trip.
- Backup Power: Bring a portable power bank or solar charger to keep devices like smartphones or GPS units charged in case of emergencies or for capturing memorable moments.
- Weatherproof Shelter: Consider bringing a portable canopy or tarp to shield your cooking area or provide extra shelter during rainy days. This versatile addition ensures you can still enjoy outdoor cooking and gathering spaces even if the weather turns.
Things to Keep In Mind When Setting Up Camp In The Fall
We love fall camping. But it’s no secret that it presents some unique challenges when it comes to setting up camp.
Look for a campsite with good drainage and protection from wind. Avoid setting up camp under dead trees or branches, as these could break and fall due to stronger winds in autumn. Also, pick a nice flat spot for your campsite so water doesn’t gather around your tent.
If your tent has a mesh roof, think about adding a rainfly. This waterproof tarp attaches to your tent, giving you more protection from rain, wind, and snow, which is especially useful in unpredictable fall weather.
Tips to Stay Warm During Your Fall Camping Trip
Want a comfortable and enjoyable fall camping trip? Then you need to keep warm!
Adding a sleeping bag liner can boost your sleeping bag’s warmth by a few degrees. These lightweight sacks, made from materials like silk or fleece, slip inside your sleeping bag to provide extra insulation and keep it cleaner.
For even more warmth, consider using hand warmers and a hot water bottle. Tuck hand warmers into your sleeping bag before bedtime for a cozy boost, especially for your hands and feet. These disposable heat packs last several hours, offering a convenient way to stay warm on chilly nights. Meanwhile, a hot water bottle filled with warm (not boiling) water placed at the foot of your sleeping bag can radiate comforting heat throughout the night. Just remember to seal the water bottle tightly to avoid leaks and wrap it in a towel to prevent burns!
Be Prepared for Fire Hazards
Fall brings dry leaves and fallen branches to the forest floor, increasing wildfire risks. When building a campfire, follow these precautions:
- Use designated fire rings made of metal or rock—they’re designed to contain fires safely. Building fires directly on the ground can harm vegetation and heighten fire risks.
- Clear flammable debris like leaves and branches from around the fire ring before lighting up. Creating a clean perimeter several feet wide minimizes the chance of sparks igniting nearby materials.
- Never leave your campfire unattended, especially in dry, windy conditions. Assign someone to keep watch and ensure the fire remains under control.
- Fully extinguish the fire before leaving your campsite. Pour water on the fire, stir the ashes, and use a metal shovel to break up embers until everything is cool to the touch. Unattended or poorly extinguished fires are a leading cause of wildfires.
Important Tips for Fall Camping
Carry Sun Protection
Regardless of how cold the weather gets, studies show that you can still experience sun damage. So make sure you pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Sunburns can happen even on cloudy days, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry and lather up.
Carry a Compass and Map
Relying solely on GPS devices can be risky, as batteries can die or signal reception can be weak in remote areas. Knowing how to use a map and compass will ensure you can find your way back safely, regardless of the situation.
Beware of Mating Season
Fall is mating season for many animals, so stay alert, especially around dawn and dusk when wildlife activity peaks.
Before camping, research the local wildlife and follow guidelines for storing food and disposing of waste. This helps prevent attracting unwanted visitors and ensures the safety of wildlife. For instance, some campsites mandate using bear-proof containers to deter bears from your campsite.
Clean After Yourself
Lastly, whether it’s fall or any season, always be a responsible camper and leave no trace. Take all your trash with you, including food scraps, hygiene products, and even toilet paper. Follow campsite rules for disposing of dishwashing and cooking wastewater—many places have designated areas for gray water.
Respect the environment and leave your campsite as clean as when you arrived. By sticking to these principles, you’ll lessen your impact on the environment and help preserve this beautiful spot for future campers to enjoy.
With these tips in mind and your gear prepped for the season ahead, you’ll be set to enjoy an extended camping season and make cherished memories in the golden glow of fall. So, prepare your favorite cozy drink, pack up, and get ready to embrace the enchantment of autumn camping!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
