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Camping doesn’t only have to be a summer fun experience.
There are many benefits to fall camping when the air cools down and the leaves begin to change to red, orange, and yellow.
It truly becomes a beautiful sight to see!
It also allows for some beautiful photos for memories.
However, when you choose to camp in the fall, the weather is the most important thing to consider.
Fall camping can bring some chilly nights.
There can also be unexpected rainfall as the season’s change and the air pressure or cold fronts come through.
So how do you prepare for a fall camping adventure to ensure you stay cozy and have a great time?
Let’s get started with what you should bring to wear because your clothes can make or break your trip.
What to wear for Fall Camping
The first thing you want to do is check the weather to see if there is rain in the forecast. You will also want to check the temperatures in the day and night.
During the fall months, the temperature at night can drop significantly so you will want to be prepared with these items.
- Sweater
- Shorts
- Shirts
- Pants
- Thermal long johns
- Wool socks
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof Slip-on Rain Boots
- Scarf
- Hat(s)
- Rain-coat or poncho
- Warm slipper boots / UGG’s
This is a great list of items to get you started so you stay warm and dry during the fall camping trip.
What to bring to stay warm while sleeping
The nights will almost always be colder than the days, so having these items to stay warm while you sleep is a necessity.
- 0-degree sleeping bag
- Thermals
- Wool blankets
- Hand and feet warmers
Tips for keeping your Tent warm at night
There are different ways to keep your tent warm at night.
First, you can use a portable propane heater inside your tent.
This heater has tip-over protection, and I highly recommend always placing it in an area with plenty of ventilation and on a solid structure.
You could also purchase a tent with a wood stove that has the proper ventilation.
Another great tip is to pack some rugs and extra blankets to place on the floor of your tent. This will help insulate the tent from the cold ground.
If you choose the portable heater or wood stove tent with ventilation, please use it with care and caution.
Additional Tips Before You Head To Your Campsite
–> Check your campsite for electricity and water
Every campsite is different. If you choose to rent out a spot that could also be rented out for an RV, there could be the option to have electricity and running water. This is a camping game changer.
Find out ahead of time by asking the park attendant when you book your campsite.
If your campsite has electricity, then bringing an electric heater and/or an electric blanket can be great options for staying warm.
Another option if you have electricity and water at your campsite is to bring an electric water kettle or coffee maker. This speeds up the ability to have a nice hot cup of joe!
–> Check the park for rules on gathering firewood
Some state parks prohibit gathering firewood and require you to bring your own.
Check with the park attendant when you book your site.
–> Check for a fire pit and see if there is a burn ban
Some areas may have fire bans depending on how dry the summer was. If there is a fire ban, check out other options to have a campfire.
You may need to ask if you can bring your own personal fire pit.
So, how cold is too cold for Fall Camping?
Speaking of staying warm in your tent, let’s discuss the temperature that’s doable for fall camping.
Sometimes winter can come early for many parts of the United States and getting caught with freezing temperatures in your tent is not what you want. That is why checking the weather ahead of time is so important.
But, how cold is too cold?
I personally think anything below 45 degrees at night is too cold. Although your sub-zero sleeping bag should keep you nice and cozy, I don’t recommend camping if it’s supposed to get below 45 degrees.
That’s my opinion though.
Only you know what gear you have and what temperatures you will be comfortable with.
If you don’t know, then I would test out your gear one cold night in your back yard to see what you can handle. This way you have the option to go inside the house for warmth.
Food and Drink Ideas for Fall Camping
Nothing is better than sitting by a campfire and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee or hot cocoa. I personally also love chili and cornbread during this time of year.
So, here are some comfort food and drink ideas to keep you warm and satisfied while fall camping.
Fall Festive Chili – Over The Fire Cooking
Chili is a staple to fall camping. It keeps you warm and full! Pair it with some cornbread and you’ve nailed the idea of camping comfort food.
Check out this recipe here – Fall Festive Chili
Campfire Skillet Cornbread – Fresh of the Grid
Looking for the perfect pair to your chili recipe? Look no further than Fresh of the Grids amazing campfire skillet cornbread.
Check out the full recipe here – Campfire Skillet Cornbread
Dutch Oven Mountain Man Breakfast – All Recipes
Don’t forget breakfast!! This mountain man breakfast is delicious with sausage, eggs, peppers and more.
Check out the full recipe here – Dutch Oven Mountain Man Breakfast
Sausage Pumpkin Pasta – The Spicy Apron
Looking for a great alternative to chili but still want that fall feel in your food? This Sausage Pumpkin recipe is one to remember for every fall camping trip.
Check out the full recipe here – Sausage Pumpkin Pasta
Mulled wine recipe – 50 Campfires
Looking to warm up with hot drink that isn’t your typical hot chocolate or coffee? This mulled wine is perfect for the campfire nights.
Check out the full recipe here – Mulled Wine Recipe
Red Wine Hot Chocolate – 50 Campfires
Maybe you’re wanting to spice up your hot chocolate as you sit by the campfire. Mix it up with this Red Wine Hot Chocolate recipe.
Check out the full recipe here – Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Pumpkin Pie Cake – Let’s camp more
While S’ More is a camping staple dessert, you can always mix it up and try a new recipe. This pumpkin pie cake is perfect for fall camping.
Check out the full recipe here – Pumpkin Pie Cake
Final Thoughts
Camping in the fall can be an amazing experience when you’re prepared. Staying warm, dry, and cozy is key to having a successful trip.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips and especially the food and drink ideas.
I know that Sausage Pumpkin Pasta is a recipe I will keep forever!
If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to check out our related posts!
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Love this! With covid I’ve been trying to get out more and do more activities and this was a great post to help me!
Love these tips for us non-expert campers!
I hate being cold when I’m camping. We soon learnt to make sure we have somewhere with electricity and bring a heater. It makes a difference and makes camping more enjoyable when you aren’t freezing at night.
I love this post! Camping is one of my favorite things about fall and these are super helpful tips! Definitely saving these recipes as well!
I’m ready to go camping now!