Outdoorshopping Blog

The idea of camping during the fall or winter season may seem unusual to some people, but it may actually be a fun, adventurous, and inexpensive way to say goodbye to the hot summer and hello to the cool, crisp autumn. There are several benefits of camping during the fall season as opposed to the summer season. One of these is that the mosquitoes and insects are much less abundant during the cooler seasons. Another is that campgrounds are much less crowded after the summer is over.

Along with these benefits though, there are also some things that you should keep in mind when planning your camping trip, as camping during the fall season may be a bit more difficult than camping during the summer. Here are a few key points to keep in mind in order to make fall camping much easier and more enjoyable for everybody involved.

1. Choose the right tent. Canvas-wall tents are ideal for autumn camping, but they are a bit larger and bulkier than others, as they offer much more comfort and protection in adverse weather. Smaller nylon tents will also serve you well if a large canvas-wall tent is out of the question. No matter which tent you choose, be sure that it includes a full rain fly, just in case!

2. Bring suitable sleeping equipment. For maximum warmth and comfort, you should start with a sleeping mat on the ground of the tent, in order to insulate you from the cold ground. On top of this, add an air mattress for additional insulation and much more comfort. Next, place your sleeping bag on top of the air mattress. Your sleeping bag should be one made for cooler weather, such as one made for temperatures between 0°F and 20°F. Lastly, a couple of additional blankets on top of this would probably be a good idea as well.

3. Pack a generous supply of warm clothes. Although looking ahead at the weather is always a good idea, Mother Nature doesn’t always stay on track. Remember to bring extra thermals, sweatpants, hooded sweatshirts, and socks to stay warm throughout the night. On extra cool evenings, you may want to consider a wool cap under the hood of your sweatshirt as well.

4. Prepare yourself for the cooking experience. While you can certainly cook various foods over the fire, it may be a good idea to bring a small gas or charcoal grill as well. Both fires and grills alike will work best with cast iron or steel pots and pans, as these will hold and spread out the heat better. As another tip when cooking in the outdoors, try to keep your meals to one-pot meals, such as stews, soups, and chilis. This makes it much easier to serve and clean up. In addition, consider bringing foods that are easy to prepare, just in case the adverse weather prevents you from cooking. Don’t forget to leave more time for cooking, as cooking times tend to be a bit longer in lower temperatures.

5. Load up on hot beverages. Camping in the cooler weather wouldn’t be complete without hot beverages. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and warm cider are a must when camping in the fall. While drinking lots of warming liquids quickly helps to warm up your body, it also helps to keep you hydrated, which is equally as important.

While camping in the summer may be more commonly heard of, camping when it's cold can be just as fun and enjoyable. With nice cool temperatures, vibrant changing leaves, fewer mosquitoes, and more solitude, camping in autumn can be the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to a beautifully refreshing new season. Just don’t forget to consider these tips along the way!

*Photos source Pinterest