Five tips for fall camping everyone must know

The air is cooler, fewer bugs, and the leaves are crunchy and brown. Whether you’re out to blaze a new trail or take the family up to the mountains for that long-awaited camping trip, fall is the best time to head outdoors. Fall camping can be challenging if you’re not careful so here are some tips to help make your experience unforgettable.

1. Rain and Wind Coverage

Setting your tent up without protection from the wind will make a huge difference in how you sleep. Setting the tent up in an empty field will not protect from the wind and the campers will most likely not get enough sleep. Make sure all tents are properly staked down and make sure any rain covers are attached properly to prevent a soggy mess that will leave everyone wet and cranky. Sleeping pads to put on the ground under your sleeping bag will make ALL the difference in the world. The air is cold in the fall but the ground is colder, not having something under your sleeping bag will be very miserable.

2. Layered Clothing

Always wear a few layers of clothing when you are camping. Fabrics to pack include wool, fleece and synthetic materials; they will help wick away any sweat from your skin. Long underwear is always a good idea to wear under your clothes and will keep your body toasty. Don’t forget your knit hat, gloves, sturdy boots, heavy jacket and you can add a wind and water-resistant jacket over the top to keep you warm and dry. One thing you don’t want to forget is EXTRA SOCKS! Nobody wants cold, wet feet at the end of the day.

3. Eat Hearty

Plan meals that are healthy and hearty and you will not regret it. Filling your stomach this way will help fuel your body and help keep you going all day and into the night. Cuddling is good during the night but if you’re hungry it won’t help at all. Make sure your belly is nice and full before bed and it will help keep you warm through the cold nights. Think about meals like chili, foil packets filled with meat, potatoes and veggies and Mac n’ Cheese and don’t forget the S’mores! Sipping on Hot Cocoa, Hot Tea or hot Soup will help increase your internal temperature.

4. Bring Lots of Firewood

Campfires are almost a requirement for camping, especially in the fall. Always check to make sure there are no fire restrictions first, though. The frost in the air first thing in the morning can be harsh so make sure you bring extra firewood (or an axe so you can chop some downed branches up for your fire. A few hours before bed you can all gather around a big fire to warm up before turning in for the night. Make sure you put it all the way out (“Dead Out”) before going to your tent.

5. Keep Busy

Whether your group is headed out for a day hike, rock climbing or just a nature walk; keeping your body busy will help keep it warm. Leaf collecting will keep your body busy, you will be having fun instead of focusing on how cold it is outside and all the activity will help you sleep better at night as well.

Have fun and make sure you bring plenty of water for all of your fall adventures. The memories you make while outdoors will be with you forever. Enjoy the downtime and relax while you can.