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There's no doubt - camping in fall is a feast for the eyes and comfort for the soul.
An aromatic and visual delight awaits you this fall. Camping is fun and memorable throughout the year, but in the fall, it’s visually more appealing. The scenery takes on an almost painting-like quality. Autumn at its best can offer superb weather, gorgeous scenery, and tranquility, unlike any other season. For many nature and outdoor lovers, fall is quite easily one of the best seasons to go camping. The changing leaves are a special treat and you can enjoy the crispness of the autumn air.
But as with any season, fall also presents some unique challenges and concerns of its own. With a little extra planning, you will be prepared to handle what fall throws at you. Whether you choose to go fall camping with a group of friends or family members, or alone, the list below provides you with some basic fall camping tips that you will definitely find useful.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next fall camping trip.
1) Picking the right campsite
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One of the most crucial aspects of camping in fall or in any season is choosing a safe and comfortable campsite. Limit the risks you need to take by picking the right location. You have to do extensive research on that. Look for campsites on flat and even terrains with no presence of wild predators and poisonous plants. It’s best to avoid places that have too many bad reviews online. Don’t forget to obtain the necessary permits that may be required for camping in that location. Try and look for a site with reliable reception if possible. Read this article about “How to choose the right campsite?” if you wish to learn more.
2) Buy a good quality tent
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Without a doubt, one of the first things that every camper should pack is a tent. Tents are essential for all overnight camping trips (except for car camping). It will protect you from the weather outside and make sure that you have a good night sleep. Whenever buying a tent, prioritize space more than comfort. Because crowded tents are not going to make camping comfortable for anyone. It is better to get a tent that can hold 6 people at once if you’re planning a family camping trip. And don’t forget to bring along tent poles, stakes, ropes, and a tarp for a proper setup.
3) Dress in layers
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Autumn temperatures can be extremely unpredictable. There might be summer-like highs during the day but as the sun sets, it can drop into some chillier territory. So you need to be prepared for a variety of conditions and adjust your wardrobe accordingly. Bringing lots of different layers of clothing with you will help you regulate your comfort levels. Choose clothing types that are breathable, waterproof, provide great insulation, and dry easily and quickly. It is recommended that you bring a cozy and warm jacket, thermal underwear, wool socks, boots, and of course, gloves. Do keep in mind that it is always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
4) Prepare yourself for shorter daylight hours
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Days during the fall season are beautiful; there’s no doubt about that. But they’re also short. And with each passing day, the daylight hours become shorter and shorter. So, it’s important to factor in the shorter daylight hours before you actually hit the trail. In the fall, the sun starts to set much earlier leaving you very less time to set up your campsite. For this reason, you’ve to head out early. But it’s very easy to lose the track of time when you’re in the wilderness. And it is very difficult to set up a tent in the dark. So don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp just in case you have to set up your campsite in the dark.
5) Bring all essential gears
With the right equipment & supplies, camping out in the wilderness can become as relaxing as a night spent in your home. Your dreamy escape can turn into a nightmare all too quickly if you forget to bring some essential camping gear. A fully stocked first aid kit should be one of the first things you pack. Be sure to pack weather-ready clothing, water bottle, food & water supplies, hiking boots, extra batteries, toiletry kit, map, headlamp, and a quick-dry towel. It’s also important to stay organized. So, avoid overstuffing and pack in only the essentials.
Refresh yourself on 10 best camping essentials.
6) Be cautious of wildlife
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Grab your binoculars and head out into the wilderness this fall. Opportunities for viewing wildlife remain abundant during peak autumn months. You stand a good chance of seeing wildlife, as they get ready for the coming winter. So if seeing wildlife is a priority, take our word for it and go hiking this fall. You will have plenty of opportunities to not only see but also learn a great deal about various species of wild animals and birds. But don’t get too close or you might scare them off!
7) Check the weather
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Be sure to check the weather forecast for your planned destination before starting your fall camping trip. See if there any weather warnings. Changes in weather can impact your packing list. You may have to add in or remove certain camping supplies and equipment. If the forecast for your chosen destination includes bad weather then it’ll increase the risk of you getting injured and lost. We highly recommend checking reliable weather channels and websites a week before the start date of your trip.
Conclusion
The cooler temperatures, vibrant landscape, and bug-free campsites make way for a pleasant camping trip. To fully enjoy your fall camping adventure, you need to plan ahead properly and accordingly. Once you’re ready and prepped, all you need to do is head outdoors and enjoy the best of what fall camping has to offer.
Have any questions about fall camping? Do let us know in the comments down below.
