Americans love their camping! In fact, camping is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities across the nation. In 2013, so many people went camping that the revenue of campgrounds and RV parks was estimated at around $5 billion.
Now that the hot days of summer are gone, it is the perfect time to head to the great outdoors and take in the beautiful fall colors. However, it doesn’t matter if you prefer tents, RVs, or cabin rentals, there are a few things to know before you pack your car and go fall camping. Here are some of the best tips for foolproof fall camping.
1. Plan with the fall colors in mind. It would be a shame if you got to your scenic campsite only to find that the trees hadn’t changed yet!
2. Always prepare for temperatures that are lower than what you’d expect. Just because it is in the mid 50s during the day, that doesn’t mean it is unusual to drop to the 20s during the nighttime. Plan ahead and bring cold-weather gear, even if you are staying in cabins. There is no such thing as being too warm!
3. Bring a mix of clothes for layering. The weather fluctuates drastically in the fall, so you will want to be prepared for rain, sun, wind, and chilly temperatures.
4. Stock up on firewood. Dry firewood can be a rarity during the fall months, as the rain and constant dampness can make firewood useless. So we recommend you bring a few bundles from home, and don’t be afraid to bring more than you think you will use!
5. Get up and move around. If you are cold, the best thing you can do is to get up and moving. Take in the gorgeous scenery, go for a trail hike, and experience all that is around you.
6. Leave more time for cooking. Dishes will take longer to heat up during the colder months, so you will want to bring quick, easy to heat meals with you.
7. Pack flashlights, headlamps, and extra batteries. Campgrounds get darker quicker than you expect, so don’t be surprised if you have to eat dinner by candlelight!
8. Drink up! You can never drink too much water when you are camping, so have a water bottle on you at all times.
9. Be cautious of the wildlife. Autumn is fall mating season, so respect your distance as some animals can be territorial and even violent if you get too close.
10. Use tarps to your advantage. Putting tarps up around your tent will insulate the campsite and help shelter you from cold winds.
Follow these tricks and you will be on your way to a beautifully warm and cozy fall camping trip!
