Fall Camping Gear

Be Prepared With Fall Camping Gear This Year

Camping in the fall is a magical experience. The leaves take on hues of orange, red, and yellow, and the air has just enough of a bite to make you feel cozy as you sip a cup of coffee.

The cooler weather, however, can present some challenges. To help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable, we've created a checklist of 14 pieces of essential fall camping gear.

Gather up these items and you'll be good to go for any fall camping trip!

The Essentials

1. Warm, Layered Clothing

A key part of camping in the fall is packing the right attire. You'll want warm clothing that can easily be layered and adjusted, depending on the temperature of the day versus the night. Water-repellent shoes/boots are also recommended for those rainy fall days.

2. Hand and Foot Warmers

Depending on your location and the time of year, you may want to pack hand and foot warming packs. When activated, these will help you stay warm but are less bulky than winter gloves.

3. Cool-weather Sleeping Bag

Your lightweight summer sleeping bag might not cut it in the fall. You'll want a sleeping bag rated for at least 30 degrees, and possibly down to 0 degrees.

4. Sleeping Pad

The ground is cold, but you don't have to be. Using a foam sleeping pad not only adds comfort, but it provides a barrier between you and the much colder ground.

5. Waterproof Tent w/Rainfly

Fall can be rainy, so you'll want to bring a tent that is water-repellent and equipped with a rainfly. It's also a good idea to bring a tarp to place underneath the tent, preferably one that is the same size as the tent itself, so it doesn't collect water.

6. Fire Starter

Damp wood isn't easy to start. Many Sun RV resorts offer high-quality firewood for sale, but a fire starter will make it much easier to get a good fire going if the wood or leaves are wet. Here are some tips on creating kindling for your campfire.

7. Camp Stove

Campfire cooking is a lot of fun, but it can take a long time in colder weather. Speed things up and avoid standing in the cold by bringing a quick-cooking camp stove. Be sure to check if your Sun RV resort sells propane for it, or you'll need to bring your own.

8. Cast Iron Skillet

An American classic, the cast iron skillet is your best friend when it comes to cooking quick meals in cool weather. These durable pans hold their heat well and are extremely versatile. You'll be able to make cornbread, steak, one-pan dinners, and more. Just remember to properly care for it!

9. Campfire Coffee Supplies

Warming up with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is one of the best parts about fall. Be sure to bring all the supplies you might need for campfire coffee and hot drinks. This could include a kettle, coffee grounds, and any preferred brewing methods, such as a French press or pour-over system.

Keep an eye out for a campfire coffee blog post coming soon!

10. Cozy Chairs

When camping in the fall, you'll no doubt want to sit back and take in the sights of the season. Pack a couple of cozy chairs for those days when you want to sip a warm beverage and stare at the leaves. A good book doesn't hurt, either!

11. Warm Blanket

Your clothing may be warm, but sometimes you want to wrap up in a blanket. A material like wool works well, but feel free to bring whatever you have.

12. Lanterns and Flashlights

The days are a lot shorter in autumn, so you'll want to have some artificial light handy. An electric (or real) lantern is perfect for time spent near the campsite. Pack some flashlights for walking to the restroom, sorting through supplies, etc.

13. Compass and Map

When the seasons start to change, the different scenery can make it easy to get turned around. Stay prepared and bring a compass and map, which works even if you lose GPS signal.

14. Indoor Activities

Fall is beautiful, but the increased chance of rain means that you should probably prepare some alternate plans in case the weather doesn't pan out. Here are some ideas for camping activities, including those for when you're stuck in the tent.  

Best Places to See Fall Foliage:

• Acadia National Park, Maine
• McKenzie River Scenic Byway, Oregon
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Letchworth State Park, New York
• Tunnel of Trees, Upper Peninsula of Michigan
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Are you a fan of fall camping? Share this post with your friends and plan a trip together!  

Related Posts

• 5 Tips to Gear Up for Fall Camping
• Outdoors in the Fall: Things to Do and Places to Go