5 Tips For Preparing for Fall Camping

It may only be early September, but the thought of fall is in full swing for most people. Soon, the leaves will start changing, the air will start getting cooler, and we'll all be inundated with pumpkin spice-flavored everything!

There are plenty of things to love about fall, but camping during this colorful season has to be at the top of the list. However, it isn't always the same as camping during the summer. There are a few things to keep in mind and a few changes you might need to make from your summer camping routine.

Follow these five simple tips, and your autumnal camping experiences will be unforgettable, fun, and festive.

1. Pick a Colorful Spot

If you're going to travel to a camping location, make sure it's a great one! The colors of the season never tend to last as long as we'd like. If you're already planning a fall road trip, why not choose a place where the colors are vibrant? When you're camping, you'll get to be in the very thick of it. Check out reacreation.gov to see some of the most colorful camping spots near you, and awesome destinations that shouldn't be missed this season.

2. Be Prepared for Weather Changes

Autumn weather can be a bit unpredictable. One minute the sun could be shining with a pleasant breeze rolling in. The next, you could be experiencing rain, wind, or even snow! Always keep your eye on weather forecasts wherever you may be going, and do a bit of extra gear packing to prepare yourself for any unexpected elements.

3. Check Your Equipment

If you plan on camping out with the same equipment you used all summer, you may want to test it out first. Plan a 'practice night' in your own back yard with your tent. Make sure all of the zippers are working properly, there are no potential leaks, etc. You should also check your sleeping bag. Depending on where you're traveling this season, temperatures can dip down lower than you might expect at night. If you don't already have one, this is a good time to invest in a cold-weather sleeping bag.

4. Pack Your Own Firewood

If your campsite allows you to burn, it's always a good idea to keep a bit of dry firewood in stock during the fall. Again, the weather is unpredictable, and there can be a lot of moisture in the air. It might be difficult to find dry firewood at your site. If you can't find any, you could be in trouble once those temperatures start to fall in the evening. Keep a small supply of dry wood with you, and you'll always have a heat source at your fingertips.

5. Dig In!

There are so many additional tips to keep in mind for fall camping, and we'll be back with a few more in a future blog post. In the meantime, enjoy planning your autumn road trip, and keep these tips in mind to make the most of this beautiful season!One of the best things about camping in colder weather? It gives you a legitimate excuse to load up on carbohydrates and fats. Your body will need them for warmth, and for the extra energy you'll be burning. You'll want to make sure to stay warm on the trail, and a few bites of beef jerky aren't going to work as well in the fall. Load up on healthy fats like avocado, nuts, etc., when you're camping in autumn. It will keep your internal furnace running. You'll feel more energetic and won't get cold as easily.