Believe it or not fall is right around the corner. Cue the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte stampede. While it might seem like it’s time to put your camping gear away, fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the cool crisp weather, changing foliage and cozy surroundings of a roaring campfire. Follow these tips to make sure your fall camping trip is one to remember.

Reserve Your Spot

There’s plenty of places to reserve a campsite. I usually like to check out nearby National Parks using Recreation.gov. Reservation prices sometime get reduced this time of year so be sure to take advantage of the good deals.

State parks also have fall specials from time to time. If you’re in California you can make your reservations online using ReserveCalifornia or check with your home state to reserve spots near you.

One other resource that comes in handy if all of your top picks are booked is Hipcamp. Think of them as the AirBnB of camping. Properties range from vineyards, parks, ranches and farms. Many Hipcamp locations have lots of great amenities including access to trails, lakeside cottages, goat dairies, alpaca farms or the ocean views.

Gearing Up for Fall Camping

Having the right gear can make or break a camping trip, but the good news is there’s no reason to go broke gearing up for your trip. If you don’t own gear you can always rent a tent, stove and other items from REI or your local outdoor store. If you have friends who like to camp ask if you can borrow their gear, most outdoorsy folks are happy to lend out in the name of helping a fellow camper.  Here’s what to do before you leave.

Test your Equipment: It’s always a good idea to open up new or borrowed gear and do a test run. A couple days before you head out practice putting up your tent. This will help you in two ways; it will jog your memory and let you review the instructions and it could alert you to holes, bent poles or other problems with your tent.

Sleeping Bags & Pads: While you have your tent out go ahead and pull out your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Make sure your bag is temperature rated for fall temperatures at your site. If you have a blow up sleeping pad go ahead and inflate it and check for holes as well.

Extra Protection: It’s a good idea to bring a footprint for your tent or a tarp. Either one will do, both will give you an added layer of protection against cold and wet should you encounter rain on your trip. In addition you can also use a tarp as a windscreen if you find your campsite is a little too exposed.

Clothing: Fall camping is all about layers. You might get lucky and have a lovely warm sunny day, but the evenings can get chilly. Layers are the perfect solution to fluctuating temperatures. Make sure to pack thermals, long and short sleeve t-shirts, long pants, a fleece or flannel, a jacket (waterproof if necessary), lots of warm socks, a hat and gloves. Being cold can really put a damper on your camping trip so don’t be afraid to throw in extra layers.

Fall Camping Food & Drink

Eating is a big part of camping, all that fresh air can really get you hungry after all. Remember that the sun sets earlier in the fall and cooking in cooler weather can take a little longer. You might want to start cooking your dinner earlier, or make sure you have a headlamp around to light your way.

Camp Food Ideas: Nothing keeps you warm like carbs, cheese and booze. Check out this recipe for Prosciutto Gruyere and Honey Pinwheels. Need more ideas? Priya Creates has a great roundup of Favorite Camping Recipes to Feed a Hungry Family. Check out her post for Dutch baby recipes, campfire bread and egg and sausage taquitoes to name a few.

Warm Drinks: If you need a little something extra to keep you warm try this recipe for Ginger Apple Cider or these Three Cozy Winter Cocktails from Fresh Off the Grid.

Fall Camping Entertainment

Aside from all of the daytime activities fall camping affords (hiking, possibly swimming?, rock climbing, and other adventures) there’s fun to be had after dark.

Night Games for Fall Camping: For no prep required entertainment check out these 10 Games to Play Around a Campfire. Or if you’re in the mood for a tournament this glow in the dark corn hole set is perfect for evening entertainment. You can play all day and into the night.

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