Many people associate camping with the hottest months, but die-hard nature-lovers understand the magic of fall camping.
Autumn is the perfect time to wander among the critters as they gather food for winter, to glory in the beauty of the transforming trees, and to curl up beside the campfire with cocoa, s'mores and a scary story.
There are also plenty of practical reasons to go camping in the fall.
Temperatures are milder, and you'll have fewer insects to deal with.
As kids head back to school, the number of people visiting State and National Parks drastically declines.
Additionally, many parks offer reduced camping fees for fall, which makes this an economical time to head outdoors.
You'll also find it easier to find a quiet, secluded spot at your favorite campgrounds.
Some parks do shut off or reduce their camping services during the off season, so it's a good idea to check before you go - and it doesn't hurt to take a gander at the local weather conditions, while you're at it.
Here are some other things to keep in mind as you consider a fall camping trip: Less Light in the Day The days are shorter now, so you'll need a light source for a longer amount of time than you did in the summer.
Make sure you have a long-lasting LED lantern or flashlight.
You'll probably also go through more wood for the campfire, so bring plenty with you or be prepared to purchase extra.
Be prepared to go through more cooking fuel as well.
Cooler Days and Nights Good riddance to waking up in a tent that swelters like a Dutch oven.
Thankfully, fall brings milder air.
But remember, cooler days mean cooler nights, and your camping gear needs to reflect this change.
Make sure your sleeping bag is temperature-appropriate, because layering extra clothes won't necessarily make you any warmer.
Ideally, you should sleep in a mummy-style bag and wear a hat to bed.
It's also a good idea to use a sleeping pad to insulate you from the chilly ground; a foam pad is more effective than an air mattress for protection from the cold.
Explore New Locations To take advantage of the best fall camping has to offer, look for a place with plenty of deciduous trees and hiking trails.
The mountains, with their clear vistas and ample forests, are breathtaking in the fall, so long as you take care to prepare for the weather conditions.
If you're looking for a warmer place to camp, keep in mind that temperatures are cooler near the water, so you might want to stay away from rivers, lakes, and streams.
On the other hand, fall can be an especially good time for fishing, so anglers may prefer to remain near the water.
Unpredictable Weather Getting wet puts you at greater risk of hypothermia, so it's important to pack water-resistant gear and do your best to stay dry.
If you're camping in areas prone to flooding or other extreme weather, make sure you're familiar with evacuation routes.
Be careful when camping in mountainous regions.
By fall, altitudes above 7,000 feet are already receiving snowfall.
Getting caught unprepared in the snow can turn a pleasant campout into a life-or-death situation.
~Nicole Krueger, 2009
Autumn is the perfect time to wander among the critters as they gather food for winter, to glory in the beauty of the transforming trees, and to curl up beside the campfire with cocoa, s'mores and a scary story.
There are also plenty of practical reasons to go camping in the fall.
Temperatures are milder, and you'll have fewer insects to deal with.
As kids head back to school, the number of people visiting State and National Parks drastically declines.
Additionally, many parks offer reduced camping fees for fall, which makes this an economical time to head outdoors.
You'll also find it easier to find a quiet, secluded spot at your favorite campgrounds.
Some parks do shut off or reduce their camping services during the off season, so it's a good idea to check before you go - and it doesn't hurt to take a gander at the local weather conditions, while you're at it.
Here are some other things to keep in mind as you consider a fall camping trip: Less Light in the Day The days are shorter now, so you'll need a light source for a longer amount of time than you did in the summer.
Make sure you have a long-lasting LED lantern or flashlight.
You'll probably also go through more wood for the campfire, so bring plenty with you or be prepared to purchase extra.
Be prepared to go through more cooking fuel as well.
Cooler Days and Nights Good riddance to waking up in a tent that swelters like a Dutch oven.
Thankfully, fall brings milder air.
But remember, cooler days mean cooler nights, and your camping gear needs to reflect this change.
Make sure your sleeping bag is temperature-appropriate, because layering extra clothes won't necessarily make you any warmer.
Ideally, you should sleep in a mummy-style bag and wear a hat to bed.
It's also a good idea to use a sleeping pad to insulate you from the chilly ground; a foam pad is more effective than an air mattress for protection from the cold.
Explore New Locations To take advantage of the best fall camping has to offer, look for a place with plenty of deciduous trees and hiking trails.
The mountains, with their clear vistas and ample forests, are breathtaking in the fall, so long as you take care to prepare for the weather conditions.
If you're looking for a warmer place to camp, keep in mind that temperatures are cooler near the water, so you might want to stay away from rivers, lakes, and streams.
On the other hand, fall can be an especially good time for fishing, so anglers may prefer to remain near the water.
Unpredictable Weather Getting wet puts you at greater risk of hypothermia, so it's important to pack water-resistant gear and do your best to stay dry.
If you're camping in areas prone to flooding or other extreme weather, make sure you're familiar with evacuation routes.
Be careful when camping in mountainous regions.
By fall, altitudes above 7,000 feet are already receiving snowfall.
Getting caught unprepared in the snow can turn a pleasant campout into a life-or-death situation.
~Nicole Krueger, 2009