Why Fall Camping Rocks

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The blazing summer sun has retreated in the sky, and the leaves have taken over, bursting into a symphony of color. Crisp air carries the tang of seasons on the cusp of change.

Many people associate camping with the hottest months and are already busy squirreling their outdoor equipment away for next year, but die-hard nature-lovers understand the magic of fall camping. Autumn is the perfect time to wander among the critters as they gather up 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. Now that prime time is over, many parks have reduced their camping fees for fall, which makes this an economical time to head outdoors. You’ll also find it easier to find a spot at your favorite campgrounds—not to mention quieter and less crowded when you get there.

Some parks do shut off or reduce their services to campers 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:

Lighting the darker days.
The days are shorter now, which means 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.

Keep in mind that cooking takes longer and requires more energy in the fall, which will cause you to use more fuel for your camp stove. Try to keep meals simple, and keep a lid on your pots when cooking.

Staying comfortable.
Good riddance to waking up in a tent that swelters like a Dutch oven. Fall brings milder air, replacing the urge to dive headfirst into the nearest watering hole with the cozy comfort of snuggling up to a crackling campfire.

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.

Choosing a location.
To take advantage of the best fall camping has to offer, look for a place with plenty of deciduous trees and hiking trails. The cooler temperatures and scenic splendor make this an ideal time to hike. 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.

Weathering unpredictable weather.
As temperatures drop, getting wet puts you at greater risk of hypothermia, so it’s important to be extra-prepared for rain. 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

http://www.lightsandknives.com/camping-in-the-fall.htm