I’ve been told that fall is the time to go camping, but I haven’t yet had a chance to investigate for myself. But thanks to the Internet, I recently met Perry, owner of Camping-Tent-Reviews.com (worth a look-see if you’re in the market for a new tent). He was more than willing to offer up a few tips for spending a little time away from home in the great outdoors this fall. Enjoy!
Once school starts, families seem hesitant to pack up the car and go camping. Sure, many go hiking but because the temperature drops, lots skip out on staying overnight.
But why?! Fall camping rocks! And we know your kids will love it, too!
Why Go Fall Camping?
Naturally, one of the best reasons to go fall camping is the absolute majesty of Mother Nature. Her grand design of mountains, lakes, valleys, oceans, plains, mesas and canyons is beyond gorgeous.
And during the fall, it’s even more fantastic. Those bright yellow and orange leaves on the hillside’s trees look like a living, breathing fire of life. It’s breathtaking.
But we all know this, right? What you’re wondering is why you should take the family on the camping trip during autumn, aside from the grand vistas. Well, here are a couple of reasons.
- Affordable Rates: After Labor Day, campsites at various places around the country – from national parks to private areas – reduce their rates. Site owners do what they can to lure people in when the weather starts to get cooler. And that includes making it super affordable for you.
- Family Time: The reason we all go camping in the first place. But by limiting your camping to late spring and summer, you’re missing out on the quietest, most beautiful times in our national parks and state forests. Think about the memories you’ll create, the closeness you’ll achieve and the lessons you can impart. It can be a beautiful bonding experience for the whole gang.
- Weather and Crowds: Summer’s too hot and winter’s too cold. Spring is okay, but it’s so incredibly crowded. Autumn is just perfect.
Tips for Fall Family Camping Success
So, you’re ready to pack it up and ship it out, huh?
Well, wait just a minute. Before you strap on your boots, shoulder your pack, and hike past the trailhead, you might want to hear about a few tips that will make your trip – and your life – much easier.
- Be Prepared: There’s no good substitute for making a battle plan before hitting the trails. Improvising is fun on television, but it’s not a good idea to practice in the wilderness. Make lists of items to bring, make sure you have goods for all foreseeable conditions and plan out your route well in advance.
- Dress Warm: It’s no winter, but autumn can still get chilly. Before you pack up the car, do a little research about the weather of your destination and pack clothes accordingly. There’s nothing fun about cutting a trip short because you don’t have warm enough clothes.
- Plan Your Activities: Camping with kids can be a lot of fun, if you plan ahead. It’s when the little ones get bored that the atmosphere can get a bit stormy. Schedule a few activities to fill the day. Go for a hike, swim or even zip-lining – there are plenty of exciting things to do in the wilds. (I’d add that kids are actually pretty content to play in the trees and dirt if you just let ‘em.)
Have you been camping in the fall before? What advice would you share with other families?
