The kids are back in school and it might feel like summer and the fun of a summer RV trip are over. But don’t put away the RV or camper just yet! There’s still time to get out and enjoy the outdoors in your RV before winter comes. Fall is an incredible time to go camping for many reasons! Keep reading to check out our tips and activities to help you have an incredible fall camping experience.
What makes fall camping so special?
Fall is one of our favorite seasons. It’s warm enough to get outside and enjoy most of your favorite outdoor activities, the nights are a little chilly which is perfect for sitting by the campfire, and there's the bonus of beautiful fall foliage. Hiking in the fall is a great way to see the changing colors up close. Even on a trail that you’ve trekked a dozen times this summer, the autumn leaves offer a vibrant new twist that’s sure to make it feel like a totally new trail. Plus, the insects aren’t as active, so there will be fewer buzzing distractions.
Campfires are a tradition in the summer, but on hotter days, sitting by a warm fire doesn’t always sound that great. During a fall camping trip, when the evening starts to get chilly, it’s the best place to be. A crisp fall night around a warm fire with family and friends is one of the simple joys of any camping trip.
There are also plenty of activities that are unique to the fall season. Many campgrounds host a Halloween weekend with trick or treating and spooky decorations. It’s always fun to carve pumpkins for a seasonal touch to your site. There are also local fall festivals, orchards, and farm stands to visit for picking apples or purchasing fall produce fresh from the field or orchard.
Choosing Your Destination
Fall is a busy time, so when considering a fall camping trip, try keeping it closer to home. Look within an hour radius of your house for your favorite spots, or try somewhere new! An hour’s worth of travel is easier to manage, especially for a weekend trip. Pack as much as possible the night before and as soon as the kids get home from school you can hit the road!
Making a Packing List
Make sure you check the weather, but in general you should be prepared for both warm and cold weather. Throw in a few extra blankets and your favorite jacket or hoodie when packing up for a fall trip, but don’t forget the sunscreen either just in case you get an especially sunny day. Even though it may be colder overall, the days can still be warm and sunny so you’re still at risk of a sunburn if you’re out all day in the sun. Bring along some of your favorite fall snacks or ingredients to give your meals an autumnal twist.
An Easy Fall Camp Meal
Cooking a meal over the fire is always a great option when camping, even if your RV has a full kitchen. Foil wrapped dinners are simple to prep and fun to make with the family. Add in fresh fruits and veggies from a nearby farm like apples, sweet potatoes, or squash. Mix them with your meat of choice (or go meatless) and season with your favorite fall spices like rosemary, cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg.
Other Quick Tips
- Leave time for setting up: it’ll get darker earlier and no one likes setting up after sunset.
- Remember to hydrate: even when it’s chillier, it’s important to regularly drink water when you’re active throughout the day.
- Plan backup activities for inside the RV in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Let the kids help plan meals and activities to get them more involved in the trip.
Fall camping can be a unique experience compared to traditional summer camping. The scenery and fall activities that you can enjoy during an RV trip are sure to create special memories for the entire family. We hope you’ll hold off on winterizing your RV just a bit longer and get out for a fun fall camping trip!
