Get Your Shit Together for Fall Camping, SO YOU DON’T DIE!

Any bozo can toss some gear in the trunk and go camping when it’s warm outside. Doing that in the fall is dumb. Going unprepared could be life-threatening. If you want to camp in the off-season, thumbs up! Just put in the time to set yourself up for a successful trip.

Familiarize yourself with the parks and options

As I noted in a previous post, park services change in the fall. So, check whether the park you’re interested in is still open. Most jurisdictions show their opening dates on their websites. If they don’t, give the park ranger a call. You might also ask if they have any seasonal recommendations. These folks tend to be super-knowledgeable on such matters.

Some parks switch to first-come, first-served (FCFS) after Labor Day. This policy is just like it sounds. Whoever gets to the campground first picks the plum campsite. People who arrive there later get the leftovers. So, if the park is taking reservations, do yourself a favor and make one. Having a reservation leaves less to chance and might help you get a campsite that isn’t right next to a stinky toilet.

Stay abreast of the weather and conditions

Keep an eye on the weather forecast because conditions change fast at this time of year. Having a sense of what’s to come allows you time to equip yourself adequately. If you see rain, pack more tarps. If it looks cold, bring extra clothing and blankets.

Watch the highway reports to check on conditions and outages. If you practice dispersed camping, research the status of forest service roads to ensure they’re open and passable. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and know the distances between you and your destination(s). You don’t want to get stuck without gas on a bush road while the snow is falling fast.

Do a dry run before setting out

Test your equipment. Seriously. You can get away with a jammed sleeping bag zipper in July. When it’s close to freezing outside, this is no longer the case. You might feel silly doing so, but I highly recommend that you set up your tent at home once before going. I promise that you don’t want to find a tear or leak while pitching it in a rainstorm. (P.S.: Bring some repair gear and patches.)

Check your packing list. You probably need a separate one for fall camping to include items specific to the season. Go through every truck/camper cubby and storage bin, checking off items and fixing ones that need service. Charge any batteries, battery banks, flashlights, and headlamps. And pack your charging cables… you know, just in case.

We have a whole article on safety with added suggestions for your fall camping trip to come. That’s further along in this series. Instead of skipping ahead, you should read: What to Wear When Camping in the Cold and Wet. It’s the next installment in our Fall Camping Guide

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Thanks Cristofer Maximilian 🙏 for letting us use your photo for this post. Very cool!

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