Fall Camping: What To Pack

Although summer has started to wind down, it is still possible to enjoy the last of the warm weather. While a day at the beach or an evening spent grilling in the back yard can be fun, there is nothing quite like camping to help you take advantage of the last sunny weekends of the season. If you are planning a fall camping trip, however, it is important to make sure that you pack sufficient supplies. Small things such as Zippo lighter fluid or an extra sweater can make you much more comfortable on your excursion and will allow you to focus on the beauty of the great outdoors.

The supplies you need to bring depend largely on where you will be camping. Tent camping and trailer camping, for example, require entirely different supplies. If you will be camping at a state or national park, it is safe to assume that you will have access to clean water. If you are going backwoods camping, on the other hand, you may want to bring extra water with you, or a chemical water purifier. You may also need additional hiking gear, such as comfortable boots, and you will need a food-storage bag that can be hoisted up a tree, away from the claws of hungry bears.

Although it may still be warm during the day, it is always a good idea to bring extra warmth items when you are camping in the fall. For example, you should bring at least one extra sweater and a pair of long pants. Make sure that you have proper rain gear and make sure that you have a tarp to shield your tent in case of a storm. You should also make sure to pack extra Zippo lighter fluid so that you can always light a fire to keep yourself warm.

It is also a good idea to bring a few things to entertain yourself on your trip. While a guitar and a book of ghost stories are traditional campfire accompaniments, you may find it is more fun to try something new. Bring a book of poetry to read aloud or pack a few board games. Play charades or host a song-writing competition and invite other campers to join in. Sometimes, the most creative activities are the most fun.


If you are having trouble remembering everything you want to bring, make yourself a check list. Show it to other people going on the trip and make sure that they add anything they think you should have. Always remember, however, that the main purpose of a camping trip is to have fun; by making sure that you remember all the details such as rain gear or Zippo lighter fluid, you will be relaxed, comfortable and in perfect shape to enjoy the last of the summer weather.