{"id":1244,"date":"2017-09-26T08:30:08","date_gmt":"2017-09-26T15:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/?p=1244"},"modified":"2024-09-15T19:16:32","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T02:16:32","slug":"camping-fall-things-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/guides\/camping-guides\/camping-fall-things-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Camping In This Fall – Things to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a reason fall festivals, rituals and celebrations increase as days dwindle down toward years\u2019 end: campers reluctantly say goodbye to summer and for many, that officially ends their favorite outdoor experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

There is compensation. Fall ales tastes crisper. Bonfires feel warmer. This season is filled with wonder\u2026which is why you must plan a fall camping trip to end the year on a positive note and grab one more adventure before things get too cold to wander the woods for more than a sunny afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to bring pumpkin treats or prepare warming stews over a campfire if you prefer not to spend this glorious season toiling away, but there are plenty of recipes for dishes that warm the heart, spirit and tummy–and we’ll help you find them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Got snug sleeping bags? Know how to build and maintain a proper fire<\/a>? Start your own family tradition by taking a fall camping trip to end your year on a colorful note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All about the weather<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Heavy
Because our readers live in so many different areas it\u2019s hard to profile one region, but there are plenty of generalities you can apply to your upcoming camping trip. Our inspiration? A blog post featured on the KOA website that addresses the topic \u201cHow to Make the Switch from Summer to Fall Camping.\u201d That\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll be doing as you look forward to the benefits of autumn camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though temperatures will drop, there aren\u2019t as many bugs and insects to contend with in fall and frankly, if you find campgrounds to be less than appealing when they\u2019re crowded with people, you enjoy more privacy in the fall, too. Having a big chunk of the woods all to yourself certainly gives you more opportunities to cuddle! Ditto drenching rains that force you into your tent so you can listen to romantic raindrops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can things get downright hairy? That depends upon whether you\u2019re camping in Rome, Georgia or Rome, New York. Be prepared for any dramatic weather change you can imagine before you leave home and use common sense while onsite so you don\u2019t wander off on long hikes when skies indicate dense fog, lightening threatens or an impending snowstorm. Double down on securing your tent if camping in an area known for gusty fall winds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest caution of all? Don\u2019t get wet. You\u2019re going to regret it because even a warm change of clothing won\u2019t vanquish the feeling of being chilled to the bone if you\u2019re caught in a downpour. After all, fall camping is supposed to be fun not torture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Tis the season for folks on a budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Image
Because the kids are back in school, the post-summer vacation glow has diminished and you\u2019re back to business as usual, a fall camping trip won\u2019t cost you as much if you intend to patronize a campground. Whether you plan to pitch a tent or park an RV, bookings decline after Labor Day, but you\u2019ll have to don your Sherlock Holmes hat and do some sleuthing for the area you wish to visit because some campgrounds close early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Indiana posts a list of rates on the state’s website<\/a> associated with amenities, locations and special interests like horseback riding and canoeing in addition to camping. Each rate is broken down by the days you wish to camp between April and early November. If you want to camp after November, you must contact the parks department directly to make arrangements, and other states may have the same restriction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The birds and the bees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Rabbit
You already know everything there is to know about sex (or most of it), but fall brings changing behaviors in animals that could get you in more trouble than you imagined. Think bears and bees so you imagine the range and scope of animals busily adjusting to their own change of season. While hibernation behaviors don\u2019t usually kick in until late fall\/early winter, that doesn\u2019t mean critters aren\u2019t preparing to do their thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When temperatures cool, animal species grow more comfortable \u201ccoming out.\u201d They instinctively know that the numbers of humans decrease at this time of year so become familiar with wildlife species that could decide to pay you a visit in your neck of the woods. Because bears spend around 20 hours a day foraging for food in the fall, a good piece of advice is to set up your campsite as a triangle: cook in one spot, store food in another and set up your sleeping quarters in a third. Estimate 100 yards each separating the three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But bears aren\u2019t the only creatures of which you should be mindful. Bees sense that winter is coming and they tend to get more aggressive than usual at this time of year. For this reason, if anyone in your party is allergic to bee stings, err on the side of caution by throwing an Epi-pen into your first aid kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy the splendor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Spectacular
It\u2019s one thing to talk about fall foliage and calendar-perfect landscapes painted in shades of red, yellow and green. It\u2019s another to see this color show in person. Fall camping is a feast for the eyes so if you love to snap photos, have at it. Take advantage of the landscape by planning as many hikes as you can fit into your schedule, remembering that exposure in the fall can be a trickster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bright sun beating down doesn\u2019t mean temperatures won\u2019t drop dramatically if you climb a mountain, to become a master of layering so you can peel off and pile on lightweight garments in accordance with your body temperature. With each layer, air is trapped in-between to create an insulation that keeps the body warmer than wearing a single, thick garment. That’s why stowing extra knit shirts and socks into your backpack can save the day if nature decides to throw a weather curve ball your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hibernate at night like the bears<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your summer sleeping bag won\u2019t cut it, autumn camper. You must make sure that your sleeping bag(s) is rated for temperatures between 10- and 35-degrees F, so you don\u2019t wind up cutting your trip short after night one. When in doubt, chat up your camping gear store manager to make certain you\u2019re reading that information tag on your bag correctly. Also, it\u2019s smart to add a sleeping pad to your equipment list because these foam-based pads help keep the ground chill at bay and give you additional insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest mistakes campers make when they camp in the fall is assuming that if they sleep in multiple layers of clothing, they will stay warm–especially since layering is the most appropriate way to dress when you\u2019re up and moving. But, body heat loss is exacerbated when you sleep, so piling on layers of clothing can actually make you feel colder since 50-percent of all heat loss comes from your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light up your night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Shining
One of the most amazing benefits of camping in summer is that it stays light for extra hours and even after the sun sets, skies fade slowly to friendly shades of gray. In winter, not only are days shorter but (no joke) the dark is darker\u2014especially if you camp in the Pacific Northwest, New England states, Northern Plains and Alaska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t get so carried away with the colors of autumn that you fail to keep track of time. You don\u2019t want to be caught on a long hike as the sun disappears from the sky, especially if you\u2019re in unfamiliar woods or you haven\u2019t properly marked your trail so you can follow it back to your campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because it gets darker faster, bring extra lights so you don\u2019t have to worry about finding your way to an outhouse or moving around after the sun goes down. Your campfire will offer lots of illumination, but bringing headlamps and LED lanterns along expands your ability to see in the dark–especially if the crunching noises you hear outside your tent sound suspiciously like wildlife out for a midnight stroll over fall leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Tis also the season to eat hearty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Food
Getting away with sandwiches, finger foods and the occasional batch of s\u2019mores in summer won\u2019t do in the winter when activity, the weather and your hunger for more than just chips conspire to prompt a full-blown desire for hot and hearty foods that will keep you going even when temperatures drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, you can pack hot dogs and hot cocoa mix, but how about taking a page from our Make Ahead Camping Meals list<\/a> when you camp this fall? We recommend their yummy dishes which are long on taste and short on manual labor. From breakfast biscuits to campfire burritos and from nachos to grilled veggies, these recipes are so easy to prepare, nobody winds up slaving over a campfire when they could be hiking amid brilliant fall colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to go and what to do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your job, time and money are going to determine where you go and what you do on your fall camping trip, but if time and money are no object, we\u2019ve selected a representative sampling of campsites across the nation that promise to turn an ordinary fall camping trip into a lifetime of memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who better than The Wilderness Society<\/a> to identify 15 places guaranteed to offer sensory pleasures within this nation\u2019s national park system? We\u2019ve alphabetized them so you can locate parks near your home turf. Use the accompanying links to make sure you don’t travel to a destination only to find the park closed to visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Alaska<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The classic shot of Denali<\/a> by Madeleine Deaton<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Denali National Park; rugged mountains serve as a dramatic background to vividly colorful trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Leaves begin to turn in August, so this area\u2019s prime viewing time is early fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Arizona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Antelope
Destination<\/strong>
Grand Canyon National Park; photo opportunities abound, especially on the high North Rim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Late September to mid-October. Some areas close early in the season so check in advance.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Someone
Destination<\/strong>
Yosemite National Park where fall colors don\u2019t just impress; they mesmerize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Late October to November.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Rocky
Destination<\/strong>
Rocky Mountain National Park. Evergreens and golden trees paint a glorious color landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
September to October.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Maine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Acadia
Destination<\/strong>
Acadia National Park; especially Cadillac Mountain where vistas are extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Late September through October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Maine to Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
The historic Appalachian Trail attracts hikers from across the nation and overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
September to November; New Hampshire is paradise in late September.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Montana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Lake
Destination<\/strong>
Glacier National Park has so many amazing places to camp, plan to spend extra time there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Mid-September to mid-October.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: North Carolina and Tennessee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Before
Before sunset, Fall Great Smoky Mountains<\/a> by Xiaojia He<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be decked out in orange, red and gold this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Mid-to-late October.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Ohio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Cuyahoga
Cuyahoga Valley National Park<\/a> by Erik Drost<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Cuyahoga Valley National Park where the railroad tour isn\u2019t to be missed for fall foliage fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
October

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Texas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Guadalupe
Guadalupe Mountains National Park<\/a> by Visit El Paso<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Can be as late as November.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Utah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Valley
Valley of the Virgin<\/a> by Thomas<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Zion National Park is one of the nation\u2019s most often-visited destinations year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Late fall; from October to November.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Virginia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Shenandoah
Shenandoah Park Oct 20 2012 370<\/a> by Kevin Kelley<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Shenandoah National Park is home to a one-of-a-kind Fall Foliage Bike Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Second half of October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Virginia and North Carolina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mabrys
Mabrys Mill Blue Ridge Parkway<\/a> by Forest Wander<\/a>, on Flickr<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
The Blue Ridge Parkway spans historic Shenandoah to the romantic Smoky Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Second half of October.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Washington State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Destination<\/strong>
Mount Rainier National Park; leaves start changing in August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
Late September. This park closes in early October so plan accordingly.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Wyoming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Grand
Destination<\/strong>
Grand Teton National Park\u2019s clear lakes doubly reflect the colors of autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best viewing time<\/strong>
September to mid-October. Arrive early if you\u2019re eager to see aspens turn gold.

More information<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

End of the trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next to forgetting to bring toilet tissue in your rush to get out of town before those leaves fall, there\u2019s one tip that must be shared so your fall camping trip doesn\u2019t turn out to be disastrous: Don\u2019t bring along equipment that you don\u2019t know how to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One family thought they were terribly clever by taking a fall camping trip with a cool new cooking appliance designed for the outdoors that cost them a bundle. After setting up the campsite, everyone was eager to try the new appliance–until they realized they had left the \u201cuse\u201d instructions home in the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With no idea how set this appliance up for use, the evening quickly grew dark as campers tried to figure out ways to prepare a meal using ingredients brought specifically for their new toy. They wound up resorting to good, old-fashioned tree branches and a cast iron pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our tip? Audition all new things before leaving home. That includes the two-person winter sleeping bag you bought to make sure it actually fits two people. We\u2019ll leave you with that image.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a reason fall festivals, rituals and celebrations increase as days dwindle down toward years\u2019 end: campers reluctantly say goodbye to summer and for many, that officially ends their favorite outdoor experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1265,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camping-guides"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":18,"label":"Camping Guides"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Camping-In-Fall-Things-to-Know-1024x536.png",1024,536,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Paul Turner","author_link":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/author\/paul\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":18,"name":"Camping Guides","slug":"camping-guides","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":18,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":9,"count":27,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":18,"category_count":27,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Camping Guides","category_nicename":"camping-guides","category_parent":9}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1244"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4883,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1244\/revisions\/4883"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}