Are you planning a fall camping trip with kids? Keep scrolling to get my top tips for camping in fall with kids plus my family camping packing list!
This fall family camping packing list post was originally published September 9, 2021 and was updated September 3, 2022 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you looking for tips on camping in the fall with kids?
Camping in the fall is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy nature before winter hits.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend time together as a family, teaching your children about self-reliance and independence.
But there are some things you need to know if you want your autumn camping trip with kids to be successful!
In this post, I’ll share my top tips for camping in fall with kids plus my family camping packing list!
You don’t have to worry about bugs or humidity while sleeping under the stars when it’s cooler outside.
Plus, many campgrounds offer discounts on sites during off season so that can save you money too!
If you follow these tips and pack smartly, then your autumn camping trip will be amazing!
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
Autumn Camping FAQs
Camping in October can actually be prettty awesome, depending on where you go. September and October are actually some of the best months to go camping for families because the weather is usually mild. Plus, it’s off-season, which allows you to experience nature with fewer crowds. However, be sure to check out what temperature at night is comfortable for family campers; if it’s colder than 55 degrees, make sure you have better gear!
To stay warm when the weather drops to 40 degrees at night, it’s crucial to focus on these camping items: a good quality sleeping bag, extra blankets and a thick sleeping pad. Warm clothing is also important as well so you can keep yourself from shivering all through your sleep!
Before camping with a baby, make sure to check the weather. If temperatures are below 50 degrees (or 60 in wet or windy conditions), babies will not be able to keep their own body temperature high enough by wearing just one layer of clothing and socks. They need several layers including fleece or wool, thick socks, and hats for sleeping at night while camping.
Why is Fall the Perfect Time to go Camping?
Well, in most areas, the fall season brings in cooler weather, so it is not so hot and muggy out. This means you will actually be able to enjoy your trip and not be so miserable in your activities.
Another great thing is you also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery due to the leaves changing colors. In the fall, the foliage gets brighter making for the beautiful scenery outdoors.
While the days may be shorter, there is still plenty of time to take advantage of daytime activities and sightseeing. Whether you are going in your family RV or doing tent camping, fall is a great time to enjoy nature!
Here are 5 Tips for Camping with Kids This Fall
1. Check Your Gear and Plan Your Trip
When you first decide that you want to take a fall trip, start planning how you will be traveling, where you want to go, and when your schedule is open.
Will you be taking a camper with you or will you be pitching a tent somewhere? If you are taking your R.V. or pop up camper, before you head out you will want to make sure it has been prepped and is ready to go.
The same goes for your tent. Be sure there are no holes and that it works as it should. Also, prepare to bring along any essentials in case you were to have to fix the tent.
2. Pack Smart
When it comes to packing, you will want to prepare for just about anything during the fall season.
Depending on the area you are camping in, you will want to make sure you have everything you need to stay warm.
Layering is always a great idea in the fall. This will allow you to add or take away layers as needed depending on the weather and temperature.
You will also want to be sure you are packing the right shoes, safety items, and other necessities you may need during your camping trip.
Keep scrolling to get my top family camping essentials.
3. Prepare for Everything
No matter what time of the year you decide to take a camping trip, you will want to be prepared for anything and everything. Take into account where you are going, the weather, and what necessities you may need.
If you are taking an R.V. out on the road, you will want to make sure it has been looked over and is ready to go.
If you will be pitching a tent at a campsite, make sure you are prepared with the supplies you will need to stay warm and safe.
It always helps to make your own family camping checklist that is specific to either tent camping, car camping, or RV camping.
4. Plan Activities for Kids
Even if you are trying to unplug, planning kid-friendly camping activities can help. Research your options ahead of time and have some backup ideas in case of bad weather.
Bond with the kids by participating in hiking or fishing activities together while enjoying nature’s beauty!
Bring along arts & crafts for inside the tent as well as card games – an engaging activity that everyone will love!
5. Take Time to Enjoy Everything
Camping is supposed to be fun and relaxing, so take a bit of time to enjoy everything that is going on around you. Enjoy the scenery, the sights, sounds, and fun activities while you are camping.
If you are camping as a family, this is a great way to spend some quality time together. Scheduling fun activities or making up your own are a great way to do so.
Hopefully, these tips for camping in the fall will prepare you a little bit for the road ahead.
The most important things are to make sure you are prepared and to enjoy yourself. A memorable fall camping trip is always better than a miserable one!
Best Fall Camping in the Pacific Northwest
Since I live in the Seattle-area, I figured I’d share a few local campgrounds that are awesome for fall tent camping with kids.
Washington State Campgrounds
- White River Campground at Mount Rainier, Washington
- Kalaloch Campground at Olympic National Park, Washington
- Salt Creek Campground in Port Angeles, Washington
Oregon Campgrounds
- Beverly Beach State Park on the Oregon Coast
- Silver Falls State Park in Salem, Oregon
- Trillium Lake Campground in Mount Hood, Oregon
British Columbia Campgrounds
- Fort Camping at Brae Island Regional Park in British Columbia
- E.C. Manning Provincial Park in Hope, British Columbia
- Babine Mountains Provincial Park in Northern B.C.
Fall Family Camping Packing List
If you are planning an upcoming camping trip in the fall with friends or family, you are probably wondering what to pack for your fall camping trip.
When it comes to fall, it is a much cooler season than summer. While it may not be a cold season, the air become a little cooler and the scenery starts to change into those beautiful fall colors we all love.
That beautiful scenery and the not-so-hot weather are what make planning a camping trip during the fall season so great.
Keep scrolling to see my camping list for family adventures.
Fall Camping Outfits
When it comes to packing your clothes, you’ll want to think carefully about your family camping packing list.
Since the weather can be so different from day to day, you want to make sure you are prepared.
In the fall, you could have those warmer sunny days but at night the temps drop, and it gets much cooler.
Layering is a great thing to do in the fall and what you layer with will depend on your planned activities. You will want to bring some short and long sleeve shirts. A fleece or puffy vest would also be a great layer on top of your shirts.
If you plan on hiking or doing other activities that require you to be more active and possibly sweat, clothing made from a good moisture wicking material will come in handy.
Gloves to keep your hands warm, heavy socks to keep your feet warm, and a cozy hat to keep your head warm. You may also want to bring a pair of long johns to keep warm and a rain jacket to help you stay dry.
We’re pretty obsessed with these long johns for our kids. It’s a great layering piece for outdoor adventures in fall and winter.
Shoes
We certainly don’t want to be taking any high heels or dress shoes when it comes to camping! Can you imagine that fiasco?!
Camping means being in the outdoors and taking advantage of everything the nature and wilderness has to offer.
Since you will be spending more time outdoors, you will want to be prepared with sturdy tennis shoes, hiking boots, or even heavy-duty rain boots.
Non-slip shoes are always a great option and can come in handy for any camping activity or weather you may experience.
Sleeping Bag + Pad
If you will be pitching a tent to sleep in, a warm and cozy sleeping bag will keep you warm and comfortable at night. Buying a sleeping bag can be tricky.
This is a great sleeping bag for kids if you plan on camping year-round. Check latest rates and more information.
And it’s really important to use sleeping pads underneath. That provides an insulated layer between your sleeping bag and the cold ground.
Other great items to take with you on your fall camping trip:
Warm Beverages – Taking warm beverages with you will help keep you warm. Don’t forget to take a heavy-duty travel cup to help keep your drinks hot or cold. We love our Hydro Flask. Check rates and more information.
Fire Supplies – Firewood, matches, or fire starters if you are planning on having a campfire. Plus, marshmallow roasting sticks are always a good idea!
Flashlights – These are always helpful and fun for kids. And extra batteries are always a great idea to have on hand.
Multi-tools – A Swiss army knife can be useful for different things and a sharp knife will also come in handy for food.
Cooking Supplies –Depending on how you plan to cook your food you may need to bring a camp grill, griddle, or dutch oven.
You can take charcoal with you if needed, otherwise, sticks may be an option depending on where you are camping.
You will also want to think about any extra activities you will be doing. If you are sightseeing binoculars, guides, or even a camera would be good.
Fall Camping Wrap Up
I hope my top fall camping tips and camping with kids packing list will help you plan your next family adventure.
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors because it’s not too hot and there are less people around.
Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be camping near any type of pumpkin patch or have an apple picking farm nearby, then that is an added bonus
Fall is such an enjoyable time to enjoy the outdoors, so make sure to get outside before winter sets in!