The Camping Outfitter

As autumn approaches, thoughts of camping trips, sleeping in big family-sized camping tents, making s’mores, & cooking over an open fire with all that fun camping gear come to mind.  It’s the time of year to snuggled down in your sleeping bag around the fire while listening to family members tell stories of ghosts & forest fairies.  It’s the time of year to sleep under the stars, while laying safely in your tent, your family all around you, as you make memories that will last.

Tent camping in the fall is wonderful.  The campgrounds aren’t nearly as busy as in the summer, so you can go last minute if you want.  The rates in the fall for the campsites are normally cheaper, & the availability of premier campsites is also more likely during the fall.  You can also often find good sales on camping gear & tents, if you need to buy new or replacement supplies.

When camping in the fall, it’s important to remember a few key things.  For starters, you need to be aware that the nights are going to be a lot colder than in the summer.  Your camping gear needs to include plenty of blankets, socks, firewood, & maybe even some insulated underwear.  You also want to be sure to pack plenty of extra food & snacks, as they’ll be needed, since appetites increase in the cold.

Another good thing about fall camping in tents is the lack of bugs.  Mosquito season is coming to an end, although a good screen room can help with that, & that means less need for bug repellents & the ability to keep your tent open as you come & go.   While there’ll be a lack of biting insects, there’ll be an abundant supply of nocturnal insects to lull you to sleep with their consistent chirping & humming.

Camping with your family is also a great way to create familial intimacy, spend time with your children away from the busy day to day grind, & reconnect with your partner or spouse (with or without children present!).  By communing with nature, eating meals prepared together over an open fire, & sharing stories, you are able to reestablish bonds that may be weakened by soccer practice & long hours at work.

Take the opportunity to learn new things or share things you know with your family when camping.  Take a field guide on wildflowers, birds, or butterflies on a hike.  Teach your children how to identify these gifts of nature & why preserving them in parks is so important.  You may be surprised by how excited the family will become during the experience.

Camping in the autumn with your family is something to be cherished & done as often as you are able.  It doesn’t take a lot of money or planning & the rewards are too many to mention.  If you’re a well seasoned camper or a novice, camping in the fall is a truly glorious way to spend time with your family.