Fall Camping Checklist: What To Pack for Autumn Camping

By Jeff Bogle

Oct 26, 2021

Here’s the ultimate fall camping checklist: What To Pack for Autumn Camping. Everything you need to stay warm & have fun fall camping with kids!

Thanks to crisp air and an abundance of color, autumn camping is extremely popular! As you type, “fall camping near me” into Google, and consult your fall camping checklist, make sure you know exactly what to bring camping in the fall. From multiple layers of clothing to food and fall camping activities, and fall fishing gear to the best fall camping tents, here’s what you need to bring when camping this fall!

1. Clothing

Fall weather can fluctuate dramatically…and quickly! To fully enjoy fall tent camping, you must pack multiple layers. A variety of fall camping outfits will help you adjust to changing weather and stay comfortable throughout your autumn camping trip.

 

Base Layer

When it comes to how to stay warm camping in the fall, it all starts with the base layer. Light, breathable fabrics that wick away moisture (wool, polyester, fleece, nylon or silk) and keep your core insulated, dry and warm while fall tent camping are a must!

 

Mid and Outer Layers

Next up on your fall camping checklist is more layers of clothing! Fleece, sweaters, light jackets, wind and water-resistant outer layers and of course some rain gear (ponchos, rain jackets and pants) are also essential for an autumn camping trip. Remember: heat escapes from your head and digits, so pack a beanie hat, gloves and warm socks.

2. Fall Tent Camping Gear

Check out these 10 ideas for taking a hike while autumn camping!

 
  • Tent with rain fly
  • Sleeping bags with proper insulation, with a cold tolerance of 0 to 30 degrees
  • Sleeping pads (if camping on the ground)
  • Wool or down blanket
  • Plastic bags (to protect electronics from rain)
  • Backpack
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • First-aid kit

3. Food and Cooking Supplies

Mealtime during autumn camping means stews, foil poaches of fish and veggies, and s’mores. When it comes to what to bring camping in the fall to eat, here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to have a great time fall camping with kids:

 
  • Easy autumn camping recipes
  • Aluminum foil
  • S’mores supplies
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Pre-prepared meals from home

4. Fall Camping Activities

From stargazing to hikes with sunlight shining in through trees, and of course fishing in all four seasons, there is no shortage of fall camping activities. Here are some of our favorites:

 
  • Fall fishing — get your fishing license to go trout fishing and camping this fall
  • Canoeing, Kayaking, Boating
  • Hiking
  • Leaf Activities
  • Card and board games
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Musical instruments

Check out these 10 ideas for taking a hike while autumn camping!

Jeff Bogle
Jeff Bogle
Jeff is a dad of teen daughters, avid traveler, photographer, and freelance writer. He’s penned stories on family travel, outdoor recreation, the environment, parenting, and more for Fodor’s, Reader’s Digest, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping, PBS, and Esquire, among other publications. Find him on his blog, OWTK.com and on Instagram @OWTK. Jeff is also the publisher of the quarterly literary zine, Stanchion