Start Planning Your Fall Family Camping Trip

Has summer slipped away without your annual family camping trip? No worries! Fall can be a wonderful time to take your family away for a weekend camping trip. You will enjoy smaller crowds, thanks to the fact that kids are back in school and many families simply don't think of camping during the school, leaving your own family free to enjoy the National Parks and National Forests that are jam-packed during the summer season.

Why should you camp in the fall?

In addition to the less-crowded camping venues, You will actually experience some of the most temperate weather in the fall. Mornings are pleasantly cool, afternoons can be comfortably warm, and the nights are cool enough to wear cozy sweatshirts and snuggle by the campfire. The cool night air makes for great sleeping conditions when your cuddled up under a blanket. You will also enjoy the beautiful autumn color palette and active wildlife.

Should we bring the kids?

Of course! You can certainly squeeze in one last weekend camping trip before you need to put the camping gear up for the winter. While childless campers can enjoy almost empty campgrounds during the week, families can still take advantage of a weekend trip. Your children's school may even offer a three-day weekend in October around conference time, so check the calendar and see what you can work out.

Preparing for a fall camping trip.

Remember that many camp grounds reduce their entrance fees after Labor Day, so you should be able to save a little money during a fall camping trip.

Don't forget to pack heavier clothes for your fall trip. The entire family will need jeans, sweatshirts and long-sleeved shirts.

Because the weather patterns can be a bit volatile in the fall, you need to go prepared for a bit of everything. If you are camping in a hurricane zone, be sure you know the evacuation routes.  Campers in moonsoon country need to be prepared with necessary rain gear and high country campers many need to take precautions for an early snow storm.

While most camp grounds don't require fall reservations, they can still fill up quickly on the weekends. It's better to call ahead and make a reservation -- just in case.

So gather the family, pick a weekend, and start planning your fall camping trip. You just might find that fall camping is the best camping!