Camping Packing List for Autumn
The long and hot summertime is all gone, and it’s time to go on fair-weather camping outings again. On offer are beautifully brilliant scenery, cool, crisp breeze, fewer crowds, and campsites in their jaw-dropping best.
Fall is a perfect season to go camping since, much as the days are shorter and cooler and campsites are deserted, you get a lot to explore. During the day, you may go hiking, spot wildlife, or swim in cool and pristine pools and lakes. And at night, you sit around a crackling campfire, try tasty delicacies and gaze at the galaxy.
It’s also in autumn that beautiful foliage engulfs all places, and trees bloom with bright flowers. You relax, have fun, and appreciate nature in a truly peaceful and relaxing manner.
Thinking about going camping this fall season?
It is the perfect time to hit the wild, savor the best trips, treats, and adventures of fall camping and experience the magic and charm of perfect-weather outings. Your favorite camping grounds are clean and ideal for unlimited fun and genuine quality time with your family and friends.
You’ve got absolutely no excuse to miss going on fall camping trips. All you need are appropriate clothing and gear to keep you warm and comfortable and the right fall camping essentials.


Fall Camping Checklist: what to bring camping in the fall
Because the days are shorter and cooler and the erratic fall weather might spoil your camping plans, plan your camping packing list as per what the weatherman forecasts. And pack smart, essentially taking into consideration the fact that fall weather often fluctuates and can switch from warm and sunny mornings to cool and wet afternoons and chilly nights.
In a nutshell, your fall camping essentials should portray the weather you expect, what to wear, and the kind of adventure you plan to experience. On what to pack for camping, consider the following fall camping tips:
1. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
Layering would be perfect for the largely unpredictable weather. Therefore, pack for warm days and also what you will wear once the weather turns gloomy.
Starting with the base layers, choose outfits made with layers of breathable, water-resistant materials. Those that feature light and breathable fabric to keep you warm and insulated should be the best to pack first.
That means clothing made of wool, polyester, fleece, nylon or silk can go in first. However, beware of any cotton clothing as it often tends to absorb moisture and does not dry quickly.


The next pick must include both the mid-layers and the outer layers. For your mid-layers, pick a few different options – fleeces, sweaters, and light jackets. Pack a limited number of them, ideally based on how long your fall camping trip will last.
Rain gear like a poncho or a rain jacket as well as a few pairs of pants should complete your combo. But don’t forget to don your regular waterproof hiking boots and pack an extra pair of light shoes. The last things to pack should be a warm hat – and it can be your favorite beanie – plus warm gloves or mittens and warm socks.
Your fall camping essentials checklist may, therefore, include the following:
- A t-shirt – just one to put on at night.
- A long-sleeved shirt – it should be button up.
- One warm fleece – just in case.
- Leggings – a pair for the night.
- A pair of waterproof hiking pants.
- A tank top – if it comes with a built-in bra, the better.
- A light winter jacket.
- Wool socks – two pairs.
- Hiking boots – just a pair.
- Lightweight cotton shoes – a pair to be worn while at the camp.
- Gloves.
- Beanie or warm hat
- Thermal underwear
2. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
Along with packing a variety of clothing to keep you warm and clothing, choose a selection of sleeping gear and a tent that will guarantee a warm stay and cozy nights of sleep. Your sleeping bag should be warm enough to protect against cold temperatures and moisture.
As for the mattress pad, choose any one type whose extra layer is thick, warm, and comfortable to lie on. The tent should also be of the best quality you can get. Better you don’t take any chances with the weather while camping in the wild than buy a low-quality tent and end up cursing the entire adventure.
One more thing about your choice of fall camping tent: it should come with a rain fly. See, most tents aren’t entirely waterproof and with a rain fly, the water will simply drain the water off the tent’s roof. But don’t forget a tarp or two – you will need it under the tent, especially if the earth is moist and your mattress can absorb the moisture.
3. First-aid and Emergency Supplies
Before you think about how you will stay warm camping in the fall, be ready in case of a medical emergency by packing the right medical supplies. Emergencies could be anything – small cuts and bruises, rashes, stomachaches, sudden headaches, etc.
You should pack a first-aid kit with basic items. Have a couple of disinfecting wipes, antimalarial pills, antibacterial ointment, pain-relief medication, bandages, cotton wools, and medical gloves. Don’t forget to include a mosquito repellant, soap, and a hand sanitizer.
4. Food and water
Of course, you must carry something to eat along the way, and once you camp. Meals to try on your fall camping trip must include those with lots of carbs and good fats because that’s precisely what the body needs to constantly refuel.
And while it’s not easy to list down each meal type you can pack, be sure to go for those dishes that are easy to prepare and take a few minutes to cook. You can pick as much food as you need, pack them, and head to the jungle with confidence.Plenty of fresh, ready-to-drink water should also be on your checklist. Don’t rely on what’s listed as available on the camping grounds.
Other fall camping essentials
- Plastic bags to carry all your trash on, tissue papers, matches, and extra Zip lock bags.
- A duffel bag to heap in all your dirty clothes may also come in handy.
- Several good sources of light – not just a headlamp or a lantern. Any LED source is perfect.
- Plastic bags to carry all your trash on, tissue papers, matches, and extra Zip lock bags.
- A duffel bag to heap in all your dirty clothes may also come in handy.
- Several good sources of light – not just a headlamp or a lantern. Any LED source is perfect.
Don’t forget to figure out the best fun activities to engage in while on your fall camp. Depending on where you’ve pitched the tent, you can arrange to go hiking nearby, swim or fish at the lake or simply have fun within the camp.


One final tip
Fall camping is an absolutely exciting outing. With or without an RV camping trailer, you can use a simple family camping checklist and pack the most essential supplies to go with.
However, the greatest idea is to plan ahead and strictly carry what you will only need. It isn’t a must that you pack everything listed on this camping packing list. Before you toss things into your backpack, trailer, or any bag, list down all you will need so you don’t forget a thing.