Going Camping this fall? Prepare for the best time with this fall camping checklist & camping tips.
With the cool brisk weather, falling leaves, and campfires that the fall season brings, it’s the best time of year to enjoy family time outdoors. Prepare now for camping in the great outdoors with this family camping checklist for fall.
Okay, full disclosure – if you’re not from Texas and are considering coming here to camp in the fall, you may want to wait until around October or November when the weather is cooling and all the pumpkin patches are open. That’s when the description above truly shines and won’t be hot. You may even need a light jacket at night.
Are you going east? Be sure to scroll down to see where to camp in East Texas during the fall season.
Family Fall Camping Checklist
Don’t get stuck out in the woods without the proper camping essentials. Enjoy your time outdoors with the family, and prepare now for your weekend of camping and the great outdoors with this helpful list and tips.
Tent:
- If there are 4 of you camping, it’s best to bring along a tent that sleeps 6. That way, you all are not cramped inside and have room to store your camping gear.
- Easy tent set-up and breakdown will make your weekend less stressful.
- Look for a weather-resistant & water-resistant tent.
- Place a tarp under the tent for weather protection from rain, mud & dirt.
Sleeping:
While the outdoors offers countless benefits, many campers often struggle to achieve a restful night’s sleep in nature.
- Long rectangle sleeping bags are better for comfort
- Look for sleeping bags for cold weather (for later in the season).
- Think about an air mattress for super comfort.
- If you’re not too attached to your pillow from home, opt for one of those smaller camping pillows. Not so bulky and a room-saver.
- Taking a nap? Grab a hammock or two and tie it up between two trees. Bring a book.
Light Up The Night:
- Don’t pack just flashlights, but do bring a few.
- A propane-powered lantern will provide sufficient lighting for the campsite.
- Make your tent cozy with a couple of those battery-operated string lights.
- Want to be hands-free? Invest in headlamps for the whole family.
Enjoy The Outdoors By Your Campsite:
- Bring along a comfy camping chair. Check out the ones that rock.
- Talk along a cooler for refrigerated items – and foods you want to keep fresh and away from bugs.
- Take extra firewood & extra matches.
- Firepit utensils (for smores)
- It’s still hot early in the fall in Texas, so think about setting up a canopy where you can all play cards, talk, etc. You may want to bring along a small card table.
- Have the kids grab a few yard games from home to bring.
- A fun thing we did was spell our names with rocks we found. You can also use sticks.
Camp Cooking Must-Haves:
- Who doesn’t love to cook over a fire? If this isn’t you, invest in a propane stove that sets up easily. Also, if there is a burn ban, you will not be able to light a fire.
- Suitable for the earth utensils – the ones you wash and use again!
- Portable table to either eat on or set your cooking supplies on. (in case there is no picnic table).
- Meals wrapped in aluminum foil prepped at home. For example, chicken, potatoes, corn, or fish with veggies. All you have to do is place the meals on the fire or use a grate.
- Aluminum foil, reusable bags, cookware – spatula, tongs, iron skillet, screen to put over skillet, etc.
For Emergencies & Extras:
- First Aid kit (check it for fullness)
- Extra water & water bottles
- A whistle for each camper (another Boy Scout rule)
- Backpacks for hiking
- Sunscreen and bug spray
You may not think you’ll need sunscreen or bug spray, but if you’re camping in Texas, you will need both. Hopefully, where ever you go, there’s not a burn ban.
This family camping checklist will guarantee a successful camping trip with you and your family!
Did you know you can get most of the things on this camping checklist in a Nomadik Adventure Subscription Box? Nomadik’s boxes are high-quality items for camping and adventures. I’ve been a partner with them for several years now, and I love everything they send me. My Boy Scout and I put them to use!
See below about where to go for fall camping in East Texas.
Family Fall Camping Tips
- Watch the weather before you go. Be prepared for bad weather.
- Keep a lid tightly on trash cans to keep out raccoons and other nocturnal animals.
- Bring extra blankets to wrap yourself up while enjoying the outdoor campfire.
- Use the buddy system. Don’t go off on your own. (Boy Scout rule)
- Don’t forget all the hiking essentials; good hiking shoes are a must!
- Bring along any Citronella candle to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Tools for outdoors or a multi-tool.
- Don’t forget the extra batteries.
If you prepare this family camping checklist for fall and all the camping tips listed here before you go, you’ll have a more enjoyable, stress-free outdoor camping experience. The fall season is the best time for camping in the great outdoors. So get out and camp!
The hard part is deciding where to go. If you’re considering camping in the piney woods of Texas, from state parks in East Texas to small towns in the piney woods, here are 9 places for fall camping in East Texas to consider.
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