Important Things to Consider When Fall Camping

1. Early Closures—Some campgrounds and parks, especially national and state parks in colder climates, may close early in the fall season due to weather. The same goes for Forest Service roads in national forests and on access roads across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Always call and double check before booking anything or heading out on an unmarked road. Be sure to read out our National Park Reservation Guide to see when some of the most popular parks are open.

2. Watch the Weather—While the weather is typically milder in the fall, there can still be large differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Things can change quickly and storms can come on suddenly, so be prepared for rain, snow and heat.

3. Winterizing Your RV—Because temperatures can drop at night during the fall, make sure you take the necessary steps and bring the necessary tools to help winterize your RV. This includes making sure your RV pipes and tanks don’t freeze, checking your RV’s seams and seals (especially around doors and windows), inspecting your water heater and furnace for any water damage, ensuring your RV has enough propane, and double checking that your generator is working properly. 

4. Packing Necessities—During the fall, it’s important to pack clothing that can be layered. It also doesn’t hurt to throw a few extra sleeping bags or blankets in your RV for additional warmth at night. It’s also important to bring extra water—it’s easy to get dehydrated with cooler, dryer temperatures, so be sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also heat the water at night and put it in a bottle to sleep with it (warm drinks before bed can also help). And lastly, because you lose sunlight quicker in the fall, pack a few extra light sources like headlamps or portable lanterns.