Fall Camping Tips – Campervan HQ

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Ready to embark on a fall road trip or set up your campsite somewhere secluded? There are certain feelings and long-awaited delights wrapped around seasonal changes. Made up of familiar, almost forgotten sights, smells, and happenings. Like the way an early fall morning often offers the sweetest golden sunlight and softest sounds of rustling leaves and birds migrating through. The only way to catch those feelings is to go out and be present in them.

There’s no better way to immerse yourself into this season of change than with a fall camping trip. Be better prepared for your trip by thoroughly researching the area you intend to stay in for climate conditions, camping recommendations offered by official resources, and by packing all necessary items.

This is a season that can slip by and blend so quickly into winter without our notice. It's a season to take more time for slow moments outdoors, and to appreciate the outdoors just as it is now: whatever the weather. Here’s our best tips and advice for preparing for your fall adventure:

Best Ways to Travel and Camp:

Bring your own completed or in process (test drive anyone?)
Rent a campervan.
Borrow? Maybe not as likely an option but still an option!

Tent/car

Car camping is easy – check the car checklist – load up your gear and just hit the road how you are.
Combination tent and car camping gives you more space while camping, and more room for packing.

Other RV/ travel trailer

Some camping spots can be harder or even impossible to reach with larger RV’s and pull behinds – but the additional space and luxury can be well worth the added effort.

How to Find Great Campsites:

Looking for a campsite can often be a challenge. Especially finding one that checks all your boxes, so be prepared for the stay by doing research prior to traveling. This will help you be more familiar with the area, you’ll be able to check specific weather conditions for that area, and consider the environment in more detail when packing and preparing to camp.

Search local state/ federal parks
Research local weather and typical seasonal trends
Read reviews- Trails, campsites, parks, etc.
Look for activities/sights nearby
Know the seasonal climate you want to visit

How to Prepare:

You’ll want to prepare as much as possible with the following tips and advice, but ultimately the best way to know how to prepare is from experience. Read through our guide, and make your own adjustments as preferred.

Check weather frequently and be prepared for all weather.
Have emergency supplies: additional food, water, batteries, power or solar generators, tools, aid, etc.
Let close-ones know your plan, route, and how to contact you in case of an emergency.
Research the ecosystem and wildlife in the area. Know what to expect when traveling to new areas.
Practice using gear at home.

What to Bring:

Packing the right supplies and having everything you need to camp in designated sites or remotely takes all the stress out of camping. Prepare to camp by considering the following items:

First aid and emergency supplies
Camp supplies: bring bedding, shelter, tarp, clothing, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, pillow, light/headlight, camp chairs, table, and fuel or batteries
Tools: for car, tent, outdoor, repairs kits- Ex. air pump, jack, ax, shovel, etc.
Kitchen supplies: Stove, power/gas, pan(s), dinnerware, plates/cups, food, water, emergency food and water supply
Bathroom supplies: compostable toiletries, natural soaps

Leave No Trace

Remember to pack in and pack out all camping supplies, be mindful of nearby campsites, campers, and wildlife, and always leave no trace behind. We value our public lands and want to honor them with every outing and adventure.

Bring compostable trash bags to keep your site clean.
Don’t bring items that are prepackaged or pack items together in reusable containers to eliminate excessive waste while camping.
Always double check the ground when packing up to make sure nothing is forgotten or left behind.
Besure to check for any trash or debris left at nearby campsites.
Always aim to improve sites you stay at, rebuild fire pits, remove trash, organize leftover wood or rake over the ground to cover your wear.

Best Portable Gear for Camp Trips

Being prepared also means packing the right gear for your trip. Here’s a list of portable gear that’s usable for all types of camping trips.

Portable Diesel Heaters:

Planar 2D

7000 BTU
The Planar 2D heater, which can run on diesel or kerosene
1.8 gal (7 liter) fuel tank, attached to case
Your choice of 5 or 10 ft of heating ducting
Wiring harness for 12V power connection
Wiring connection for thermostat.

Planar 44D

13600 BTU
The Planar 44D heater, which can run on diesel or kerosene
1.8 gal (7 liter) fuel tank, attached to case
Your choice of 5 or 10 ft of heating ducting
Wiring harness for 12V power connection
Wiring connection for thermostat.

Portable Coolers:

Dometic

Portable Coolers

Super-efficient VMS03 variable-speed sealed compressor uses very minimal power
AC/DC power compatibility, seamless power source switchover
Massive 3.5 cubic foot (99-liter, 153-can) capacity if used as fridge-only, 1.8 cubic foot if used with freezer compartment
Quick freezing capabilities down to -7°F (-22°C)
Dual-zone with separate freezer and refrigerator compartments
Heavy-duty ExoFrame construction includes reinforced corners, sturdy lining, stainless-steel hinges
Built-in USB port
Built-in drain valve for easy cleaning
Five-year limited warranty.

There are many models of different sizes, including the: CFX3 35, CFX3 45, CFX3 55, CFX3 75DZ, CFX3 95DZ and CFX3 100.

Norcold

Norcold Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

Hermetically Sealed Compressor with built-in low voltage protection
Electronic Temperature Control Panel displays the internal temperature and allows you to set desired temp
Indicator light alerts you to installation issues
Separate refrigerator-only section prevents freezing of select items
Battery protection with three settable levels prevents battery drain and automatically turns back on when voltage returns
Easy-to-clean, removable wire basket for convenience
Stainless-steel interior prevents stains and improves cooling
Durable and corrosion-proof plastic exterior with heavy-duty removable handles
Included DC cord with cigarette lighter plug
Optional adaptor allows AC Operation
Optional carrying case helps protect refrigerator

Portable Fire Pit

Vargo Megahex Smokeless Fire Pit

Smokeless campfire experience
Folds flat for easy transport in the included nylon carry case
Durable stainless steel construction
Bottom ashtray makes for easy cleanup
Made in the USA

Portable Toilets:

Dometic Portable Toilets

Water Supply - Freshwater (self-contained)
Discharge - Spout on bottom of tank
Flush Method - Manual Handle
Available in several size options

Thetford Portable Toilet

Refreshed, modern appearance
Industry-leading performance
Exclusive, rotating pour-out spout
More-ergonomic carrying handle
Standard lid latch
3-year warranty

Portable Water Systems

Guzzle H2O Stream Water Filtration System

High Flow: Max flow rate 1.1 gallons (4L) / min
Proven Technology: LED UV-C purification is 3rd party tested to inactivate 99.99% of bacterial, protozoa, and viruses* and is NSF 55 listed
Effective Filtration: 0.5 micron Activated Carbon Block Filtration is highly effective at reducing sediment, chlorine taste and odor, VOCs, NSF 41 emerging contaminants, lead, mercury, and other chemical contaminants**
Low Cost: Carbon Block filter capacity up to 1000 gallons per cartridge, low cost replacement
High Capacity: Rechargeable LiFePO4 battery provides: 32 gallons filtered and purified drinking water @ .75 GPM flow rate (Pumping Mode) 90 gallons filtered and purified drinking water @ 1.1 GPM flow rate (Pressurized Mode)

Summary

Take a moment to go camping this fall and enjoy waking up to a crisp gentle breeze flowing through your campsite and the sun hitting your face warming the day with each minute. The joys of fall camping are found only by seeking the adventure, and maybe even braving a few uncomfortable moments too.

Get outside this fall and make memories you’ll want to return to every year.