Autumn is one of the best times of the year to camp in the great outdoors. It’s quieter, cheaper, and the natural world is full of beautiful colours. But preparing for an autumn camping trip is slightly different from arranging a sojourn at the height of summer. So, here’s our guide to autumn camping with some tips on how to make the most out of your experience.
Plan the logistics ahead of time
If you’re camping in the UK in autumn, it’s a good idea to plan your trip ahead of schedule. Some campsites are only open seasonally, so you will need to make sure that your chosen location accepts reservations at this time of the year.
When you set off on your journey, make sure you leave enough time, so you don’t arrive after dark. Pitching a tent and familiarising yourself with your surroundings is unnecessarily complicated in the dark, so give yourself enough time to arrive at your campsite during the day.
Layer up
You don’t need us to tell you that there’s a nip in the air during autumn, even when the sun is out. Make sure you pack enough warm clothes to see you through for the duration of your trip, with the likes of fleeces, trousers, warm socks, and a hat and gloves combo, all essential items.
This means you might have to take a slightly bigger backpack than usual, but the additional space is necessary to ensure you have all the clothes you need to stay warm.
Invest in the right sleeping gear
Sleeping bags have different ratings, making it easy for you to choose the right bag for your upcoming trip. We recommend a 3 or 4 season style sleeping bag for autumn camping trips, but you don’t necessarily need to buy a new sleeping bag for the occasion.
If you only have a light sleeping bag, consider buying a sleeping bag liner to keep you warm. A liner is affordable and lightweight and is the perfect addition to your sleeping gear if you don’t want to buy a warmer sleeping bag.
Strategically locate your tent
The position of your tent is important all year round, but it’s even more crucial when the weather isn’t great. Pick a spot at the campsite that is protected from the elements - a shaded area near the trees will protect you from the brunt of the wind and rain should they get worse during the night.
You might also consider bringing a canopy or some kind of awning to protect your tent and the surrounding areas. This is a great way of keeping things dry and will make a big difference to the quality of your trip.
Fire it up
Last but not least, camping in autumn presents you with a wonderful opportunity to light a roaring campfire. Just be sure to check that the campsite you book permits fires, as some have restrictions. Chilling out around a roaring campfire is a wonderful way to end the day, and it will keep you warm as you set the world to rights with your besties.
BBQ’ing
We all know BBQs are a must on any camping trip, helping you cook up some delicious meals in the great outdoors. As a convenient, fuss-free way to get started, our Instant BBQ trays are a fantastic choice. They’re portable, quick and easy to set up and leave no mess when you’re all done and dusted. Ours come in two sizes, Party Size x 5 and Party Size x 12, both super easy to clean up.
If you’re a serious BBQ’er and bring you’re own along with you, we also have plenty of choices when it comes to charcoal and firelighters, helping you light up your BBQ in the best way possible.
Before leaving home, be sure to grab some ultra-dry firewood to save you the hassle when you arrive at your campsite. In fact, our handy fire pit bundle is perfect for loading into the back of the car and will help you get your campfire started in no time at all.
