Planning a Camping Trip for the Fall Season

–David Noble

Even if you’re a sun worshipper, autumn is still one of the best times of the year to camp in the great outdoors. Not only is it quieter, but campsites also tend to reduce their prices out of peak season.

While the trend for summer camping is largely due to the weather and the school holidays, autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit the countryside.

The number of us going camping and caravanning in the UK has increased in recent years, growing to an estimated 16.7 million in 2022, according to the UK Camping and Caravanning Market Report.

When do most people go camping?

Brits go camping in summer, according to the UK Camping Trends Report compiled by Hipcamp: 63% choose this time of year.

The remaining 37% go camping in equal numbers in either spring or autumn, with just a handful of hardy individuals choosing a winter outdoor holiday. Around two-thirds of campers choose a standard grass pitch.

Almost 50% of campers say their main reason for heading out is to spend time enjoying the healthy fresh air.

The autumn landscape is full of beautiful, rustic colours, providing a totally different camping experience from the summer months.

Why is autumn a good time to go camping?

Autumn isn’t too hot, but nor is it too cold. It can be ideal conditions for camping, as you won’t be uncomfortably hot in your tent at night.

The Met Office anticipates the next three months will be warmer than average, following the recent Indian Summer mini-heatwave. A wet and windy autumn is “less likely” than normal this year, according to forecasts.

This means good news for campers, as the autumn landscape is spectacular, unveiling a unique beauty when greenery is replaced by an earthy display of gold and crimson.

If you’re taking your dog camping, this is a great time of year to do so. Summer weather can be too hot for our canine friends. In autumn, the cooler weather means they can enjoy walking those beautiful trails without becoming overheated.

You can embrace the clear, crisp weather when you awake, in a temperature that inspires you to do something active.

What activities can campers get up to in autumn?

Autumn camping inspires you to explore and discover the beautiful British countryside with friends and family.

You can enjoy walking, cycling, hiking or even running if you’re feeling energetic, taking in the beautiful aromas and scenery that only autumn brings.

Did you know, a brisk walk can burn off more than 400 calories per hour? You can use up to 28% more energy when walking on uneven terrain, rather than on flat land. Enjoying a hearty breakfast, followed by a hike to burn off the calories, is one of the healthiest autumnal activities for people of all ages.

Health experts say regular hiking can lower high blood pressure and reduce the chances of developing heart disease. It is also good for your mental health, as it reduces stress.

Cycling is a great activity to give your heart and lungs a total workout, improving your cardiovascular health and overall fitness levels.

Dining outdoors is great fun, as there’s nothing like eating breakfast on a mild and sunny morning around the table outside your tent.

Similarly, an al fresco evening meal is a great time to bond with companions while watching the sunset. A camping trip isn’t complete without watching the sky transform and the last flickers of light sink below the horizon.

Why is a high-quality, sturdy tent important?

Choosing the right tent is always important – and never more so than in the autumn. A high-quality, sturdy tent is vital at this time of year, when the weather may be unpredictable. Your tent is the key to your whole camping experience. Make sure it’s the right one for the job before you set off to avoid a holiday disaster.

Check your camping equipment before every trip, such as making sure there are no rips in your tent that could cause a leak if it rains.

Always ensure your tent is securely pegged into the ground. A high-quality, durable tent will not only keep you warm and dry, whatever the weather, but it will also last longer than more flimsy alternatives.

Choosing the right bed

It’s also important to choose a good quality bed. Many people who are camping in autumn will use a sleeping mat and airbed for extra comfort and warmth. Supremely comfortable, they are easy to use, yet lightweight and compact enough when not in use to pack easily when you’re on the road.

Sleeping mats provide distance between you and the cold ground, allowing your body to retain heat more efficiently.

The mornings and evenings can be chilly, which may cause condensation. Keeping your tent ventilated can help prevent it to an extent, but always store clothing away from the sides of the tent in case of moisture.

Do you need to layer up for autumn?

Despite a milder spell being forecast at the start of autumn, camping in the cold will soon become a reality. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to layer up, dressing in several thin layers, instead of one or two thicker ones. This enables you to control your body temperature more efficiently.

It’s easier to retain heat if you’re wearing multiple layers. Also, you can take layers off during the day, when it’s warmer, but add additional ones as the cooler evening approaches.

Many seasoned campers recommend wearing moisture-resistant thermals as a base layer to help keep warm. Most heat is lost through our body’s extremities, so pack a hat, thermal socks and gloves to keep warm, especially at night.

While autumn can bring with it chilly breezes, there can also be periods of sunshine, so pack sun protection cream and insect repellent, especially if camping near water.

You’ll also need a good, sturdy pair of walking boots, as if it rains, there’s likely to be mud. Nothing can kill the fun quicker than walking around with wet socks and feet all day.

Plan ahead and pack the appropriate selection of camping equipment and clothing in advance – prepare for every eventuality.

Health and safety considerations

Consider specific autumnal health and safety to protect yourselves and the land around you. For example, never start a campfire near fallen, dry leaves, as this can easily turn into an out-of-control blaze if the wind fans the flames towards the undergrowth.

While spring and summer may have a higher number of fires, more land tends to burn in autumn fires because there’s an abundance of fuel in woodlands from the dead dry leaves and other foliage.

If you’re planning a campfire or BBQ, check with the campsite owners before doing so. All campsites have their own rules on fires, and you should know in advance whether you’re permitted to light one.

Hopefully, our handy guide will have you ready for anything the great outdoors can throw at you this autumn. Now, get out there and have fun!