Whether you’re at a campground to view the fall foliage or spending quality camp time with loved ones, you better have the right fall camping gear. Cool nights, rain, wind, and even the possibility of snow—the right gear makes all the difference when fall weather is unpredictable. Use this guide to ensure you have the best fall camping gear for your next trip.
Table of Contents
ToggleFall Camping Gear List
We’ve outlined RV essentials for beginners, must-have RV tools, and a sample RV packing list elsewhere. This fall camping gear guide focuses on tools and equipment to make fall camping more comfortable.
Portable Propane Fire Pit
There are two major reasons to add a portable fire pit to your fall camping gear list. First, starting a propane fire pit is much quicker and easier than lighting a traditional campfire. Second, most campgrounds allow fire pits even when wood-burning fires aren’t allowed due to regional burn restrictions.
Additionally, a portable fire ring can be used in boondocking settings. When camping off-grid where there may not be established fire rings, these fire pits are often the easiest and safest way to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a campfire. No, you don’t get the smell and nostalgia of a wood-burning fire, but the compact size and easy portability of these pits make them a must-have addition to your fall camping gear list.
Here are a few of our favorite portable propane fire pits for camping:
Griddle or Smoker
Have you ever camped for Turkey Day? Some RVers make Thanksgiving camping a family tradition. The challenge, if you’re new to this idea, is preparing a Thanksgiving-worthy spread in an RV kitchen. While many luxury RVs have residential kitchens that make it easier to host the holidays, splitting the cooking duties between indoor and outdoor RV kitchens will make life easier.
Whether you want a griddle or a smoker depends on how you prep your fall camping meals. Blackstone griddles, for example, tend to be lighter and easier to transport than larger smokers. However, there are models like this Pit Boss Pellet Grill that can be used as a grill or a smoker, giving you a two-in-one option to meet all your fall cooking needs.
Here are a few more RV griddle reviews to help you compare and find the best one for you:
Heated Drinking Water Hose
If you’re unprepared, an unexpected freeze will turn your dream fall camping trip into a nightmare. Many RVers pick up a heated drinking water hose to minimize the risk of freeze damage. This specially designed hose features an inner tube wrapped in an electric heating coil. A second layer of thick insulation surrounds the inner hose and coil, and circular foam insulation sleeves slide up to protect the faucet connections.
The hose plugs into a 120V AC outlet on your campground power pedestal or your RV’s underneath storage compartment. If your RV’s underbelly isn’t enclosed and heated, consider adding foam wrap insulation around any exposed plumbing lines beneath your camper.
Flashlights and Headlamps
Shorter fall days don’t have to send you inside prematurely while camping. Keep multiple flashlights and headlamps around your RV so everyone can move confidently and safely in the pre-dawn or post-dusk hours. Here are a few ideas for using these different types of camp lights:
- Strategically place lanterns around your campsite, turning them on and off as needed.
- Keep a handheld flashlight by your RV entry door to grab and go.
- Give everyone a headlamp for convenient, hands-free light after dark.
You can also explore patio lighting ideas to illuminate and decorate your RV’s outdoor living space.
Camp Tools
When days are shorter and camp store hours are less predictable, the last thing you want is to rely on the camp store having a critical tool for meal prep, fire building, or any other use. Simply put, stock up on tools before your trip, and it’s one less thing to worry about.
Here are some camp tool ideas to consider adding to your kit:
- Hatchet
- Pliers
- Paring knife
- Lighter
- Fire poker
Last but not least, grab a first aid kit. The other items on this list are ideal, but a first aid kit isn’t up for debate. Cuts, stings, or scrapes are inevitable when camping. Be prepared and address them as soon as they happen so the adventure continues.
Insect Repellant
Seasonal insect hatches can occupy your campground at any time of year. Some of the most common bugs that hatch in the fall include caddis flies, stink bugs, and boxelder bugs. How much you’ll need insect repellant depends on where you’re camping, but it’s always better to have it and not need it than to be left wanting.
Fortunately, there are many insect repellant solutions at your disposal. If you’re not a fan of traditional “bug spray,” consider placing bug zappers or refillable canister-style bug repellers around your campsite. You can place them inside and on an outdoor folding table or picnic table.
Smart Layers
Finally, you’ll need clothing to handle all types of weather. From hot days in shorts to blustery days wearing a knit cap, you’ll experience it all when you go camping. Here are our top five clothing items to bring fall camping:
- Base layers
- Hats and/or scarfs
- Gloves/mittens
- Rain jacket
- Boots
- Wool socks
Would you like some tips on maximizing storage inside your RV to fit your fall camping gear? Here are a few helpful resources:
- Complete Guide to Organizing Your RV
- Tips for Maximizing Food Storage in a Small RV
- RV Organization Hacks
How To Find Fall Camping Near Me
With your fall camping gear ready, it’s time to find a place to camp if you haven’t already. Here are a few of our favorite fall RV destinations in national parks and private RV resorts:
National Parks
Private RV Resorts
- Johnson Creek RV Resort & Park | Kerrville, TX
- Traverse Bay RV Resort | Williamsburg, MI
- The Great Outdoors RV Resort | Franklin, NC
Enjoy these additional resources to help you plan and enjoy your next fall camping trip:
- RV Tailgating Tips
- Best Places to RV in September
- Shoulder Season Camping Destinations
- Guide to Fall RV Camping with Family
What fall camping gear do you stock up on before heading out? Let us know in the comments below.