Fall Camping? CozyMaxx Your Campout With These 18 Must-Haves
Fall camping is already cozy. Crisp mornings. Changing leaves. Campfire going all day. Hot coffee while you're still bundled up in your sleeping bag. Kids running around in jackets while you try to convince them that yes, they actually need to wear their shoes.
But what if we took it way further?
I'm talking about CozyMaxxing your campsite.
You probably already have the basics covered. You have a warm sleeping bag, an insulated sleeping pad, a decent tent and enough layers to survive a chilly night.
(If you do not have the basics - check out How We Stay Comfortable in Freezing Temperatures >>>)
These are the things that aren't necessarily essential for camping, but they make fall camping 100x more comfortable, cozy and fun.
Because if I'm going to wake up to 35 degrees, I want to be VERY comfortable about it.
Here are the things I would pack to CozyMaxx a fall camping trip.
Quilted Insulated Hammock 
Kids Hooded Sleeping Bag 
Hand Warmers 
Insulated Pants 
Heated Camp Chair 
Camp Slipper
This might be the ultimate cozy camping hack.
Boil some water before bed, fill a hot water bottle and tuck it into your sleeping bag a few minutes before you crawl in.
It warms up your sleeping bag before bedtime and gives you something warm to cuddle up to when the temperature drops.
It's also one of those tiny things that takes up almost no space in your camping bin.
Cozy level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
You have hiking boots.
You have camp shoes.
But do you have ridiculously cozy camp slippers?
Because once you're done hiking for the day, there is nothing better than kicking off your boots and putting your feet into a warm pair of insulated slippers.
Look for a pair with a grippy sole so you can actually walk around camp without immediately regretting your decision.
These are especially amazing for those 6 a.m. bathroom trips.
If there is one category of camping gear that feels almost unfairly cozy, it's the puffy blanket.
A Rumpl-style puffy blanket is perfect for throwing over your lap around the campfire, wrapping around a kid who is getting chilly, or keeping on your camp chair during those long fall evenings.
It's basically a sleeping bag for your lap, and unlike other blankets does not attract every piece of dirt, pine needle, mulch, etc.
And yes, you can absolutely put one on your bed at home and wonder why you ever bothered with a normal blanket.
This is where we officially cross from camping into glamping, and I'm completely okay with that.
A heated camping chair can be amazing when you're sitting around camp after the sun goes down.
Instead of huddling around the fire trying to absorb every available degree of warmth, you get to sit back in your chair with heat coming from underneath you.
Is it necessary?
Absolutely not.
Is it fantastic?
Also absolutely yes.
Fall camping and campfires are basically synonymous.
Except sometimes you can't have a wood fire.
Maybe there are fire restrictions. Maybe you're camping somewhere that doesn't allow them. Maybe it's windy. Maybe you simply don't want to spend the evening collecting firewood.
That's where a propane fire pit comes in.
You still get the warmth and the cozy campfire atmosphere without building a traditional wood fire. And these give off a surprising amount of heat!
Always check local regulations and fire restrictions before using one.
Practical lighting is great.
But we're CozyMaxxing, and these things bring all the vibes.
String lights can completely transform a campsite once the sun goes down.
Hang them around your awning, tent, camp kitchen or outdoor living area and suddenly your campsite feels less like a place you're temporarily sleeping and more like your own little outdoor living room.
They're also great with kids because they make the campsite feel a little less dark and unfamiliar after bedtime.
This one sounds unnecessary until you have one.
Put a rug under your camp chairs or outside your tent and you've created an actual little outdoor living room.
It gives kids somewhere to sit and play, keeps feet off cold dirt and makes the whole campsite feel more inviting.
Bonus: it helps define your "living room" area so everyone's not just randomly sitting around the campsite.
Cozy drinks are a must.
Wether your flavor is hot chocolate, hot toddy, or tea a collapsible kettle saves so much room and works just as well!
Coffee.
Tea.
Hot chocolate.
Apple cider.
A big insulated thermos means you can make a bunch at once and keep it hot for hours.
It's especially nice when you don't want to keep firing up the camp stove every time someone wants another cup of something warm.
Sticking with the beverages here, drinks get cold super fast outdoors. But if you have good quality insulated mugs they will stay hot for hours!
These double as cold drink savers in the summer too, so they are really 4 season.
We love the YETI brand ones because they really do work.
Womens Ghost Pant 
Mens Insulated 
Womens Stretch Down
These may look completely ridiculous, but they are a warmth game changer.
Admittedly I bought mine for post-skiing in the winter, but quickly learned that they are the ultimate colder-weather camping hack. These with a set of base layers underneath and you will never feel cold again.
Mens Merino Base Layers 
Kids Base Layers 
Womens Base Layers
Nothing beats merino in my opinion when it comes to base layers, you are never too hot or too cold in these things.
They can be your PJ's but you can also wear them all day. Moisture wicking etc. I just love merino.
Smartwool is one of my favorite brands for quality and they have mens, women's, and children's sizes.
Ok this is super bougie for camping, and not cheap either. We do not have this but have dreamed about about for camping! But to be able to wash dishes and hands with actual warm pressurized water instead of freezing jug or creek water, pretty sweet, right?
This is a propane water heater pump, it says shower as well but I can't see myself showering out there as much as dishes and hand washing.
14. Hand Warmers
Keep a few in your camping bin all fall.
They're great for:
Cold mornings
Chilly kids
Hiking
Sitting around the fire
Slipping into your pockets
Warming up your sleeping bag
They're tiny enough that there's really no reason not to have them.
Yes, you already have a beanie.
But is it really cozy?
A fleece-lined beanie is one of those tiny upgrades that can make sitting outside for another hour or two much more enjoyable.
Especially when the temperature drops after dinner.
Kids little bodies do not stay as warm when in an adult sized sleeping bag.
We invested in a kids bag with arms and a hood and its been a game changer. We love Morrison Outdoors for making options like this for kids!!
Fall afternoons are perfect hammock weather, especially a cozy quilted insulated one.
Find two trees, throw up your hammock and spend the warmest part of the afternoon reading, napping or letting the kids climb all over you.
Just make sure you're using it somewhere appropriate and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
18. Your Favorite Fall Camping Food
Food is (a HUGE) part of the cozy equation.
Fall is not the time for sad granola bars and cold sandwiches.
Bring the good stuff.
Think:
Chili
Soup
Dutch oven meals
Mac and cheese
Breakfast burritos
Cinnamon rolls
Pancakes
Grilled cheese
Apple crisp
Hot chocolate
The colder it gets, the more I want something warm and comforting in my hands.
The Bottom Line
Fall might be my favorite season to camp because you get all of the good stuff: cooler days, fewer bugs, beautiful colors, crisp mornings and long evenings around the fire.
And with a few simple upgrades, you can make those chilly nights so much more enjoyable.
So bring the puffy blanket.
Bring the slippers.
Bring the hot water bottle.
Make the hot chocolate.
Put on the string lights.
And CozyMaxx that campsite.
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