Prepping For Fall Camping (The Best Camping Season) With Our Coziest Gear Recs
- Emily Richards
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Argue all you want about summer, but fall is hands-down the best season for camping. Here’s why: the weather is crisp and comfortable, the bugs have finally checked out, and campfires are no longer about survival—they’re about enjoyment. Your morning coffee feels like a warm hug, the leaves are putting on their best show, and the early sunsets give you an excuse to settle in, slow down, and get cozy.
If you’re thinking about planning a family camping trip this fall, here are our favorite tips and the gear we use to make sure everyone stays warm, happy, and extra cozy.
Why Fall Camping is Simply the Best
Perfect Weather: Cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and chilly evenings—ideal for layering up and then shedding down as needed.
No Bugs: Enough said.
Fewer Crowds: Campgrounds are quieter, trails are less busy, and you get to soak up nature without the chaos of summer.
Beautiful Scenery: Fall foliage, crisp air, and the kind of starry skies that only seem to appear this time of year.
Cozy Essentials for Staying Warm & Comfortable
Camping in fall is all about leaning into the coziness. Here’s what we don’t leave home without:
Wool Socks + Base Layers: Merino wool is our go-to for keeping everyone warm (even the kiddo who refuses to keep shoes on). Some of our favorites are Smartwool and Darn Tough for socks (that last years). For base layers I love Smartwool and Kari Traa (for cute designs).
Cozy Clothes = Happy Camper Stocking Hat / Beanie: I live for cozy hat season, especially while camping! They are cute, keep you warm, and cover up dirty camping hair! I have some favorites (like this cutie by Patagonia) but it personal, and these you can find almost anywhere.
Fleece-Lined Blankets: Pack more than you think you’ll need. We love layering a heavy sleeping bag with a soft blanket on top. The Hest Sleep system has been a total game changer for us for camping comfort!!
Classic Mexican Throw Blanket, cheap, good for everything. Throw Blankets: having extra blankets to cozy up in for around the fire is a must for me. We love the Rumpl blankets for camping! If you are fancy and want the coziest and most beautiful blankets of all - Pendleton is my dream blanket (I don't own one bc they are $$ but one day). I also love the classic Mexican blankets and they are usually pretty cheap.
Insulated Mugs & Thermos: Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa stays warm longer when you need it most. I've had my Yeti mug for almost 10 years and it is still working great for me!
Portable Projector: Compact, rechargeable, and bright enough for outdoor use. With the sun setting early movie nights outside can be so much fun!! We got a small Lumi Projector that also has a built-in speaker and it works great.
Coffee = Life Stainless French Press or AeroPress: Camp coffee game = strong. We love the stanley press because unlike traditional glass ones this one is sturdy and made from steel.
Yes, that is a heated camping chair! Camp Chairs + Footrests: We actually have heated camping chairs and they are SO nice, but clearly on the fancier side. They are by Portal Outdoors.
String Lights or Lanterns: Battery-powered lights make the campsite feel magical (and safer for kids). We have been using these solar powered ones and we love how easy they are to setup and retract.
Fun + Cozy Activities for Fall Camping
Because fall is more than just sitting around the fire (although we love that too):
Family Movie Night Under the Stars: With the sun setting earlier, we bring our mini projector and a portable screen (or just hang a white sheet). Add a small Bluetooth speaker, some popcorn, and you’ve got a campsite theater.
Card + Campfire Games: We love classics like Uno, plus our own “Campfire Games” deck for kid-friendly fun.
Stargazing + Storytelling: Bundle up in blankets, lay on a tarp, and make it a family ritual.
Warm Food = Cozy Vibes: Soups, chili, foil-packet dinners, baked apples, or even s’mores with a fall twist (swap milk chocolate for caramel squares).
Final Thoughts
Fall camping is about leaning into the season and embracing the slower pace. Bundle up, pack extra blankets, and create those cozy family traditions that make camping memorable—like coffee by the fire, wool socks tucked into boots, and movies under the stars. 🍂🔥
If you’re on the fence about camping in the fall, give it a try. You might just find it becomes your family’s favorite season to camp too.
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