The Complete Fall Camping Guide for Families

Last weekend our family celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with a trip to Algonquin Provincial Park. We are seasoned campers but hadn’t previously ventured out for cool-weather camping together as a family. As a trained geologist, I have had my share of cool-weather expeditions and camping and have learned from those experiences. I have to admit that I hate being cold, so most of my planning revolved around wanting to be cozy and warm during our trip. My complete fall camping guide for families contains everything you need to know when planning a fall camping trip. This post focuses on regular car camping rather than canoe-in camping or backpacking.

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Where to camp?

When choosing a location for fall camping, you’ll want to consider parks that are accessible to you, that offer the kinds of activities you are interested in participating in, and campgrounds that are suited to fall camping in terms of scenery and amenities. We chose Algonquin Park for our fall camping trip because the park is known for its glorious fall colours. Algonquin is often referred to as the gem of the Ontario Parks system. And it was the first Provincial Park in Ontario and it is one of the largest in the province. It has a vast network of campgrounds and we were able to find one located in the northeast portion of the park, only two-and-a-half hours from our home.

Proximity to home may be an important consideration if you’re camping on a long weekend and want to maximize your time at the campground.

Park features

We were interested in having a secluded site on the water, near canoe routes and hiking trails and this park fit the bill. Popular fall camping activities include hiking, canoeing or kayaking, birdwatching, lounging by the campfire, and interpretive programs like guided walks and amphitheatre shows.

You’ll also want to ensure that your chosen park has the necessary amenities such as a woodlot to purchase firewood and a camp store that sells essentials. Our campsite didn’t have cellular coverage, which was exactly what we needed- a chance to unplug and leave work behind. It’s worth finding out in advance if the campsite you plan to visit has coverage so you can be prepared.

Seasonal considerations

Not all campgrounds offer fall camping and many have a cut off date in the fall when camping is no longer permitted. When the temperatures dip below 0˚ Celsius, you’re getting into the realm of winter camping and additional gear and precautions are needed.

Gear checklists for my complete fall camping guide for families

In this complete fall camping guide for families, I’ve included several gear lists organized by category. Your local outdoor store can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Sleeping gear

• A tent that fits your entire party. Ensure it’s rated to the appropriate temperature range. A single tent is preferable to separate tents as it tends to be warmer and you can cuddle up for warmth. Most importantly, it allows you to keep tabs on everyone to ensure they are warm enough throughout the night.
• Air mattresses or self-inflating sleeping pads (like Thermarest) for everyone. You don’t want your sleeping bag directly on the ground in cold weather, as the cold from the ground will be conducted straight into your body. Additionally, a sleeping pad helps prevent a wet sleeping bag if the weather is rainy.
• A pump for air mattresses.
• Cool-weather sleeping bags– make sure that they are rated below the temperature you plan to camp at. I recommend a mummy or barrel sleeping bag to conserve warmth. Additionally, make sure to choose one that conforms around your head and can be cinched in. A good portion of your body heat is lost through your head, so it’s important to insulate your head with a hat and a sleeping bag that conforms around your head. You might consider purchasing a right- and left-handed sleeping bag and zipping them together to share the warmth with a loved one.
• Sleeping bag liners– a fleece liner can make your sleeping bag 5-8˚ Celsius warmer than its rating. Alternatively, you can line the inside of your sleeping bag with a fleece or wool blanket. Make sure you wear wool socks to bed and have a wood blanket around your feet.
• Travel pillows– these are smaller and more compact for packing and have the added benefit of being able to fit inside the cinchable head space of your sleeping bag.
• Extra blankets– preferably wool, fleece, or down-filled (2 per person) to place in and/or on your sleeping bag.
• A Flashlight for inside your tent.

Gear for food preparation

• Picnic shelter with rain protection panels
• Picnic table cover and clips
• Blankets for the picnic table seats
• Small folding table to store cooking gear
• Double camp stove, fuel, and matches or lighter (bring extra)
• Nesting pots (at least 2) and a frying pan
• Wooden spoon and spatula
• Can opener, scissors, knife
• Reusable dish set (metal or plastic)- plates, bowls, mugs, cutlery
• Two dish bins for washing and rinsing dishes
• Dish soap, dish scrubber, dishcloths, and tea towels
• Paper towels and paper napkins
• Lantern or flashlight
• Candles
• A large water jug for drinking and cooking
• An additional water jug to carry water for washing dishes

Campfire supplies

• A folding chair for each person
• A blanket for each person
• Newspaper, cardboard, and matches for fire starting
• Kindling and firewood (purchase within the park bounds to avoid introducing invasive species)
• Firewood axe (optional)

Lounging and fun

• A hammock and blankets
• Musical instrument (guitar, ukulele, or harmonica)
• Board games (avoid games with lots of little pieces) and cards
• Snacks and beverages
• Books/magazines/reading material

Expeditions

• Hiking boots
• Maps
• Backpack for water and snacks
• A reusable water bottle for each family member- insulated metal ones can be used to bring along a hot beverage
• Canoe or kayak, plus paddles, lifejackets, and safety/bailing kit- don’t canoe once the water has turned icy
• Sunscreen and bug repellent spray (if applicable)
• Binoculars
• Notebook and pencil
• Nature sample collection containers
• Beach gear- towels, blankets, sand toys (bathing suits if you’re really brave!)
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof jackets, hats, and gloves
• Camera and tripod

Clothing

• Lined pants
• Jogging pants
• Long-sleeved thermal t-shirts
• Sweatshirts- hoodies are the best for warmth and keeping away bugs
• Wool sweaters
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof fall jacket
• Winter jacket
• Two pairs of shoes per person- hikers and running shoes
• A pair of slip-on shoes for getting in and out of the tent easily (I like Sloggers this time of year)
• Wool socks
• Clothing that can double as pyjamas (when it’s really cold you won’t want to change at bedtime)
• Hats, neckwarmers, and gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Long underwear
• Underclothes
• Towels and face towels
• Personal hygiene items like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes etc.
• A rope laundry line for drying wet clothing and towels

Safety gear

• First Aid Kit
• Extra blankets
• A method of communicating in case help is needed
• Emergency car engine starter, jumper cables
• Spare tire
• Water safety gear (if you will be boating)
• Whistle and bear spray (if applicable)

Be aware of dangers such as bears and extreme cold and how to deal with them.

Food

I saved food for last because good food is one of the best ways of ensuring you have a great camping trip. I’ll share my personal formula for delicious and easy meals while camping. I travel with four boys so I know a little bit about food.

The general principle behind my food planning method is to start the trip with the freshest ingredients and move towards easier and more non-perishable food items. The great thing about fall camping is that you don’t need to worry as much about food spoiling. On our recent trip, the air temperature was between -3 and 10˚ Celsius, so our ice packs and food stayed cold for the entire 4 days without having to purchase ice.

Food planning

I like to pack a lunch of sandwiches for the car for the first day. We often reach our destination in the early afternoon, so we eat in the vehicle or at a picnic area on the way and want a simple, no-prep meal. Likewise, that first afternoon at the site we are usually busy setting up camp and exploring the area and want an easy dinner. This is why I often prepare Chili or a stew for the first night. I prepare it in advance at home and freeze (summer camping) or refrigerate (cool weather camping) it prior to leaving home. The second day usually consists of a more elaborate breakfast and dinner, while the final 2 days are premade or packaged meals.

Here is a sample plan for a 4-day long weekend trip:

First-day:

Lunch: Sandwiches on homemade bread, fruit, raw veggies and dip

Dinner: Chili or stew with fresh baked bread, fruit, smores, and toasted marshmallows for dessert

Day 2:

Breakfast: Bacon and eggs, fruit, tea or coffee, juice

Lunch: Sandwiches, veggies and dip, fruit

Dinner: BBQ kebabs, hamburgers, or steak, served with a pre-prepared roasted veggie or potato salad, apple crisp baked in foil and marshmallows for dessert

Day 3:

Breakfast: Pancakes made from a premade mix, served with maple syrup and fruit, tea or coffee, juice

Lunch: Canned soup, cheese and crackers, fruit

Dinner: Pasta and sauce, or a meal pouch like Moutain House Shepherd’s Stew or Pad Thai

Last day:

Breakfast: Oatmeal (pre-prepared or instant), applesauce cups, trail mix, tea or coffee, juice

Lunch: Whatever we have left, usually canned soup, ramen, or peanut butter on bagels. If we’ve already left the camp, then we might treat ourselves to take out on the way home.

My complete fall camping guide for families would be incomplete with the mention of snacks. Snacks are so important while fall camping, both for energy and moral support! Some of our favourites include cheese and crackers, trail mix with nuts, raisins, apple sauce (individual portions), granola bars, potato chips, dark chocolate, apples, oranges, banana bread, and hot chocolate.

My favourite tips for fall camping

• Bring more blankets than you think you’ll ever need. It’s so comforting to have them everywhere, from the tent to the campfire, to the dining table.
• Dress in warm layers and wear wool socks!
• Be prepared for rain from the start. Don’t wait until it starts pouring to put up tarps and shelters. At the first sign of rain, bring your campfire chairs and blankets into the shelter.
• Start your campfire and cook your dinner early, as the sun goes down early this time of year. Ideally, you will want to have your dinner dishes cleaned up before it gets dark.
• Invest in a quality lantern and flashlights that can withstand colder weather. Many battery-operated devices don’t run properly or rapidly lose their charge in colder weather. Candles add to the cozy feeling, so use them abundantly.
• Make sure to start your car’s engine every couple of days and drive for at least 10 minutes to revive the car’s battery. We didn’t do this on our last trip and when we went to leave, our van wouldn’t start. Make sure that your car and car’s battery are in good condition before embarking on a fall camping trip. And carry an emergency car engine starter and jumper cables just in case.
• Get sleeping bags rated to the lowest temperature you will experience during your trip or invest in fleece sleeping bag liners. Sleep with warm layers, including wool socks and a warm hat.
• Serve something warm at each meal even if it is just tea or hot chocolate.
• Go on hikes to get your blood flowing and to warm fingers and toes.
• Purchase a double hammock and cozy up.
• Find the sun in the afternoons and lounge around soaking up the sun’s rays.
• Take time to do nothing- sit in front of the fire chatting, telling stories, and making up silly games.
• Appreciate the beauty and glory of the fall landscape.

Summary

Fall camping, like summer camping, is about discovering and appreciating nature, and enjoying family time away from the pressures of work, school, and social media. Cold weather can bring a sense of challenge and survival and can strengthen your family bond. I hope you have gotten some useful information from my complete fall camping guide for families.