The Joys of Autumn Camping
The riot of color as the leaves change. Cool, crisp mornings followed by mild Indian Summer days make fall an ideal time for a camping trip or an RV outing.
Nothing illuminates the differences between camping styles like the onset of winter weather. Snowbirds of all types gather their sunscreen, packing up RVs, cars, and trailers for warmer fun in warmer places. Whether they like to hike, canoe, or relax beside trickling streams, they all prefer to do it in shorts and sunglasses. The heat calls them south, and south they stay. RV and trailer campers display great staying power, sometimes extending their camping trips into multi-month adventures. This is due, no doubt, to their unparalleled ability to cook and store anything they could want. Tent campers enjoy their mobility and scope out the most comfortable pitching sites. So long as there are no torrential rains, tent campers are happy to build their homes around their packs and camp stoves.
The shift in weather illustrates another curiosity – the fact that some campers actually go out of their way to find colder weather. It’s true. All over the northern half of the country, brave folks will head farther north, or higher into the mountains, in search of cold. They go looking for early snow, for frozen lakes on which to fish, and for the year’s first taste of winter camping. These are the rugged campers who only enjoy warming up after they’ve been thoroughly chilled to the bone.
Autumn campers whirl off in different directions, all in pursuit of their personal goals. They’re anxious, this bunch. They hoard up sights, sounds, and experiences like squirrels storing up nuts for the winter. Fishers go after that one last fish or head to their ice shacks in quest of the first catch of the ice-fishing season. Hunters too, feel that fall is a time to literally fill the larders for winter, a chance that won’t be had again. Fall brings a sense of urgency, a drive to get out there while the weather’s still mild.
Fall color is a fleeting thing – blink for too long and you’ll miss the whole show. The campers who pursue fall color, those that travel into the forests and mountainsides to watch the red, orange, and yellow display, are a focused bunch. They seek blazing foliage with a time-sensitive intensity, hoping to savor the beauty during its splashy, limited show.
Intrepid birders stand in the cold on blustery shores, wading into wetlands for the perfect glimpse (or maybe photograph) of their favorite migratory birds. Whether they’re looking for that one last species to check off their list or are simply taking in the spectacle, they brave the chill, knowing that this is a singular opportunity. The migration occurs on its own timetable, and if you’re too slow, you’re bound to miss it.
Snowbird or snowbunny, car camper or RV camper, we all share one crucial thing. We love the outdoors, love the smell of wind in the pines, love watching shorebirds by the lake. So whether you prefer to bring all the comforts of home to your campsite, or like to survive on as little as possible, take a moment to enjoy your personal camping style. We’ll look for you at the next campground.
RV Styles
It goes without saying that there are as many ways to camp in an RV as there are RV campers. An RV (recreational vehicle), after all, is a small home on wheels, a home that becomes a reflection of the people who inhabit it. We all start with an empty shell that we fill with gear, decorations, and treasures until our RV becomes a mirror of ourselves.
At root, the different types of RVs – motorhomes, big rigs, travel trailers, 5th wheels – have more in common with each other than not. Nearly all have beds, a toilet and shower, and a galley with a stove, oven, and refrigerator. There is generally a heater and basic 12-volt power. And because driving the RV is a key part of its usefulness, two comfortable seats in the driving area are a must. These essentials give RV campers an amazing amount of freedom. They're fully self-sufficient, able to enjoy hot meals and showers whenever they like. They can stay put for weeks or months, or they can keep on the move, criss-crossing the country at their own pace. With their own bed on board, not to mention personal items like books, movies, gadgets, and games, the RV camper has everything they need in their own vehicle.
Because choosing an RV is such an important decision (and sizeable purchase), it's critical that you shop around and talk to other motorhome campers before you buy. You might consider renting a unit for a short trip or test drive. RV shows are a great way to see what's up-and-coming or to weight the various options. Shows will have a variety of RVs on display, so you can walk inside and try to imagine what you life would be like if you took one home.
Most RV campers report that buying their recreational vehicle was the second biggest purchase of their lives, after buying a home, so be sure to do your homework in advance!
Since all portable homes of this type are hauled by some sort of truck chassis, gas mileage and hauling power can vary. But no matter how large the 5th wheel or big rig, all RV campers face the same issues of limited storage and cooking creatively in a small kitchen.
In this way, RV campers have a lot in common with boat owners. Both boats and RVs come equipped with clever storage compartments and tables that can be turned into sleeper cots or beds. Other tricks can be taken from the maritime world – coffee-cup holders on gimbals will keep your cup upright on bumpy roads and sun-heated shower bags warm up your bath water without using any electricity. Backpackers' methods of storing socks and underwear in compressible stuff-sacks come in handy when you're in an RV.
Once you have the recreational vehicle of your dreams, it's time to mark it with the stamp of your personality. Will you have a decorative welcome/shoe-wiping mat? Colorful curtains to put up at night for blocking out light? Are you an outdoor camper, preferring to spend most of your time outside the RV, or an inside camper who enjoys moving from the cool rush of the outdoors to the tranquility of the inner realm?
Some RV campers mount family snapshots around the upper banner of their RV's living room. Others fit small posters and pictures on the walls or under a clear plastic covering on their galley table. You can even travel with special holiday flags to hang out when you reach your destination, letting your neighbors know what kind of mood you're in.
Another important distinction in RV camping styles lies in whether you travel as a solo RV or as part of a caravan. Caravan travelers often develop ways of communicating so they can keep track of one another on the road. You might use CB radios to stay connected, with each member of the team adopting a radio handle like "Hawkeye” or "Miss Scarlet.” Group travelers often share the responsibilities of meals, meeting up for picnics and potlucks at pre-arranged areas. And for evening activities, they might plan things that involve the entire group, like card and board games or a group reading.
Solo travelers, on the other hand, appreciate the freedom of being able to change their itinerary on a whim. They can develop their plans at the last minute, after hearing weather reports or getting a hot report from a neighbor about the best fishing spot in the state. Whichever kind of camping style you prefer, be sure to embrace it on your travels this spring!
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'Reflections of Family Camping Trips' by Graciela Sholander, exclusively for Camping.com I started camping after I was married. After I had my first child. When I was six and a half months pregnant with my second child. People thought I was crazy. But I'd never had the opportunity to camp, whereas my husband had camped every summer as a child. He was feeling homesick for camping, and I – pregnant and all – was game to try it.
With a tent and an inflatable mattress, we set off for California's Big Sur Coast. I stayed awake most of the first night, worrying that a gang of misfit chipmunks, led by an intrepid raccoon, would rip through our tent walls and dive into our snacks. By the second night, my imagination calmed down and I started to get the hang of it. And by the third day, I was hooked. We've been camping ever since.
My husband, our children, and I have been making wonderful family camping memories for the past 11 years: Songs and impromptu talent shows by the campfire under the stars. Meals beneath a canopy of trees. Hikes to lakes and waterfalls. We love to reminisce about these happy, family-bonding camping moments.
Some of our memories are kind of funny, especially from those early years when our kids were little and I still didn't know what I was doing. When we camped along Chalk Creek in central Colorado, I was enraptured by the stunning beauty that surrounded us. I was also paranoid that our youngest, only 10 months old but already walking, would fall into the creek. Not that it was a dangerous creek, with its maximum depth of a whopping two inches.
But I wasn't about to take chances, so I tied a rope around his waist to keep him tethered to our site. That lasted about 12 minutes. He was miserable, and his crying let the whole campground know it. So instead I kept a close eye on him. It worked – he didn't end up in the creek. My three-year-old, however, did. She was soaked. Thank goodness for the extra clothes we'd packed.
We've had many other adventures, like the time we rented a little boat in southern Colorado's Vallecito Lake. The sky was blue and clear when we headed out. But storms move in fast in the Colorado mountains, and this one quickly interrupted our tranquil morning excursion. The wind whipped up, dark clouds surrounded us, and lightning flashed to the south.
My husband quickly put his fishing gear down and yanked on the motor. Nothing. He tried again. And again. No luck. We were stranded in the middle of the lake with a dead motor and no paddle, watching every other boater pull safely back into dock ahead of us as the storm grew at an alarming pace. Then I looked across the lake and couldn't believe my eyes. A twister had formed, spewing up water furiously as it headed straight for us.
The kids and I hunkered down as my husband kept pulling the motor's cord. The twister zigged and zagged, getting to a hundred feet away from us before changing course. It passed us by, reached the other end of the lake, and fizzled out just as mysteriously as it had appeared. As we all sat there stunned, a fisherman and his son pulled up, tossed us a rope, and towed us back. We were safe.
We've weathered more storms through the years, and we've enjoyed more blue skies and starry nights, too. And every year, when my husband pulls our pop-up camper (yes, we've upgraded!) out of the garage, we're suddenly filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what camping fun and adventure we'll experience next.
This summer, we're taking our camper back to where it all started for me – Big Sur. I can't wait for our kids to see the surreal coastline and giant trees. This time, though, I don't think I'll be losing sleep over chipmunks.
Tent Camping Tent camping brings out the kid in everyone. There's something special about climbing into that cozy fabric house and snuggling down for a good night's sleep. And with the remarkable tents made today, you can easily find one that perfectly suits your needs.
Of course, as fun as tent camping is, it isn't without its drawbacks. Let's face it – sleeping on the ground can be downright uncomfortable. For backpackers who need to keep an eye on the weight and volume of their gear, this may be unavoidable. But if you're car camping, there's no need to suffer! Why be uncomfortable when you could bring all the comforts of home along with you?
This year, pack your own, full-sized pillow. Invest in a durable air mattress or use several layers of padding (this will help keep you warm, too). If you tend to get chilly in your sleeping bag, bring along some extra blankets or a comforter. Do everything you can to give yourself a good night's rest, so you can concentrate on enjoying your camping trip.
If your tent is a new one, be sure to practice putting it up, taking it down, and stowing it before you leave home. You never know when you'll wind up having to put your tent up in the dark or in foul weather, and nothing is worse than raising a tent for the first time when you're under added stress.
If you've ever woken up in a soaked, soggy tent, then you know how important it is to become familiar with your tent's rain fly. Many rain flies come with their own poles because it's critical that the fly not touch the tent itself – that's the secret to keeping your tent dry. It may also be important that you stake your fly or use strings tied to nearby trees to keep the fabric away from that of your tent. Even if you don't expect rain, your fly is still important for keeping dew off the tent and, therefore, for keeping you nice and dry.
Remember to never store food in your tent – especially in bear country! – and never allow an open flame near a tent. Instead, invest in some battery-powered headlamps or lanterns. Many tents have little pouches sewn into the inside of the tent fabric – this is a smart place to keep your flashlight or headlamp for easy access.
Using a drop cloth or tarp underneath your tent is smart, since it will extend the life of your tent. And if you want to go tent camping with your medium-sized or larger dog, consider a tent with an outer vestibule for your dog to sleep in. Individual tents for dogs are also available in a range of sizes.
During your trip, do your best to keep your tent dry and well-aired. If the nights are damp, but the days are sunny, consider detaching your fly during the day and draping it over a bush or picnic table to dry out in the sun. Giving your tent a good shaking-out every few days will help keep it clean.
If you're going to be camping in a buggy area with mosquitoes and flies, make sure to keep your tent zipped closed during the day. There's nothing more annoying than having a fly buzzing around your tent at night or a cloud of mosquitoes dive-bombing your ears as you try to sleep. Also, if you know you're going to be in a buggy area, you might consider using a tall, roomy tent, the kind that you could stand in comfortably. If you're happy spending time in your tent, you can use it as a pleasant retreat in the event of bad weather or a bug infestation. Some tents come equipped with side flaps that you can roll up and cover with mosquito netting, creating a bug-free, airy space for card games and reading.
Be sure to choose a tent that gives you plenty of space for both sleepers and their gear. It's always best to remove your shoes or boots as your enter the tent – store them outside in the outer vestibule or under a waterproof section of the tent. Just remember to shake out your shoes before you put them on!
Tents are really quite amazing. What other living space can fold up to be the size of a small suitcase? Tents are portable homes that you can carry on your back, in your car, or in your RV as an instant "spare room.” By just following these few steps, you can keep your tent clean, dry, snug, and cozy, making it a fabulous place to rest and dream.
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