The changing leaves and cooling temperatures of fall make it a great time to experience the great outdoors. Since September marks the beginning of the off-season for many

popular campgrounds, the summer crowds will be gone and many campgrounds offer reduced rates after Labor Day. Our short, simple fall camping guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Inexpensive Campground Options.  Most camp sites are part of a campground and you will need to pay a site fee to use them. There are popular nationwide chains and their local equivalents where you can choose between a tent site, an RV site, or even a cabin. These types of campgrounds are generally inexpensive and include on-site amenities such as bathrooms, showers, playgrounds, and dog parks that make them a popular choice.

State and National Parks also offer a wide array of camping locations for very low cost. Generally, these sites are going to be less expensive than a commercial campground. However, they do not tend to have the same amenities. Most national and state parks are tent camping only. Some will have campground restrooms while others will not. When researching where to go camping in the fall, be realistic about which amenities are essential for your group.

What to Bring. Not sure which items are essential and which are unnecessary? We've made it simple with the following lists:

NECESSARY

• Three-Season Tent - Ensure your tent has a rain cover that protects the entire tent. This will help keep rain and other moisture out of your tent. Cold Weather
• Sleeping Bags - Bring a sleeping bag that is rated for lower temperatures than you expect. Mummy bags are ideal.
• Sleeping Pads - A sleeping pad doesn't just put extra padding between you and the dirt. It also prevents you from losing heat by creating a barrier between your sleeping bag and the cold ground.
• Clothing that Layers - Layering clothing allows you to adjust to daily temperature fluctuations. Bring a base layer, fleece vest or jacket, waterproof jacket, warm hat, sturdy boots, gloves or mittens, and lots of socks. Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camping Basics - Flashlight, pocket knife, first aid kit, waterproof matches, toilet paper, water, and a compass.

NICE TO HAVE

• Tarp - A tarp under your tent provides an extra moisture barrier to prevent your tent from absorbing moisture from the ground.
• Firewood - Check with your campground for regulations on bringing your own firewood, especially if you live more than a couple hours away. Some campgrounds sell firewood that you can pick up when you arrive, but you'll definitely want to confirm this in advance.
• Camping Stove - With a little preparation, you can cook all your meals over the campfire. But a camping stove allows you to cook more in less time.

LEAVE AT HOME

• Swimming Gear - No matter how warm it gets during the day, the water is going to be cold. Unless you are going to a campground with a heated indoor pool, leave the swimsuits and water toys behind.
• Most Cooking Supplies - With the right meal planning, you may be able to leave all the pots and pans at home, relying instead on long roasting sticks (for hot dogs and marshmallows) and foil dinner packets.

What if You Don't Have Equipment? If you don't already have basic camping equipment, we don't recommend dropping a bunch of money on brand new supplies for your first trip. Between the tent, sleeping bags, and camping stove, the cost will add up quickly. Instead, you can rent equipment from an outdoor retailer such as REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, or a locally owned outdoor store in your area. Another option is to rent from an online outlet like OutdoorsGeek or Mountainside Gear Rental. Either way, you will be able to use high-quality equipment for a fraction of the purchase price. With planning and preparation, you can add an extra weekend camping getaway to your calendar without adding much to your budget.