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10 Must-Have Items For Your Fall Camping Trip

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean camping season is over just yet. In fact, camping is even better this time of year. The weather is cooler, the crowds are smaller, and fall foliage can be seen everywhere from Colorado to the vibrant colors across New England.

In preparation for the upcoming season, we found ten things that make fall camping a lot more enjoyable.  You can also use these handy items at tailgating parties, sporting events, and even backyard BBQs.

1. Mini grill & cooler

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You can have a BBQ almost anywhere with these portable grills from Chef Buddy.  They also come with a durable, insulated carrying bag that can be used as a cooler. These grills can be used with charcoal or wood and have an ash catcher and removable legs. They’re less than $15 on Amazon.

2. Multi-purpose water bottle

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Lunatec’s Aquabot isn’t just a water bottle: it’s a gadget of many functions.  You can use them to clean off dishes, hands, or gear, put out campfires and more.  The multi-purpose bottles have a twist nozzle that changes from mist to shower, stream, and spray.  Check them out here.

3. A covered camping chair

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You don’t know outdoor comfort until you’ve tried one of these camping chairs with canopies.  They provide much needed protection on sunny days (and during light rain showers) for camping, tailgating, as well as sporting events.

The shade easily pulls up when needed, and can be pushed back when not in use.  When you’re done the chair folds up quickly and the canopy snaps into place as its own carrying bag. They’re about $50 on Amazon.

4. 12-volt cooler & warmer bag

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Take note car campers and tailgaters: these bags are the best for chilling drinks and warming food.  They simply plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and keep the contents warm (or cold) for up to four hours without power supply.

The large bags have an 18L capacity, which holds about 20 cans.  Made with an aluminum lining, the insulated bags will either cool your beverages as low as 45 degrees F or warm food up to 120 degrees F.  They also have tons of great reviews on Amazon.

5. 12-volt heated blanket

fall camping

Another useful 12-volt accessory for car camping is this electric heated blanket.  They’ll plug into any car adapter and automatically turn off after 30 or 45 minutes.  The blankets are made with 100% polyester fleece and can cover two or three people. They’re about $30 on Amazon.

6.  Compact cookware

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Compact cookware like this ten-piece set saves a ton of space.  They come with almost everything you’ll need (except food) to cook a meal while you’re outdoors.

This set includes: an aluminum pot, a pot cover, a non-stick pan, two BPA-free bowls, a folding spork, soup spoon, wooden spatula, and cleaning sponge, all neatly stored away in a nylon bag with a drawstring.  The set also comes with an e-book that features ten recipes for making s’mores and tips for perfect marshmallow roasting.

7. Wind-proof camping stove

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Windproof stoves, like these ones from Etekcity, make cooking a lot easier this time of year.  They feature adjustable wind shields as well as retractable legs underneath for easy storage.

8. A folding table for extra cooking space

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If your site does not have a picnic table, there isn’t usually a lot of space to set things down.  These portable tables only take 30 seconds to fold out and provide a sturdy extra surface for dining or cooking.  They’re available on Amazon here.

9. Thermal insulated socks

fall camping

Anyone who has gone camping knows the importance of a good pair of socks (especially during the fall and winter).  These ones are warmer than cotton, softer than wool, and non-itchy like other materials.  They come in a variety of colors and striped patterns.

10. Folding hammocks

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No need to find the perfect tree alignment for a hammock; these folding ones from Guide Gear can easily set up anywhere.  They also come with their own carrying bag for easy transport.  You can get them on Amazon here.

What are some of your must-haves for fall camping? Let us know on Facebook!


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