129 Reliable Items for Your Autumn Camping Checklist 2025

Last Updated on 8 September 2025

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I love camping in autumn with my family. I love watching the leaves changing colour, the nights slowly drawing in, and the chilly mornings and evenings. Along with fewer crowds, autumn camping offers experiences you can’t get during peak summer months.

At the same time, camping in autumn can be unpredictable. One minute you’re enjoying an Indian summer, and the next minute you’re trying to escape from sudden downpours.

I’ve been camping through several autumn seasons across the UK with my family, from the golden forests of the New Forest to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. And it’s through trial and error (and a few soggy nights!) that I’ve learned what you need to make your autumn camping adventures both comfortable and safe.

This comprehensive autumn camping checklist will ensure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way during these beautiful, yet changing autumn months.

Let’s read on to find out more!

Someone writing a checklist. Autumn camping checklist. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash — Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Your Autumn Camping Checklist

Here are some of the items we take with us when we’re going camping in autumn. The following things are designed to keep you comfortable during unpredictable autumn weather camping trips.

Tent Essentials

3-4 season family autumn camping tents
Footprint groundsheet
Extra tent pegs

Sleeping Bag Setup

3-4 season sleeping bags: these are some of the 3-season sleeping bags we’ve tried before for our autumn camping
This sleeping pad from Term-a-Rest or this HiiPeak sleeping pad: both offer great options for various budgets and provide extra insulation from the ground when camping
A polycotton sleeping bag liner adds warmth when you’re cold-weather camping and keeps your sleeping bag clean for longer
A camping pillow or inflatable pillow (if one doesn’t come with the sleeping pad)
Hot water bottle

Portable Heating Solutions

A pot heating over a campfire. Photo by Barnabas Davoti on Unsplash — Photo by Barnabas Davoti on Unsplash

Campingaz chef folding double burner stove and grill: we use the double one so we can boil water and cook at the same time
Hand warmers: these are on my autumn camping checklist and are great to use to warm my hands when the mornings are chilly
A camping kettle

Autumn-Specific Clothing and Personal Items

Having the right clothing for autumn camping is always a good idea as the temperature drops considerably over the autumn months. Here’s what we have on our autumn camping checklist:

Merino womens top and pants set: I use this set for all my cold-weather activities from camping to snowboarding, and it always keeps me warm and dry. (I usually bring two sets with me)
Synthetic layers as a backup
A fleece
A lightweight jumper
A gilet for evening wear
A waterproof jacket
Rain pants
A changing robe: I never leave home without mine and use it year-round, not just for autumn camping trips
A neck buff
A warm hat
Waterproof gloves
Spare hat and gloves

Shoes and Accessories

Waterproof boots: These are what I wear when we go walking or hiking on our autumn camping trips
Hiking socks plus spares (I tend to pack three extra pairs)
Camp shoes such as crocs or flip-flops
Hiking gaiters

Cooking and Food Preparation for Autumn Cooking

Someone cooking food while camping. Photo by Sandra Harris on Unsplash — Photo by Sandra Harris on Unsplash

Cooking in autumn is so much fun and is one of the things I enjoy about camping during this season. After a long day exploring and having fun with my kids, we love sitting around a campfire, warming up, and eating hot food as the evening draws in. These are some of the easy autumn camping recipes that we cook on our trips that you can cook in one pot or pre-prep at home.

Reliable Camping Equipment

Campingaz chef folding double burner stove and grill
Firemaple stove
Biolite Campstove 2: you only need sticks to fuel it
Odoland windproof camping stove
Backup lighter and waterproof matches
Windshield for your stove
Extra gas canisters

Eating Utensils

Cooking pot set
Cutlery
Plastic plates
Cups

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Whether you’re going on October camping trips or November camping adventures, it’s always a good idea to have some autumn camping safety procedures in place. The weather in autumn can be unpredictable, but by being one step ahead, you can avoid the worst of it. The following items aren’t the most exciting on your autumn camping checklist, but they are certainly needed.

Weather Monitoring Tools and Apps

Thunder clouds. Photo by NOAA on Unsplash — Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

Met Office Weather app provides accurate weather for UK autumn campsites
Mountain Weather Information Service
The Windy.com app is good for detailed wind forecasts
A barometer or altimeter watch that helps predict weather changes

Emergency Shelter and Backup Plans

Emergency bivvy bag
Emergency contact plan
Whistle: three sharp blasts are the international distress signal

Autumn-Specific Hazards to Watch For

Hypothermia risk
Slippery leaves on trails
Shorter daylight hours
Sudden temperature drops
Flash flooding

Communication Devices and Backup Power

Satellite communicator: Garmin inReach or similar for remote areas
Portable phone charger: cold weather drains batteries faster
Two-way radios: for family autumn camping group communication
Emergency phone numbers: written down, not just in your phone
Spare batteries: cold weather reduces battery life significantly

First Aid Considerations

Hypothermia treatment knowledge
Blister treatment
Pain relief medication
Emergency space blanket
Hand warmers

Campsite Setup and Maintenance

A tent opening overlooking the mountains. Photo by Dominik Jirovský on Unsplash — Photo by Dominik Jirovský on Unsplash

A good camping setup can mean all the difference between a memorable camping experience and a bad one.

Site Selection for Autumn Conditions

Avoid valley bottoms: cold air sinks and creates frost pockets
Look for natural windbreaks: trees or rock formations
Check for widow makers: dead branches that could fall in the wind
Avoid areas under deciduous trees: falling leaves clog everything
Choose slightly sloped ground: helps drainage during autumn storms

Tent Positioning and Wind Protection

Position your tent door away from the prevailing wind
Use all guy-lines
Angle your tent into the wind
Double-check all pegs

Campfire Safety in Autumn Conditions

Check fire restrictions, as many UK autumn campsites have seasonal bans
Clear a large area of leaves and other debris
Have water ready
Build a fire ring using stones to contain and reflect the heat
Never leave unattended

Lighting Solutions for Shorter Days

Headtorch
Lantern for the camp area
Solar lights around the tent
Backup batteries
String lights

Leave No Trace Principles

Pack out all food waste
Scatter cold ashes
Don’t damage trees
Stick to established paths
Leave natural decorations

Getting your campsite set up right is fundamental to any successful autumn camping checklist. The extra effort you put in during setup will pay off if the weather turns horrible.

Family-Specific Autumn Camping Considerations

A family sitting around a campfire near a lake. Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash — Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash

Family autumn camping requires planning, as kids feel the cold more and get bored easily when they’re stuck in tents. I’ve learned loads of tricks over the years that make autumn weather camping enjoyable with my children.

Extra Clothing and Comfort Items for Children

Spare everything
Favourite stuffed animals
Extra blankets
Waterproof mittens
Bright coloured clothing

Entertainment for Evenings

Card games and travel board games
Audiobooks or downloaded movies
Glow sticks
Nature scavenger hunt lists
Colouring books and pencils

Child Safety in Autumn Conditions

Reflective strips on clothing: visibility drops earlier in autumn
Whistle for each child: teach them the emergency signal
Buddy system: never let kids wander alone
Explain hypothermia signs: older kids can help watch younger ones
Clear boundaries: slippery leaves make falls more dangerous

Age-Appropriate Autumn Activities

Leaf collecting and identification
Nature photography
Campfire stories
Star gazing
Autumn crafts such as pine cone animals, leaf pressing

The key to successful family autumn camping is over-preparing rather than under-preparing. When my kids are warm, fed, and entertained, we’re happy parents, helping to create memorable autumn camping experiences.

Pre-Trip Planning and Preparation

Someone pointing on a map with a pen with a camera on it. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash — Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

This is where most autumn camping trips succeed or fail, in the planning stage. I’ve learned that autumn camping requires much more detailed preparation than summer trips.

Weather Forecasting and Trip Timing

Check 10-day forecasts
Plan around school holidays as autumn half-term camping spots book up fast
Check sunrise/sunset times and plan activities around shorter days

Campsite Booking and Autumn Availability

Book early for popular spots: UK autumn campsites have limited availability
Check seasonal closures: some sites close in October/November
Confirm facilities: heated toilet blocks become important
Research backup options: the weather might force location changes

Gear Testing and Maintenance Checks

Test all zips on tents
Check your sleeping bag loft, as compressed insulation loses warmth
Service camping stoves
Test torches and batteries
Reproof jackets and tent flysheets

Route Planning and Backup Locations

A twisty road. Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash — Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash

Plan shorter hiking distances
Research indoor alternatives
Check road conditions
Download offline maps

Emergency Contact Information

Leave a detailed itinerary with someone
Local emergency services numbers, such as mountain rescue, coastguard
Campsite contact details
Medical information
Insurance details: make sure you’re covered for outdoor activities

Insurance and Documentation

Check travel insurance
Vehicle breakdown cover
Medical insurance cards: EHIC or GHIC for EU travel
ID documents

Getting your autumn camping checklist planning right means you’re set for every eventuality. The extra time spent preparing pays off when you’re warm, dry, and comfortable while other campers are struggling with the conditions.

Final Thoughts on Your Autumn Camping Checklist

Autumn camping can provide some of the most magical outdoor experiences of the year. There’s nothing quite like waking up to frost-kissed leaves and breathing in that crisp morning air. With this detailed checklist, you’re well-equipped to handle whatever the season brings your way.

Remember, the key to successful autumn camping is preparation and flexibility. Weather can change quickly during autumn months, so having backup plans and extra gear isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Don’t let the cooler temperatures put you off; some of my most memorable camping experiences have happened during those beautiful autumn months.

Ready to start planning your autumn adventure? Download this autumn camping checklist, tick off each item as you pack, and get ready to experience the outdoors in a whole new way.

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy camping!

Have you found this autumn camping checklist useful? What things do you take with you? Is there anything we should add to our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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