Autumn Camping with Toddlers: The Ultimate Guide 2025

Last Updated on 26 October 2025

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When done right, autumn camping with toddlers is great, and I think it’s one of the best seasons for camping with little ones. There are fewer crowds, stunning foliage, and cooler temperatures that make daytime adventures more enjoyable for families.

When we first took our then-toddlers camping in autumn, we didn’t know what to expect: had we packed the right gear, would it be too cold at night, what if the rain turned our tent into a soggy nightmare?

Here’s what I learnt: with the right preparation and a bit of flexibility, autumn camping with toddlers can be magical. I remember our eldest loving jumping on the fallen leaves and laughing with every crunch they made, and how our youngest loved spotting wildlife when we went on our walking adventures.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know. From camping gear and clothing layers to rainy day activities and safety considerations, you’ll have all the necessary advice needed to create unforgettable family memories this autumn. Whether you’re a first-time family camper or looking to extend your camping season beyond summer, we’ve got you covered.

And if you’re after an autumn camping with toddlers checklist, scroll down to the bottom to get yours today.

Read on to find out more!

Young children in a tent. Autumn camping with toddlers. Photo by Samuel Chan on Unsplash — Photo by Samuel Chan on Unsplash

Why Autumn is Perfect for Camping with Toddlers

When we first started thinking about autumn camping with toddlers, we were unsure about what to expect. We’d camped in autumn pre-children and enjoyed the peace it gave us, but with children?

After a bit of pre-planning, and getting all the things we needed, we were able to make it an enjoyable experience for all of us.

The biggest game-changer for us was the fewer crowds at popular UK campsites compared to the peak summer season. During the summer, campsites are fully booked, you have to get up early to have a shower or face queuing for them, and you spend most of your time at camp keeping an eye on your child.

Cooler daytime temperatures are another massive win. I don’t know about your kids, but mine turn into sweaty, grumpy little monsters when it’s too hot. Autumn weather means they can run around, explore, and play without overheating in five minutes.

Best Time for Autumn Camping with Toddlers in the UK

Time is everything when it comes to camping with a 2-year-old or 3-year-old in autumn. Get it wrong and you’ll be dealing with freezing nights and miserable kids. Get it right, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

That’s what we thought when we first took our kids camping in autumn.

September: The Sweet Spot

September camping with toddlers is the easiest entry point if you’re new to cold-weather camping with toddlers. We often get a random week or two in the UK where daytime temperatures are around 15-18°C, making it warm enough for t-shirts during the day, but cool enough that the kids aren’t melting.

The daylight hours are longer, too. We could finish dinner, do a short evening walk, and still have time for stories before bed without needing head torches at 6 pm. This extra daylight makes autumn camping with toddlers feel less overwhelming because you’re not racing against darkness.

I’d recommend early to mid-September for your first autumn tent camping adventure. By late September, temperatures start dropping more noticeably at night, so you’ll need to think more carefully about how to keep warm in a tent.

October: Peak Autumn Magic

Different coloured autumn leaves. Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash — Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

October camping with toddlers is when autumn really shows off. The colours are stunning, and those golden yellows, deep oranges, and rich reds make every walk feel like you’re in a fairytale. My kids were obsessed with collecting the “prettiest” leaves, and we’ve often come back with huge piles because they’re all pretty, apparently.

Half-term autumn camping is popular for family autumn adventures, so book early to secure decent pitches. Try to get to your campsite at a reasonable time as well, as you may be able to get a decent pitch with plenty of time to set up.

One challenge to be aware of in October is that the clocks fall back at the end of the month, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. One benefit is that you get an extra hour in bed (yay), but it’ll get darker earlier in the evenings.

November: For the Brave

Most families won’t go autumn camping with toddlers in November; however, if you do, only do this if you’re experienced.

Autumn Camping Gear for Toddlers

To have a successful autumn camping trip, you need to have the right gear with you, especially when you’re camping with your children.

Here are some of the things that we use:

Sleeping Bags: The Warmer the Better

You need three-to-four-season sleeping bags rated for lower temperatures with a comfort rating of 0-5°C. It’s easy to think you can use summer-rated sleeping bags, but these are too cold for this time of the year.

For toddlers, look for bags that are specifically sized for kids. We had the Deuter Starlight Pro Children’s Sleeping Bag, which was great as it could extend up to 170cm. We also had our kids sleeping in their warmest long-sleeved PJs.

You could also zip two sleeping bags together and have them sleep under it with you, if they don’t like sleeping in a sleeping bag. We did this with our youngest for a while until she got used to sleeping in her own bag.

Sleeping Mats: The Unsung Heroes

A sleeping bag on a sleeping mat outside. Photo by Felix M. Dorn on Unsplash — Photo by Felix M. Dorn on Unsplash

Insulated sleeping mats with high R-values are just as important as sleeping bags for autumn camping with toddlers. You want at least R-3.0 for autumn, and ideally R-4.0 or higher for October camping with toddlers.

We use the Vango Trek Pro 3 Short Mat, which has a value of R-4.0. It’s lightweight, packs small, and makes a massive difference in preventing the cold ground from seeping up through the ground.

Also, consider getting a tent carpet to go under your sleeping mats for an added layer of ground insulation.

Clothing: Master the Layers

This is the three-layer system we adopt when we’re camping, and one that has worked for the many years we’ve been camping with our kids.

Base layers: Merino wool or synthetic materials that wick moisture. We have the Kids Merino II Base Layer Set.
Mid-layers: Fleece jumpers for insulation. We love Regatta kids’ fleeces like this one, which is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Outer shells: Waterproof, breathable jackets and trousers, like this, this, and this.

Avoid cotton as it holds moisture and will make your kids colder. Stick with merino wool or synthetic materials.

Footwear: Keep Those Feet Dry

Pick sturdy, waterproof walking boots with good ankle support.

We have the Comet Toddler Waterproof Snowboots from Mountain Warehouse for our kids. They’re waterproof, supportive, and have lasted through several camping trips. We’ve also used the Wedze Baby Snow Boots for colder trips, and we’ve found they’ve kept little toes nice and warm.

The Cosy Extras

Extra blankets and hot water bottles are brilliant for added warmth at night and for keeping toddlers warm when camping:

Fleece blankets for layering in sleeping bags
Kids’ hot water bottles with soft covers (never put boiling water directly in; warm, not hot)
Thermal sleeping bag liners add extra warmth

A tent in a forest. Photo by www.tribalvideo.com Tribal Video on Unsplash — Photo by www.tribalvideo.com Tribal Video on Unsplash

Choosing the Right Campsite

Picking the right campsite can make or break your camping experience with your toddler. Here’s what we look for when planning our autumn family camping adventures:

Facilities

Heated toilet blocks
Sheltered play areas
Laundry facilities
On-site shop

Location Matters

Proximity to indoor attractions: Museums, soft play centres, cafes for backup rainy day plans during camping in autumn weather
Sheltered pitches
Hard-standing vs grass pitches: Hard-standing is better in wet conditions

Toddler-Friendly Features

Safe play areas: Fenced playgrounds away from roads
Toddler-friendly walking trails: Short, flat paths perfect for little legs
Shallow streams or ponds: For supervised splashing (muddy camping with toddlers is part of the fun)

Recommended UK Autumn Camping Destinations

Here are some of the autumn family campsites in the UK we’ve been to over the years:

New Forest: Brilliant for wildlife spotting, try Holmsley Caravan and Camping Site
Devon: Coastal and countryside options; Westland Farm is an excellent choice
Cornwall: Milder autumn weather, the family-run Tremorvu Campsite near Helston offers a wildlife habitat and plenty of space for children to play

Tents and tent chairs around a campfire. Photo by Ben Moreland on Unsplash — Photo by Ben Moreland on Unsplash

Keeping Toddlers Warm and Comfortable at Night

Knowing how to keep warm in a tent at night is important, especially when you’re doing autumn camping with toddlers. Here’s what we do when we’re camping.

The Layering System for Sleeping

Avoiding overdressing may go against what you think, but it’s important when you’re autumn camping with toddlers. Too many layers will make kids sweat, then they get damp and cold, which no one wants.

This is what we do to keep our kids warm when camping, and it’s what worked when they were toddlers as well:

Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
Fleece pyjamas over the top
Warm socks (not tight as they can restrict circulation)
A hat if it’s cold

That’s it. The sleeping bag does the rest of the work. If they’re still cold, add a blanket over the sleeping bag rather than more clothing layers.

However, if you’re constantly piling blankets on during your autumn camping trips, it’s time for a warmer sleeping bag.

Hot Water Bottles: Your Secret Weapon

Safe use of hot water bottles in sleeping bags transformed our autumn camping nights. We like to pop ours in about 20 minutes before bedtime at the bottom to pre-warm them. It definitely helps and is like getting into a cosy bed instead of a cold sack.

Bedtime Routines in the Cold

A toddler drinking a hot chocolate. Photo by Kris Len Lu on Unsplash — Photo by Kris Len Lu on Unsplash

Bedtime routines that help toddlers settle in cooler conditions need adapting from summer camping. This is what has worked for us:

A warm shower or wash with heated water before bed
Hot chocolate or warm milk (gets them warm from the inside)
Extra-long story time snuggled in sleeping bags
Head torches with red light (less jarring than white light)
Familiar comfort items from home

The key is making the tent feel cosy and safe. We bring their favourite teddies from home even though we don’t technically need them; it’s about comfort and familiarity.

Warning Signs Your Toddler is Too Cold

Signs include:

Shivering continuously
Unusually quiet or lethargic
Cold to the touch
Pale or bluish skin
Confusion or clumsiness

If you spot these signs, act fast:

Add layers
Use your body heat and cuddle them
Warm (not hot) drinks if they’re awake
Consider moving to the car with the heating on
Don’t hesitate to pack up and head home

I’ve never had to deal with hypothermia during our autumn camping trips, but we’ve had a few instances where we’ve had to add layers.

Autumn Camping Activities for Toddlers

Some of the best things about camping in autumn are the activities we do. Below are some of the ones we’ve enjoyed on our adventures.

Leaf Collecting and Nature Scavenger Hunts

Create simple printable checklists with pictures
Hunt for different coloured leaves: red, orange, yellow, brown
Find acorns, conkers, pine cones, and interesting sticks
Take photos of wildlife spotted
Collect items for crafts later

Autumn Crafts Using Natural Materials

A pinecone on the forest floor. Photo by Freddie Collins on Unsplash — Photo by Freddie Collins on Unsplash

Leaf rubbings: Place leaves under paper, rub with crayons
Acorn painting: Use acorns as stamps with washable paint
Pine cone animals: Add googly eyes and pipe cleaners
Nature collages: Glue what you’ve found onto cardboard
Mud kitchen: Let them get messy

Pack a small craft kit with glue, paper, and crayons. Rainy day camping activities for toddlers become much easier when you’ve got backup entertainment.

Toddler-Friendly Autumn Walks

Keep walks short (30 minutes max for young toddlers)
Let them set the pace
Build in “interest points” like bridges, streams, or fallen trees
Bring snacks for energy boosts
Don’t stress about the distance

We once took 45 minutes to walk 200 metres during an autumn camping trip because my eldest insisted on examining every single leaf.

Wildlife Spotting

This is a brilliant activity for children. Bring binoculars and a simple wildlife guide. My kids loved pretending to be a “nature detective” during our autumn family camping trips, and still do. They learn a lot, and it keeps them entertained.

Puddle Jumping and Muddy Play

Pack spare clothes and embrace the mess
Waterproof everything before you leave
Bring baby wipes for quick clean-ups
Let them be kids: muddy camping with toddlers is part of the fun
Take photos: these make the best memories

Campfire Storytelling and Songs

Learn simple camping songs beforehand
Tell stories about woodland animals
Make up adventures around you
Bring a book of campfire tales
Let them tell their own stories

This is one activity we love doing at the end of the day, before bed. The cosy camping atmosphere is perfect for this, especially around a campfire when it’s chilly.

Stargazing on Clear Autumn Nights

Stargazing and camping. Photo by Rahul Bhosale on Unsplash — Photo by Rahul Bhosale on Unsplash

Download a stargazing app
Look for easy constellations: Orion, The Plough
Make wishes on shooting stars
Tell stories about the constellations
Bring warm blankets to lie on

Autumn skies are often clearer than summer, and with less daylight pollution, stargazing during autumn camping is spectacular.

Autumn Camping Meal Ideas for Toddlers

Breakfast Ideas

Autumn Spiced Porridge with Seasonal Toppings
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Lunch Ideas

Butternut Squash and Ginger Soup
Tomato and Basil Soup
One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Dinner Ideas

Good Ol’ Fashioned Jacket Potatoes and Baked Beans
Easy Peasy Fajitas
Campfire Nachos

Want the full recipes? Check out my 19 Delicious and Easy Autumn Camping Recipes to Try in 2025 post for step-by-step instructions. You’ll need a camping stove as well, so check out my 9 Best Camping Stoves on a Budget for Autumn 2025 to find the one for you.

Snacks and Treats

A young child eating a roasted marshmallow. Photo by Jasmin Börsig on Unsplash — Photo by Jasmin Börsig on Unsplash

Safe treats for autumn camping with toddlers:

Marshmallow roasting: Supervise closely. Use long sticks and keep them at arm’s length from the fire
Banana boats: Slice a banana lengthways, stuff with chocolate chips, wrap in foil, and warm in the fire
Apple slices with cinnamon: Wrap in foil and warm by the fire. It smells incredible and is a fitting treat during the autumn

Safety first with campfire cooking during autumn camping with toddlers:

Never leave toddlers unattended near a fire
Use long roasting sticks
Teach them to blow on hot food
Have cold water nearby for burns

Healthy Energy Snacks

For camping in autumn weather with toddlers, you need snacks that provide sustained energy:

Flapjacks
Cheese and crackers
Dried fruit and nuts (watch for choking hazards)
Breadsticks and houmous
Cereal bars

What to Pack: Complete Autumn Camping Checklist for Toddlers

Final Thoughts on Autumn Camping with Toddlers

Autumn camping with toddlers might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can become one of your family’s most treasured traditions. The key is embracing the season’s unique beauty while staying prepared for cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather.

Remember, successful autumn camping isn’t about everything going perfectly; it’s about creating magical moments in nature with your little ones. Whether it’s their delighted giggles as they jump in muddy puddles, the wonder in their eyes as they discover autumn treasures, or the cosy cuddles in your tent as rain patters overhead, these are the memories that will last a lifetime.

Start with a short weekend trip at a well-facilitated campsite, test your gear thoroughly beforehand, and don’t be afraid to pack up early if conditions aren’t working for your family. Every camping trip teaches you something new, and before you know it, you’ll be autumn camping pros.

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy camping!

Have you found this autumn camping with toddlers guide useful? What other tips should we include in our guide? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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