Fall is perfect for camping! Crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy campfires…it’s a great time for enjoying the outdoors. But as the seasons change, you’ll want to pack different items than in the summertime. Here’s your list of the best fall essentials for RV camping!
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Those chilly nights and unpredictable fall weather can sneak up on you fast! One year my family accidentally camped in Minnesota and woke up to the first snow of the winter…in October.
So whether you’re brand new to your camper or you’ve been RVing all over the US, here’s a list of the best essentials you’ll need for fall…including some items maybe you haven’t though of!
Camping in the fall – what you need
Grab these items now or load them in your camper!
1. Portable space heater to stay toasty on chilly nights
Even if your RV has a furnace, a small portable space heater can be a lifesaver. My family prefers to use our space heaters so we use the campground’s electric energy instead of our propane.
We keep one in our main space by our kids and dogs, and one in the bedroom for those extra cold nights. We keep our furnace on low for a back-up!
Note: make sure you get a space heater with automatic shut-off features in case it tips over.
👉Planning an RV adventure? My very favorite planning tool is RV Trip Wizard. It’s perfect for planning an RV-friendly route, selecting a campsite based on reviews and setting realistic timelines for travel days.
2. Outdoor rug to keep the dirt out
Fall weather can mean wet leaves, muddy boots, and lots of dirt being tracked inside your camper. An outdoor rug helps keep things clean by giving you a place to wipe off before stepping in.
I like this outdoor rug that’s easy to shake out or hose down. It also makes your campsite feel more like a cozy outdoor living room. Pair it with camp chairs, twinkle lights and you’ve got the perfect setup for sipping hot cider while enjoying the fall colors.
Note: we bought these twinkle lights for a recent trip which included Newport, Rhode Island, and my kids loved the ambiance they brought to the campfire nights!
3. Campfire accessories – the perfect fall camping essential
Campfires are basically required during fall camping, right? But having the right accessories makes them so much better. Sturdy roasting sticks for marshmallows are required by my kids. We like to use these retractible s’mores sticks!
My husband also likes to pack fire starters, since damp wood is common in the fall. Just remember not to bring firewood over state lines, but to grab it locally to your campsite. This fall essentials for RV camping checklist wouldn’t be complete without a great s’mores activity!
4. Thermal window covers to lock in the warmth
One of the easiest ways to lose heat in your RV is through the windows. That’s why thermal curtains or insulated window covers are a fall essential. They block drafts and help trap heat inside, keeping your camper warmer with less effort.
I love our WeatherTech window covers because they are reversible, reflecting the sun during the summer and locking in the warmth in the fall and winter. But you can also buy reflective insulation foam and cut it down to size.
5. Heated blanket to stay warm camping this fall
If you’re a fan of snuggling up by the fire, a heated blanket will help to keep all of you warm and cozy…not just the part next to the fire! They don’t take up much space, and we just pack an extension cord and plug it right into our RV.
Of course you could use it indoors on your bed, too. Having that extra layer of warmth makes all the difference between sleeping
6. Insulated mugs to keep your drinks hot
There’s nothing like sipping hot cocoa while you watch the sunrise or sunset outdoors. But as much as I love my mugs I’ve collected from travels, insulated travel mugs are an essential fall RV item.
They keep your drinks hot for hours, which means you don’t have to rush or reheat constantly. My kids are always fighting over their favorite mugs! We have several of these Yeti mugs that are perfect for camping!
Pro tip: you can even fill them with soup or chili for everyone in the family so you can eat outside and keep your soup warm!
7. Crockpot: comfort food made easy
Fall and comfort food go hand in hand, especially when you’re camping. Having a crockpot in your RV makes cooking hearty meals so much easier. Soups, stews, and chili are all perfect for crisp evenings.
I usually prep ingredients before we leave home for the weekend (like cook the beef for chili). Then when fall camping, I just toss everything in the crockpot, and let dinner cook during the day.
By the time we’re back at camp and ready to eat, the RV smells amazing and dinner is ready to go. It’s a small appliance that pays off big in fall camping.
Note: I like this smaller size crockpot for RV cooking since it stores easier and we’re typically not serving a ton of people when camping.
8. Dehumidifier (you’ll need this when camping in fall)
My husband always says the biggest threat to our RV is moisture. Cool weather plus warm air inside the RV often equals condensation. That’s where a small dehumidifier comes in handy, and it’s the perfect addition on this fall essentials for RV camping checklist.
It pulls excess moisture from the air, keeping your RV dry and comfortable. When you see condensation on your windows, it’s time to bust it out!
9. Extra blankets and layers
No matter how many camping trips we take, it seems like someone always forgets something. Extra fleece, jackets, hoodies, beanies, socks, blankets and throws are essential fall camping items.
We keep extra in storage bins under our couch so we’re prepared for weather. Think now of what you’ll need and transfer these to your camper!
Camper checklist for fall – more essentials you’ll need
We’re not quite done yet! Here are more seasonal camping accessories!
10. Water resistant hiking boots for leafy, wet trails
Fall hiking is amazing, but wet leaves and muddy trails can be slippery. My family found out the hard way a few years ago when October camping in Wisconsin. Water resistant hiking shoes keep your feet dry and give you better traction for exploring.
Don’t forget moisture-wicking hiking socks for everyone in your family to avoid blisters!
11. Candles or battery-operated lanterns for cozy fall vibes
Part of the magic of fall camping is the cozy vibe. Candles or rechargeable lanterns set the mood inside and outside your RV.
I love ones with warm scents like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice. It makes the whole space feel extra inviting…even while you’re camping!
12. Tire pressure monitoring system
With colder weather in the fall, you will likely experience reduced air pressure, so while a tire pressure monitoring system is great any time of year, it’s especially helpful in the fall camping months. The system helps to make sure your tires are in the range they should be while you’re driving and before you hit the road!
My husband and I invested in this tire pressure monitoring system and it’s been an excellent peace of mind tool! We’ve used it as we in all seasons, including a Canadian Rockies RV trip, many scenic drives in Colorado, through our Mighty 5 Utah road trip, and anywhere else we’ve taken our RV over the years.
👉Hitting the road in your RV? My husband and I love RV Trip Wizard for planning our routes, checking out campground reviews and setting realistic expectations for how long it will take to actually get there with an RV.
13. Hand-held vacuum
For the unexpected dirt and debris that tend to be a bit more prevalent in the fall. Plus, if you go camping with dogs like my family, there’s an abundance of dog hair…always!
I use this handheld vacuum daily when we’re camping and RVing across the country and close to home. This is definitely one of the top things on this list of fall essentials for RV camping.
14. White noise maker
Not necessarily specific to the fall, but with more leaves on the ground than in the trees, noses from other campsites may carry more in the fall. My family uses a portable white-noise maker to drown out the sounds, which is especially helpful for our kids and dogs at night.
15. Headlamps
The sun sets earlier in the fall, which means more time navigating in the dark. Each person in my family has a headlamp, since they’re essential for everything from walking our dogs at night to setting up camp after sunset.
There’s been more than once that my husband was grilling with his headlamp on!
Fall essentials for RV camping – free checklist
Download your free printable checklist for the camping essentials you’ll need this fall!
Camping in the fall – that’s a wrap!
Whether you’re staying close to home or hitting the road, I hope you have a fabulous fall season in your camper! With these fall camping essentials packed and ready to go, you’ll be able to relax knowing you’re ready for your adventure.
Related content:
21 Genius Camper Tips and Tricks to Save Space and Stay Organized
RVing for Beginners: BEST Tips for Stress-free Camping
RVing with Dogs: 33 Practical Tips & Free Essentials Checklist
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