Camping in the Fall is a unique experience. The air is cool and the leaves are changing color. It’s the perfect time to camp. However, there are some items that you’ll need in the fall that you might not need for summer camping. You may be asking, “What do you need for RV camping in the fall?”
Here are 10 items that you’ll want to use when Fall RV camping:
1. Propane-fueled fire pit
2. Oil-Filled Radiant Heater
3. Outdoor & Indoor Clothing
4. Heated Blanket
5. Tire Pressure Monitors
6. Portable Mini Grill & Cooler
7. Vacuum Sealed Storage
8. Sleeping & Outdoor Pads
9. Portable Power Station
10. RV Leveling Kit
As you can see, these are our suggested essentials for your fall RV camping trip. If you’re interested in learning why you need any of these items, we’ll share them down below.
The 10 Top Fall RV Camping Items
Camping in fall will always be a bit different from the peak summer season, which is why you’ll benefit the most by having these 10 items. Below, we’ll provide a breakdown of each item and why it can truly take your RV camping experience to the next level.
1. Propane-Fueled Fire Pit
When you think of fall camping, the first thing that comes to mind is enjoying the great outdoors by a campfire. Sadly, not all camping locations allow campfires as it poses a risk to the surrounding area.
The last thing you want to happen is a local wildfire. So, to get around this, we recommend bringing a propane-fueled fire pit. You can find a propane-fueled fire pit at most big box stores or online retailers.
Look for propane-fueled fire pits that have a built-in regulatory system. This will ensure that your fire pit doesn’t get too hot and cause any fires. It also prevents you from constantly monitoring the fire, giving you more time to relax with friends and family.
Propane-fueled fire pits can be attached to your RV’s tank, or you can use a small portable propane tank. We recommend the latter as you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of the night. Just make sure to pack an extra propane tank or two, just in case.
That way, you can still enjoy roasting marshmallows and hotdogs over an open fire without any risks.
2. Oil-Filled Radiant Heater
Fall is also much colder than the summer, which means that your RV is going to need some extra heat. An oil-filled radiant heater can help keep you and your family cozy on your autumn trip.
These heaters work by circulating oil through a series of coils. The coils then heat up and radiate warmth throughout the RV. Oil-filled radiant heaters are very efficient and don’t use much of your energy reserve, which is suitable for camping.
We recommend getting an oil-filled radiant heater that has an automatic shut-off feature. That way, you don’t have to worry about it running all night and wasting energy. We personally find that radiant heaters with built-in timers and customizable settings work the best.
3. Outdoor & Indoor Clothing
The temperature may be pleasant some days, but fall is definitely one time of the year when temperatures vary greatly. Depending on your destination, you’ll want to ensure that you bring proper attire.
We see many new RV campers skipping the fall and winter clothing because they figure they can keep warm indoors. However, RVs aren’t well-insulated and are mainly designed for mild temperatures. When you face cooler temperatures, you can only imagine how cold it gets indoors.
Choose fall and winter clothing that traps your body heat inside. This includes thermal sweaters, pants, and socks. Aside from that, have all the winter essentials such as gloves, scarves, and hats. These can prevent you from feeling miserable and cold during your winter camping trip.
Plus, bringing extra gear allows you to travel outdoors. Many camping sites have excellent hiking trails, which you won’t want to miss! Being warm and toasty on your travels will always make the trip better.
4. Heated Blanket
Even though you’ll be spending time in your RV, you’ll still get chilly at night. We’ve all been tossing and turning because we’re cold and can’t stay asleep. A heated blanket will quickly warm you and your bedding to get a good night’s sleep.
The best types of heating blankets for RVs include those that are electric and have multiple heat settings. This way, you can customize the heat you need to stay comfortable. We also recommend getting a heated blanket that has a timer. That way, you won’t be using up too much energy.
5. Entertainment Items
The fall weather may not always be the best in terms of weather. For the season, you can expect that there will be rain, wind, and possibly snow if you’re camping near the winter season. So, it’s best to prepare for these situations!
If you don’t want to be bored when the climate isn’t ideal, it’s best to bring items for entertainment. Unlike campers, you’ll have the RV and all the entertainment you can bring. Personally, I like to bring books or board games, as it’s an excellent activity to keep myself busy.
However, any type of entertainment is suitable. Some ideas include movies with a TV in the RV, laptops, audiobooks, or other electronics. If you want to avoid electronics, you can bring crafts such as knitting, sewing, or sketchbooks. There’s nothing better than watching the rain in fall, being cozy next to a heater, and drawing on a piece of paper.
We also find that bringing instruments such as a guitar can relax during fall. Although, you can essentially bring anything you want.
6. Portable Mini Grill & Cooler
Aside from the cooking equipment in your camper, you’ll also want to bring a mini grill and cooler. Cooking outside gives a more immersive experience. Plus, you’ll want to enjoy the great outdoors while eating a meal.
While we all love the classic meal over a campfire, sometimes we want to change it up and have a home-cooked meal. So, to avoid using our RV equipment, a portable mini grill allows us to cook outdoors so that we get the best of both worlds.
Plus, a portable cooler can hold any perishables, and you can set it up right outside the camper. If your RV has built-in outdoor storage, it is even better as you can set up the cooler there.
Use the cooler to store perishables, drinks, or fish if you’re an avid angler. A portable cooler is so helpful outdoors. You can also take it with you if you want to have a picnic in another location than where you parked.
7. Vacuum Sealed Storage
I don’t know about you, but I want to ensure I stay warm indoors and out when the weather gets chilly. If you’re RV camping with more than one person, you’ll likely have a whole set of camping gear, clothing, and blankets.
These items take up a lot of space, so bringing a vacuum seal storage unit can be a lifesaver! Not only can you pack all the essentials, but you can also cut down on bulk. When you’re ready to use certain items, just open the bag and reseal them once you’re done!
8. Outdoor Pads
Sometimes it’s nice to sit outdoors, even if you’re taking your RV to camp. Plus, the whole point of camping is to immerse yourself in nature’s surrounding views. A comfortable outdoor pad can help you feel your best.
For RVs, ample outdoor pads can be placed on the ground. These work perfectly for picnics, camping, or even laying under the stars! If you want to feel more at home, consider getting an indoor/outdoor rug. These can be placed inside or outside the RV and are perfect for adding a homey touch.
Aside from that, outdoor pads also help prevent you from feeling cold, as they act as a protective barrier from the ground.
9. Portable Power Station
In case you haven’t heard, a portable power station is essential for any RV owner. Let’s face it, we rely heavily on technology nowadays. We must ensure they’re always charged from our laptops to our phones.
A portable power station allows you to keep all your devices charged without needing a generator. Simply charge the power station before you leave and bring along any charging cords you need. This way, you’ll never have to worry about being unable to use your devices while camping!
Try to find high-wattage portable power stations which can supply you with a few days of power. Lower-wattage units tend to only last 10 hours, which may not be enough on an extended trip.
Alternatively, you can also find power stations that are solar-charged. That way, you can leave the unit outdoors and get consistent power. However, the fall season isn’t always the best for sunshine. So, it’s best to plan accordingly.
10. Warm Food & Drinks
Even though you’ll likely want to roast marshmallows and hot dogs outdoors, there may be a time when you will want other types of food. Camping is excellent for fishing and gathering, but some days you may not be as lucky to get your hands on anything. In these cases, bringing warm foods to enjoy indoors will help save you in a pinch.
Hot chocolate, tea, and warm broth are all excellent liquids to keep on hand while camping. Some of us even enjoy bringing our favorite coffee, grinder, and brewer. You may enjoy other food items, including soups, stews, or casseroles.
Having food and drinks on hand can also complement your camping experience. Ingredients can be brought that can pair well with foods from hunting or fishing. Additionally, having a nice hot drink will keep you warm after your adventures outdoors.
Conclusion
Fall is definitely the off-season for camping, but it’s one of the most rewarding as you’ll catch plenty of unique scenery you can’t get at any other time of the year. To help accommodate your trip, we highly recommend any items on our list to help improve your fall RV camping experience. Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand what you need for fall RV camping! Safe travels!