Camping Tips for Frugal Fall Adventure

Despite a noticeable lack of concrete camping tips, Henry David Thoreau gave alluring advice on how to become immersed in the American wilderness. In one of his many musings on nature, Thoreau claimed, "A howling wilderness does not howl: It is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling."

Thoreau, in many ways, was also a model for modern frugalists and warned against unneccesary spending (although anyone familiar with his work knows he rarely practiced economy of words).

For me, fall camping captures Thoreau's spirit. It's a rewarding and affordable time to hit the roads, trails and passes that criss-cross the U.S. The crowds are sparse, the air is crisp and many destinations are accessible at a discount well into December. Not everyone will enjoy the chilly nights, but with the proper seasonal camping checklist and a camping gear, a fall excursion can open up entirely new worlds fit for howling.

As with any travel, remember to factor personal interests and hobbies into your plans as there are hoards of destinations to visit, both federal and state-run. Be sure to check your gear twice over and if anything needs replacing, do it beforehand.

If you plan on visiting one of the 392 national parks strewn across the country, entrance fees are waived on Sept. 25 and Nov. 11. Along with no fees, many parks will also allow free camping those days. To help you prepare, I've put together a list of six things to consider before heading out on any camping trip -- albeit with an autumn slant -- and how to follow Thoreau to a frugal fall.

1. Type of Camping
This is probably the easiest decision you'll make for one simple reason: You either love camping, or you cheat and own an RV.

Joking aside, RV camping is definitely more comfortable and family-friendly for seasonal expeditions. The ability to stay inside during sudden rain, snow or cold snaps is one less thing to worry about, not to mention a house on wheels is less claustrophobic than a tent. To prep your vehicle for harsher conditions, snag end-of-summer sale items with Camping World free shipping.

One caveat to RV camping on public lands: Water, sewage and electric hook-ups are hit-or-miss. Most larger campgrounds have an area to dump and recharge, but you'll rarely find one with private hook-ups in-site.

With cheater camping out of the way, there are few things in life more satisfying than tent camping in autumn. It's rustic, adventurous and can be done practically anywhere with a patch of bare dirt. On some crazy level, nothing says roughing it like waking up with frost across the roof of your home. It calls for more than a little chutzpah.

Despite crafty sales pitches, a run-of-the-mill dome tent works just as well as the expensive four-season variety. Keep in mind, this isn't backpacking. Be sure it has a rain fly, windows and floor, and check it over for holes. Aside from included basics, a hardy ground tarp will protect your gear from moisture and at least eight stakes are needed to keep your home from becoming a kite.

It's understandable how cold bones can make for poor decisions: People are delusional enough to summit Mt. Everest. But no matter how frigid the night gets, never bring flame into a tent, including gas lamps. You might have spent an hour lighting the campfire, but nylon tents need surprisingly little coaxing to set themselves ablaze.

With both kinds of camping, you'll likely have to get a site permit. Check before you leave home to see if your campground charges a fee and, if possible, buy the permit beforehand. Crowds shouldn't be an issue, but as good Boy Scouts know, it pays to be prepared.

2. Gear
Preparing for seasonal camping can be summed up in a single (yet ironically multi-faceted) word: Layers. Weather changes on a dime and so should your outfit. Be sure to pack a thermal layer for evenings and bedtime; a breathable second layer for warm afternoons and activities where you'll sweat; a waterproof but lightweight outer layer for unexpected weather; a couple good hoodies or sweaters to pile beneath a shell on really cold days; and plenty of socks, underwear, comfy gloves and warm headwear. If at all possible, avoid water-loving cotton.

If you're missing any one of these arguably vital parts, outfitting yourself with discount camping gear is easy at the moment, as most places are holding promotional sales before entering full-on winter mode. Gander Mountain free shipping coupons are available on every item from it's online shop and outlet store, including sale gear.

Aside from smart layering, an inflatable mat and sleeping bag can make or break any camping adventure. Few things are more miserable than tossing and turning in an uncomfortable, shoddy or downright cold sleeping bag. A decent mummy bag rated at 15 degrees should do the trick. If you freeze like a Neanderthal from the Ice Age, bring along a fleece and sleep with a beanie.

Granted, fall camping won't appeal to everyone and the high price of some gear can turn people off. If you're on the fence, several outdoor shops rent gear year-round. Most REI locations carry at least tents, backpacks, camping stoves and sleeping bags. Check REI.com to find a store in your neighborhood and see what gear they offer.

3. Location
Location is key after the mid-September mark, when the weather dips and swells at will. You don't want to be stuck in the Pacific Northwest if occasional rain and wind sounds miserable, and Florida camping won't satisfy the need for brisk mountaineering.

To truly experience what fall camping has to offer, explore public lands, such as state parks and national forests. Unlike strictly protected national parks, forests are open to a slew of activities, including four-wheeling, hunting, fishing and horseback riding. Most national forest land is spread throughout the Rockies and west to California, with a spattering in the Great Lakes area and Appalachian Mountains.

In general, state park camping is also more affordable and less touristy than staying at a commercial campground. You might trade certain ammenities, but then again, is it really camping with a shower and snack shack nearby? Also, many such campgrounds close around November, while the minimalist sites in national forests stay open year-round.  

For a quick look at what's available in your state, visit the federal database of national forests and parks. This online tool finds campsites by type -- including horse, group, day use, tent and RV -- as well as nearby cities and park name. Not every campground is included in the list, but most of the larger ones allow for camping reservations to be placed directly through the website.

Many seasonal favorites are found in northern states. Maine is a popular choice for those along the east coast, with ranger-led tours at Acadia National Park available until mid-October. Camping in Oregon, Idaho and northern California is also prime, as those states are home to the highest density of national forest land in the country.

A standout in the lower states is the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Unlike the barren and constantly overcrowded south end, the north is wooded, generally cooler and offers plenty of sightseeing, hiking and dining. It's a bit off the beaten path, but the experience is so unlike any other at Grand Canyon National Park it's well worth the extra travel. Weather in Northern Arizona can be unpredictable, however, and the road to the north rim closes with the first snowstorm in early December.

Remember those park fees? Waiving them is a big deal because, unfortunately, most national parks charge a pretty hefty amount to simply drive on the land. Frequent campers should invest $80 in an annual national parks and recreation pass, good for unlimited access across the country. It pays for itself after four trips.

4. Length of Trip
Judging trip length goes beyond how long you can cling to your sanity when stuck in a tent with others. It also determines how much food to buy, the amount of clothes to pack, and what activities to plan.

Day trips, though not technically camping, can be the right prescription for casual hikers or those with little kids. The east coast in particular is sprinkled with historical sites and forested parks within easy driving distance of large cities. To get off the beaten hiking path, visit a lighthouse. The National Park Service keeps an extensive list of lighthouses by region, including lighthouse features, hours of operation and available tours.

Weekend or three-day getaways are also good for families and sanity. There's little pressure to rush or cram things into a single day, giving you time to actually enjoy your trip. When preparing for weekend travel, always bring an extra day's worth of clothing, basic food items and, most importantly, firewood. You never know what could happen.

Multiday trips can go a number of ways. They're best taken with a couple friends or a special somebody, but feel free to make them as long as your time off allows for. Most large campsites in national and state parks require a minimal daily fee to stay at your site, though some are more lax during the off-season. Also factor the price and storage of extra food, plus whatever activities are planned. Again, prepare for at least one additional day.

5. Food
The cornerstone of any decent camping trip lies in the tastebuds. There's no need to survive on instant oatmeal, but keep in mind you'll have limited room and no refrigerator. Make a set of basic foods -- salt, pepper, sugar, cooking spray, coffee, cocoa -- solely for camping. Utensils and cookware can be bought used from a thrift store or friends. Set aside at least two pots, a skillet, tin water pot, a few insulated mugs, a kitchen knife, aluminum foil, a pot scrubber and a few sets of silverware.

Many get roped into paying for simple snack items, such as granola bars and trail mix, that are easier and cheaper to make at home. The website Camp Recipes offers 45 varieties of trail snacks, all of which take under 30 minutes to put together. You can cover your gastronomic bases completely with an REI free shipping coupon for energy food, plus an extra 20-percent off when you buy 12 or more bars.    

Aside from saving cash, prepping food beforehand elevates camping recipes to near-gourmet heights. Try the campfire foil packs from AllRecipes.com. The ingredients are put together at home, then packed in ice until you throw them on the fire or camp stove. Play with the ingredients and get several nights from these packets of deliciousness.

6. Activities
After all the preparation and planning, why were you going camping again? Oh, relaxation. Silly you.

If you visit any number of leafy forests, expect incredible sights right from your camp stool. The colors of fall are so intense the U.S. Forest Service has a network dedicated to tracking the best of the best. Right now, the USFS expects hotspots in Arizona, California, Georgia and New Hampshire, among others. Changing leaves are at their most remarkable from late September to late October, though some will hold strong until November.

Another perk of fall camping is animal sighting. Much of the wildlife that disappears during summer reappears when the crowds head home. Creatures vary by region, but elk, moose and deer make regular rounds though mountain campsites. Migrating birds can be found anywhere, with some of the best gaggles gathering in the lush habitats along the east coast.

Though you probably have several favorite spots already scoped if you're a hunter, the deer, turkey and waterfowl season began in early September and lasts until the beginning of December in most states. Hunting big game and most other animals requires a permit, but avoid visiting a different state as fees are nearly 10 times higher for out-of-towners.

Photo by jgurbisz