Camping in autumn? Here’s your guide

During autumn the forest puts on a gloriously colourful show as it prepares for the frosty mornings of winter after the heat of the summer. Camping during the autumn months is no different to any other time of year if you’re prepared. Here’s all you need to know about camping in autumn.

Top UK autumn campsites

New Forest

Our New Forest campsites allow you to sleep in the heart of one of the UK’s largest remaining forests. The majority of our New Forest campsites start to close from early to late October so are great for catching the autumn pitches early on. All year round campsites in the New Forest are ideal if you’re looking to camp later in the season.

Setthorns Campsite

Ideal for motorhomes and caravans, at Setthorns you’ll be able to choose a pitch within the sheltered woodland of the campsite all year round. Pets are more than welcome and the paths that spread and loop to and from the campsite are ideal for exploring on two (or four) feet.

Savernake Forest – Postern Hill

Idyllic is often a word to describe our Postern Hill Campsite. With flat, green pitches immersed in woodland, this campsite is great whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned expert. Just a 20 minute walk from the pretty market town of Marlborough, you won’t find yourself short of things to do during your stay with us.

Autumn camping in Scotland

Open until late October, our campsites in Loch Lomond offer stunning views of The Trossachs and access to endless outdoor pursuits.

Glenmore Campsite, Aviemore

Join us and pitch up in Inverness-shire between thousands of ancient pine trees populating Glenmore Forest Park. Loch Morlich is just a short walk through the trees, mountains offer a challenge for the adventurous and there are plenty of gentler activities accessible nearby.

Fingers crossed you’ve spotted a campsite in a location you’re interested in. View all of our campsites for more options.

Autumn camping tips

1. Take the right gear. Our packing list below highlights a few items to remember if you’re camping during the changing seasons.

2. Test your kit. There’s nothing worse than a camping trip ruined by broken or leaking kit. We recommend doing a trial run in the garden with your tent to make sure it’s all in one piece and if it’s raining you’ll be able to spot any leaks. Check camping stoves, torches, blow up mattresses and any other kit are functioning correctly.

3. Consider all climates. Autumn is notoriously changeable, one minute it might be sunny and the next raining with strong winds. Plan and pack accordingly. Read our tips for camping in the rain.

4. Beware of shorter days. Make sure you arrive at your campsite well before the sun sets to prevent pitching up in the dark.

5. Eat well. Fats and carbs are going to give you energy and keep you warm so autumn camping isn’t a good time to restrict your diet.

6. Ventilation. The colder air means condensation can make the inside of your tent or unit wet. Make sure your vents are open- even if it seems counterproductive at first.

7. Don’t forget to drink. It can be easy not to drink enough in cooler weather but it’s just as easy to get dehydrated.

8. Pack your camera. The forest really comes to life during the autumn months, it’s the perfect time to snap your wildlife and scenery shots.

9. Enjoy the outdoors. For many, autumn is the last chance to camp before the colder weather rolls in. Get outside and enjoy the forest before the leaves fall.

10. Dry your kit. Remember to air out your tent, sleeping bags and dry off any wet kit before packing it away for any length of time. You’ll be thankful you did when you get it back out in the spring.

Your autumn camping packing list

• A warm sleeping bag. Whilst the weather should be mild, nights can feel chilly and you’ll appreciate a snug sleeping spot.
• If you’re in a tent you’ll need a good sleeping pad to insulate against the cold ground. We’d recommend packing a few extra blankets too.
• Waterproofs. A good waterproof jacket will serve you well if the weather turns.
• Plastic bags. Not only a great way to reuse disposable bags but also handy to keep clothing and bedding items dry when not in use.
• Lots of spare layers. The weathers going to be changeable so you’ll need to be able to add and remove layers as needed.
• Hat. 30% of your body heat escapes up top so if you’re finding you’re getting cold in the evenings this will be a nice item to have.
• Sun protection and insect repellent can become essentials when you’re outdoors at any time of year.
• Extra snacks. In the colder months you’ll burn more calories; that’s the excuse we tell ourselves anyway.

We hope this has inspired you to get out for another camping adventure in the wondrous UK forests and woodland. Explore all of our camping locations or view more camping information.