| We all love a family camping trip in the summer. | | | | Other supplies do not have to vary much from |
| We make plans to hit our favorite camping | | | | your traditional summer camping trip. Your |
| destination where you can fish, swim and sit | | | | camping packs should still include plenty of food in |
| around a campfire in the evenings. Summer is the | | | | airtight containers, a fully-stocked first aid kit, and |
| premiere time for a camping vacation. Or so | | | | essential camping supplies, such as matches, |
| many people think. | | | | flashlights, lanterns, plastic tarps, rope, and |
| More and more couples are taking camping trips in | | | | firewood. |
| the fall months to take advantage of lower | | | | Fall Camping Destinations |
| campsite costs, smaller crowds and cooler | | | | I am partial to the Northwest for outdoor |
| weather. Many campsites reduce their fees after | | | | camping and hiking trips. There are a large number |
| Labor Day, making fall camping less expensive | | | | of campsites open in Oregon and Washington |
| than summer camping, an especially nice savings | | | | year round, perfect for fall camping. |
| during the current economic times. Because school | | | | 1. Castle Rock Campground: Located on Three |
| has started, there are fewer kids and teenagers | | | | Rivers, the Castle Rock Campground in the |
| camping in the fall, making the campgrounds a | | | | Siuslaw National Forest offers fishing and camping |
| little quieter for young and old couples to have a | | | | and is open year round. |
| relaxing, and maybe romantic trip. The nights are | | | | 2. Detroit Lake: Located in the heart of the |
| often chillier as well, offering the perfect | | | | Oregon Cascades, Detroit Lake offers a number |
| opportunity to snuggle up under a warm blanket | | | | of year round campsites as well as hiking, fishing, |
| with a friend or loved one. Plus, the scenery | | | | boating, and other fun outdoor activities. |
| during the fall can't be beat. The greens of | | | | 3. Washington Coast: For exceptional coastal |
| summer turn into vibrant reds, oranges, and | | | | camping, visit Cape Disappointment, Pacific Beach, |
| yellows. | | | | or Twin Harbors, all year round. |
| Fall camping does require two additional planning | | | | 4. Cape Blanco State Park: This park located on |
| elements not necessarily considered when | | | | the Oregon coast offers miles of coastal hiking, |
| preparing for a summer camping trip. | | | | lighthouse tours, and extra large, private, |
| 1. Pack heavier clothes and bedding: The days | | | | sheltered campsites. |
| may be sunny and warm, but nighttime | | | | For more information on year round campsites in |
| temperatures can drop quickly and dramatically. | | | | your area, go to either or |
| Pack for the unexpected. If you think one | | | | Fall camping is an easy way to enjoy a three day |
| sweatshirt should be enough for your trip, you | | | | weekend in the great outdoors. Simply take a |
| should probably bring two. | | | | few added precautions when planning for your |
| 2. Check the weather patterns where you will be | | | | camping trip by bringing a few extra supplies and |
| camping: Prepare for potential changes in weather. | | | | know the area you will be staying in. These simple |
| Fall weather is more volatile than the summer. | | | | steps will make any fall camping vacation, |
| Pack rain or snow gear even if the forecast calls | | | | whether in the Northwest or beyond, an |
| for blue skies. | | | | enjoyable excursion. |