Camping in the late summer can be very enjoyable. The slightly cooler temperatures make daytime activities such as fishing, hiking, and swimming much more pleasurable. Camping in late summer can also be challenging due to crowded campgrounds and chilly nights, here are some of our tips for camping in later summer.
Tips For Camping in Late Summer
Make Reservations Ahead
Make reservations several weeks in advance. The more popular the campground, the more crowded it will be. This is as true in late summer as it is during prime camping time. Many campgrounds are packed in late summer because people are trying to fit in one last camping trip. Be sure to contact the campground several weeks or months prior to when you’d like to camp to check out the availability. It’s never safe to assume you will not need reservations and can simply find a spot. Of course, some campgrounds are less crowded because people are getting ready to return to school and other routine activities.
Preparations Before & During Camping
Catch the end of summer camping equipment sales. If there are items you still need for your late summer camping trip, hit the department stores and search out the sales. Stores want to move their summer merchandise and often drastically reduce the price of regularly high priced items such as camping stoves, tents, sleeping bags, and hiking equipment.
Bring extra warm clothing. Depending on the altitude, camping in late summer can be uncomfortable due to the colder temperatures. This is particularly a problem while trying to sleep. It may be helpful to borrow or buy a slightly warmer sleeping bag and to pack several warm blankets. Bring extra T-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, and gloves for nighttime marshmallow roasting.
Contingency Plans While Camping
Avoid getting wet late in the day. When you’re camping, the warm sun in the late afternoon can be a little deceptive. This is especially true in the late summer since the sun sets earlier. If you decide to swim too late in the day, you may have a hard time getting dry once the sun goes down (and may feel chilled for the entire evening). In order to use wet towels that evening, make sure to put them in the sun in the early afternoon so they have plenty of time to dry.
Camping in late summer is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in nature before fall and winter set in. By taking the right precautions, camping in the late summer can also be comfortable and stress-free.
