Tent Camping in the Midwest in November: A Guide for Beginners

With the leaves changing, and the air feeling crisp there's no better time than fall to get outside. As soon as I feel that autumn chill in the air, I start gearing up for my annual Midwest camping trip. There's nothing quite like loading up the truck with tents, sleeping bags, and enough layers to battle the dropping temps.

Give me glowing fires, steaming camp meals, and long hikes through fiery fall forests over crowded summer campgrounds any day. Fall is made for camping. The bugs have disappeared, the views are spectacular, and you can't beat the solitude.

Join me as I share gear picks, and tips for making the most out of autumn camping in the Midwest. With the right mindset and gear, you can comfortably camp well into November if you have the itch like I do.

I'll walk you through how I stay cozy and content when the mercury dips. Whether it's your first fall camping adventure or a long-standing tradition, you're sure to discover a few new tricks! Let's hit the trails!


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Gear:  Pack tried and true cold weather tent, sleeping bag and pad. Don't skimp on the rain fly and ground tarp either since the ground will be damp. Bring a camp stove and lantern to make evenings more comfortable. I'll cover my top 10 essential items for staying safe, warm, and comfortable on late fall camping trips. I'll provide tips from my own experience to help you pack smartly for your next autumn adventure.



**view my kit here!**




Sleeping Bag - Your sleeping bag is your shelter on cold nights, so choose one with ample insulation. Look for a temperature rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Synthetic bags work well in fall's wet conditions. And don't skimp on size - go for a roomy mummy or rectangular bag so you can layer up inside.

**I personally own the TETON Sports Fahrenheit Mammoth Queen-Size Double Sleeping Bag

 and I can't recommend highly enough! This bag kept me warm and cozy in subzero temps. The water-resistant shell and robust insulation really lock in body heat. It's roomy enough for layering too - a must-have for serious cold weather adventurers.

Sleeping Pad - Sleeping pads provide a vital insulation layer between your body and the cold ground. Opt for an insulated inflatable pad with an R-value of 3 or above. The higher the R-value, the more insulation it provides. This makes a huge difference in keeping you toasty!

Layers - Following the layering system is key to adapt to fall's unpredictable temps. Pack base layers, fleece, down or synthetic mid-layers, and waterproof-breathable outer shells and pants. Wool socks and a beanie are excellent too. I always bring extra layers - it's better to have too much than too little!


Rain Gear - Don't let fall showers rain you out of your camping trip! Bring durable waterproof outer layers like jackets, pants, and reliable waterproof boots. I look for gear made with backed nylon or Gore-Tex. A pack cover or liner adds extra insurance.


Fire Starters - A campfire warms more than just your hands - it also dries gear, boosts morale and enables cooking. I never hit the trail without waterproof matches, a lighter, and a magnesium fire starter as backups. Practice your fire building skills before your trip too.


Headlamp - Shorter days mean more nighttime hours in fall. A LED headlamp gives hands-free lighting for setting up camp or pre-dawn excursions. Pack fresh batteries or rechargeable ones.


First Aid - Accidents can happen, so always carry a well-stocked first aid kit. At minimum, include bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, nitrile gloves, medications, tweezers, and scissors. Know how to use your supplies before you go.


Camp Stove - A camp stove opens up your meal possibilities. Portable propane stoves are my go-to for boiling water and cooking. Measure fuel needs beforehand and bring a little extra. Insulate your fuel canister on cold nights.


Tents & Tarps - Three-season tents suit fall's fickle weather, providing ventilation while shielding you. Tarps give an extra moisture barrier beneath or above your tent. Stake them down well on blustery days.


Snacks - Hiking and setting up camp takes more energy in autumn. Fortify yourself with high-calorie trail snacks likes nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, jerky, and energy bars. Stay hydrated too!



**view my kit here!**