5 Tips for Cold Weather Camping

Summer is officially over and my favorite season along with its cooler weather is upon us. During the fall, the days are getting shorter, and the mornings and evenings are brisk. In Las Vegas, we have gone from 100 degrees to the upper 70's in just 3 days. If you love camping now is the perfect time of year. You'll find campgrounds are almost empty and bug-free. However, you do pay a bit of price for solitude, the overnight temperatures can very chilly. Here are 5 tips to keep you warm and cozy:

Almos Bechtold - Unsplash

1. Bring a lot of firewood and keep it going in the mornings and evenings. Fire is a great radiative heat source and everyone loves the smell of a campfire. Bring a trap to keep your wood covered in the case of rain.

2. Place your tent in the path of the rising sun. Even in cooler temperatures, the sun's direct rays can heat your tent's exterior. This heat will transfer to the interior. Darker colored tents are best.

3. Leave your pajamas at home. Instead, wear wool socks, thermal underwear, and a stocking cap. Aside from keeping you warm, they are actually quite comfortable.

4. Your clothes for the morning will get cold sitting in your bag overnight. Roll them up tight and put them at the bottom of your sleeping bag or use them as a pillow. They will be nice and warm when it's time to get dressed.

5. Be prepared to bail if the weather gets too extreme. Bring extra cash just in case you have to move to a cabin or motel. Don't risk the elements. My wife and I have done this twice due to severe storms.

Don't let the cooler weather dampen your enthusiasm for outdoor adventure. Good preparation and research are important. Keep alert to your destinations extended weather forecast and be prepared for extreme changes we all know weathermen aren't perfect. Bundle up and have fun!