The Ohio Campground Owners Association is highlighting September as a camping season that can offer warm days, cooler nights and fewer insects, while advising campers to prepare for changing temperatures.
September can provide conditions suitable for hiking and swimming during the day, while cooler nighttime temperatures can make campfires more comfortable, according to the association.
School schedules also return many families to their regular routines during the month, which the association said can mean quieter campgrounds and shorter lines at shower houses.
Mosquito activity also starts to decline as temperatures ease, adding to the seasonal appeal of September camping, according to the association.
The changing weather means campers may need to pack differently than they would for the summer or winter months. The association recommends bringing a light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and nights, along with layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change.
Campers staying in tents or campers are also advised to bring an extra blanket for cooler nights. Other recommended items include sunscreen for warmer afternoons, a reusable water bottle for hikes and bug spray in case mosquitoes remain active.
September afternoons can still bring summer-like heat despite cooler evenings. The association recommends keeping water available, planning hikes and other activities during the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and taking breaks in the shade during the strongest afternoon sun.
The association also points campers to a recent blog post on no-bake treats for warmer afternoons.
Preparing for the changing conditions can help campers manage the temperature swings that characterize what the association describes as an “in-between stretch of the season.” The association encourages visitors to plan their September trips with both warmer afternoons and cooler mornings and nights in mind.
Campers planning a fall getaway can use the Ohio Campground & Travel Guide to compare campgrounds across the state and identify locations that fit their needs.
