Hey seasonal campers! Fall is the perfect time to get your campsite looking great and prepped for winter. Not only will it keep your site in tip-top shape, but it’ll also make spring opening a breeze. Plus, we’ve got some fun ways to get the kiddos involved (because who says cleanup can’t be a little bit of fun?).
So grab your rake, rally the family, and let’s get your campsite ready for its off-season nap!
1. Why Raking Leaves is Actually Awesome (Yes, Really!)
Healthy Lawn = Happy Campers: Clearing leaves off your lawn helps it breathe and grow strong roots over the winter, so it’ll be lush and green next season. Think of it as giving your grass a little extra love!
Bye-Bye, Pesky Critters: Piles of leaves can become a hideout for bugs and pests—no thanks! Keeping your site leaf-free means fewer creepy-crawlies when you’re ready to camp again.
Rake now, Relax Later: If you take care of those leaves in the fall, you won’t be dealing with a soggy, matted mess when you’re itching to kick off camping season next spring.
Motivate the Kids: Make it a game! Have a “Leaf Pile Jump Contest” after everyone’s done raking. Whoever makes the biggest splash in the leaf pile wins a special treat! 🎉
2. Quick and Easy Ways to Tidy Up Your Site
Stash Your Outdoor Gear: Gather up those camping chairs, picnic tables, and other gear to keep it protected from the elements. Not only does this keep everything looking good, but it’ll also make setup in the spring a lot faster!
Fire Pit TLC: Scoop out the ashes and give your fire pit a good clean. Cover it up to keep it in great shape for your first fire of the new season (we know, we can’t wait for those s’mores either!).
Winterize Like a Pro: Make sure your RV or camper is prepped—drain those water lines and cover any external parts to protect against frost and ice.
3. Final Inspections
Spot Fixes: Take a walk around and see if anything needs fixing—like a loose board on the deck or a wobbly picnic table. A little repair now saves a bigger headache later.
Tent & Awning Care: If you use a tent or awning, make sure they’re clean, dry, and packed up tight. This keeps them from getting mildew-y and ready for action next year.
Look Up!: Clear out gutters or drains if you have them at your site. It keeps water flowing properly and stops any unwanted lake-sized puddles from popping up.
Fun Idea for Kids: Let them be “campsite detectives” 🕵️♂️ and find anything that needs fixing. We created this awesome Campsite Detectives mission and checklist for them. Print it before getting to the campsite, or pull it up on your phone and tell them one mission at a time. Click below for the Free Printable Campsite Kids Detective Scavenger Hunt or scroll to the bottom of the page to view it on your phone.
4. Prep Your Garden Beds for Spring Glory
Trim Back & Mulch: Trim back perennials and toss a layer of mulch over the top. This protects the plants’ roots from the winter cold, so you’ll see those blooms popping up in no time come spring!
Plant Fall Bulbs: Get ahead of the game and plant spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips now. It’s a little surprise that’ll make your site pop with color when you arrive next year.
5. Smart Spring Prep Starts Now!
Organize Your Gear: When storing your camping gear, keep things in labeled bins so you know exactly where everything is. Your future self will thank you!
Make a Spring Checklist: Write down any supplies or tasks you’ll need for spring now while it’s fresh in your mind. That way, when April rolls around, you’ll be ready to go!
Book Services Early: Need help opening your site in spring? Schedule maintenance now so you’re first in line when it’s time to set up!
Spending a little time now to clean up your campsite means more time to relax and have fun when camping season returns. Get the whole family involved, make it fun with some games, and you’ll be all set for an amazing spring opening!
At Kiesler’s, we love seeing your sites shine and can’t wait for S’more Camping Vibes in 2025. Let’s keep our sites looking great together—see you next season!
For more kids games and printables, check out our Friends of KC page: https://www.kieslers.com/meet-kc.
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