It's tough to get acclimated to fall camping.

Last Thursday we published an update on campground closings in Idaho Outdoors magazine and I headed up toward Stanley for some time in the mountains over the weekend.

It was a little bit of a shock when the temperature dropped to 30 at night and the water in the dog's dish froze.

We were at 6,500 feet in elevation. It cooled off from the high 60s during the day to the 50s and 40s late in the evening. Talk about trying to acclimate after warm summer temps in the mountains.

You don't roll out of bed early in the morning. It takes some time waiting for the sun to hit the camper.

What we found on the first cool fall camp out was the importance of making sure you had the right clothes along in your duffle bag. We keep a duffle bag stocked with camp clothes so it's ready to go.

Changing from summer gear to basically gear that will handle cold temperatures in the early evening and early morning around camp is important.

We headed out of town in shorts, sandals and t-shirts and by the time we were cooking dinner we had long pants, a wool shirt, and wool socks on with hiking boots. Luckily, we packed right.

Anyway, it's a good time of the year. Just be prepared for that first blast of cold when you open the camper door or tent flap in the morning.

By the way, the daytime temps are incredible for hiking, fishing and hunting. It's a super time to be in the mountains.

Tomorrow: We found the grouse.