How to Prepare for a 10-Day Sukkot Campout

A 10-day campout for the Feast of Tabernacles is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have, but it does take preparation. Whether you are pitching a tent for the first time or rolling in with a fully equipped RV, this guide will make sure you arrive ready to enjoy every moment without scrambling for things you forgot.

Tent Camping Essentials

Your tent is your home for 10 days, so invest in comfort. Choose a tent rated for at least one size larger than your family needs — a six-person tent for a family of four, for example. This gives you room for gear, changing clothes, and just breathing. Set your tent up at home before the Feast to make sure all the poles and stakes are accounted for.

RV Tips

If you are bringing an RV, check with us about hookup availability and site dimensions. Full hookups with electric and water are available on a first-come basis. Arrive early if you want the best positioning. Level your RV carefully since the ground can slope near the river areas. Bring extra hoses and adapters just in case.

Pro tip: even if you have an RV, set up an outdoor seating area with chairs and a canopy. Some of the best fellowship happens in front of your campsite, not inside your rig.

What to Bring for Kids

Kids need entertainment for downtime, sun protection, and clothes that can get dirty. Bring water shoes for creek splashing, bikes or scooters if you have room, card games, coloring books, and a small backpack they can carry their water bottle and snacks in. Do not forget swim gear, towels, and a change of clothes that stays in the car for emergencies.

Weather Preparation

Late September and early October near Nashville means warm days in the low to mid-70s and cool nights that can dip into the low 50s. Pack in layers: t-shirts and shorts for daytime, long pants and hoodies for evening campfires. A light rain jacket is essential because Tennessee fall weather can surprise you.

Bring a tarp to hang over your seating area in case of rain, and make sure your tent has a rain fly. Morning dew can be heavy, so keep valuables and electronics inside waterproof bags or containers.

Food Storage and Cooking

Breakfast and dinner are provided, but you will need lunch supplies and snacks. A large cooler with block ice (lasts longer than cubed) will keep food cold for days. Restock ice every two to three days at a local gas station. A small camp stove is handy for heating water, making coffee, or cooking simple lunches.

Extension Cords and Power

This is the item most first-timers underestimate. Electrical outlets may not be right next to your campsite. Bring at least 100 feet of heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. A power strip lets you charge phones, run fans, and power small appliances from a single outlet. Battery-powered lanterns and a portable charger are good backups for when you are away from your site.

Cooler Strategy

The veteran move is to bring two coolers: one for drinks that gets opened all day, and one for food that stays sealed and cold. Drain water from melting ice daily and add fresh ice every two to three days. Keep coolers in the shade and cover them with a reflective tarp or blanket to extend ice life.

"You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native-born in Israel shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt." — Leviticus 23:42-43

Final Tips

• Arrive a day early if possible to set up camp without rushing before the opening service.
• Label everything — camp chairs, coolers, and dishes all look alike in a crowd.
• Bring a first aid kit with bandaids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, and any personal prescriptions.
• Pack a small toolkit — a hammer, zip ties, duct tape, and a multi-tool solve most campsite problems.
• Do not overpack. You will wear the same few outfits on rotation. Nobody is judging.

Ten days outdoors dwelling in temporary shelters is exactly what the Feast of Tabernacles is about. It draws us closer to creation, to each other, and to our Creator. With the right preparation, you will be free to focus on what matters most: rejoicing before YHWH with your whole heart.