With the hot days of summer behind us, camping takes on a new life. Chilly mornings, beautiful fall foliage, perfect hiking weather, and warm comfort food all come together to make fall camping a must-do for any outdoors enthusiast. If you’re not convinced, here are seven very good reasons to keep your tent out just a little bit longer for a relaxing fall tent camping trip (or RV camping!).
The Top Reasons to Go Camping in the Fall
1. The Scenery
In almost all areas of the country beautiful colors reign supreme during the fall season, which makes it a picturesque time to go camping. Though New England is known for its array of seasonal hues, there are a number of other places to go for a charming autumn trip, including North Carolina, Oregon, and more.
2. The Weather
Although the nights can get chilly, with the right clothes and gear, these temperatures make fall camping more comfortable than in the hot humidity of summer. Plus, there’s nothing like a crisp refreshing morning and afternoon to get you into the autumn spirit.
3. Affordable Rates
After Labor Day many campgrounds drop their rates, stop taking reservations, and become first come first serve. With peak season behind you, now’s the time to get the most affordable rates – another big perk to autumn camping.
4. Fewer Bugs
Chilly fall temperatures chase the usual overflow of bugs to a warmer climate. This makes forested campsites, which are often flooded with mosquitos and nagging insects, more comfortable. Still, you should always keep bug spray packed, just in case.
5. Fall Camping Food
Cool weather makes comfort food a campsite staple. Warm up your evenings at camp with one of these cold-weather-approved meals:
Recommended: 3 Hearty Camp Stews and Soups for Fall
6. A Good Night’s Sleep
Sharing a small sleeping space in the summer months can make your hot tent even more unbearable. However, sleeping is more comfortable on cool fall nights. Snuggle up with your little ones or significant other for a long, restful sleep under the stars during your fall camping trip.
7. Different Activities
The fall season is prime time for an array of different camp activities. Paul Bambei, president and CEO of ARVC, says that although fewer campers are traveling, park operators have discovered they can sometimes fill their campsites and cabins to capacity if they provide enough activities.” When you go camping in the fall, try:
- Apple picking
- Pumpkin picking and carving
- Local harvest festivals like Oktoberfest
- Halloween events
- Fall fishing derbies
8. Fewer Crowds
This is one of the biggest perks of autumn camping for many people. While meeting new people is a great benefit of camping, busy campgrounds can be overwhelming and limit the sense of tranquility most campers are hoping to feel. With fewer people inclined to camp during the school year, you can enjoy having fewer neighbors and less crowded hiking trails.
Check Out These Prime Fall Camping Spots:
1. Lake James State Park, North Carolina
For some of the best fall camping in North Carolina, many gravitate towards the mountains. This gorgeous campground in the Appalachian mountains offers quiet campsites along Lake James. Note that these campsites are walk-in, so campers should be prepared to walk with their tent camping gear to their designated site. Recent reviews state that this park is beautiful and well-maintained, and not crowded after the summer months, making this a tranquil and relaxing fall camping destination in North Carolina.
Looking for an alternative? Try Kerr Lake State Recreation Area (near the Virginia border) for drive-in campsites, including sites with electric hookups as well. Read the section below to learn more about this park.
2. Indian Creek Camp, Michigan
This adventure-packed camp in the trees of Southeastern Michigan is not only a great spot for fall foliage viewing but has awesome amenities for the whole family, including a zip line, mini putt-putt, and more. While it’s hard to narrow down what might be the best fall camping in Michigan, this is sure to be a highlight for active families and adventuring RV travelers. You can book 30-amp or 50-amp sites, or book a cabin for a memorable fall camping trip in Michigan. Tent camping is available here as well.
Recommended: New England Fall RV Road Trip Itinerary
3. Caballo Lake State Park, New Mexico
This destination for fall camping in New Mexico opens up a whole new type of fall camping – changing trees set upon a red rock backdrop. New Mexico’s fall foliage offers a completely different personality compared to the Northeast, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. This campground is within walking distance of the Rio Grande, and campers can also enjoy fishing, rafting, windsurfing, kayaking, camping, birding, biking and walking, and hiking. Enjoy a unique fall camping trip in New Mexico!
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!