A lot of you would agree that the most popular time to go camping in the United States is between May & September. During these months, the kids are out of school, which makes traveling simpler, and the temperatures are warmer, which means fewer clothes to pack. But fall camping is a majestic sight to behold, with the leaves changing and feeling the crisp autumn air. This is the best time to pack up the family, hook up the trailer, and hit the road to at least one of the destinations we have in our list of 5 Fall Camping Destinations For The Family!
Authors Note: Due to the ongoing issue with fires and wildfires some areas on our list may have fire bans. Please do your research and call ahead to see if campfires are allowed at your fall camping destination.
Crater Lake was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption that left the beautiful natural sight you see today, in addition, the lake reaches depths of more than 1,900 feet…that’s pretty deep if you ask me! You will have access to several hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, and plenty of photo opportunities.
If you’re going to be camping in an RV or a tent, you can pick a camping site at Mazama Campground. Mazama doesn’t have hookups but does have spacious campsites with bathrooms. If you prefer to camp in a tent, you can check out the Lost Creek Campground, which is a first-come, first-serve availability.
The Great Smoky Mountains stretch through parts of both Tennessee and North Carolina, making this the most centralized destination in the United States and perfect for fall camping. This destination has multiple forest systems in the park with lots of wildlife, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
There are 10 developed campgrounds available throughout the park, each with running water, flush toilets, and restrooms. In addition, there are Horse Camps and Backcountry camping also available to assist you in enjoying the outdoors.
When it comes to the beauty of fall foliage, you can’t get much better than Shenandoah National Park. You will get incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding acres of lush forests, while also enjoying the pleasant climate. Making this destination perfect for fall camping.
Being just a few hours away from Washington D.C., Backcountry camping is available, as well as more developed campgrounds nearby.
Acadia National Park is an iconic destination to experience the great outdoors in the fall season. Leaves will begin to get more colorful at the beginning of September, even in the early part of the fall season you can witness the colors for yourself. If you have never been to a National Park to see the leaves change color, let me tell you it is an experience you don’t want to miss out on.
There are three campsites at this destination, which includes Blackwoods Campground that is open year-round and is great for being amongst the forest and trees. But you can also check out the Seawall Campground and Schoodic Woods Campground.
The White Mountain National Forest is a classic fall camping destination that every nature lover should experience at least once from a campsite. This destination is a historical one for those interested in a bit of history and culture too. Visit the White Mountain National Forest in the fall and be prepared to be amazed by the beauty of the colorful leave, flowing streams, and gentle hillsides.
There are a variety of fall camping options including designated campgrounds and cabin rentals. There is also dispersed camping that is allowed more than 200 feet away from trails and bodies of water.
The Grant Tetons is a great place to visit any season of the year, but it is really something special in the fall. There are so many ways to experience the beauty of this place with activities such as horseback riding, rafting, and more!
There are a few fall camping options at this destination such as:
Backcountry camping ( if you want to get off the grid )
Developed camping grounds ( for electric-only hookups and full hookups )
The Isle Royal National Park is one of the many places in Michigan to spend the fall season. This is an exemplary place to see the fall colors and you can even catch a ferry ride across the lake to get there.
The best way to see this fall camping park is to move from one campsite to the next, which is a travel distance of about six to eight miles each day. Across the islands, there are 36 campsites that can be reached on foot or by watercraft.
Because of its remote location, our next destination the Big Bend National Park is one of the less-visited national parks in the United States. This makes it perfect for finding peace and quiet in the outdoors, and it even stays warm throughout most of the fall camping season.
There are only a few developed campgrounds at this destination but they include:
Another state known for its beautiful fall colors is Colorado, and the Gunnison National Forest is the perfect place to get your fall camping underway. In between September and October are the best times to visit, the air is cool and crisp but not too chilly and the fall colors are bright and vibrant!
Campsite camping is nearby at a few different locations:
Adventurers, this is the one you were waiting for! The Catskills Mountains are perfect for all types of campers, such as, relaxing at a campsite or tackling your next local excursion. There are plenty of family-friendly activities in the area, as well as a fall festival. Peak foliage starts in late September and goes until mid-October.
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10 Fall Camping Destinations For The Family
Table of Contents
A lot of you would agree that the most popular time to go camping in the United States is between May & September. During these months, the kids are out of school, which makes traveling simpler, and the temperatures are warmer, which means fewer clothes to pack. But fall camping is a majestic sight to behold, with the leaves changing and feeling the crisp autumn air. This is the best time to pack up the family, hook up the trailer, and hit the road to at least one of the destinations we have in our list of 5 Fall Camping Destinations For The Family!
Authors Note: Due to the ongoing issue with fires and wildfires some areas on our list may have fire bans. Please do your research and call ahead to see if campfires are allowed at your fall camping destination.
1. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption that left the beautiful natural sight you see today, in addition, the lake reaches depths of more than 1,900 feet…that’s pretty deep if you ask me! You will have access to several hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, and plenty of photo opportunities.
If you’re going to be camping in an RV or a tent, you can pick a camping site at Mazama Campground. Mazama doesn’t have hookups but does have spacious campsites with bathrooms. If you prefer to camp in a tent, you can check out the Lost Creek Campground, which is a first-come, first-serve availability.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains stretch through parts of both Tennessee and North Carolina, making this the most centralized destination in the United States and perfect for fall camping. This destination has multiple forest systems in the park with lots of wildlife, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
There are 10 developed campgrounds available throughout the park, each with running water, flush toilets, and restrooms. In addition, there are Horse Camps and Backcountry camping also available to assist you in enjoying the outdoors.
3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
When it comes to the beauty of fall foliage, you can’t get much better than Shenandoah National Park. You will get incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding acres of lush forests, while also enjoying the pleasant climate. Making this destination perfect for fall camping.
Being just a few hours away from Washington D.C., Backcountry camping is available, as well as more developed campgrounds nearby.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is an iconic destination to experience the great outdoors in the fall season. Leaves will begin to get more colorful at the beginning of September, even in the early part of the fall season you can witness the colors for yourself. If you have never been to a National Park to see the leaves change color, let me tell you it is an experience you don’t want to miss out on.
There are three campsites at this destination, which includes Blackwoods Campground that is open year-round and is great for being amongst the forest and trees. But you can also check out the Seawall Campground and Schoodic Woods Campground.
5. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
The White Mountain National Forest is a classic fall camping destination that every nature lover should experience at least once from a campsite. This destination is a historical one for those interested in a bit of history and culture too. Visit the White Mountain National Forest in the fall and be prepared to be amazed by the beauty of the colorful leave, flowing streams, and gentle hillsides.
There are a variety of fall camping options including designated campgrounds and cabin rentals. There is also dispersed camping that is allowed more than 200 feet away from trails and bodies of water.
6. Grant Tetons National Park, Wyoming
The Grant Tetons is a great place to visit any season of the year, but it is really something special in the fall. There are so many ways to experience the beauty of this place with activities such as horseback riding, rafting, and more!
There are a few fall camping options at this destination such as:
7. Isle Royal National Park, Michigan
The Isle Royal National Park is one of the many places in Michigan to spend the fall season. This is an exemplary place to see the fall colors and you can even catch a ferry ride across the lake to get there.
The best way to see this fall camping park is to move from one campsite to the next, which is a travel distance of about six to eight miles each day. Across the islands, there are 36 campsites that can be reached on foot or by watercraft.
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Because of its remote location, our next destination the Big Bend National Park is one of the less-visited national parks in the United States. This makes it perfect for finding peace and quiet in the outdoors, and it even stays warm throughout most of the fall camping season.
There are only a few developed campgrounds at this destination but they include:
9. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado
Another state known for its beautiful fall colors is Colorado, and the Gunnison National Forest is the perfect place to get your fall camping underway. In between September and October are the best times to visit, the air is cool and crisp but not too chilly and the fall colors are bright and vibrant!
Campsite camping is nearby at a few different locations:
10. Catskills Mountains, New York State
Adventurers, this is the one you were waiting for! The Catskills Mountains are perfect for all types of campers, such as, relaxing at a campsite or tackling your next local excursion. There are plenty of family-friendly activities in the area, as well as a fall festival. Peak foliage starts in late September and goes until mid-October.
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