5 Fall Camping Destinations

Fall is a perfect time to explore nature's brilliance as cooler temperatures and colorful foliage enhance the camping experience. With fewer crowds and stunning scenery, these five camping destinations provide the ideal backdrop for a memorable autumn escape. Here’s a list of the top five fall camping spots, ranging from mountains to lakesides, to help you find your next adventure.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is one of the best places in the U.S. to witness the brilliant fall foliage. Set along Maine’s rugged coast, this park combines scenic coastal views with vibrant forests. Late September through mid-October is the prime time to experience Acadia’s fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Best Campsites:

• Blackwoods Campground: This popular site is open year-round and offers easy access to the coastline and mountain trails.
• Seawall Campground: Located on the quieter side of the park, it provides a more peaceful setting and quick access to scenic drives.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hike Cadillac Mountain: Catch the sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views.
• Take a Scenic Drive: Park Loop Road offers fantastic views of the coast and forests.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

Famous for its incredible diversity of plant life, Great Smoky Mountains National Park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors during the fall. October is the best time to visit as the foliage peaks, but you can experience different colors from early to late fall.

Best Campsites:

• Elkmont Campground: Nestled along a river, Elkmont is a picturesque campsite with many trailheads nearby.
• Cataloochee Campground: This quieter option offers more chances to see elk and wildlife.

Must-Do Activities:

• Clingmans Dome: Hike up to the highest point in the park for a panoramic view of the fall colors.
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A one-way loop drive with waterfalls, wildlife, and historic sites.

3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is renowned for its autumn colors and scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile stretch running through the park, offers some of the best leaf-peeping opportunities.

Best Campsites:

• Big Meadows Campground: Centrally located, this campground is ideal for accessing both Skyline Drive and hiking trails.
• Loft Mountain Campground: Perched on top of a mountain, it offers incredible views of the surrounding valley and fall foliage.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hiking Old Rag Mountain: A challenging but rewarding hike with great views of the fall landscape.
• Skyline Drive: Take a scenic drive to see the full splendor of the park’s autumn colors.

4. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Lake Tahoe is famous for its clear blue waters and mountain views, but in the fall, its forests turn into a brilliant display of autumn colors. The surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains add a striking backdrop, and the area is less crowded than in summer.

Best Campsites:

• DL Bliss State Park: Located on the lake’s western shore, this campground offers lakeside views and access to the Rubicon Trail.
• Fallen Leaf Lake Campground: A quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe with stunning views of the fall foliage around a smaller alpine lake.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hike the Rubicon Trail: This scenic trail follows the shoreline of Lake Tahoe and offers panoramic views.
• Explore Emerald Bay State Park: Known for its stunning overlooks and the historic Vikingsholm mansion.

5. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Ozark National Forest is a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest, with diverse landscapes including mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Fall in the Ozarks brings vibrant foliage and cool, crisp air that makes hiking and camping ideal.

Best Campsites:

• Blanchard Springs Campground: Set along the North Sycamore Creek, this site is close to trails, caves, and a scenic waterfall.
• Redding Campground: Located near the Mulberry River, this spot is perfect for hiking and fishing.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hike the Whitaker Point Trail: Also known as Hawksbill Crag, this trail leads to a stunning rock outcrop with fantastic fall views.
• Visit Blanchard Springs Caverns: Take a break from leaf-peeping and explore these incredible underground caves.

Tips for Fall Camping

• Plan Ahead: Fall can be busy in popular destinations, so reserve campsites in advance.
• Dress in Layers: Temperatures can vary greatly from day to night in fall, so be prepared with layers.
• Bring Extra Lighting: Days are shorter in the fall, so pack flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries.
• Check for Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds and facilities may close after summer, so double-check availability.

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