Fall hiking is truly a wonderful experience that is worth having. Although temperatures are cooler at this time of year than in summer, fall has its own benefits.
Camping in the fall is basically the same as in spring and summer. The most important thing to remember when going on a fall hike is to take with you enough warm clothes, a set of necessary equipment and gear, and a reliable 2-man hot tent that can withstand sudden temperature changes, heavy rain, and wind. The best option is a warm, all-season tent with additional features such as room division and a place for a wood or gas stove so you can more comfortably enjoy your camping in the cooler months.
The United States has many spots with beautiful wildlife and landscapes that become even more stunning with the arrival of fall.
Let’s take a look at some of the best sites you can add to your list of fall camping destinations.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are truly an amazing place to visit in the fall.
Tennessee National Park is rich in diverse flora and fauna and is definitely an amazing spot to camp in the fall with breathtaking views of forests and waterfalls. The park’s campgrounds have all the amenities you need, so you can relax and have a worry-free time in The Great Smoky Mountains. The beautiful combination of many forest trails, waterfalls, and colorful tree leaves makes fall camping here an exciting and memorable experience!
Apart from this, The Great Smoky Mountains are also one of the best destinations for winter camping. Here you can enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery, hike the many trails to explore the surrounding area, or camp in the park and experience all that the wilderness has to offer during the colder months. Situated in a wide mountain valley, Cades Cove Campground can be visited year-round.
Gunnison National Forest
The Gunnison National Forest is another excellent camping destination. This National Forest in Colorado is known for its breathtaking scenery, especially in the fall when the treetops take on a variety of colors. The best time to visit Gunnison Forest is late September – early October. This time of year is very beautiful and camping in the National Forest is comfortable, as temperatures become cooler, but without extreme or harsh conditions, making Gunnison National Forest great for both experienced travelers and beginners who are just discovering the world of camping.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park in Utah is especially attractive to travelers who enjoy rocky and desert landscapes.
Like other parks, Canyonlands is a great place for fall camping, with plenty of hiking trails and spectacular canyon views over a large area. In addition, affordable rentals make Canyonlands camping an excellent choice for fall trips and those travelers who value amenities and access to the benefits of civilization.
Big Bend
Big Bend is a stunning national park in Texas that is worth visiting at least once. Among the main advantages of this place are the pleasant temperatures in the fall when the hot summer has already passed but the fall cooling has not yet fully arrived. In other words, it is the perfect balance for outdoor recreation. Additionally, since Big Bend is not among the most popular national parks due to its remote location, it is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy camping in nature in solitude and without the crowds.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine is a famous and popular camping destination. This park is perhaps one of the best places to visit, especially in the fall.
Acadia has several campgrounds, some open year-round, others only until the end of September, making it a great spot for an early or late fall getaway.
Maine’s state parks begin to transform into familiar fall landscapes in early September when the leaves on the trees change color and the air is filled with fresh fall scents. If you are looking for a stunning place for fall camping, Acadia is definitely one of those places, as visiting this area itself guarantees a pleasant visual experience.
The park is also home to Cadillac Mountain, one of the highest mountains on the East Coast. An interesting fact about Acadia is that you can witness the country’s first sunrise here, which will make your trip even more unique and memorable.
The mountainous terrain allows you to enjoy many outdoor activities with friends and admire truly breathtaking scenery.
Acadia has facilities for different camping types, including primitive sites, RVs, or cabins. This makes Acadia perfect for a variety of travelers.
White Mountain Forest
The White Mountain Forest in New Hampshire can rightfully be considered one of the best spots for fall camping. Its landscapes perfectly capture the unique aesthetic that comes to mind when we think of fall, making this national forest an ideal embodiment of the fall season.
Camping here is a breathtaking experience with beautiful forest views, colorful tree leaves, streams, and many hiking trails. Plus, White Mountain Forest is a historic national park, so travelers with a love of culture and history are sure to find something here.
The national forest offers a variety of camping options. You can rent a cabin or pitch a tent in one of the campgrounds. Due to the White Mountain Forest landscapes, you can be sure that this spot will turn your fall trip into an interesting and exciting adventure that you will remember for a long time!
