Fall offers a unique time for camping, with cooler weather and colorful scenery that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Many places across the country provide great spots to enjoy crisp air, changing leaves, and peaceful nature away from summer crowds.
The best fall camping destinations combine beautiful landscapes with a calm atmosphere to help campers experience the season fully. Whether someone prefers mountains, forests, or lakesides, there are plenty of options to find the perfect campsite in autumn.
1) Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers calm fall weather and colorful foliage along Maine’s rugged coast. Campers enjoy sites like Blackwoods and Mount Desert Campground, close to hiking trails and ocean views. Its mix of forests and coastline makes it a popular autumn camping spot. Learn more about camping options in Acadia National Park.
2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over 500,000 acres along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. It offers diverse wildlife, colorful fall foliage, and many hiking trails.
Campers can choose from 10 developed campgrounds or backcountry sites. The park is free to enter, making it a popular choice for fall camping. More details are available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
3) Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park offers great fall camping with colorful foliage and cool air. It has over 500 miles of hiking trails and several campgrounds open through late fall. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives on Skyline Drive and explore nature in various camping styles.
More details can be found at best fall camping sites in Shenandoah.
4) Aspen, Colorado
Aspen offers beautiful fall colors with golden aspen groves. Campers can enjoy hiking and scenic views near the town. Many campgrounds provide shade and privacy, making it a peaceful spot for fall camping. More details about camping near Aspen can be found at 9 Picturesque Campgrounds Near Aspen, Colorado.
5) Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning fall colors along 469 miles of scenic road. It connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Visitors can camp at many spots with easy access to hiking trails and overlooks. More details about camping options are available on the Blue Ridge Parkway camping guide.
6) Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is known for its colorful fall foliage and cooler temperatures. Visitors can camp at Watchman Campground, open year-round with easy access to hiking trails. Fall offers fewer crowds, making it a good time for quiet exploration and enjoying the park’s sandstone cliffs and valleys.
More camping details can be found at the Zion National Park camping guide.
7) Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is popular in fall for its colorful leaves and quieter trails. Visitors enjoy hiking and birdwatching during this season. Camping is not allowed inside the park, but there are many nearby campgrounds suitable for tents and RVs. See more about camping options near the park.
8) Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge offers colorful fall views with its cliffs and waterfalls. Campers enjoy easy access to trails like Multnomah Falls. The area has many campgrounds, including some with RV hookups and basic facilities. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities in the fall season.
More information is available at the Columbia River Gorge camping guide.
9) White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains offer a large area for fall camping with colorful foliage and cool weather. Campers can explore many trails and enjoy views of alpine lakes. The area has several campgrounds with good facilities for a comfortable stay. More details can be found in this guide to camping in the White Mountains.
10) Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers diverse landscapes, from rainforests to rugged coastlines. Fall colors bring a quiet beauty to its vast wilderness. It is a good choice for campers who want to enjoy nature without crowds. Camping requires reservations in many areas during popular seasons. See more about camping options in Olympic National Park.
11) Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
Green Mountain National Forest offers a mix of developed and primitive campsites. It covers over 400,000 acres of mountains and forests. Campers can enjoy quiet spots like Silver Lake or try year-round cabins at Chittenden Brook. It is perfect for those who want peaceful nature and easy access. Find more details about camping options here.
