Top Fall Camping Destinations

Fall is one of the best times of year! The changing leaves, cool and crisp weather, bonfires, pumpkin patches, and the list goes on! Did you know that fall is one of the best times to go camping? The summer heat has faded, making it more enjoyable to be outside, and the landscapes are full of gorgeous fall colors. During the fall, campsites tend to be less crowded than they are in the summer, making it more quiet and peaceful. If you’re planning a fall camping trip, check out these top fall camping destinations all over the U.S.!

Gunnison National Forest – Colorado

Some say Colorado has the best fall colors on the planet and Gunnison National Forest is a paradise for fall camping. The aspens create a golden landscape that appears to be straight from a postcard. Camping here gives you the choice of 56 designated camping sites to choose from. You can set up camp in an open meadow, inside an aspen grove, or on the peak of a mountain. At the higher elevation, fall comes earlier, so plan to visit in late September or early October.

North Shore – Minnesota

North Shore in Lake Superior, MN, is unique because it has two distinct waves of changing leaves. Due to the elevation change between the North Shore and Northern interior highlands, locals and visitors are graced with an impressive display of fall leaves. The inland maple trees behind their transformation in mid-September, and then the aspens and birch trees begin to show off 2-3 weeks later through mid to late October. The leave aren’t the only thing to enjoy here. There is plenty of hiking, hunting, and fishing available plus scenic drives or bike-rides are plentiful. 

Fall Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee

If you’re looking for fall colors and a breathtaking waterfall, Fall Creek Falls State Park is the place to be. The massive waterfall is surrounded by trees about 256 feet in the air. There are more than 220 campsites spread out across the 26,000-acre landscape. With more than 34 miles of trail to explore, you will never get bored. Fall in Tennessee tends to arrive a little later, and the colors begin to change in mid to late October, but it is worth the wait!

Big Bend National Park – Texas

If you prefer weather that stays a little bit warmer into the fall, Texas is an excellent choice. The temperatures at Big Bend National Park remain warm well into November. It is actually one of the least trafficked parks on this list, so if you’re looking for a little bit of solitude, you will find it here. Though you may not see a ton of fall colors on the trees compared to other parts of the country, the stunning landscape views certainly make up for it. The deep canyons show off with their own reds, yellows, and oranges, so you still get to see fall colors on the rocks instead of leaves!

Acadia National Park – Maine

With leaves that start to change in early September, you won’t want to miss out on the stunning views at Acadia National Park. You can venture up to one of the highest points on the East Coast, Cadillac Mountain, and see the “nation’s first sunrise” since the sun rises south of due east in fall. There are tons of options for lodging here with traditional tent camping, or you can choose to bring you RV, pop-up, or go glamping at one of the cabins or cottages. 

Assateague Island National Seashore – Maryland

A unique camping experience awaits you at Assateague Island National Seashore. While camping, you get to experience the beaches and bands of wild horses on this barrier island getaway. There are some entertaining activities to choose from like kayaking, dolphin-watching, birding, and more. Camping in this area does come along with natural elements like lots of direct sunlight, wind, and sand, so be prepared. But if you aren’t interested in getting sand in your tent, you can also bring an RV. 

Prepare for Your Next Trip with Blue Ox

Whether you are camping in a tent, towing a pop-up, or plan to drive an RV, get to your fall camping destination safely with a little help from Blue Ox. We have products to ease your mind as you travel, such as SwayPro, Super Ride, tow bars, and baseplates. Visit our website to shop our products!