Best Campsites to Explore This Fall
Camping in the fall is a unique experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the shifting seasons. Feeling the tempered autumn breeze against your skin and hearing the crunch of the fallen leaves beneath you before you gaze up at an expanse of gorgeous colors inspires a combination of peace, joy and whimsy not easily replicated. So, if you’re looking to experience this for the first time or relive it for the thousandth time, we’ve curated a directory of the best places to visit for your next fall camping trip.
For the Traditional Campers
Acadia National Park
Located at the peak of New England, right off the Atlantic coastline in the great state of Maine, you’ll find 47,000 acres of scenic autumn beauty. Perfect for a September or early October visit, campers can set up at one of four campgrounds before exploring the region’s only national park. You can hike up the renowned Cadillac Mountain, rent a bike to take a ride on the carriage trails, or even go rock climbing. For those seeking scenic locations to capture stunning photos or a campsite with a little more privacy, we suggest the Seawall Campground. Just a ten-minute walk to the coastline, this quiet part of the park offers access to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and the option to take a ferry to Isle Au Haut for a taste of local life.
Big Bend National Park
November is the perfect time to visit this natural jewel tucked away in southern Texas. The moderate temperatures of late fall allow visitors to comfortably enjoy over 150 miles of hiking trails without worrying about triple-digit heat. Take in stunning views of the desert, canyons and rivers in one of America’s most geographically diverse parks. This is especially true if you stay at the Cottonwood Campground, where you’ll be close to Elena Canyon and the Chisos Mountains with plenty of space to set up camp.
Shenandoah National Park
Located only 75 miles from Washington, D.C., you’ll find 200,000 acres of tree-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and fields awash with wildflowers. With five front-country campgrounds offering over 600 campsites, and numerous backcountry camping options for more experienced, adventurous campers, this park is an ideal destination for all. Our pick for the perfect place to set up your tent is Loft Mountain Campground. This mountaintop location offers an ideal vantage point where visitors can enjoy a cornucopia of stunning fall colors, thanks to the sweeping vistas that set this national park apart from all the others.
Zion National Park
Enjoy the brilliant sight of towering, multi-colored sandstone cliffs and the vibrant hues of fall foliage in full bloom when you decide to camp in Utah’s first national park. Another park made perfect for visitors thanks to mild autumn weather features three unique campgrounds. We propose staying at the South Campground, which places you in the heart of all the natural splendor that this park has to offer, making it perfect for hikers. The Pa’rus and Watchman trails near this campground stand out thanks to a blend of breathtaking views while being moderately challenging. This campground also offers a more authentic camping experience for those looking to be closer to nature.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Covering land in both Tennessee and North Carolina, this enormous national park is an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in lush fall scenery. Choose from over 10 front-country campgrounds, and even more if you’re considering backcountry camping, where you’ll be fully surrounded by the beautiful foliage of the season. Plus, with peak visitation in the spring and summer, you won’t have to deal with an overpopulated park or crowded campgrounds this fall.
If you’re having trouble choosing a campground, we highly recommend Cedar Cove Campground. You’ll experience natural tranquility in this charming part of the park, located right next to a river and waterfall. Additionally, the park offers an 11-mile cycling route and numerous hiking trails. You can also glimpse some of the 19,000 plant and animal species in the park from horseback, thanks to the nearby Cedar Cove Stables.
For Glamping Enthusiasts
We know that roughing it in the great outdoors isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t want to get close to the wilderness. So, here’s a small list of great glamping locations for those who want to enjoy nature in the fall without giving up the amenities of modern life.
- Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge – Ridgedale, Missouri
- Firelight Camps – Ithaca, NY
- Canoe Bay ESCAPE Village – Chetek, Wisconsin
- Alpine Garden Camping Village & Winery – Bartlett, New Hampshire
- Valley Overlook – Peninsula, Ohio
Take time to reconnect with nature this fall and gift your eyes the beautiful sight of fall foliage in full bloom. And, before you set out for your next outdoor excursion, explore the world of WeatherTech to discover the ideal solution to protect your vehicle while you enjoy all of nature’s splendor to the fullest.