Fall is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning for the fall camping season. Honestly, fall might just be my favorite part of the camping season. The crisp, cool weather, colorful leaves, and warm, hearty foods that come along with fall are somehow simultaneously comforting and invigorating.

Looking to get the most out of fall camping this year? Here are my top tips for doing just that!

Where to Go

Not sure where to go camping in the fall? I’ve been all over the country and these are the best spots for falltime fun.

Go Leaf Peeping

My first recommendation? Head somewhere with amazing fall foliage. The colors that brighten the world during the autumn season are absolutely magical, and in certain areas of the country, they are especially stunning.

I recommend one of the following locations:

  • North Carolina
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Maine
  • Arkansas
  • Michigan
  • Pennsylvania
  • Oregon
  • Vermont

Visit a Farm

Farms are also amazing places to be during the fall months. September and October are when the fall harvest occurs in many areas of the country. It’s also when fall festivals happen at many farms, meaning corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin picking, and lots of other options for family fun.

Consider investing in a Harvest Hosts membership to find a farm that will allow you to camp.

Or Head South

Not a fan of the chilly fall weather? You could also choose to head south to escape the cold. This would of course mean missing out on the pretty leaves, chilly nights around the campfire, and brisk hikes, but you’d get to enjoy a little more sunshine before winter sets in.

I recommend the following spots for fall-time sun chasing:

  • Arizona
  • Texas
  • New Mexico
  • Georgia
  • South Carolina
  • Florida

What to Do

Not sure what to do while out enjoying fall camping? Obviously, swimming is out in most parts of the U.S., but don’t worry, there are tons of other amazing options for getting out and enjoying the weather.

Hike

Hiking is my favorite outdoor activity during the autumn months. It’s the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the colors of fall while also enjoying the pretty weather and exploring the great outdoors.

Bike

Cycling is another great option. Like hiking, riding a bike allows you to get out in the middle of all the beauty fall has to offer. Many also find it exhilarating to ride in the brisk autumn weather.

Stargaze

With fall comes some chilly nights that are just perfect for bundling up and doing some stargazing. Head somewhere with clear night skies, break out the blankets, and spend some time snuggling and looking for planets and constellations.

Have Campfires

Lastly, I highly recommend having as many campfires as possible during the fall. Obviously, campfires are fun any time of year, but they are especially wonderful during the fall when the nighttime weather is cold and everyone is looking for ways to keep warm.

Keeping Warm While Fall Camping

Speaking of keeping warm, you will want to make sure you have ways to do just that while out camping in autumn. Here are my tips for keeping warm while fall camping.

Invest in Space Heaters

Sure, you could use the furnace built into your RV, but I much prefer using space heaters whenever possible. Most campgrounds include electricity in their rates, meaning you won’t be spending any extra to run a space heater. On top of that, using space heaters in place of the propane furnace will allow you to save your propane for things like cooking and using the water heater.

Consider Cold Weather Accessories

There are some seriously cool cold-weather accessories out there these days. Some of my favorites are listed below:

Turn to Warm Meals

Warm meals can also be helpful for keeping everyone warm and cozy. The following meals can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making them ideal for small kitchens:

There you have it, everything you need to know to be prepared for the fall camping season. Use these tips and have an amazing time enjoying the chilly weather before winter rolls around.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Millie W. ~ “Our experience was smooth, smooth, smooth. Enough said.”