The 10 Best Fall Camping Destinations for 2023 (2024)

As the leaves start to paint the world in hues of gold and amber, and that unmistakable crispness fills the air, it’s clear what time it is—fall camping season! Grab your coziest sweater, your trusty hiking boots, and a thermos of hot cocoa, because we’re about to dive into the 10 best fall camping destinations for 2023 that will have you falling in love with autumn all over again. Get ready to pack your tents and marshmallow roasting sticks as we leaf through the most spectacular seasonal getaways.

1. Fields of New Market Campground at Texas Renaissance Festival – Plantersville, TX

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This is a seasonal fall camping event you don’t want to miss. Open for eight weekends through October and November that overlap with the Texas Renaissance Festival, the Fields of New Market campground offers a truly unique and immersive fall camping experience that transports you to another time and place. From artisan markets to whimsical performances, every moment is a step into the past. If you’re seeking a camping escapade that combines the thrill of historical reenactment with the camaraderie of modern-day camping, this campground is a seasonal experience that promises fun times and memories for the whole family.

Book This Festive Fall Getaway

2. Lake Carl Blackwell – Stillwater, OK

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Oklahoma State University’s Lake Carl Blackwell offers a fall camping escape for those who want to get away from it all. Choose from a plethora of different camping options, like pitching a tent beneath the star-studded canopy, parking your RV with a view, or cozying up in a rustic cabin. Go lakeside with shimmering views of the water, or find a spot among the trees. The campground’s tranquil ambiance and diverse offerings create a captivating backdrop for memorable moments and unforgettable adventures.

Book This Relaxing Campground

3. North Pointe RV Resort – Selma, NC

This charming RV campground offers meticulously landscaped grounds to spacious RV sites equipped with all the modern amenities. Indulge in amenities like the saltwater pool, clubhouse, kayaking, and even pickleball. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, connecting with fellow travelers, or enjoying the serenity of your own private retreat, North Pointe RV Resort offers a comfortable haven that promises relaxation and sophistication at every turn.

Book This Charming Campground

4. Hadley’s Point Campground – Bar Harbor, ME

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Welcome to Hadley’s Point Campground, a coastal haven where fall camping meets the beauty of Maine’s stunning landscapes. This campground is nestled near a public saltwater beach and offers a quintessential New England experience. Whether you’re setting up your tent, parking your camper, or resting in a cozy cabin, you’ll find yourself immersed in the tranquility of nature. As the sun dips below the horizon, gather around a crackling campfire to share stories and savor the flavors of a traditional Maine lobster bake. Hadley’s Point Campground offers a true retreat where the rhythm of the ocean and the warmth of community create memories that will linger long after your journey home.

Book This Coastal Experience

5. Indian Flat RV Park – El Portal, CA

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Indian Flat RV Park stands as a gateway to the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. As the closest campground to Yosemite’s entrance, this RV park offers an unrivaled location for explorers yearning to discover the area’s majestic beauty. Choose from tent sites, RV parking, or tent cabins, and enjoy incredible views that create an unparalleled camping experience. After days of hiking among ancient sequoias and marveling at cascading waterfalls, return to the cozy embrace of Indian Flat RV Park. It’s a place where natural wonder meets comfort, and where memories of both the park’s grandeur and the campground’s hospitality blend into an unforgettable adventure.

Book This Yosemite Gateway

6. Pine Hollow Campground – Pownal, VT

Pine Hollow Campground provides a tranquil fall camping retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Pitch a tent under the towering trees, park your camper in a quiet corner, or opt for a charming cabin getaway. Immerse yourself in outdoor activities like catch-and-release fishing or paddle boating out on the water. With its natural charm and warm ambiance, Pine Hollow Campground promises a memorable experience where time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors.

Book This Vermont Retreat

7. Maverick Ranch RV Park – Lajitas, TX

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Get ready for a fall camping experience that combines the spirit of the Wild West with modern comforts. Surrounded by the hills of Quiet Canyon, this park offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary amenities. After days of discovering hidden trails and savoring Texas BBQ, return to the park’s welcoming ambiance. Enjoy the lavish amenities and available outdoor activities, like the Agave Spa, golf club, horseback trail rides, ziplining, mountain bike trails, fitness center, and much more. Maverick Ranch RV Park is more than a place to park your rig; it’s an invitation to experience the rugged allure of the West while enjoying the modern luxuries that make every stay unforgettable.

Book This Old West Adventure

8. – San Dimas, CA

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Located less than an hour east from Los Angeles, this award-winning campground (a two-category 2023 Campspot Awards winner!) offers fall campers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and modern relaxation. Spend your days kayaking on the lake’s tranquil waters, exploring miles of hiking and biking trails, or simply lounging by the pool with a breathtaking vista before you. Check out the beach-front park and enjoy an evening at the fire pits with the whole family. You’re also right by the towns of San Dimas and Pomona, so you can get your fill of city life as well before returning to this relaxing RV resort.

Book This California Escape

9. Jekyll Island Campground – Jekyll Island, GA

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Jekyll Island Campground offers a lush fall camping experience under oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Whether you’re up for primitive camping or looking for full hook-ups, Jekyll Island Campground immerses you in 18 wooded acres within walking distance to Clam Creek & Driftwood Beach. Spend your mornings beachcombing for shells, afternoons biking along scenic paths, and evenings watching the sun dip below the horizon. There’s even a bird sanctuary to check out with the kids.

Book This Lush Stay Under the Oaks

10. Camp Dearborn – Milford, MI

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Camp Dearborn offers a variety of fall camping accommodations, from tent and trailer sites to rustic and resort cabins. Spend your days swimming in crystal-clear lakes, playing tennis, making your way through a 27-hole championship golf course, or exploring the miles of scenic trails that wind through the natural beauty of the area. With its inviting atmosphere and recreational activities, Camp Dearborn is a Michigan destination perfect for fall campers.

Book This Fall Camping Destination

Just because summer is wrapped up doesn’t mean you have to pack away the tent and park the RV. If you’re ready to make some memories, these fall camping destinations should be at the top of your list.

Read Next: The 11 Best New England Leaf Peeping Camping Destinations

Image credit in order of appearance: Adobe Stock – AspctStyle, Fields of New Market Campground at Texas Renaissance Festival, Lake Carl Blackwell, North Pointe RV Resort, Hadley’s Point Campground, Indian Flat RV Park, Pine Hollow Campground, Maverick Ranch RV Park, Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground, Jekyll Island Campground, Camp Dearborn

The 10 Best Fall Camping Destinations for 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Is October good for camping? ›

The "shoulder season" (April, May, September, and October) is a good time to enjoy California's state parks. The weather during these months is usually good.

Where can I camp in AZ in October? ›

Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond both offer perfect fall weather and a wide-range of wildlife to view. If you're lucky, you might even catch your dinner fishing! At the very bottom of the state, you can camp in one of Arizona's hidden gems, Patagonia Lake State Park.

Is fall good for camping? ›

Camping in the fall is great way to extend your outdoor adventures into the cooler months, while enjoying some gorgeous fall scenery. Too cold, you say? Don't fret. With a little extra preparation, you can secure plenty more star-filled nights well into the autumn season.

What is the most popular camping season? ›

The time of year when campers are most likely to head out into the great outdoors is summer. The reason for this is that it is usually during warmer months when people have more free time on their hands and can enjoy some time outdoors.

Can I camp in Yellowstone in October? ›

The biggest drawback to visiting Yellowstone in October is many campgrounds and facilities begin to close now. By mid-month, many summer lodges, campgrounds, and other accommodations are closed for the season and won't open again until winter when over-snow travel is available.

What month do people camp the most? ›

In-season camping usually refers to camping during the summer months of June through September. In-season camping means there will likely be more people at the RV campsite because it is a desirable season to camp in, but there may be more activities available.

What month is the best camping in AZ? ›

The best season to camp in Arizona is during the fall and spring months, specifically from October to April. During these months, temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities and camping.

Is it too cold to camp in Utah in October? ›

The fall desert season runs from mid-September through mid-December. However, the best time for Southern Utah fall camping is hands-down the month of October. Temperatures are still quite warm during the day (the mid-70s feels very hot in the sun), and overnight lows are still mild.

Where is it free to camp in Arizona? ›

Where can I camp for free in Arizona?
  • Cottonwood Canyon Road near the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
  • Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping near Tonopah.
  • Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping at Lake Powell.
  • Forest Road 525 near Sedona in the Coconino National Forest.
  • Craggy Wash BLM Dispersed Camping near Lake Havasu City.

What is the number one rule of camping? ›

1. Clean your site: Don't leave a dirty site for the next campers. Leaving trash in an otherwise pure, natural space is frowned upon, and most campgrounds will charge you for leaving garbage or other items behind.

Why camp in the fall? ›

Chilly fall temperatures chase the usual overflow of bugs to a warmer climate. This makes forested campsites, which are often flooded with mosquitos and nagging insects, more comfortable.

What is too cold to camp in? ›

Anything below 20° F is, without doubt, too cold to go tent camping. At these temperatures, the effects of frostbite can kick in in under 30 minutes.

What is the 3 rule for camping? ›

Stay for 3 Nights in Every Campground

Do that every night, and you'll never have time to relax. Committing to three nights at each of your stops ensures you have at least two full days of anxiety-free camping.

What are the top 5 camping states? ›

There are a lot of great camping and outdoor destinations across the United States — camping is abundant at national and state parks, forests, wilderness areas, and preserves. Each US state has a unique appeal for campers, but these five stand out from the rest: Colorado, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, and New York.

What is the newest trend in camping? ›

Glamping. One of the most popular camping trends is luxury camping or as it's more commonly known, glamping. The art of glamping can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on the camper.

Can you camp in October? ›

The weather in autumn can be unpredictable with colder temperatures and rainy days on the horizon. But if you have the right gear and are looking for a late-season escape beyond 'peak', then there is no excuse not to try camping in autumn.

What month is good for camping? ›

Camping season typically runs April/May – September/October. Some campgrounds may open as early as April and close as late as October. But the vast majority will open in May. If you're planning a camping trip, a good rule is to wait until May for the weather to work itself out.

Is October a good time to vacation? ›

Though October falls in the middle of the rainy season, this typically means brief squalls rather than days full of rain, and low season travel will mean fewer tourists and great rates on accommodations.

What season do you go camping? ›

Summer is the most popular season to camp. A summer camping trip can create memories that last a lifetime. Stories and s'mores around the campfire, long days for exploring, and warm evenings are the recipe for a pleasant trip.

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