Up next Fall Hiking Clothes Perfect for Transitional Weather Published on September 22, 2022 Author Alyssa Gutierrez Tags aurora borealis camping, autumn camping, best fall camping destinations, camping, camping in autumn, fall camping, fall camping checklist, fall camping destinations, fall foliage camping, Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 Autumn Camping: Why Fall Is Actually the Best Time to Camp Camping Isn’t Just for Summer! Camping in the summer is a classic pastime. The kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are at a premium. But as school starts back up and temperatures become more moderate, don’t be so quick to pack away the tents and camping gear! Here at Tread, we think autumn camping has just as much to offer as those fun-packed summer getaways. Autumn camping is different. The crowds thin out, the temperatures drop to something genuinely pleasant, and the landscapes turn into something you’d hang on your wall. If you’re thinking of taking a trip into the wilderness this fall but aren’t sold on the idea just yet, let us convince you. Is Fall a Good Time to Go Camping? Photo by Yunus Tuğ, with pexels.com. Yes — fall is an excellent time to go camping, and for many experienced outdoor enthusiasts, it’s the preferred season. Temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for hiking and sleeping, crowds at popular destinations drop significantly, and fall foliage transforms familiar trails into something spectacular. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Who doesn’t love a breathtaking vista colored by turning leaves? Fall foliage is one of the staples of the changing seasons, and you can experience it up close and personal while camping in a way you wouldn’t otherwise. Top Benefits of Autumn Camping Fewer Crowds at Popular Destinations If you love the idea of camping and exploring, but feel that the most popular places are too crowded in the summer, autumn camping is the answer. This alone is enough reason to swap July for October. National parks and popular campgrounds reach their breaking point in summer – for example, Yellowstone National Park has almost a million visitors in its peak month of July, nearly 20% of all annual visits to the park. By October, that number drops to only around 5% of annual visits, with 225,000 visitors. The same pattern holds across state parks, forest service campgrounds, and popular hiking corridors. If you’ve wanted to experience a beloved destination without the chaos, fall is your window. Cooler, More Comfortable Temperatures Summer camping in the South or Southwest can mean nighttime temperatures still hovering in the 70s. In fall, you get cool mornings, crisp afternoons, and cold nights – ideal conditions for hiking hard during the day and sleeping soundly at night. A quality three-season sleeping bag rated to 20-30°F handles most fall camping scenarios in the continental U.S. Stunning Fall Foliage Views There’s a reason “leaf peeping” drives billions of dollars in travel revenue each fall. From the Appalachians to the Cascades, the color change is one of the most dramatic natural displays on Earth – and camping puts you inside it, not driving past it. You wake up surrounded by red maples and golden aspens. You hike through tunnels of orange and yellow. It’s the kind of scenery that makes every photo look edited. Better Campfire Experience A campfire in August feels like punishment. In October, it feels like the whole point. Cool evening air, the smell of fallen leaves, a mug of something warm – fall camping elevates the campfire from a novelty to a genuine highlight of the trip. Nights around the fire are longer too, since darkness comes earlier in fall. Higher Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights If you’re thinking of venturing further north for your fall camping trip, you’ll have more chances of seeing the famous northern lights than you’d have in the summer. Fall is one of the best times to catch the aurora borealis. While winter auroras are often the most dramatic, winter camping in the far north is brutally difficult. By contrast, the Fall Aurora in places like Alaska and Canada allows for the best of both worlds, with opportunities to camp and see the Borealis. Fall offers a sweet spot: cold and dark enough for aurora activity, but manageable enough for comfortable camping. September and October see some of the highest geomagnetic activity of the year. Best Fall Camping Destinations in the U.S. Bright emerald leaves give way to hues of red, orange and yellow in a display that only nature could create. Best of all, you can find perfect areas to camp in fall foliage throughout a large part of the United States, from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest. Check out these destinations for great camping in fall foliage: 1. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee The Great Smoky Mountains have several weeks of change when the fall foliage arrives. With different elevations in the mountains, leaves can change at different times, but the peak of the season is in mid October- early November. For the best sights, drive the Clingmans Dome Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by National Park Service Best for: Hikers, photographers, families Peak foliage: Mid-October to early November 2. Catskills, New York The Catskills are a great place to get away when the fall foliage is in full swing. Here at mountains like Windham and Hunter, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the fall, including ziplining and fall festivals. Photo by Chris through Pexels Best for: East Coast campers, weekend trips Peak foliage: Early to mid-October 3. Flagstaff, Arizona Fall foliage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Arizona, but if you arrive at the right time, you’ll get to experience aspen trees at their peak. Up in the hiking trails at 8,000 foot elevations, stands of aspen add brilliant splashes of golden color to the beautiful environment. Photo by Soly Moses through Pexels Best for: Desert campers looking for a seasonal change, hikers Peak foliage: Late September to mid-October 4. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Columbia River Gorge includes famous sights that are only enhanced by the changing color of the seasons. With stunning waterfalls and trails to explore, this is a top choice for any autumn campers looking to make the most out of the changing seasons. Photo by Rachel Strong through Pexels. Best for: PNW campers, waterfall chasers, photographers Peak foliage: Mid-October to early November From one end of the continent to the other, there are opportunities to camp out in peak fall foliage conditions. While planning your trip, keep an eye on regional foliage maps so that you don’t miss out on peak times in the season! Fall vs. Summer Camping: Which Is Better? Factor ☀️ Summer Camping 🍂 Fall Camping Crowds High peak season Low significantly fewer visitors Temperatures Hot, often humid Cool days, cold nights Insects Peak mosquitoes and flies Largely gone by October Campsite Availability Limited book months ahead Easier to get spots Daylight Hours Long 14-16 hrs Shorter 10-12 hrs Scenery Green, lush Peak fall foliage color Wildlife Viewing Good Excellent animals active pre-winter Campfire Comfort Can feel oppressive Ideal Cost Peak pricing at many campgrounds Lower rates at many sites Fall Camping Gear Checklist Packing for fall camping means thinking beyond the summer kit. Temperatures can swing dramatically between afternoon highs and pre-dawn lows. Here’s what to add or upgrade: Sleeping bag: Rated to at least 20-30°F for most fall destinations Sleeping pad: Insulated pad with R-value of 4 or higher Layering system: Moisture-wicking base layer, fleece or down mid-layer, waterproof shell Gloves and wool hat: Nights get cold fast Headlamp with extra batteries: Daylight hours are shorter Waterproof boots: Fall means wet leaves, mud, and morning frost Rain gear: Fall weather is unpredictable across most regions Camp stove and fuel: Hot meals matter more when it’s cold Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks: Protect sleeping bag and clothing Fire-starting kit: Waterproof matches, lighter, and fire starters Bear canister or hang system: Bears are highly active pre-hibernation in fall Frequently Asked Questions What months are best for fall camping? September through October is the sweet spot for most of the continental U.S. September offers warmer temperatures and early foliage at higher elevations; October brings peak color across most regions. November is viable in the South and lower elevations but requires more cold-weather preparation. Is fall camping safe? Yes, with appropriate preparation. The main considerations are cold temperatures, unpredictable weather, shorter daylight hours, and elevated bear activity. Pack proper gear, check conditions before you leave, and follow Leave No Trace principles. What should I wear camping in fall? Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof outer shell. Wool or synthetic materials dry faster than cotton. Avoid cotton as a base layer — it holds moisture and loses insulating properties when wet. Do I need a reservation for fall camping? It depends on the destination. Popular national parks and campgrounds can still fill up on fall weekends, especially during peak foliage. Weekday trips are generally easier to secure without advance reservations. Where can I camp to see fall foliage? Top destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee), Catskills (New York), White Mountains (New Hampshire), Columbia River Gorge (Oregon), and Flagstaff (Arizona). Use state foliage tracker maps to time your trip for peak color. Can you see the northern lights while camping in fall? Yes. Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of Montana and Minnesota offer aurora viewing opportunities in September and October. The equinoxes in September and March tend to produce elevated geomagnetic activity, making fall one of the better seasons for aurora sightings.