As summer fades and the crisp autumn air arrives, camping becomes a fantastic way to experience the changing season. Fall camping offers cooler weather, fewer crowds, and, most importantly, stunning views of vibrant foliage. Whether you’re nestled in a forest, by a tranquil lake, or on a mountainside, the following destinations provide some of the best fall foliage views in the world.
1. Acadia national park, Maine
Located on Maine’s rugged coast, Acadia National Park is one of the premier destinations for fall foliage. The park’s mix of deciduous trees, including birch, oak, and maple, creates a brilliant array of red, orange, and yellow colors that contrast beautifully with the park’s rocky coastlines and blue waters.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Diverse Foliage: Acadia’s forests are filled with sugar maples, ash, and oaks, making the landscape come alive with vivid colors during autumn.
- Scenic Drives and Hikes: The park’s famous Park Loop Road is a must-visit for leaf peepers. For hikers, the Beehive Trail offers incredible views of the foliage from higher elevations.
- Ocean and Mountain Views: The park’s coastal cliffs and mountains, like Cadillac Mountain, offer panoramic views of the vibrant forest against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Campgrounds:
- Blackwoods Campground: Set near the ocean, this campground is ideal for fall campers looking to enjoy both foliage and ocean views. The campground has easy access to trails and scenic drives.
- Seawall Campground: Located on the quieter western side of the park, Seawall Campground offers a more peaceful setting for those seeking solitude among the colorful trees.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its misty blue mountains and diverse plant life, but it truly shines in the fall. The park’s vast deciduous forests turn into a sea of orange, red, and gold as the season progresses, making it one of the best places to experience fall foliage.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Long Foliage Season: The Smokies’ varying elevations mean that fall foliage lasts longer than in many other places, with colors starting in late September and peaking in mid-October.
- Scenic Drives: Take the Newfound Gap Road or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for some of the best leaf-peeping drives in the park.
- Waterfalls and Streams: The park is dotted with waterfalls and streams, offering picturesque scenes of flowing water framed by colorful leaves.
Best Campgrounds:
- Elkmont Campground: Located in the heart of the park, this campground provides easy access to some of the best fall foliage views, including the Little River and several trails.
- Cades Cove Campground: Surrounded by vibrant trees and historic cabins, Cades Cove offers a scenic and historical backdrop for your autumn camping trip.
3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is a top destination for fall campers seeking vibrant foliage and scenic mountain views. The park’s iconic Skyline Drive runs through the entire park, offering over 100 miles of breathtaking fall scenery.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Skyline Drive: This 105-mile scenic road is one of the best fall drives in the U.S., offering spectacular views of the park’s golden and red leaves. With 75 overlooks, you can stop frequently to take in the beauty.
- Hiking Trails: For a more immersive experience, hike popular trails like Old Rag Mountain or the Stony Man Trail, both of which offer sweeping views of the park’s colorful forests.
- Proximity to Waterfalls: Shenandoah’s waterfalls, like Dark Hollow Falls, are particularly stunning in fall when surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Best Campgrounds:
- Big Meadows Campground: This centrally located campground is near some of the park’s most popular hikes and scenic viewpoints, making it a great spot to enjoy the fall colors.
- Lewis Mountain Campground: A smaller and quieter campground, Lewis Mountain is ideal for those seeking a more peaceful camping experience amidst the fall foliage.
4. Adirondack Park, New York
The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York offer one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the Northeast. With over 6 million acres of forests, lakes, and mountains, Adirondack Park provides endless opportunities to experience the beauty of autumn.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Varied Elevations: The mix of lowland forests and high peaks means you can enjoy the foliage from different perspectives. Higher elevations start turning first, followed by the lower regions.
- Hiking and Canoeing: Fall is the perfect time to hike trails like Mount Jo or paddle across lakes like Lake Placid, with the reflection of the trees doubling the intensity of the colors.
- Fall Festivals: Many local towns host fall festivals celebrating the season, adding to the charm of camping in the region during autumn.
Best Campgrounds:
- Lake George Islands Campground: Situated on the islands of Lake George, this campground offers an incredible view of the fall foliage from the water. Canoe or kayak around the lake to experience the colors up close.
- Fish Creek Pond Campground: Known for its scenic waterfront campsites, Fish Creek Pond is perfect for campers who want to enjoy the fall colors by the water.
5. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest is one of the most iconic fall camping destinations in New England. Known for its fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves, the White Mountains are a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Kancamagus Highway: This 34-mile scenic highway is a must-see for fall visitors, offering stunning views of the mountains and foliage. It’s considered one of the best fall drives in the country.
- Hiking in the Whites: Trails like Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge offer some of the best panoramic views of the forest’s brilliant fall colors. For a less strenuous hike, the Sabbaday Falls Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by foliage.
- Covered Bridges and Rivers: The White Mountains are home to several historic covered bridges, adding a charming touch to the colorful landscape. These bridges over the Swift and Pemigewasset Rivers make for great photo spots.
Best Campgrounds:
- Lafayette Place Campground: Located in Franconia Notch State Park, this campground is close to some of the region’s best hikes and scenic viewpoints, making it a prime spot for foliage lovers.
- Hancock Campground: Situated along the Kancamagus Highway, Hancock Campground offers a more rustic camping experience and is perfectly located for those wanting to explore the highway’s scenic views.
6. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
For a less-crowded but equally stunning fall camping experience, head to the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. The forest’s rolling hills, towering bluffs, and crystal-clear rivers create a spectacular backdrop for the fall foliage.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Vibrant Forests: The Ozarks are filled with oak, hickory, and maple trees that turn into a brilliant display of orange, red, and yellow during the fall months.
- Hiking and Waterfalls: Explore the forest’s numerous hiking trails, like the Hawksbill Crag Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the colorful forest below. Waterfalls like Glory Hole Falls become even more enchanting when framed by autumn leaves.
- Scenic Drives: The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a winding road through the Ozark Mountains that offers incredible views of the fall colors and surrounding bluffs.
Best Campgrounds:
- Richland Creek Campground: Located near several waterfalls, Richland Creek is an ideal spot for campers who want to enjoy the fall scenery along peaceful rivers and creeks.
- Blanchard Springs Campground: This campground is near the Blanchard Springs Caverns, offering a unique fall experience that combines colorful foliage with fascinating underground formations.
7. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington offers a unique blend of vibrant fall foliage, alpine scenery, and snowy peaks. While the park’s iconic wildflower meadows are famous in summer, autumn brings golden hues to the subalpine forests and meadows.
Why It’s Great for Fall Foliage:
- Golden Larches: Unlike many fall foliage destinations, Mount Rainier is home to the striking western larch tree, which turns a brilliant yellow in the fall before dropping its needles. These golden trees stand out against the park’s rugged landscape.
- Views of Mount Rainier: The iconic, snow-capped Mount Rainier provides a stunning backdrop to the autumn foliage. Trails like Skyline Trail offer panoramic views of the park’s golden trees, meadows, and glaciers.
- Less Crowds: Fall is a quieter season in the park, allowing for a more peaceful camping experience compared to the busy summer months.
Best Campgrounds:
- Cougar Rock Campground: Located near the Paradise area of the park, Cougar Rock offers easy access to some of the park’s best fall hikes and foliage views.
- Ohanapecosh Campground: This campground, nestled in an old-growth forest, is perfect for those seeking a serene fall experience in the park’s eastern section.
FAQ: Fall Camping for Foliage Views
When is the best time to go fall camping for foliage?
The best time for fall camping varies by location, but in general, late September to mid-October offers peak foliage in most regions. Higher elevations and northern latitudes tend to change color earlier, while lower elevations and southern regions may peak later in the season.
What should I pack for fall camping?
For fall camping, pack extra layers to stay warm, including a good-quality sleeping bag rated for cooler temperatures. Bring waterproof gear, as fall weather can be unpredictable, and don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning foliage.
Can I camp in national parks during fall?
Yes, many national parks remain open for camping in the fall. Some campgrounds may close after peak season, so it’s important to check the park’s website for campground availability and weather conditions.
How can I find out when the foliage will peak in my area?
There are several fall foliage trackers and websites that provide real-time updates on when foliage is peaking in different regions. You can also check with local visitor centers or park services for the best times to visit.
Are fall camping trips less crowded than summer?
Yes, fall camping tends to be less crowded than summer, especially after Labor Day. This makes it a great time to enjoy popular destinations without the summer crowds, while also experiencing the beauty of the fall colors.
What are the best activities to do during a fall camping trip?
Popular fall activities include hiking, leaf-peeping, canoeing or kayaking, and wildlife watching. Cooler weather also makes it a great time to enjoy campfires and hot drinks while soaking in the colorful views.
By choosing one of these stunning fall camping destinations, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking foliage views while enjoying the peace and tranquility that autumn brings to the outdoors.