From OutKick · Nusrat Sultana · · 2m
Where to camp this fall, and what to bring
Six fall camping spots across the US, plus the beginner gear that keeps a cold night comfortable.
In brief
Six fall camping spots across the US, plus the beginner gear that keeps a cold night comfortable. Fall camping is easier than summer camping if you book early and pack for the nighttime low, not the daytime high. Originally reported by OutKick.
Fall beats summer outside
Crowds thin out, the bugs disappear and the air turns crisp. Hiking and cooking are more pleasant in cool weather, provided your gear can handle the nights.
“Summer crowds thin, there are fewer bugs, the air turns crisp”
Acadia, Maine
New England foliage meets the Atlantic. Hike wooded trails, drive the Park Loop Road and the carriage roads, and look out over pink granite mountains and rugged coast.
Great Smoky Mountains
Maples, oaks, beeches and dogwoods light up the park. Beginners can base at an established campground and drive Newfound Gap Road or Cades Cove Loop for valley views and wildlife.
Shenandoah, Virginia
Rolling auburn hills and long valleys. Skyline Drive has 75 overlooks, plus waterfall hikes and stretches of the Appalachian Trail where deer and black bears turn up.
Rocky Mountain, Colorado
Golden aspens, glassy alpine lakes and snow-tipped peaks. Drive Trail Ridge and Bear Lake Roads, hike Glacier Gorge, and time it right to watch the elk rut.
Adirondacks or Catskills
The quiet option. Lakes, cabins and country roads, with the Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride or the vintage Catskill Mountain Railroad for open-air foliage views.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
A Pocono town nicknamed the "Switzerland of America" for its deep valleys and high peaks. Campgrounds put you near fall festivals, train rides, rafting and bike trails.
“known as the "Switzerland of America"”
Sleep warm or don't sleep
The REI Siesta Hooded 20 bag ($149) holds down to 20 degrees with an insulated hood, draft collar and zipper draft tube. Pair it with an insulated pad like the Tensor ($199.95).
Power, heat and light
A Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 ($499) runs phones and appliances where there are no hookups. A two-burner Coleman stove ($83.99) cooks through fire bans and damp weather.
Small comforts add up
A foldable camp chair ($39.99) keeps you off cold ground, a 1,000-lumen lantern ($21.59) covers short evenings, and a rolling cooler doubles as seating for 250 pounds.
Book early, arrive early
Reserve near parks and foliage routes well ahead. Check the nighttime low, plan to set up before dark, pack layers and a rain shell, and confirm fire rules, water and hookups first.
The short version
Fall camping is easier than summer camping if you book early and pack for the nighttime low, not the daytime high.
