6 of the best fall camping destinations in America, plus gear beginners should pack

Fall is one of the best seasons for camping. Summer crowds thin, there are fewer bugs, the air turns crisp and the foliage takes on vibrant shades of red and orange. Cooler temperatures also make hiking, cooking and sleeping outdoors more comfortable — as long as you pack the right gear.

We rounded up the best fall camping destinations across the U.S., from sweeping mountain escapes to cozy coastal getaways, along with beginner-friendly camping gear to help you stay warm, comfortable and prepared.

Best fall camping destinations

Make the most of fall camping season at these popular destinations.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park, located in Maine, pairs classic New England foliage with the deep blue Atlantic. Hike wooded trails, explore the scenic Park Loop Road and the carriage roads and take in views of the rugged coastline and pink granite mountains before settling in for a cozy night under the stars.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park bursts with fall color from maples, oaks, beeches and dogwoods. Beginners can stay at established campgrounds, then spend the day exploring Newfound Gap Road or Cades Cove Loop Road for sweeping valley views, wildlife and more.

Shenandoah National Park treats campers to rolling auburn hills and seemingly endless valleys. Drive along Skyline Drive, stop at one of its 75 overlooks, hike to waterfalls and explore forested sections of the Appalachian Trail while watching for deer and black bears.

You can’t get more dramatic than Rocky Mountain National Park, with its glassy alpine lakes, golden aspen trees and towering snow-tipped peaks that are especially striking in autumn. Drive along Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake Road for peak scenery, view the elk rut, hike in Glacier Gorge and enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air.

Campers seeking a quiet, cozy escape will love the Adirondacks and Catskills. Plan your trip around serene lakes, cabins and scenic country roads, then take the Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride or vintage Catskill Mountain Railroad for open-air views of the fall foliage. End the day by the fire on a crisp autumn evening.

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is known as the “Switzerland of America” for its dramatic valleys, high peaks and old-town charm. Campgrounds provide a convenient base for nearby fall festivals, scenic train rides, whitewater rafting, bike rides and foliage-filled hikes.

Fall camping essentials to pack

Prepare for your camping trip with the right gear, from insulated sleeping bags to camping lanterns.

The synthetic insulation in the Siesta Hooded 20 sleeping bag keeps you warm down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the offset quilt construction, insulated hood, draft collar and zipper draft tube help block cold air. Nearly 1,000 shoppers bought it this week.

Original price: $58.99

Look for something foldable, sturdy and easy to carry from the car to the campsite so you’re not crouching on cold ground. This lightweight Coleman camping chair has a cupholder and multiple pockets for drinks, snacks and tech.

Sleep warmer on chilly nights with an insulated sleeping pad. It has two layers of heat-reflective film to help retain body heat while cushioning you from the cold ground.

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Original price: $26.99

Light up your campsite as fall days get shorter with this battery-powered lantern. It features a water-resistant design, delivers up to 1,000 lumens and has four light modes for outdoor use.

The Wawona six-person tent offers plenty of room for families and groups, with a 76-inch peak height, two doors and a large vestibule for covered storage or extra seating. Its double-wall design promotes ventilation for a more comfortable night outdoors.

Original price: $559

Keep phones, lanterns and small appliances powered at campsites without electrical hookups with the Jackery Explorer. It contains two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a DC port and three AC ports, plus a 1,500-watt AC output that can power portable air conditioners and refrigerators.

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Original price: $129.99

Cook warm meals with this Coleman camp stove, especially useful during fire restrictions or damp fall weather. Its compact design features two adjustable burners and a carrying handle for easy transport.

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Coleman’s portable rolling cooler keeps ice cold for up to five days and features all-terrain wheels for easy transport from the car to the campsite. It holds food and drinks, then doubles as extra seating with a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.

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Beginner tips for planning a fall camping trip

• Check nighttime temperatures beforehand and choose an insulated sleeping bag.
• Plan for shorter daylight hours. Arrive before dark so you can set up camp safely, and bring camp lanterns and headlamps.
• Book campgrounds early in popular regions, especially near foliage destinations, national parks and popular state parks.
• Pack layers, including warm midlayers, waterproof and windproof rain shells and leg warmers.
• Know your campground setup before booking. Confirm whether you’re booking a tent or RV site, and check important details such as fire rules, potable water, restrooms and electrical hookups.

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