Have you ever wondered when is the best time to go camping? While most people will go camping in the spring and summer, you might be surprised to learn that fall is a great time to camp.
If you’re planning a fall camping trip or need some convincing that camping in fall will be fun, check out the reasons that follow.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article in August 2022 to keep it fresh and up to date.
CONTENTS – In this article, you will discover reasons fall is the best time to go camping, including:
- 5 Benefits of Camping in the Fall
- Extra Items You Should Bring for Fall Camping
- Final Thoughts on The Best Time to Go Camping
- Next Steps
Related Article: If you’re new to camping, read these Beginner Camping Tips.
Benefits of Fall Camping
Fall officially begins on the Autumn Equinox. That’s Sept. 22nd or 23rd in the northern hemisphere.
Depending on where you are, you can finally enjoy cooler nights, comfy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything.
It’s also the best time to take a weekend off and go camping before the winter chill truly arrives at your tent door. Between the crisp, blue-sky days to the cool nights crackling with fire, you’ll be in for a treat when you go camping in the fall.
Whether you go with friends or take the kids, the Autumn months are perfect for your next camping trip.
And why wait until spring or summer when you can go now?
While camping is fun in any season (die-hard winter campers, you know who you are), fall really is the best time to go camping.
To prove it, you’ll find 5 good reasons why you should go camping in the fall, below.
Related Article: Follow these essential tips when you plan your camping trip.
1. Autumn Scenery Is Breathtaking
Seriously, the scenery you can choose from when you go camping in fall is epic.
There is nothing quite like the changing colors of the leaves on the trees, the beautiful sunsets and—depending on where you camp—the beginnings of snow on the mountains.
Autumn scenery is breathtaking.
You will be especially in awe of being immersed in the beauty of nature during this season. You can enjoy it with your own eyes, and you’ll likely capture some pretty phenomenal photos, too.
Fall is all about crisp air and beautiful places, which means as long as you ensure that you have your warm sleeping bag and mat, you’re going to be cozy and have a great time!
Whether you explore New England or head to beautiful Tobermory, Ontario, it’s going to be a great take.
2. Save Money at Campgrounds
Camping is an affordable way to get away at any time of year.
But fall is the off season for most camping bases.
So, you can bet that to pitch a tent and stay for a few nights, or even to go glamping, will cost you less during the off-season.
In fact, camping rates can be much more affordable than during the summer’s high season.
That means you can go to your favorite campgrounds and pick the best sites and amenities for an even lower cost.
Related Article: Learn why you should always travel in the shoulder season.
3. Food Tastes Better
Is there anything better than camp fire cooking?
The fall season means that you will be able to cook the best comfort food over an outdoor, open fire.
We’re talking stews and s’mores, sausages and beans, and more.
Plus, it’s all so much warmer in your belly when you’re eating it outdoors! Camping in fall makes food taste better.
Related Article: While you’re at it, try these hiking snacks and lunch ideas
4. Bug Off!
Bug season is in the summer, which means that in the fall you can avoid most of the bugs that are likely to enjoy a bite or two of you.
Let’s face it, no one wants to constantly slap away the flying bugs.
Sure, you can put out citronella and douse yourself in bug-spray, but those options are unpleasant necessities of summer camping.
When you go camping in the fall, you are much more likely to avoid mosquitos and other nuisance pests.
That alone makes fall camping worth it!
5. Fewer People to Contend With
With the weather cooling off, you will find there are fewer people camping.
This means you get more space, fewer queues for the shower, and the best view of the area in which you’re camping.
It’s just you and nature – as it should be!
What to Pack for Fall Camping
When you plan a fall camping trip, you’ll want to pack a few things specific to the season.
Remember that the nighttime and early morning can be a wee bit chilly, come fall!
So, in addition to your regular camping gear, you’ll also want to bring:
- A sleeping bag with a cold tolerance of 0-30 degrees F.
- Sleeping pads to layer beneath your sleeping bag
- Tent rug to further insulate the tent
- Wool blanket(s) for an added layer of warmth over your sleeping bag
- Hot water bottle to provide additional warmth at your feet
- Warm hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Hand warmers (Buy them in bulk to get the best price, here)
- Water- and wind-resistant base layers and outerwear
- Thermals
- Zip-up fleece hoodie (great worn over PJs!)
- Warm, water-resistant boots
- A few pairs of warm socks
- Tent slippers
When you’re prepared with the right equipment, it makes your fall camping experience much more enjoyable.
Don’t be surprised when you end up preferring to camp in fall over any of the other seasons.
We think it’s the best time to go camping.
Related Article: Download this handy packing checklist for fall in New England.
Final Thoughts on The Best Time to Go Camping
Camping in Autumn can be life changing when you are trying to get away from the world and you need to relax.
You can spread out and see the stars, play some fun games and go for a hike or two when you camp in the fall.
When it comes down to it, there’s nothing else out there quite like fall camping. So, if you want to take a break this season, camping is a great option.
The best part is you don’t even have to go that far.
Next Steps
If you want to learn more about tent camping, read these helpful articles next:
- Easy Beginner Camping Tips: Be A Happy Camper The First Time
- Important Tips for Tent Camping Close to Home
- Camping Adventure: 4 Essential Planning Tips [with Supplies Checklist!]
- 41 Good Hiking Snacks & Hiking Lunch Ideas for Your Next Day Hike
- Make Sure You Know These 5 Health & Safety Tips for Camping
- Winter Camping Hacks | How to Keep Warm Camping and 7 Other Tips
- Glamping in Wisconsin: 3 Easy Tips to Make Luxury Camping Fun and Memorable
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Photo credits: Feature – Jeremy Bishop (Pexels); other photos courtesy of Canva Pro.