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Fall Foliage Map 2023: The Best Fall Camping Destinations

Plan a perfect autumn adventure with these top spots for fall colors—plus, use our foliage map to know exactly when to go.

Explore Hipcamp’s interactive fall foliage map for 2023.

Discover when to find peak foliage and book the best fall campsites across the US.

Fall foliage forecastSep 11
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Top-rated fall campsites

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Old Moose Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Lemington, Essex
An Overlanders, and Camper Van Enthusiasts Paradise! Enjoy beautiful views and the majestic wilderness of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Situated at the top of Todd Hill, the property includes a pond, apple orchard, and Christmas Tree Farm. There are several different sites at the Old Moose Farm ranging from inside the cozy apple orchard, to the top of Crom's Peak with it's 270° views of the Connecticut River Valley and the North East Kingdom of Vermont. There's also plenty of open space for those who would like to pick their own spot, message me for details. On a clear day you can see Vermont, New Hampshire, Canada, and even Maine! In my 40 plus acres of Christmas Trees and Apple Orchards you will feel at one with nature while also only being 3 miles from one of New England's finest microbreweries and all the ATV and hiking trails you can handle. The Property features several camping sites perfect for classic tent campers, smaller travel trailers and micro campers, and backpacking adventurers. Located 10 minutes from Colebrook NH and 30 minutes from Pittsburgh NH. The Great North woods of NH is also accessible from The Old Moose Farm.
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$40
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The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rigby, Jefferson
In the beautiful Idaho countryside, our Inn was created in 1999 at the booming year-round recreation hotspot called Heise-Kelly Canyon. We have a wide variety of rooms and sites. Including: 4 log cabins that sleep 4 in 2 queen log beds with mini kitchenettes, 3 sources of heat, and en suite bathrooms 4 Moonlight Cottages with AC and heat that sleep 5 or 6 in 2 queens and one or two twins, mini-kitchenettes, and just a few steps away is the deluxe no-fee Loo-uvre Restroom and Shower House Two 20' diameter year-round yurts with themed decor-- each sleeps 4 in one queen and two twins with all bed and bath linens, plus a very well-stocked kitchen, and a firepit, pergola, picnic table and Char-griller charcoal BBQ outside. Camper trailers-- 16' vintage camper Little Buffy that sleeps 2 and has a mini-kitchenette and guests use the Loo-uvre Restroom/Shower House close by, as well as the Teton Retreat Camper Trailer that sleeps 6 or 7, has a sitting area and a full kitchen plus a half bath. New to the Lodge is Adirondack-style "The Bunkie" that sleeps 6 or 7 plus has a desk, microwave and fridge. All bed and bath linens are provided in all of our rooms. Firepits are a-plenty! Our Inn also has great tent sites, plus both 30 amp and 50 amp RV/Camper sites with water and electric, a firepit and picnic table each, plus a fee dump station. We are currently planning/building another shower/restroom house and a laundry mat. There is a fee dump station on site. With over ten acres of property to play at and stroll, your stay will be one of fun, peace and quiet. Our RV & Camp is fun! We have our famous Borrow Barn with loads of complementary activities including a 9 hole disc golf course with maps/disc/scorecards, free pedal boats, Little Free Library #69967, volleyball, tetherball, badminton, board games and more, plus our cruiser bicycles in our Bike Corral are for guests to enjoy on property also. Children must be watched always and very closely-- enjoy being with your children on the property. A beautiful Restroom and Shower House is fee free. We are located in the Heise-Kelly Canyon of southeast Idaho with fabulous sunrises and sunsets. We are very close to hiking, hot springs, rapelling, 200+ miles of ATV and SxS trails, golf, mini-golf, a driving range, skiing, ice cream, and the mighty Snake River corridor right across the road. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside. We are 20 minutes from Bear World in Rexburg, and two hours from Grand Teton Park and Yellowstone National Park regardless of which of the four routes that you take, with each route including a beautiful waterfall. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside.
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$40
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Wilderness Adventure

92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · New Castle, Craig
Wilderness Adventure is more than just a campground. Along with our wide range of camping and lodging options, we also offer free and paid adventure activities like tubing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and more! Don't miss out on our group program offerings like retreats, corporate gatherings, youth groups, and weddings. Camping WA offers private and communal campsites to fit the needs of any size group you are traveling with and has a shared bathhouse with showers and toilets. Drinking water is available from multiple locations Activities for Guests Hiking, mountain biking, and trail running on our onsite trails, Canoeing, tubing, swimming or fishing in our pond, creek sitting, fire pits, sand volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, corn hole, and endless open space to wander and relax. Basecamp Adventure Activities Canoe Rentals/Shuttle $40/trip/boat Sit on top Kayak Rentals/Shuttle $30/trip/boat Tubing/Shuttle $20/trip/person Mountain Bike Rental $25/half day, $50/full day Area Activities Hiking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bikepacking, 4-wheeling, Rock Crawling: Virginia's Triple Crown - Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs Hoop Hole Roaring Run North Mountain/Dragons Back Carvins Cove Mill Mountain Douthat State Park Craigs Creek Food, Summer Events and Festivals Throughout the summer we have delicious made-to-order meals from our Outpost from Friday dinner to Sunday Breakfast. Campstore: Our camp store is open during select hours. You can purchase firewood, ice, sunscreen, beverages, merchandise, and other items you may enjoy during your stay. (hours vary or by appointment) Check out our event calendar for all upcoming events. Annual Events Include: Camp Reckoning Yoga Venture WA Fest DiscVenture Appalachian Mountaineer Retreat Center, Group Program, Corporate Retreats, Family Reunions https://www.wilderness-adventure.com/groups Whether you’re organizing a group retreat or looking to get away for a weekend with the family in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, let us be your Basecamp for Adventure. Wilderness Adventure offers an extensive list of adventure activities for any group along with easily accessible rentals for quick getaways. All of our listings lie on 500 gorgeous acres run by Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing. Bordered by 500 yards of Craigs Creek along the front of our property and mountains in the rear, Wilderness Adventure offers our guests extensive trails to hike, ponds for fishing and swimming, canoeing and tubing. Giant Swing, Team Building, Low Ropes, High Ropes, Caving, Rock Climbing, Mountain bike lessons and guided trips, Other Cool Stuff The Swinging bridge Restaurant - Paint Bank VA The Mill Mountain Star - Roanoke VA Lasterday Market - New Castle, VA Lemon & Vale Cakery, New Castle, VA Bibos Pizzeria - New Castle, VA Parkway Brewing Company - Salem, VA And so much more!
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$25
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Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, Swain
(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).
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Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Meeker, Rio Blanco
Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park is on 20 acres with the 8 tiny homes on the back of the property. The land is across the White River, 2 miles from downtown Meeker, a bike ride away from mountain biking trails and  ON 250 miles of OHV trails. The 8 tiny homes are spread out in a circle surrounding 2 large firepits and a covered deck with a long farmhouse table. The tiny homes can be booked individually or as a group of 4 or 8.  
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Paradise Shores Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Bridgeport, Mono
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings.
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The Hummingbird Center

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Grafton
The Hummingbird Center is an educational homestead and organic permaculture farm nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We offer a variety of lodging options including field camping, platform tent camping, vehicle parking, treehouses, school buses, a tiny house, a red house, and a yoga room. During your stay, we encourage you to explore the property. There are miles of machine-built mountain biking and cross country skiing trails available, free of charge . Our property abuts the vast GreenWoodlands Trail network. Visitors have access to our farm store, kitchen, ponds, streams, showers, communal fire pit & outdoor cooking areas. Our farm animals, orchards, and gardens create a unique vacation experience. We may have additional camping & lodging spots available that are not listed on the website. Please contact us directly at info@dacres.org or 603.786.2366 to determine if there is additional vacancy. Check our The Hummingbird Center website for additional info & upcoming events. Check in is between 5 and 9:00 p.m. Check in at the main house #218 Streeter Woods Road - if you arrive after 9pm please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements. We highly discourage late night arrivals at our remote location. Quiet hours after 10pm please! No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.
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$15
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Al's Hideaway Eclipse viewing

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Lakehills, Bandera
Built on 20 acres in the Texas Hill Country we developed only three acres so that we did not displace any wildlife. We have hiking on site , a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a large smoker for all our guest to use. Al's Hideaway has a app now that you can check out all the events going on in the area. There is something for everyone in this area, animal encounters, horseback riding, musuems, caves, hiking, motorcycle riding, wineries, breweries and distillaries, concerts and shopping.
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Peaceful Hills Retreat Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents97 acres · Lobelville, Hickman
Peaceful Hills Retreat 390 American Way Centerville, TN 37033 (Pleasantville) Looking for the perfect getaway, you will find some peace and quiet here! Only 14.6 miles from I-40 and located on 97 acres, this campground is surrounded by nature, very secluded and private. There is a crystal-clear creek that runs parallel with the driveway and fresh spring water flowing from pipe in the rock close to the entrance on American Way. The creek is bio-diverse, filled with fascinating species, and spring fed, which means it stays cool in the summertime. There are three beautiful homes which are able to be rented out as well. The A-frame log cabin at the top of the hill is called the lodge. The second home, which is a two-story brown log cabin, is where the host lives. The third home is the cottage. Long before these three homes were built, native Indians lived in these beautiful rolling hills and we have found many arrowheads right around the homes on this property. This is a special place and we are happy and honored to share it with you! Peaceful Hills Retreat, a family owned business, started in May of 2017. It all began when Jennifer’s brilliant brother booked a two-story home through Airbnb for Jennifer and the family for a week in the Carolinas. Their Airbnb vacation was a great experience, and she loved having a kitchen to cook in, while traveling with her large family. She gladly said goodbye to tiny hotel rooms. Linda and her daughter, Jennifer realized they desired to run a BnB, and watched the scattered pieces beautifully fall into place. Peaceful Hills Retreat is also a wedding venue. There are three beautiful spots for a lovely outdoor wedding. The waterfall site is a favorite. The lodge is a beautiful place for the reception to take place outdoors and the Honeymoon Cottage makes for the perfect getaway afterwards. At each home you may read a special book called A Soldier’s Child Foundation (ASC). This life-changing, wonderful foundation near Nashville, serves children all over our great nation who have sadly lost a parent who served in our military. ASC tremendously helped Jennifer’s family after the loss of their military soldier and Peaceful Hills Retreat donates a portion of their profits to this amazing non-profit. A Soldier’s Child Foundation removed the shame and sadness from our loss and replaced it with hope, honor. and love. A portion of our increase at Peaceful Hills Retreat goes to serve this cause to help other families. To learn more, to donate or to get involved, please visit: asoldierschild.org. If you have any other questions or if you need anything at all during your stay, please text us and we'll be happy to help. Hope to see you soon!
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$10
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Bald Eagle Campsite

33 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Tyrone, Blair
Originally opened as a family campground owned and operated by Denis and Kay Snyder in 1964. Bald Eagle Campsite has been owned and operated by the Snyder family to this day! Come join us in the beautiful forested landscape of Central Pennsylvania. Located a mere 20 miles south of Penn State University, we are surrounded by the many amenities Central PA has to offer. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers as well as all ethnicities. Pitch a tent on a quiet site and drop a line into one of our two trout streams crossing the campground. Hang a hammock between two towering poplar trees surrounded by flowering rhododendron. Or pull up in your camper and relax before and after a Penn State Football game under the blue and white sky. We have small, secluded sites to get away from it all, as well as conjoined sites to accommodate larger groups. On property we have bathrooms, hot showers, and a recreation hall with free ping pong, board games, and billiards. For a fee, we also have firewood, electricity, and a large event tent for rent. Campers must be less than 25 feet. Generators are not allowed. Music should not reach outside your own site after 9pm. There are no water hookups. Vehicle noise is audible from route 350, especially on Friday afternoons. Noise is diminished at sites further back from route 350. Our sites are wheelchair accessible, but the bathrooms and showers do have one step up into them. Walk to Snappy's 24-hour convenience store to use their free Wi-Fi, buy bags of ice, or to pickup snacks and a sub in the attached Subway restaurant. A farmers market as well as ice cream stand and restaurant are within walking distance. We require a minimum two nights stay for the recognized holiday weekends for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
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Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Camp

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Parsons, Tucker
Surrounded by Monongahela National Forest lands and riverfront, Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground includes 35 acres of unlogged wilderness forest with roads, trails and 2100 feet of riverfront on the Dry Fork River. Grand Opening was July 4th weekend, 2022 and the camp is now open year round... although water systems are shut down around Nov. 1 thru April 15. This new camp includes 15 camping sites (firepits, slabwood benches, and ample parking), 5 primitive shelter cabin sites (10x`12 lofted barn cabins with hasp for your padlock), and a 10 short term RV sites along the river (RV's 30 foot or less recommended)... each with firepits and slabwood benches. 4 RV sites have full electric and water hook-ups, the other 6 boon-docking for 2023. The camp is situated on nearly 4 miles of wilderness riverfront on a dead end stunning road, and yet just a few miles to the beautiful town of Parsons WV in Tucker County (home of Thomas / Davis / and Canaan Valley). The Dry Fork and Black Fork Rivers combine nearby, the cable suspension bridge to Hendricks is less than half a mile downstream, the Fernow Experimental Forest is just a mile downstream, and the Monongahela national forest and huge unlogged forests are all around! Waterfalls, creeks, kayak drop points, swimming, tubing, hiking, fishing, and water recreation abounds. Bring your bikes, kayaks, tubes, roller blades, snorkels, googles and river shoes! The camp does have water spigots for general use (spring water source, not chlorinated or treated), an office cabin and electric charging access area near the office. Porta-potties in 2023 (cleaned weekly) and the beautiful town of Parsons is just 4 miles away with all conveniences, shopping and eateries. Wi-fi is also located near the office cabin -- password campground19. Book online only, self check in, check in starts at noon, designated parking spots for each campsite.
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$25
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Wyomanock Farm

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Rensselaer
Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first white settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond! Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.
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$30
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Fall foliage camping for Fall Foliage guide

Your Ultimate Fall Foliage Map: Finding the Best Autumn Colors

It’s no secret: We have a national obsession with autumn here in the US. For some, this cozy time of year means breaking out comfy sweaters and pumpkin spice everything. Others are allured by cool foggy nights and Halloween celebrations. Either way, most agree that fall is a beautiful time to be outside, when the leaves take on hues of gold, crimson, and saffron before ultimately falling to the ground. Fall camping is top-tier.

Plenty of people plan trips around fall colors, but because there’s some variation in when leaf colors are at their brightest, timing your leaf-peeping trip can be a challenge. Fortunately, it’s possible to loosely forecast peak fall foliage dates throughout the country to make trip planning easier.

And the Hipcamp data team did just that. We analyzed a variety of factors—think temperature, precipitation, satellite image data, and more—to create a 2023 fall foliage map and predict the optimal times to experience the best fall colors in every part of the US. We then layered that data on top of available tent campsites, RV sites, cabins, and yurts to change the way campers plan leaf-peeping getaways. Simply navigate the fall foliage prediction map to find an area of interest, then use the slider to see what leaves will be like on different dates.

Timing Your Trip for Maximum Colors: Peak Fall Colors Explained

Many factors prompt the leaves of deciduous trees to turn from shades of green to hues of red, orange, and yellow as the season turns, according to Dan Tomko, Hipcamp Lead Data Analyst. While weather plays a part—with the most vibrant hues in areas with warm days and cool nights—it's day length that makes leaves change color before eventually falling to the ground. 

As fall approaches, days become shorter and less sunny, prompting chlorophyll production to slow down and eventually stop. At the same time, carotenoids—which are responsible for making things in nature orange or yellow (think carrots)—and anthocyanins, pigments that come in shades of red, blue, and purple, increase as sugars in leaves break down. This happens at different times for different species and naturally varies by latitude and location.

“There are primary cues such as sunlight and temperature,” Tomko says, “but there are other factors to consider when trying to predict peak fall foliage timing: weather conditions during the growing season, tree species, nutrient availability, elevation, and wind. In general, fall colors peak earlier in the north and at high elevations, and tend to peak later in the south and at lower elevations.”

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the US

As you’ll see in our map, gorgeous fall foliage can be found all over the country. Here are some of our favorites.

Fall Camping in New England

  • When to go: October
  • Trees to see: Red maple, crabapple, black gum, birch, beech

New England is synonymous with fall colors. While the changing hues of trees are a worldwide phenomenon, it's spots in the Northeast like New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine where you’ll find some of the nation’s best fall foliage spots. Although it’s tough to know when fall colors will start, even with foliage reports, you can generally expect things to change by late September or early October, with peak color in mid- to late October. New York state is another great place for fall foliage camping, particularly in the Adirondacks and the Catskills.

Fall Camping in the Smoky Mountains

  • When to go: Mid-October to mid-November
  • Trees to see: yellow birch, sugar maple, scarlet oak, American beech

If you're planning a leaf-peeping trip, the Smoky Mountains are a great place to go. In Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers exceptional fall foliage, though peak fall colors vary considerably depending on the week. The higher elevations (above 4,000 feet) tend to get fall colors earliest—head to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Clingmans Dome Road to see them. The prettiest displays are at lower elevations—ideal for fall foliage camping—and usually come during the second half of October.

Fall Camping in the Pacific Northwest

  • When to go: mid- to late October
  • Trees to see: bigleaf maple, vine maple, red maple, raywood ash

The Pacific Northwest is better known for its evergreen conifers than its deciduous trees, but there are still plenty of spots to catch fall colors in the region. While you’ll be able to see colorful trees throughout this forested region, colors start first in central and eastern Washington and Oregon. These areas also generally have less rainfall than west of the Cascade Mountains, making them ideal for a fall camping trip.

Fall Camping in California's Eastern Sierra

  • When to go: late September to early October
  • Trees to see: aspen, cottonwood

Running along the California-Nevada border, the Eastern Sierra region gets its peak fall colors a little earlier than some of the other parts of the country, and the aspens found in this area often start to change to yellow in September. If you want to experience these vibrant pigments for yourself, consider heading to one of California’s national parks, such as Yosemite or Sequoia, or head up to Mammoth Lakes or Inyo National Forest for a camping trip.

Fall Camping in the Rocky Mountains

  • When to go: September
  • Trees to see: aspen, cottonwood

As with the Eastern Sierra, aspens and cottonwoods account for much of the fall colors in Colorado. These trees also change to golden hues early, sometimes before summer is even out. While you should always check our fall color tracker for up-to-date information, you can generally expect to see golden leaves in September. Just be prepared for cold nights, and know that most Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds close in September. Choose a private Hipcamp nearby instead.

Fall Camping in the Midwest

  • When to go: October
  • Trees to see: maple, dogwood, black gum, Ohio buckeye

Along with New England, the Midwest is a key destination for fall leaf peeping. While the whole region is ideal for this fall activity, you’ll find some of the prettiest autumn displays in Door County, Wisconsin; in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on Michigan's Upper Peninsula; and around the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

Fall Camping in the South

  • When to go: mid-October­ to November
  • Trees to see: maple, hickory, oak, American beech

If you’re worried that you've missed peak fall foliage season, fear not: You can always go to the South, where fall foliage comes in late, particularly at lower elevations. The weather stays pleasant well into fall in much of the South, making it ideal for a late-season camping trip. The region also offers some particularly scenic drives for leaf-peepers, including the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, and Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway.

Planning an Unforgettable Fall Camping Adventure

A fall camping adventure requires preparation, especially if you’re hoping to camp in an area rich with reds, yellows, and oranges. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Pack for cool nights: Your summer camping kit might need a seasonal upgrade—don’t forget to bring extra layers and sleeping bags rated for cold weather.
  • Check fire advisories: Some wildfire-prone areas may still be under fire bans even in fall.
  • Read up on local events: Fall is the season for harvest festivals, wine crushes, and Halloween events, all of which complement leaf-peeping trips spectacularly.
  • Use our foliage map: Hipcamp's interactive color map makes it easy to find the best dates to see peak fall foliage no matter where you’re headed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to go camping in the Great Smoky Mountains to see fall foliage is typically from mid-October to mid-November. However, the exact timing of peak fall colors can vary depending on the week and elevation. Higher elevations tend to see fall colors earlier. Use a fall foliage prediction map like Hipcamp's to find the best time for peak foliage.

During a fall camping trip in the Eastern Sierra, you can expect to see aspen and cottonwood trees. These trees change to golden hues early in the fall, often starting in September.

In the Rocky Mountains, you can generally expect to see golden leaves in September. However, it's advisable to check for up-to-date information, as some Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds may close in September. Also check Hipcamp's fall foliage map to see when peak foliage will happen.

Leaves change color in the fall due to a combination of factors. These include day length, temperature, weather conditions during the growing season, tree species, nutrient availability, elevation, and wind. Day length, in particular, plays a crucial role as the days become shorter and less sunny, causing chlorophyll production to slow down and other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins to become more prominent.

If you're looking for a late-season camping trip to see fall foliage, head to the South. The South experiences fall foliage in mid-October to November, particularly at lower elevations. The region offers pleasant fall weather and scenic drives for leaf-peepers, as seen in Hipcamp's interactive foliage map.

Autumn is considered a popular time of year in the US because of various factors such as cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice products, cool foggy nights, and Halloween celebrations. Additionally, the beauty of fall foliage, with leaves changing colors to gold, crimson, and orange, makes it an attractive season for outdoor activities like camping.

Some tips for planning a fall camping adventure include:

  • Packing for cool nights by bringing extra layers and cold-weather sleeping bags.
  • Checking for fire advisories, as some areas may have fire bans in the fall.
  • Reading up on local events like harvest festivals, wine crushes, and Halloween events that can complement your leaf-peeping trip.
  • Using an interactive fall foliage map, like Hipcamp's, to find the best dates to see peak fall foliage in your chosen destination.

To plan a trip around fall foliage, use an interactive fall foliage map that predicts the optimal times to experience the best fall colors in different parts of the US. This map takes into account factors like temperature, precipitation, and more to help you plan your leaf-peeping getaway.

Some of the best places to see fall foliage in the US include:

The best time to witness fall colors generally falls between late September and early November, depending on the latitude and altitude of the area. Remember that the timing and intensity of fall foliage can vary from year to year due to weather conditions, so it's always a good idea to check a fall foliage prediction map like Hipcamp's before planning your trip.

Fall foliage season usually starts in mid-September and can last through late October or early November, depending on the location and the specific weather conditions of the year. Check out a fall foliage map to pinpoint the right time to visit any given part of the US.

Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine are known for having the longest fall foliage seasons in the United States, typically from mid-September through October. This is due to their diverse ranges of tree species and northern latitude. Check out the Hipcamp fall foliage prediction map to know exactly when to plan your fall foliage getaway to these northeastern states.

Some of the best national parks to visit during autumn include Acadia National Park (Maine), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina), Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), and Shenandoah National Park (Virginia). Use Hipcamp's fall foliage prediction map to know exactly when to plan your trip for peak foliage.

During fall camping, you can enjoy hiking, photography, campfires, stargazing, and participating in seasonal activities like apple picking and pumpkin carving. Many areas with vibrant fall folors host harvest festivals, wine crushes, and Halloween events, all of which complement fall foliage trips.

To capture fall foliage photos, use early morning or late afternoon light, include a focal point in the foreground, use a polarizing filter to reduce glare, experiment with different angles, and consider capturing reflections in water bodies. All of this will make the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges pop.

Yes, you can go camping in many national parks during the fall. Acadia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Shenandoah National Park are some of the best national parks for fall camping. Just check the specific park's regulations, availability, and weather conditions before planning your trip.

Many states in New England, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, are known for their exceptionally beautiful fall colors. Colorado is also considered one of the best states for stunning fall foliage.

In fall, camping is available in many of Michigan's various state parks, such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ludington State Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Michigan camping is especially beautiful in fall thanks to vibrant fall colors.

To experience fall in South Carolina, head to northern areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains and Table Rock State Park. These park's witness especially beautiful fall foliage in late October.

Fall camping can be an excellent experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage in many parts of the US make it a popular choice. Just be prepared for lower temperatures and check the weather forecast before you go.

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