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 forecastDec 4
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Top-rated fall campsites

97%
(3226)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, Sonoma
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
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$120
 / night
94%
(1195)

Lost Woods

19 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · San Antonio, Bexar
Welcome to our little piece of paradise! 55 acres of woods hidden near town. A network of trails criss-cross the creek and wind throughout the property under a peaceful canopy of large beautiful trees. Don't be surprised if you run into deer, squirrels, or roadrunners! Our property is home to a wide variety of hill-country wildlife. - Each of our campsites are private and surrounded by forest. - Each site has a fire ring for campfires - Our trees are our most precious natural resource and set this campground apart! Please don't do anything to harm them. - Port-o-john is available on site. - All of our campsites are primitive. No electric or water here. - When you camp with us you are welcome to explore and play on the entire property! We have 55 acres of trails and woods to explore! Please bring your bikes, trail shoes, or whatever helps you have fun in the wild! - Hammocks welcome! We have so many trees! All of our sites are hammock-friendly. - When you check-in, just text us, your host will help you find your campsite. - Some sites are drive-in where your vehicle can park right next to the fire. Others are walk-in and require a short hike of 100' or less from your parking space. You can indicate your preference during booking or at check-in. If you want to drive right into your site, Campsites 2, 6, & 12 are the sites you want. Some of our campsites are more secluded than the others and offer extreme privacy in the most beautiful settings we have to offer. If you're looking for a wilder campsite surrounded by huge old trees and all the peace the woods have to offer, just request Campsites 4, 5, 7, or 8. Each of these sites requires a walk of at least 50' from your vehicle to the fire ring. Site 13 is only for backpackers or people willing to hike about 500 yards to the campsite. There is no way to drive to it or even get close except on foot. But it is spectacular and beautiful! Only three sites can accommodate a smaller trailer or camper. Site 1, Site 2, and site 6. Please notify me in your booking if you intend to bring a camper and I can accommodate you. We practice leave-no-trace as much as possible. So please pack out anything you pack in. You are responsible for removing all trash. If any garbage is left behind you will be billed for the cleanup. Heads-up! We have a small farm on the property Dogs are always welcome and we LOVE our furry friends! For their safety and the safety of our livestock please keep them leashed while on property.
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$50
 / night
98%
(500)

Radl Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
Radl Ranch is a beautiful 8 acre working ranch, AMAZING SUNRISES☀️!!! wake up early :):):):!!!! ~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants. ~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches property located in Mission Canyon in Santa Barbara County. The property includes 4 acres of avocado trees and newly planted fruit trees. The other 4 acres is a charming natural forest and valley. The valley consists of 2 acres of beautiful flat area with a gorgeous newly planted garden and grass field, for campers to use, The camping area is on the wood chips just in front of the grass, and in our lower camping spot. We are in a box canyon, so sometimes phone service can be a bit spotty. Please message us the day of and let us know what time you will arriving. There is a shared OUTDOOR SHOWER, with hot water and incredible water pressure. PLEASE make your self at Home :):):) Enveloped in the property are lovely wildlife. There are deer occasionally, coyotes quite a lot,(watch your dogoooooos ) hawks, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, roadrunners among other curious critters. We also had a BEAR❤️!!!!!! Dogs are welcome to join the animal community at Radl Ranch! We love DOGS❤️❤️❤️, bring your dogs! We are an off-leash dog ranch, so please be aware that there will be roaming dogs !!!!!- BRING YOUR DOG ONLY IF ITS A NICE DOG :)!!! But seriously, we love nice dogs! In the evenings the valley has the most beautiful light more then just a sunset :)!!! :):):)!! Location: ~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants. ~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches ~Hendry's beach great for dogs, Campus Point 15 minute drive + many others ~Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum + more, as well as Art galleries galore are other nearby venues. Although, once you’re inside the canyon, you wouldn’t know it! Radl Ranch seems to be tucked away from all the hustle and bustle, preserving the privacy of the forest. Sunrise and sunset are the favorite times of day and at night, the beauty is amplified by the bright starry sky.
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$95
 / night
97%
(1191)

Taste of Old Florida

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Palm City, Martin
A small but unique piece of land that was given to a family in the 1920s by the Florida Railroad Company. It stayed in the family until we purchased it. It is unique because the surrounding area does not have much tree coverage. This is due to the ground underneath, which is a vein of grey marl. This is why the area is called the Allapattah (an Indian word for Alligator) Flats. We are hoping that our county stays the way it is so people will know what Old Florida really looks like. Minutes from I-95, but surrounded by the Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Preserve. Located on Martin Hwy, which was recently designated as a Florida Scenic Hwy. Fifteen minutes to Stuart and thirty minutes to West Palm Beach, a world away from the hustle and bustle. We realize that people also love Florida for Disney and tropical paradises but if that is what you want than this may not be your kind of place.
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$22
 / night
99%
(203)

Twisted Oaks

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · San Marcos, Hays
. Twisted Oaks is located on 20 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. I've been here over 33 years. We have 10-15 campsites all named after the colors in a rainbow. We offer rentals of kayaks, coleman camp stoves, triple burner propane very large, mr buddy propane heaters jackery 1000 watt and bluetti 600 watt solar generators or a tent if this your first time. payment for extras can be cash or Venmo. If you have any special needs please feel free to contact me. thanks and hope to see you soon We sell seasoned oak and juniper hardwood. We are a small microbusiness and would really appreciate if you purchase wood here rather than at a large box store. It is your choice but just so you know you will get twice the wood for maybe half the price. We sell a large wheelbarrow load for $20 or half load for $10. Kindling is gratis. Please check the weather forecast before booking. Texas weather can change on a dime. Also if it is raining in Austin or San Antonio it may be bone dry here. We can not be responsible for the weather or your selection of gear. I prefer winter camping with a nice fire and a cup of coffee. We have invested in clothing and gear to withstand below freezing temps. When campers book we go through a routine to make sure all sites are ready for YOU. There are times were we have had to change or modify our plans to accommodate our "guests" . Changing dates will incur a small fee. Please be fair. Our cancellation policy is strict and it it set as such to protect campers and host alike. We set a high standard for our camp but this is to ensure that all campers will have a great experience. Pay attention to the rules. Using common sense is what we ask. Treat our property as you would have us treat your place...it's really that simple. Hope this does not scare you away. Read the reviews and you will see the common thread is that we are nice helpful folks. See you soon!
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$12
 / night
96%
(806)

Sparrow Bend River Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, Bandera
Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes. With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder. Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill. Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience. Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale) Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures. This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths. The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.
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$55
 / night
96%
(4704)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, Mendocino
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
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$40
 / night
99%
(1920)

Starlight Hills

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bostic, Rutherford
Our Spa is now available for booking! We are a constantly evolving location. Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature. Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities. A creek on the property is lovely for walking. Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach! We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents and a Cabin. Glamping and cabin have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system). As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers. Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️. Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
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$36
 / night
98%
(996)

The Desert Rose Collective

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Morongo Valley, San Bernardino
Dear Guests,As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, we are taking all precautionary measures with respect to protecting common areas in the camp.  All common facilities, bathroom, kitchen area, bar area, etc. are being cleaned and disinfected constantly.  Our tent cabins are being disinfected in between each check-in and check-out.At this time we do not require masks and do not inspect vaccine cards.  You may self certify that you have received your vaccine by not wearing a mask or continue to do so, if you wish._____________________________________The Desert Rose Collective is a work in progress!  This unique property is being transformed into a truly 'hip' camp.  It features a sun shade structure with a bar, an outdoor kitchen, a semi-outdoor bathroom, plenty of seating and shaded areas to relax and enjoy the fabulous views.  Both days and nights are amazing from the location of this unforgettable property in the canyon.Check out additional information under our Tent Cabin, Camping, and RV listings.We look forward to your booking and to meeting you at The Desert Rose Collective!
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$20
 / night
95%
(345)

Hidden Valley Nature Center

8 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Newcastle, Lincoln
HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER IS 1,000 ACRES OF PROTECTED LAND IN JEFFERSON, MAINE - RICH WITH A VARIETY OF HABITAT AND TERRAIN INCLUDING OVER A MILE OF SHORE FRONT ON LITTLE DYER POND. Miles of multi-use trails great for hiking and biking, rolled and groomed XC ski trails, and several rustic huts and tent sites are waiting for you. Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) is your forest. HVNC is part of Midcoast Conservancy, and a portion of the booking fees goes to support our mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters. Midcoast Conservancy members receive a 40% discount. Not a member? Visit the Midcoast Conservancy website and join through the "donate" button at the top right of the home page. Your membership confirmation email will include your discount code. Thank you!
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$30
 / night
98%
(129)

Cotee River Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Port Richey, Pasco
Our RV Campsites are located in a grassy field next to dense woods. Electric and water hookups are included in the RV/Camper sites, but not the Tent Site. All sites have a picnic table. Cell phone service is not a problem, as we are not that remote (although it sort of feels like we are when you are here) - we are 5 min from downtown New Port Richey, 2 minutes from groceries, gas, restaurants. This beautiful slice of Old Florida is named for the Pithlachascotee River that bends along the back side of the property. Pithlo is the Creek word meaning canoe, and chaskita means to dig or chop out, together signifying "place where canoes are chopped or dug out". Seminoles of this area used canoes dug out from the great cypress trees found along Florida rivers. From the 1980s until 2014, this property was owned by the Cotee River Lions Club. They held a popular monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser in the large pavilion along the river. We purchased this 4.9 acres of land in late 2019. It is now where we live and have a woodworking shop. It has been a magical place for us, with no shortage of wildlife, rich jungle forest, a lazy winding narrow river, and even the occasion river otter sighting. We are grateful to all the humans who have occupied this place over the centuries before us for keeping it as nature intended it. It is our intention to do our part to conserve and protect its natural beauty as long as possible. We hope you find it to be as restful and rejuvenating as we do.
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$10
 / night
99%
(954)

Paradise Valley Homestead

11 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · West Milford, Passaic
We have 10 large sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and can only be accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.
from 
$40
 / night

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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.
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