Top Fall Camping Destinations in the US
As people across the US take to the road in search of socially distant holidays, outdoor endeavors are more popular than ever. Campsites, cabins, and RV parks are filling up fast this fall.
For insights into where travelers are heading as the leaves change colors, the platform Campspot consulted its booking data for family campgrounds, RV resorts, glamping sites, and more to determine the most in-demand destinations for autumn camping. These are based on reservations from just after Labor Day through October. In no particular order, here are the top 10 places where campers flock this fall.
Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.
Cape May, New Jersey
Less than 20 miles from the family-friendly beaches, old-school boardwalks, and historic painted Victorians of Cape May is Big Timber Lake RV Camping Resort. This sprawling site features basketball, volleyball, bocce, and shuffleboard courts, kayak rentals, mini golf, an arcade, and a 2,000 square-foot pool.
Santa Claus, Indiana
It’s never too early for Christmas in southwestern Indiana’s Santa Claus. The Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort features Christmas cabins and holiday cottages, as well as Santa’s Splashdown Waterpark, which has two big tube slides and a reindeer-themed water playground.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Southeastern Pennsylvania’s fall foliage rarely disappoints, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Quarryville offers a front-row seat for the action. Situated on 65 wooded acres adjacent to a 100-acre county park, the campground is more resort than camp, featuring two swimming pools, two hot tubs, a water zone, a giant inflatable jumping pillow, and additional activities like laser tag and escape rooms.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a vibrant town during the peak summer season. Although it tends to be more relaxed in the cooler months, there are still numerous activities available. Guests at Carolina Pines RV Resort might not want to leave the property, which features a bistro, a yoga studio, a mini golf course, and an arcade. However, for those eager to explore, the beaches and trails of Myrtle Beach State Park are only 20 minutes away.
Shenandoah National Park – Washington, DC
Located an hour and a half west of DC, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers an easy day trip from the nation’s capital. The Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in nearby Luray, Virginia, provides the chain’s signature amenities, including mini golf, gem mining, pools, and water slides. Accommodations are available in pet-friendly cottages, RV sites, and primitive tent camping.
Central Michigan
The lakes of Michigan create a picturesque setting for a summer getaway, but they also offer stunning fall colors. Central Michigan’s Cedar River is home to Gladwin City Park and Campground, which provides rustic cabins and sites for tent and RV camping. Additionally, Beaverton’s Calhoun Campground has rustic, electric, and full hookup sites with views of Ross Lake.
Buffalo, New York
In a few months, only the hardy will be taking camping trips in upstate New York. However, currently, the region boasting natural beauties like Niagara Falls and Lake George is an excellent option for leaf-peeping. About an hour outside of Buffalo, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Western New York features chalets, cabins, tent sites, and full-hookup RV sites, all pet-friendly with WiFi access.
Paso Robles, California
The Paso Robles region of San Luis Obispo County is perfect for wine enthusiasts. With opportunities for shopping, golf, dining, and winery-hopping on a brisk sunny day, it has plenty of options for oenophiles. The Wine Country RV Resort is centrally located, offering pull-through and back-in RV sites along with chalets and cottages.
Arches National Park – Moab, Utah
The red sandstone of Arches National Park creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Nearby Moab serves as the gateway for exploring the area. Just six miles south of the park gates (and less than 40 miles east of Canyonlands) is CanyonLands RV Resort & Campground, where the region’s signature red rocks overlook the swimming pool. Tent and RV sites are available, along with cabin rentals.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve – Kerhonkson, New York
A 22,275-acre park in the Hudson Valley, Minnewaska draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round for activities ranging from rock climbing to snowshoeing. Just six miles away, the expansive Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Gardiner provides rustic tent sites, premium cabins, and luxurious lodges for rent.
