The Best Fall Camping Activities for a Cozy Trip
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to embark on a fall camping adventure.
The mild weather, stunning foliage, and cozy campfires make autumn the perfect season to explore the great outdoors.
Let me share some of my favorite fall camping activities, each one offering a unique experience that will make your trip unforgettable.
Fall Camping Activities
1. Hiking
Fall is the perfect time for hiking. The cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to explore trails without the sweltering heat of summer. The bugs, especially those pesky mosquitos, are usually gone, allowing you to enjoy the hike without constant swatting.
One of my favorite fall hikes was in the Great Smoky Mountains, where the vibrant foliage created a breathtaking landscape. The trail led us to a stunning overlook, and the crisp air made every step feel invigorating.
2. Leaf Peeping
Leaf peeping is a must-do activity during fall camping. You can go leaf peeping on your hikes, take a scenic drive near the campground, or simply enjoy the colors on your way to the campsite.
I love using the fall foliage map to plan my trips and ensure I catch the peak colors. National forests and forest service roads offer some of the best views, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape.
3. Go to a Fall Festival
Fall festivals are a highlight of the season, especially in the south. Every weekend, you’ll find festivals filled with fun activities, delicious festival foods, and unique crafts.
Some festivals are themed around fall produce like apples and pumpkins, while others focus on music, arts, and crafts.
I once attended a fall festival in a small town that featured live bluegrass music, apple cider donuts, and a pumpkin carving contest. It was a memorable experience that brought the community together.
4. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
If you’re lucky enough to be camping near a pumpkin patch or roadside pumpkin stand, make sure to visit. Picking pumpkins is a classic fall activity, and many patches offer additional activities and treats.
Last year, my family and I visited a pumpkin patch that had a corn maze, hayrides, and a petting zoo. We spent the afternoon exploring and left with a wagon full of pumpkins.
5. Carve or Paint Pumpkins
Once you have your pumpkins, it’s time to get creative. Carving or painting pumpkins at the campsite is a fun activity for the whole family. Just remember to clean up any mess and dispose of pumpkin pulp properly to avoid attracting animals.
One year, we carved intricate designs into our pumpkins and placed them around the campfire, creating a spooky yet cozy atmosphere.
6. Visit an Apple Orchard
I love apples, and visiting an apple orchard is one of my favorite fall activities. Look for an orchard near your campground and spend the day sampling different varieties.
Many orchards also have bakeries where you can indulge in fresh apple pies and cider. I discovered Pink Lady apples at an orchard in Michigan, and they quickly became my favorite. Check out Harvest Hosts to find camping at orchards!
7. Create a Caramel Apple Bar
With your freshly picked apples, set up a caramel apple bar at the campsite picnic table. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Provide a variety of toppings like crushed nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles for a customizable treat. Last fall, we created a caramel apple bar that was a hit with both kids and adults.
8. Create a Hot Cocoa Bar
While some people love hot coffee, I’m a hot cocoa girl. Setting up a hot cocoa bar is a great way to warm up on a chilly fall evening. Offer a variety of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks.
Pair your hot cocoa with caramel apples for a perfect fall treat. One evening, we gathered around the campfire with our hot cocoa, sharing stories and laughter as the sun set.
9. Roast Marshmallows & Make S’mores
S’mores are a camping tradition and a yummy treat on a cool evening around the campfire. Get creative with different cookies and candy to make unique s’mores combinations.
One of my favorite memories is roasting marshmallows with my family, trying to get the perfect golden brown color before sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate.
10. Play Campfire Games
Campfire games are a fun way to spend an evening around the fire. While summer can be too hot for a cozy campfire, fall is the perfect time for some fun and giggles.
Some of our favorite games include “Two Truths and a Lie,” “Would You Rather,” and “Charades.” One night, we played a hilarious game of “Telephone” that had us all laughing until our sides hurt.
11. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that’s even more enjoyable in the mild fall weather. Surrounded by beautiful autumn colors, you can explore hidden gems and discover new places. Head to the official geocaching blog for tips and information to get started.
Some state parks even offer GeoTours that you can participate in. Last fall, we found a geocache hidden in a tree stump near our campsite, and it felt like we had uncovered a secret treasure.
12. Go Birdwatching
Fall is a great time for birdwatching, as several species migrate during this season. It’s a chance to see birds you might not usually encounter. Check out this article about online tools you can use to track fall bird migration.
One memorable fall camping trip, we spotted a flock of migrating geese flying overhead, their honking calls echoing through the crisp air.
13. Canoeing and Kayaking
As long as you don’t flip your canoe or kayak into the cold water, fall is a great time to paddle calm lakes and rivers.
The changing leaves provide beautiful scenery, and cooler temperatures make for a more comfortable float.
One of my favorite fall paddling experiences was on a serene lake in Maine, where the vibrant foliage reflected off the water, creating a stunning mirror image.
14. Bike Riding
Cooler temperatures make bike riding more enjoyable in the fall. Ride bikes around the campground, find some trails, or look for nearby rails to trails that are fun trips.
Last fall, we explored a rail-to-trail path that wound through forests and meadows, offering breathtaking views of the changing leaves.
15. Make Leaf Art
Gather fallen leaves with the kids to create fun leaf art. Make animals and other cool designs out of the leaves or grab a few crayons for leaf rubbing art. You can even make a leaf scrapbook and identify all the leaves you find.
One afternoon, we collected a variety of leaves and created a beautiful leaf collage that we displayed in our tent.
16. Host a Camping Thanksgiving
Skip the crowded family dining rooms and stores and opt outside for the Thanksgiving holiday.
You can prepare traditional Thanksgiving foods or get creative with other yummy camping meals. Host a potluck at your campsite or reserve a campground pavilion if you expect a large crowd.
Last Thanksgiving, we gathered around a campfire with friends and family, enjoying a feast of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It was a memorable way to celebrate the holiday.
Your Favorite Fall Camping Activities
Now it’s your turn. What are your favorite fall camping activities? Is it something on my list or do you have other ideas for fun things to do when you are camping in the autumn months?
I know fall weather and activities vary depending on where you live, so let me know your ideas in the comments below!
