With the hot days of summer behind us, camping takes on a new life. Chilly mornings, perfect hiking weather and warm comfort food all come together to make fall camping a must-do for any outdoors enthusiast. If you're not convinced, here are seven very good reasons to keep your tent out just a little bit longer.
The Scenery
In almost all areas of the country beautiful colors reign supreme during the fall season, which makes it a picturesque time to go camping. Though New England is known for its array of seasonal hues, there are a number of places to go for a charming autumn trip. Some of the best states for fall camping are:
The Weather
Through tired eyes you watch the sun crest in the east as you clutch your warm mug, steam rising into the fresh morning air. Coffee or hot chocolate never tasted so good as on a crisp autumn morning. With the right clothes and gear, these temperatures make fall camping more comfortable than in the hot humidity of summer.
Affordable Rates
After Labor Day many campgrounds drop their rates, stop taking reservations, and become first come first serve. With peak season behind you, now's the time to get the most affordable rates.
Less Bugs
Chilly fall temperatures chase the usual overflow of bugs to a warmer climate. This makes forested campsites, which are often flooded with mosquitos and nagging insects, more comfortable. Still, you should always keep bug spray packed, just in case.
Fall Camping Food
Cool weather makes comfort food a campsite staple. Warm up your evenings at camp with one of these cold-weather approved meals:
A Good Night's Sleep
Sharing a small sleeping space in the summer months can make your hot tent even more unbearable. However, sleeping is more comfortable on cool fall nights. Snuggle up with your little ones or significant other for a long, restful sleep under the stars.
Different Activities
The fall season is prime time for an array of different camp activities. AccessCamping.com reports, "Autumn used to be a quiet, slow period in the country's parks, but things have changed, notes Paul Bambei, president and CEO of ARVC. He says that although fewer campers are traveling, park operators have discovered they can sometimes fill their campsites and cabins to capacity if they provide enough activities." When you go camping in the fall, try:
- Apple picking
- Pumpkin picking and carving
- Local harvest festivals like Oktoberfest
- Halloween events
- Fall fishing derbies
Fewer Crowds
Meeting new people is a great benefit of camping. Still, busy campgrounds can be overwhelming. With less people inclined to camp during the school year, you can enjoy having fewer neighbors and less crowded hiking trails.
Reserve a campsite.
Jessica Sanders is the Associate Online Editor for ReserveAmerica.com. After many years of camping and hiking in the Northeast, she's exploring what the West has to offer and sharing all of her knowledge with you. She's a s'mores master, campsite connoisseur, writer, runner and lover of all things outdoors. Follow her on Google+.
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