Why fall is the best time to go camping in the US – and where to pitch your tent

Pandemic-weary Americans flocked to the nation’s campgrounds in record numbers during the summer. And while COVID-19 and its deadly variants can make predicting future recreation activity somewhat of a guessing game, recreation officials expect the camping surge to continue.

This is likely a safe prediction because, for Americans anxious to set pandemic worries aside and hungry for some outside activity, camping is a very COVID-19-friendly pursuit. 

"The camping and visitation numbers have been strong this year," notes Shane Bertsch. He is district park supervisor for the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area near Yankton, South Dakota, a sprawling public use area on the north shore of the Missouri River and one popular with both tent and RV campers.

"The word from national tourism is that camping and visiting parks will continue to be really popular for the next five years," he adds.

That’s good news for the camping industry but there is no reason to wait until next summer.

If you hate heat and mosquitos, had a hard time reserving a campsite, or couldn't quite find the time to get away this summer, don't worry. The optimal time to go camping is actually after Labor Day. 

From Maine to Minnesota, South Dakota to Arizona and beyond, the weeks following Labor Day (the unofficial end of summer) are a delightful time to pitch a tent or park your RV. Summer’s searing temperatures are cooling. Humidity is drying. Mosquitos, black flies and other buzzing and biting critters become less of a torment.

Forests meld into a kaleidoscope. Water temperatures cool but not too much. Fishing improves. And campgrounds are generally somewhat less crowded than at their summer peak.

For all those reasons, the fall season is my preferred time to camp. And I’m not alone.

 "Actually, fall is a very popular time for camping in Arizona," says Becky Blaine, deputy director for the state’s Office of Tourism. “Low desert parks shine during this beautiful time of year when the temperature drops enough to enjoy the outdoors and north-central Arizona is awash in fall color.”

Even in regions where winter can and sometimes does arrive harshly, early and unannounced, fall opens the door to the year’s most pristine camping conditions.

"Contrary to popular belief, fall can be one of the best seasons to camp in Minnesota," says spokesperson Alyssa Hayes. She suggests that camping visitors seeking a less-visited slice of the Gopher State consider Maplewood State Park, which accommodates tent, RV and horse camping, Great River Bluffs, or one of its neighboring areas that hem the Mississippi River in the state’s southeastern corner.  

"The off-peak time is a nice time to avoid crowds and score some of the best (camp) sites in the state," Hayes adds. "Daytime weather is typically mild, but autumn nights are cool so campers should plan and pack accordingly."

That’s a sentiment echoed by Katlyn Svendsen, Steve Lyons and Tim Fennell, who oversee tourism and travel for South Dakota, Maine and Texas, respectively.  

Each rolls out the welcome mat for fall campers. 

"In the fall, the cackle of a (pheasant) rooster in the open fields is popularly sought," explains Svendsen, global media and public relations director for the South Dakota Department of Tourism, referring to the state’s superb pheasant hunting.

"But more so  – even than that – many (campers) come to South Dakota in the fall for a reprieve from crowds, the heat and ability to see a diverse set of landscape in close proximity. Fall in South Dakota also means that the campgrounds are a little less full of people, but filled with the sights of changing colors, cooler temperatures and a little more room to sprawl out."

Campers not familiar with Maine, where winter sometimes arrives early and stay late, might suspect that camping in the Pine Tree State closes with the end of summer. Not so, according to Lyons, director of Maine's Office of Tourism.

"Fall is a great time for camping in Maine, Lyons says, echoing his counterparts. "The cooler temps are perfect for hiking and exploring our state parks and public lands. A fall camping trip also gives visitors the added bonus of beautiful foliage viewing." 

Those natural attractions can be found at the nearly 800-acre Aroostook State Park, located near Presque Isle. Aroostook has been welcoming campers year-round since opening in 1939 and has the distinction of becoming Maine’s first state park.

"We do want to remind fall campers that as the sun sets earlier in the fall, they should give themselves plenty of time to get back to camp during daylight hours after a day of exploring."

Svendsen noted that South Dakota fall campers might experience a possible edge of winter air and prepare accordingly. 

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"We often seen people camping through the month of October enjoying the brisk fall mornings and evenings, but warmer afternoons," she noted. 

Svendsen suggests late-season campers searching for some solitude not overlook the Shadehill Recreation Area located on the Shadehill Reservoir and about a dozen miles south of Lemmon off State Route 73. It’s not exactly in the middle of nowhere. But it’s close.

"This is a beautiful part of South Dakota that is often overlooked because it is not near any large towns," she said.

Campers can also enjoy some frontier history at Shadehill. The site where mountain man Hugh Glass was attacked and mauled by a grizzly bear, an encounter depicted in the 2015 Academy Award-winning movie "The Revenant," is nearby. A monument marks the spot. 

Fennell, director of Travel Texas, also touted friendly fall weather as one lure to bring late-season campers to his state. But there are other reasons, including Caddo Lake State Park and Padre Island National Seashore.

"Camping and hiking in autumn offers the opportunity to experience cooler weather, scenic vistas and majestic fall foliage at our incredible parks and campsites across the state," he noted.

You should still make reservations

COVID-19 restrictions vary by state and facility. Information is updated regularly on a park or recreation area’s website. Please check before making travel plans. Campgrounds are generally less busy during the fall season, but reservations are accepted at most places and generally recommended.  

"We have seen a record number of visitors at our parks and while summer is the most popular time for camping, we recommend fall campers make reservations in advance and check the park’s website for relevant information," advised Lyons. 

A note about fire

Throughout much of the summer, swaths of the country have been ravaged by wildfires. Some areas, including developed campgrounds, restrict or prohibit open fires. A survey by The Dyrt, an online camping information site, revealed that not everyone apparently follows the rules. The survey discovered that 36% of campers reported seeing active fires this summer in areas with burn bans.

"Let's not sugarcoat this, said The Dyrt co-founder Kevin Long. "It's every camper's responsibility to protect the natural environment we are all lucky enough to be able to enjoy. When burn bans are in place, there is no excuse for having a campfire. If having one is that important to you, please camp where they're legal."     

Gary Garth has camped, fished, hiked, canoed, kayaked, hunted and occasionally been lost in most states and a few countries. More at www.garygarth.net.