Crisp, cool mornings, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of the warm campfire – the wonders of camping in the fall. The mild weather (at least in the south!) makes it the perfect time for some great fall camping activities.
Say goodbye to the heat of summer putting a damper on your camping activities. Fall camping is a welcome reprieve!
Some activities make for a better experience in the fall, and we all love going leaf peeping. People flock to the multi colored mountains once the leaves start changing.
I’ve put together some favorite fall camping activities that are perfect for the whole family. My list includes fall camping activities for kids and fall camping activities for adults.
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Fall Camping Activities
Hiking
Fall is great hiking weather. It is not as hot, and the bugs (annoying mosquitos) are usually gone. It’s a good time for experiencing the change of leaf colors and any mountain top vistas.
Leaf Peeping
You can go leaf peeping on your hikes, hop in the car for a little road cruise near the campground or just enjoy the colors on your way to the campground. Check out this fall foliage map for an idea of peak fall color.
I love to camp in national forests and forest service roads can provide a look at beautiful fall color.
Related post: The Ultimate Guide to Camping in National Forests
Go to a Fall Festival
Fall is festival time, especially in the south! Fall festivals are popular events every weekend in the fall months. Fun activities, festival foods, and crafts make up the majority of the festivals.
Some are themed around fall produce like apples and pumpkins and others around music and arts and crafts. I love finding a good outdoor adventure themed festival too. Churches also host family friendly fall festivals and would be easy to find in many towns.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Are you lucky enough to be camping near a pumpkin patch or roadside pumpkin stand? Head out and pick some pumpkins. Many pumpkin patches have activities and treats available too.
Carve or Paint Pumpkins
If you visited a pumpkin patch or brought pumpkins from home, you can carve or paint them at the campsite. Just be sure to clean up and dispose of any mess you create. You want to leave your campsite clean and not attract animals with pumpkin pulp!
Visit an Apple Orchard
I love apples and my favorite discovery at an apple orchard was Pink Lady apples. Look for an apple orchard near your campground. We love to sample different varieties, and many orchards also have a bakery for the best fried apple pies. Check out Harvest Hosts to find camping at orchards!
Create a Caramel Apple Bar
Make some sweet treats with the apples from the orchard or some you brought from home. Set up a quick caramel apple bar at the campsite picnic table.
Create a Hot Cocoa Bar
Some people love hot coffee, but I’m a hot cocoa girl! Warm up with a fun hot cocoa bar ( which would be great with the caramel apples).
Roast Marshmallows & Make S’mores
S’mores are a camping traditional and a yummy treat on a cool evening around the campfire. Get creative and incorporate different cookies and candy.
Play Campfire Games
Everybody loves a campfire, but sometimes it is just too hot in the summer. Fall is the perfect time for some fun and giggles around the campfire playing campfire games.
Go Geocaching
Treasure hunting is more fun in mild weather surrounded by pretty autumn color. Head to the official geocaching blog for tips and information to get started. Some state parks have GeoTours you can participate in too.
Go Birdwatching
Several bird species migrate in the fall so it can be a chance to see species you might not usually see as they travel. Check out this article about online tools you can use to track fall bird migration.
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 temps make for a more comfortable float.
Bike Riding
I know I’m repeating myself , but cooler temperatures hands down make some of these outdoor adventures like bike riding more enjoyable. Ride bikes around the campground, find some trails, or look for nearby rails to trails that are fun trips.
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.
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.
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!
