Watching the leaves turn from your sleeping bag and enjoying the newly cool temperatures are just a couple of the advantages of autumn camping.
These 10 fall campsites across the country feature breathtaking scenery and some of the best outside weather that fall has to offer.
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A popular destination with the RV camping set, this campsite is located on the shores of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You won't find too many fall colors (think more desert landscape and the occasional palm tree), but September and October offer some delightfully mild temperatures and a chance to miss much of the intense party scene that infiltrates the lake during the summer months.
With 80 sites, full hookups and easy proximity to the fantastic River Mountains Loop Trail, you can get in some serious mountain biking, hiking or trail running before spending the rest of the day floating on an inner-tube in Lake Mead (beer optional).
Ditch the fancy hotels and pricey hot stone massages and experience California wine country from a tent (with maybe a free foot rub from your sweetheart). The Bothe Campground, part of the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, was once a private resort operated by Reinhold and Jeanne Bothe from 1939 until 1959.
This 1900-acre park along the edge of Ritchey Creek still offers a few of the original resort cabins in addition to more than 45 campsites and 10 yurts. The camping area comes with many amenities, including swimming, full restrooms and showers, drinking water—and access to miles and miles of trails underneath redwood groves.
Hike up to Coyote Peak for a great view of wine country, and maybe pack a "civilized" outfit for a wine tasting or dinner in one of the area's famous restaurants.
One of the Coconino National Forest's most popular campsites, Cave Springs offers roughly 80 sites and is located in scenic Oak Creek Canyon just outside Sedona.
Admire the red rock cliffs, fish for trout or hike up to nearby Slide Rock State Park to take at dip in the famous, natural slip'n'slide swimming hole area (but be aware—the water is cold!).
Located in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the lesser-developed East Entrance, Desert View Campground is popular with photographers because of its sweeping views of the park practically right from your tent. With just 50 spots and no reservations, this campground is typically full by 1 p.m. most summer days, but come early fall you have a little more leeway.
What this campground lacks in amenities (restrooms and minimal picnic tables) it makes up for with welcomed quiet respite from the busy Grand Canyon tourist traffic.
Located in New Hampshire's White Mountains, the Dolly Copp campground offers some of the best fall colors in the country. Featuring more than 170 campsites and a massive campfire perfect for big groups, you can make endless s'mores while watching the leaves turn.
Two trailheads leave from this campground, including the 4.1-mile ascent along the Daniel Webster Trail, which winds up to the summit of Mount Madison and offers awe-inspiring views of the Presidential Range.
Whereas most camps are winding down in October, Joshua Tree National Park's camping is just hitting its peak season, which lasts through May. The Jumbo Rocks Campground offers 124 spots, pit toilets and no water—so plan on bringing at least two gallons per day per person. This incredibly popular spot usually fills up fast on weekends and on holiday weeks—so arrive early to grab a spot.
Located alongside the famous Skull Rock formation, this campground is a stargazer's dream. The night sky is so illuminated with constellations you'll think it's a hallucination. During the day you can explore the picturesque rock formations, the namesake trees and enjoy some relatively mild temperatures.
One of Iowa's first state parks, Ledges is known for its distinctive geological and archeological features, including sandstone cliffs and bridges and stone steps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
A stay in one of Ledges' 100 campsites isn't complete without a jaunt along Canyon Drive—a winding one-way road along Pea's Creek that takes you up to the top of Des Moines River Valley where you'll be rewarded with views of dramatic sandstone cliffs (be advised that this road is closed during the winter months and occasionally during summer due to heavy flooding and/or rainfall).
Once the heat begins to dwindle and the mosquitos disappear, Roosevelt State Park becomes a prime viewing spot for fall colors. Located on a gentle slope that overlooks the Bienville National Forest, this site offers 140 spots surrounding Shadow Lake (as well as some cottages and cabins for those tent-averse campers).
Fish, hike, kayak, swim and trail run in and around Shadow Lake, or just buy funky souvenirs in the gift shop—either way you'll have a good time.
This popular beachside campground in Malibu's Point Mugu State Park is the perfect fall surf spot. With roughly 60 spots that fill up fast, this premium site boasts almost four miles of coastline, rocky bluffs, sand dunes and views of the nearby Boney Mountains State Wilderness.
Start your day with a grueling mountain bike or trail run in the Boney Mountains, followed by an afternoon surf session at Point Mugu. Finish off the day with a campsite fire roast and some good old-fashioned beachside acoustic jamming.
Snag one of the four campsites at this elusive campground located at 7,300 feet, and you'll be treated to dramatic views of the Taos Ski Valley, as well as access to great fishing and hiking.
Head out on a day hike into the beautiful Wheeler Peak Wilderness, where you'll find 20,000-acres of rugged peaks, alpine lakes and high mountain tundra. Check the weather before your trip, pack plenty of layers and bring lots of extra water as this site is at a high elevation and does not have access to potable water.
