For Airstreamers, fall means some of the best camping of the year. While summer’s heat and humidity say goodbye, autumn, cool and breezy, welcomes adventurers with open arms.
No matter where you live in this great big country, there are glorious vistas just waiting for you. From mountains to valleys, deserts to coastlines, and everything in between, Airstream travelers can find their own happy place during this spectacular season.
Depending on where you choose to travel, you can steep in the changing leaves’ kaleidoscope of color, gear up for great hikes, or simply relax by roaring rivers and pristine lakes. And when the day is done, remember that the cooler evenings were made for campfires and s’mores.
Here’s the all-in-one Airstream guide to some of the best fall camping, as recommended by fellow Airstreamers through Campendium. Take a look, hitch up and go exploring.
Northeast
Who doesn’t think of New England when it comes to fall foliage? In fact, each year millions of folks make a pilgrimage to this region to take in the changing leaves’ rich hues of red, yellow, magenta and orange.
From the beaches of Rhode Island to the mountains of Maine, there is a cascade of color everywhere. And the many places to explore mean options for every kind of outdoor activity; forest hikers, stargazers, fishers and boaters will feel equally at home here. Just be sure to enjoy a nice, ripe apple come snack time.
Learn more about great camping sites in the Northeast.
Southeast
There’s more to fall in the Southeast than college football. And with the weather turning from warm (or downright hot) to crisp, the great outdoors is calling its fans.
Places like the Great Smoky Mountains and the Ozarks are alight with changing leaves, while the beaches of the panhandle and the Outer Banks are less crowded and offer their own stunning views.
Regional fauna and flora abound, both seeming to rejoice right along with you in the changing of seasons. No matter where you choose to set up camp, you’ll find plenty of wild places to explore.
Learn more about great camping sites in the Southeast.
Northwest
When we imagine the Northwest, we see the cool green of its Pacific coastline and rugged mountains. But nature brings her entire palette to work when autumn comes to the region. She brushes the forests, riverbanks, gorges, valleys and mountainsides with colors so vibrant they rival New England’s legendary fall foliage.
Still, fall in the Northwest is about more than leaf-peeping. The cooler temperatures make the Northwest’s hiking and mountain biking trails even more inviting. The water is perfect for whatever your adventurer’s heart desires – fishing, kayaking, canoeing.
When the autumn sun sets, the stars blaze in the chilly, crystal clear night sky and a campfire feels exactly as it should. Does it get any better?
Learn more about great camping sites in the Northwest.
Southwest
Fall is the perfect time to explore the austere beauty of the Southwest. The blazing summer sun releases its grip, and the crowds recede from the region’s wildly popular National Parks and other natural wonders. As if in celebration, much of the desert foliage explodes in a uniquely beautiful riot of fall color.
All of this sets the stage for excellent outdoor adventures of every stripe. Desert hikes, mountain bikes, rock climbs and river trips are just some of the ways to enjoy autumn in this sprawling, rugged part of the country.
Learn more about great camping sites in the Southwest.
