5 Reasons why fall camping is the best
I’ve been camping for decades now — from my twenties with a backpack and a sense of adventure, to my fifties with a cozy camp chair and a good book. At 53, I’ve come to appreciate camping in a way I didn’t when I was younger. And if you ask me, fall is hands-down the best season to head outdoors. Here’s why.
The Air Feels Just Right
There’s something about that crisp bite in the morning air. You wake up, unzip the tent, and see your breath puff out like smoke signals. I wrap my hands around a steaming mug of coffee, and suddenly the whole forest feels like it’s waking up with me. The heat of summer is gone, but it’s not yet the bitter cold of winter. It’s the perfect in-between.
Fewer Crowds, More Peace
By the time September rolls around, most campgrounds are quieter. Families have headed home for school, and the summer rush is behind us. That means I can snag my favorite sites, hear the owls at night instead of loud music, and actually feel like I’m escaping the noise of everyday life.
Nature Puts on a Show
Fall feels like the earth is celebrating before it rests. Leaves turn fiery red, golden yellow, and pumpkin orange. The light slants lower through the trees, casting everything in a golden glow. I always bring my camera, but nothing ever seems to capture the way it feels to walk through a forest that’s dressed in its finest clothes.
Campfires Feel Extra Cozy
In the summer, campfires can feel like an afterthought — too hot to really enjoy. But in the fall? They’re the heart of camp. I love pulling on a sweater, grabbing a blanket, and sitting close to the flames. Marshmallows roast slower, conversations last longer, and somehow, the stories told around a fall fire always feel a little deeper.
It’s a Chance to Slow Down
Fall camping reminds me to breathe. At 53, I notice more — the way pine needles crunch underfoot, how quiet it gets when the wind pauses, the smell of damp earth after a chilly rain. It’s not just about escaping; it’s about reconnecting with the simple, grounding things that matter.
Final Thoughts
For me, fall camping isn’t just another trip outdoors — it’s a chance to pause between the rush of summer and the busy holidays. It’s about sitting in the cool air, watching leaves drift down, and realizing how lucky I am to still be able to pitch a tent, build a fire, and fall asleep under a quilt of stars.
If you’ve never tried camping in autumn, give it a shot. I promise — the forest feels different, and so will you.