11 Best National Parks to Visit in the Fall
If you’re ready to plan an incredible fall getaway, these national parks are PERFECT to visit in the cooler weather.
Whether you’re interested in leaf peeping, lower crowds, fewer pesky bugs, or hiking without pouring sweat, the national parks below are at their best in late September through November.
In each of the descriptions, you’ll discover everything you need to know in order to choose the right national parks destination for whatever your fall travel plans are. You’ll get camping and hotel suggestions, top activities to do, and other important tips.
You’ll find plenty of options that explode into gorgeous color as the leaves change, as well as destinations that allow you to extend your summer if you can’t give up those warmer days.
Pack up the camper or book your rental car, and let’s head into these 11 best national parks for an autumn vacation you’ll never forget.
Drivers admiring the fall colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Why do a national parks visit in the fall?
While the fall season already has a lot going on—football’s back on TV, the kids are back in school, and festivals pop up every weekend—it’s also an incredible time to travel.
In general, the weather is cooler but not freezing, so you’re in that perfect zone for outdoor fun.
There are several national parks that offer up gorgeous fall foliage if you need a true autumn travel experience. While these parks see an uptick in visitation during peak foliage, the beautiful scenery, cooler weather for hiking, and seasonal events more than make up for the crowds.
If you’d rather lean into an endless summer, there are a handful of national parks that allow you to soak up those last rays of sun well into October and November. For these parks, the fall is often their shoulder season, which means you’ll be able to score deals on local accommodations and have the parks nearly to yourself.
I’ve outlined parks in each of these categories below so you can see exactly where you should travel this fall!
Best National Parks to Visit in the Fall
Below, you’ll find my picks for the can’t miss national parks for visits between September and November.
In each section, you’ll find a description of the national park, what you need to put on your itinerary for your fall visit, where to stay (with both hotel and camping options), and much more.
TIP: To save money, get an NPS annual pass. This will get you into any NPS site—including national parks, national battlefields, and national historic sites—for a year. And for even more savings, grab the national parks annual pass and AllTrails+ bundle!
Shenandoah National Park
Location: Virginia
Established as a national park: 1935
Best Known for: the 140-mile long Skyline Drive along the tops of the mountains in the park, the Old Rag hike, and the Civilian Conservation Corps contributions to the park
What’s Special about Shenandoah National Park in the Fall
A section of Skyline Drive with the fall foliage in full color
This East Coast park sets the standard for mid-Atlantic leaf peeping, thanks to the 150-miles of Skyline Drive to explore.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible long range views of the Shenandoah Mountains (part of the Appalachian mountain chain) and Shenandoah Valley far below.
There are dozens of pull-outs where you can gaze out at the blazing fall colors, picnic areas for a perfect lunch, and fantastic hiking throughout the park.
Plus, Shenandoah’s location near Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Richmond, Virginia; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, makes this an excellent long weekend destination in late September and October from much of the mid-Atlantic area.
Must Do Activities in Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive is the only way to navigate the park, so you’ll want to center your itinerary around the specific stretch or stretches that you’re most interested in. At over 150-miles long, this parkway is best done in sections so that you have time to get out and explore.
Don’t forget to grab the GuideAlong tour for Shenandoah National Park for in-real-time commentary on what to see and do as you drive around.
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Shenandoah in the fall, as the trails explode with color.
Old Rag is a popular trail for more advanced hikers, while nearly all hikers can find a section of the Appalachian Trail to hop onto during your time here. (Our favorite section is located near the Elkwallow picnic area.)
Dark Hollow Falls Trail is short but steep, and is manageable for kids if you take the return climb slowly.
Learn more about easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park here.
If you’re ready to relax, stop by the Big Meadow Lodge to sip on a cup of coffee while you linger by the large fireplace in the dining room. Several of the lodge’s hotel rooms also have fireplaces for the ultimate cozy stay.
More planning resources for your Shenandoah visit:
More Activities in and near Shenandoah National Park:
Where to Camp at Shenandoah National Park
If you’re willing to pull your camper along Skyline Drive, you can stay inside the park’s campgrounds.
NOTE: While the road isn’t particularly steep, it is curvy with a maximum speed of 35.
There is also a covered tunnel with a maximum height of 12’8” which procludes bigger RVs and trailers from going through t hat portion of the park.
You’ll need to be self-sufficient in the Shenandoah National Park campgrounds as there aren’t any water, electric, or sewer hookups.
The campgrounds are closed from late fall to early spring, so you’ll need to stay outside of the park if you’re visiting in the winter and early spring.
If you need outside accommodations, I recommend the nearby Shenandoah River State Park campground, which is peaceful with great hiking near the North Entrance.
Luray RV Resort is closer to the Thorton Gap entrance near Marys Rock. This RV park has SO much to do if you’re staying with kids, including an RC race track, bike park, playground, and seasonal water park.
Where to Stay for your Shenandoah National Park Visit
You don’t have to leave the confines of the park for your entire visit if you don’t want to!
One of the more built-out East Coast national parks, Shenandoah has multiple accommodation options onsite.
Whether you’d like to stay at a mountain top lodge or in a cozy log cabin, Shenandoah has you covered.
My first trip to Shenandoah National Park as a kid was at Skyland lodge, and I remember being dazzled by the views from our room.
Decades later, I still feel that way about the on-site accommodations in the park!
There are lodge rooms, suites and cabins at both Skyline Lodge and Big Meadows Lodge.
More cabins are available at mile marker 57 (Lewis Mountain cabins).
If those are booked, or if you’d like to be closer to stores and restaurants, I recommend staying in Front Royal, which is just a few minutes to the park’s north entrance.
Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Established as a national park: 1916
Best Known for: craggy coastal trails, historic carriage trails, and popovers at Jordan Pond
What’s Special about Acadia National Park in the Fall
Breakneck Pond in Acadia during the fall
Few things compare to a New England fall, and Acadia is one of the brightest spots in this already gorgeous region!
The incredible foliage, sweater-ready weather, and incredible hiking draw visitors from across the United States to this national park between mid-September and mid-October.
In fact, it is such a popular time to visit that it rivals the summer months for the highest number of visitors.
In addition to the natural beauty of the park, the fall is also an amazing time to see the whale migration off of the coast, so add a wildlife tour to your itinerary, too.
Must Do Activities in Acadia National Park
Early fall foliage on the park’s loop road
Get your bearings in the park’s main area by driving the 26-mile loop on the eastern side of Mt. Desert. You’ll find some of Acadia’s most iconic areas along this stretch, including the Thunder Hole, the Ocean Path trail, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
Use the inexpensive but informative Acadia National Park GuideAlong audio tour as you drive to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and points of interest.
The hiking here is fantastic with a variety of options for any experience level. Thrill seekers without a fear of heights might want to take on the Beehive and Precipice Trails, which require navigating thin ledges, metal rungs, and steep sections to get to incredible views.
For families or beginning hikers, the Jordan Pond Loop is flat, easy, and scenic, and perfect for any ability level.
Visiting Cadillac Mountain should also be at the top of every visitor’s wish list. Just note that access to the road to the top requires advanced and timed reservations when visiting late-May to late-October.
When you’re ready for a break, head over to Jordan Pond House, where you can enjoy popovers with jam and butter, a tradition that harkens back to when Gilded Age families enjoyed pond-side picnics here.
You can sit outside if the weather is nice. Otherwise, there is a big fireplace in the main indoor area.
If your itinerary allows, venture over to the Schoodic Peninsula, a quieter section of the park about 45 minutes from Mt. Desert and Bar Harbor.
Here, you will find another scenic drive, Rockefeller Hall at the Schoodic Institute, and several other hiking options. Whenever you’re driving around any section of the park, have the Acadia National Park GuideAlong audio tour playing to learn about the park’s history and wildlife!
NOTE: If you’re visiting with your family and want more ideas on what to see and do, check out my complete guide to Acadia National Park with kids here.
More Activities in and near Acadia National Park:
Where to Camp at Acadia National Park
Where to camp near Acadia National Park largely depends on how many creature comforts you’d like during your stay. Regardless of which of the following you choose, you’ll want to book ahead as fall is one of the peak visitation times for this area.
Campgrounds inside the Park
There are 4 campgrounds within Acadia’s borders, and all can be reserved ahead of time on Recreation.gov.
RV and tent campers can stay at the Schoodic Woods, Seawall, and Blackwoods Campgrounds, while tent campers are welcome at the covered tent pads on Isle au Haut.
Of these 4 campgrounds, only Schoodic Woods offers electric hook-ups, so come prepared with appropriate blankets, food, and other cold-weather comforts when you’re staying here in the fall.
Where to Camp Outside of Acadia National Park
If you'd prefer a cabin or more robust RV site while visiting, there are several campgrounds in the Bar Harbor area, just a 15 minute drive from the entrance to Acadia.
We stayed at the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, which comes highly recommended. My parents stayed in one of the cabins there, which are clean and comfortable and come with a fire pit for roasting s’mores. We parked our Winnebago Micro Minnie on the main field with views overlooking the water, and it is beautiful!
Where to Stay near Acadia National Park
The park doesn’t have any accommodations within its borders, but you can find many incredible options in nearby Bar Harbor.
There are luxury hotels on the harbor, quaint B&Bs tucked onto side streets, and everything in between.
New River Gorge National Park
Location: West Virginia
Established as a national park: 2020
Best Known for: trails to abandoned mines, rafting on the New River, mountain overlooks
What’s Special about New River Gorge National Park in the Fall
Beautiful fall colors from Grandview Overlook at New River Gorge National Park | source
If you’re looking for a leaf peeping adventure in the Appalachian mountains, but aren’t a huge fan of crowds, head to New River Gorge starting in mid-September.
While the fall is one of the park’s peak seasons (along with mid-summer), there aren’t anywhere near the crowds you’ll find at Acadia or Shenandoah during the same time period.
The reason for that is largely geographical: New River Gorge isn’t quite as accessible from major East Coast cities as Shenandoah is, and West Virginia hasn’t caught on as a must-see fall destination…yet.
Trust me, though, the fall here is every bit as incredible as those other East Coast parks, and the park’s layout allows for the crowds to always feel relatively dispersed.
Must Do Activities in New River Gorge National Park
If you’re visiting in mid-October, be sure to pencil in some time at Bridge Day, which celebrates the completion of the longest arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
The day-long party takes place completely on the New River Gorge Bridge, complete with live music, base jumping demonstrations, food trucks, and much more.
Base jumpers showcasing their skills at Bridge Day
The hiking is also a huge draw during the fall season as this is the best time to immerse yourself in the beautiful forests and rolling hillsides.
The cooler weather makes for a great environment to tackle one of the longer hikes in the park—my vote would be for the Kaymoor Trail, which takes you to an abandoned mine and town.
It’s a little chilly for me this time of the year for watersports, but if you’re not daunted by the cool mornings and frosty mountain water, you can hop onto a kayaking or white water rafting tour which usually run through the end of October.
For more family friendly suggestions for what to do, check out my guide to visiting New River Gorge National Park with kids.
You spend an incredible day just driving around the park from the Canyon Rim visitors center to Fayette Station Road under the Bridge all of the way down to Sandstone Falls near Hinton. Be sure to purchase the GuideAlong audio tour to play while you’re exploring the pretty backroads of the park!
More Activities in and near New River Gorge National Park:
Where to Camp at New River Gorge National Park
Since New River Gorge National Park winds around many small mountain towns, you have plenty of options to camp both in and out of the park.
However, you will want to choose your home base wisely as those winding mountain roads can make for a long drive to opposite ends of the park.
Campgrounds inside the Park
There are 8 primitive campgrounds in the park, which are great options if you’d like to get away from it all during your mountain retreat.
The park offers up a great mix of drive in and hike in campsites, but keep in mind that none of the campsites offer electrical hookups or on-site water.
From north to south, the park’s campgrounds are:
Brooklyn
Stone Cliff
Thayer
Army Camp
Grandview Sandbar
War Ridge
Glade Creek, and
Meadow Creek.
If you’re driving a longer Class A or pulling a travel trailer, do your research on the access roads ahead of time. Not all of the access roads to the campgrounds are paved, and many are narrow mountain roads with few, if any, pull-offs.
More information on the NPS campgrounds within the park here.
Where to Camp Outside of New River Gorge National Park
If you'd prefer a more luxurious camping experience with full RV hook-ups, I highly recommend Rifrafters Campground.
This cute campground is located just 7 minutes from the Canyon Rim visitors center in Fayetteville, West Virginia, and has 26 campsites with water, electric and sewer hook-ups.
There’s a bath house (open seasonally), playground, and small on-site store.
Where to Stay near New River Gorge National Park
The park doesn’t have any hotels inside its borders, so you will need to look at a hotel, AirBnB or cabin in one of the nearby towns.
If you’re exploring the southern section of the park, Hinton is right on the New River and convenient to Sandstone Falls.
If you’d like to stay near the bridge and the Canyon Rim visitors center, look in Fayetteville or Beckley.
For a truly memorable stay, consider renting a house in the ghost town of Thurmond, which still sees railroad activity today near the Thurmond visitors center.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Location: Florida
Established as a national park: 1992
Best Known for: its location 70 miles off of the coast of Key West, its historic fort that once housed criminals like Dr. Samuel Mudd
What’s Special about Dry Tortugas National Park in the Fall
Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
Thanks to its incredible position between the southern coast of Florida and Cuba, Dry Tortugas National Park still has gloriously warm weather well into the fall.
So, for all of my sunseekers out there, this is the place to be between the end of September and early November!
If you’d rather see a barracuda or lemon shark over colorful foliage, you’ll want to book some time here.
Must Do Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park
Plan for a full day at Dry Tortugas, and the journey here is half the fun.
You’ll board the Yankee Freedom catamaran near Mallory Square in Key West, and then take a 2.5 hour cruise to the island. (The other, much more expensive option is a semi-private or private flight from Key West.)
From there, you can explore historic Fort Jefferson to see where many prisoners were held, including Lincoln co-conspirator, Dr. Samuel Mudd.
Or, spend the day snorkeling in the reefs surrounding the fort, or exploring the small island.
Access to all aspects of the park are part of your boat ticket, including park admission and snorkeling gear. You will need to bring food and water.
More Activities in and near Dry Tortugas National Park:
Where to Camp at Dry Tortugas National Park
Remote but beautiful tent camping at Dry Tortugas National Park
Unlike the other national parks on this list, camping is tough to come by at Dry Tortugas thanks to the island’s remoteness and compact size.
Campgrounds inside the Park
There is just one campground on the island, and it is primitive. You’ll even need to bring over your own water in addition to your tent, food, clothes, and other camping comforts.
You cannot take the seaplane if you’re planning to camp since it cannot accommodate the extra gear. There is an option for camping during booking if you are accessing the island via the Yankee Freedom ferry.
These campsites book up very quickly, especially during the fall when the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures in Florida.
The 8 campsites cannot be reserved ahead of time, but there is an overflow camping area if you cannot nab one of those spots.
Where to Camp Outside of Dry Tortugas National Park
If you'd prefer to camp back in Key West, you have (slightly) more options at the handful of RV campgrounds there.
Boyd’s Key West Campground and El Mar RV Resort are the only full hook-up campgrounds on Key West, and they can book up very quickly this time of the year.
If you’re visiting with your RV or tent and need a fall camping spot, keep in mind that the limited campsites come with a hefty price tag compared to what you’re used to elsewhere.
Where to Stay near Dry Tortugas National Park
Given where this park is located, it should come as no surprise that there aren’t any lodging options available within the park’s borders.
Instead, you’ll need to find a room at one of the many fantastic hotels in Key West. September-November is the shoulder season before the high season starts around the winter holidays, so you can still find some decent deals if you book a couple of months ahead.
I’ve always been partial to the Southwinds Motel, which is just a block off of Duval Street and is much more affordable than other basic hotels in the same area.
The property has clean rooms (some with kitchenettes), a small pool, and a quiet location on the side of Key West away from Mallory Square.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Location: Colorado
Established as a national park: 2004
Best Known for: towering sand dunes up to 700 feet tall
What’s Special about Great Sand Dunes National Park in the Fall
The dune field as seen from the back of the visitors center
The sand here absorbs heat very well, which makes for a scorching hot experience in the summer.
By the fall, however, the temperatures have cooled down enough that you won’t have to worry about burning your feet as you explore these incredible dunes.
Plus, crowds are much lower in the fall, so you won’t have to fight for the very limited parking.
Must Do Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you’re looking for the highlights, you can hit those in just 1 day at Grand Sand Dunes National Park.
You don’t want to miss exploring the dunes. You can rent a sand board or sand sled off-property and spend the day cruising up and down the huge sand dunes.
Or, you can take on the challenging but scenic hike to the highest dune, Star Dune, which rises 750 feet above the surrounding plain.
Don’t forget to stop by the visitors center, which has beautiful long range views of the dune field, interpretive materials, and a short loop trail.
Get more ideas on what to do in the Centennial State with my guide to the best things to do in Colorado with kids!
More Activities near Great Sand Dunes National Park:
Where to Camp at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Due to the remote location of Great Sand Dunes National Park, you have a limited number of options on where to camp in and near the park.
Even in a less busy season like the fall, I recommend making reservations to ensure that you have a spot waiting on you.
Campgrounds inside the Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park has just one campground within its borders, the Piñon Flats Campground.
You won’t find any hook-ups at these sites, but there is potable water onsite, as well as outdoor showers near the main dunes parking area.
Reserve your spot up to 3 months before your trip on Recreation.gov.
Where to Camp Outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park
You’ll need to go outside of the park if you’d like a site with individual water, electric or sewer hookups.
The closest town to Great Sand Dunes is Alamosa, Colorado, which has a couple of campgrounds.
I recommend staying at the Alamosa KOA, which has a regular line up of family activities, pedal cart rentals, an on-site camp store, and incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Read my complete review of the Alamosa KOA here.
Where to Stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park
You’ll also need to head out of the park if you’re looking for a hotel or other non-camping overnight accommodations.
The Days Inn Alamosa is the closest to the park’s entrance (about a 20-25 minute drive), but there are several chain hotels in downtown Alamosa just a few more minutes down the road.
Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
Established as a national park: 1947
Best Known for: protected wetlands, abundant wildlife
What’s Special about Everglades National Park in the Fall
The natural beauty of the swamps that make up the Everglades
Goodbye, scorching temperatures in the 90s and 100s, and hello, long, sunny days that are actually pleasant to be out in!
Because the Everglades are a subtropical wetlands, it doesn’t ever get chilly here, but the temperatures get so much milder in the late fall.
So, if you don’t feel like sweating buckets on your vacation, plan to visit during October or November. This is also the shoulder season before things really pick up in the winter, so you’ll get those gloriously beautiful days without a bunch of people.
Plus, the Everglades are a great option for a fall getaway if you’re all about extending your summer instead of chasing some fall foliage.
Must Do Activities in Everglades National Park
Bobcat Boardwalk Trail in Everglades National Park
Start in Shark Valley to take a guided tram tour of the canals and observation tower, then head down into the Flamingo area to go biking. You’ll see alligators, birds, and all sorts of wildlife from the path!
Take the Tamiami Trail through the heart of the park over to Everglades City where you can explore another of the visitors centers and hop onto an airboat tour. As you drive, keep the Everglades GuideAlong audio tour on to learn about the park’s wildlife, history, and important people.
The fall is also a great time to explore one of the many trails in the Everglades. The short and stroller accessible Pinelands Trail and Bobcat Boardwalk Trail are wide and flat with views of wildflowers, palms, and other local flora.
More Activities in and near Everglades National Park:
Where to Camp at Everglades National Park
Thanks to its sprawling size across much of the southern tip of Florida, you’ll have to choose your accommodations carefully while visiting the Everglades.
There are only a few roads within in the park, so you can drive up to 2.5 hours from one end to the other. Because of this layout, plan your itinerary with your potential camping and hotel options in mind.
Campgrounds inside the Park
Everglades National Park does have 2 front country campgrounds: Flamingo and Long Pine Key. However, only Flamingo Campground is open year round. Long Pine Key is only open from November to May, which might be an option if you’re visiting in late fall.
These both have potable water and available public showers with options for tent campers and RVers.
If you’d like to glamp, the Flamingo area has a series of raised camping platforms with canvas tents permanently attached. If you’re visiting in September and October, you’ll need to bring cots or sleeping bags as these tent come unfurnished in the fall shoulder season.
From November into the winter months, you can book a fully furnished tent for the ultimate in glamping inside the park.
For a unique backcountry camping experience, you can rent one of the park’s chickees, which are simple platforms placed over the water. You will need to kayak or canoe to get to these.
Where to Camp Outside of Everglades National Park
If you'd prefer more robust campsites that accommodate longer RVs, you’ll need to look outside of the park.
The Chokoloskee RV Park is located near Everglades City to the west of the national park. This upscale RV park has paved sites, multiple amenities, and is close to stores and fishing.
The Trail Lakes Campground on Tamiami Trail is a good option for RVers if you’d like to get the feel of staying in the park without actually staying in the park. Trail Lakes is located on the border between Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, so it is remote, quiet, and perfect for those looking for a classic Everglades experience.
Where to Stay near Everglades National Park
Exterior walkways at Flamingo Lodge
You can stay inside the park at the Flamingo Lodge in the park’s southeastern corner. These eco-friendly rooms offer up all of the standard comforts of a hotel just steps from the wild swamps of the Everglades.
If you’d prefer a vacation home, there are several small mobile home-style rentals available at the Chokoloskee Island RV Park to the west of the park’s borders.
If those are booked up (and they often are), you can explore deals at the handful of hotels in Everglades City.
Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Established as a national park: 1971
Best Known for: thousands of stone arches, the Fiery Furnace hike
What’s Special about Arches National Park in the Fall
Rock formations at the Windows area in Arches National Park
Moab, Utah, in the fall and spring is one of my favorite destinations in the entire U.S. By early October, temperatures have fallen to a comfortable enough range for full day hiking, and the 90 and 100 degree days of summer are gone.
You’ll also see lighter crowds the further you get into the fall months, though you will still need a timed entry pass until the end of October. Go early, stay late, and travel mid-week if you really want the park to yourself even during busier periods.
The cooler fall days and chilly nights are perfect for desert hiking to the park’s many arches and campfires.
Must Do Activities in Arches National Park
Seeing the otherworldly rock formations are a must at this Utah national park, one of the Mighty 5 national parks in the Beehive State. [For a complete itinerary and tips on how to visit the Utah Mighty 5 with kids, check out my guide!]
There are a few that you can see from your car, including Balanced Rock and Courthouse Towers, but most require at least a short hike.
I recommend the Windows area for first time visitors since you’ll be able to see several huge stone arches in a short period of time. Sand Dune Arch is like a giant sand box and perfect when visiting with kids.
For more of a challenge, take on a hike through Fiery Furnace, the maze-like tangle of slot canyons and one of the most popular hikes in the park.
If you’re very short on time, complete the Arches National Park scenic drive through the heart of the park. Keep the GuideAlong audio tour on while you cruise Arches to learn more about the desert environment, the park’s history, and much more.
Find more information on planning the perfect Arches National Park visit here:
More Activities in and near Arches National Park:
Where to Camp at Arches National Park
Arches National Park is located just north of Moab, Utah, which is a small but bustling town. This proximity to Moab gives visitors multiple options for camping and hotel stays.
Campgrounds inside the Park
Devil’s Garden Campground at Arches National Park
Arches National Park only has one campground available inside of its borders, which is the Devil’s Garden campground at the end of the scenic drive.
This campground is very popular and often fills up, so if staying here is a priority, plan far in advance. The reservations open 6 months ahead of time and are available for fall stays in September and October. Once November 1 rolls around, all of the sites in the campground are first come, first served.
Keep in mind that there aren’t any electric hook-ups nor is there an option for potable water. You will find vault toilets near the front of the campground.
Where to Camp Outside of Arches National Park
If you’d like to boondock, but there aren’t any spots in Devil’s Garden, you can find dozens of spots elsewhere in Moab as there is a lot of open BLM land.
Look along Potash Road (on the way to Corona Arch Trail) or out by the incredible Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite for my recommended free camping areas.
If you’re looking for something a bit more robust, there are several great full service campgrounds with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups. Our go-to is the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, which is just north of Arches National Park and the closest private campground to Canyonlands National Park.
Read my full review of the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway campground campground here.
Where to Stay near Arches National Park
Other than Devil’s Garden campground, you won’t find any other accommodations within Arches National Park, so head outside of the park’s boundaries if you need to book a hotel or cabin.
The Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway I recommended above also has adorable casitas and cabins available for rent. We’ve stayed in these on a previous trip when we didn’t have our camper, and it’s a fun way to glamp without needing an RV or tent.
Check availability and rates for the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway cabins here.
If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel experience, Moab has everything from chain hotels to smaller mom and pop options. Compare Moab hotel rates here.
Canyonlands National Park
Location: Utah
Established as a national park: 1964
Best Known for: remote scenic drives, expansive canyon vistas
What’s Special about Canyonlands National Park in the Fall
Beautiful views near the Island in the Sky visitors center at Canyonlands
While Canyonlands National Park is rarely busy (it’s the least visited of the Utah Mighty 5), fall is when the crowds really begin to dwindle.
Just like in nearby Arches National Park, which is about 45 minutes away from the Island in the Sky section, Canyonlands in the fall is the perfect time to explore as those sweltering summer temperatures give way to much milder temperatures in October and November.
You won’t see much fall foliage here—it is in the desert, after all—but you will be treated in incredible long range views of rivers and rock formations, as well as some of the clearest skies you’ve ever seen.
Must Do Activities in Canyonlands National Park
First, know that Canyonlands National Park is massive, and that there isn’t equal access to all of the 3 sections. For first time visitors, I recommend the Island in the Sky section which has a visitors center and more infrastructure than the other two.
Here, you can do the short but spectacular hike to Mesa Arch, or visit one of the fantastic overlooks. Green River Overlook is one of my favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any of the views in the park.
Whale Rock Trail near Upheaval Dome is also a fun, short hike with great views of the surrounding desert.
The Needles is south of Moab and has several great hikes, but little infrastructure. The Maze, which is several hours by car from Moab, has zero infrastructure and can only be accessed by dirt roads or by the Colorado River. I do not recommend going to the Maze unless you have a guide with you.
If you’re planning to visit with your family and want additional recommendations, check out my complete guide to guide to visiting Canyonlands National Park with kids.
More Activities in and near Canyonlands National Park:
Where to Camp at Canyonlands National Park
Where to camp near Joshua Tree National Park largely depends on how many creature comforts you’d like during your stay.
Campgrounds inside the Park
A campsite at Willow Flats campground in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district
If you’d like to camp inside Canyonlands, you have two options: Willow Flats campground in Island in the Sky, and the Needles campground in the Needles.
Willow Flats only has 12 campsites, while the Needles has 26. Willow Flats is very bare bones, with no potable water or electricity. There are vault toilets onsite. The Needles campground is slightly more robust with potable water available, and onsite toilets.
The fall is a popular time for camping throughout Utah, and these two campgrounds are no exception. Plan ahead to grab sites in either campground.
Willow Flats and half of the Needles campground are first come first served (and do fill up throughout the fall season). The other half of the Needles campground can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.
Where to Camp Outside of Canyonlands National Park
All of Canyonlands is fairly remote, so if you’re not camping in the park, you’ll need to drive a bit.
A good alternative to camping inside Canyonlands is Dead Horse Point State Park, which is located on the same road as Island in the Sky. The state park has 2 campgrounds with electrical hookups, but you’ll need to bring in your own water as the park doesn’t have any available for RV and tent campers.
Where to Stay near Canyonlands National Park
Consider one of the yurts at Dead Horse Point State Park, which is a fun glamping opportunity near Island in the Sky.
You’ll need to bring your own water and bedding, but it’s the perfect way to experience the vast outdoors in this part of Utah without the need for all of the tent camping gear or an RV.
If that doesn’t suit, the cabins and casitas at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway are only about 30 minutes back towards Moab. (Read more above in the Arches National Park section.)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: along the North Carolina-Tennessee border
Established as a national park: 1934
Best Known for: mountain hiking trails, long range views from Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome), Cades Cove scenic driving route
What’s Special about Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Fall
Colorful fall foliage at Cades Cove
If you’re looking for a classic fall vacation filled with colorful leaves, crisp mornings, and scenic drives, head to the Great Smokies between mid-September and the end of October!
The nation’s most visited national park welcomes thousands of visitors during this time of the year—one of the park’s busiest—but it’s large enough that you can get away from the crowds. If you want to try and reduce those crowds further, go early on a weekday.
Since many people and their families are tied to a traditional school schedule, the park gets very busy on Saturdays with much lower crowds mid-week.
Must Do Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The weather in the fall begs for long, robust hikes, so be sure to add at least one to your itinerary.
The Alum Cave Trail is a popular choice that will give you ample opportunities to marvel at the explosion of color this time of the year.
For a shorter, but still challenging hike, try the climb to the top of Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome). On a clear day, the views from the observation tower are unrivaled! The path to the top of paved but very steep, so pace yourself and bring plenty of water.
Read my complete guide to hiking Kuwohi/ Clingman’s Dome here.
If you’d like to soak in the fall vibes from the comfort of your car, you can take the Roaring Fork Motor Trail near the Sugarlands Visitors Center or complete the loop through Cades Cove. The GuideAlong tour for this park is excellent and will provide needed context as you make your way around the park.
More Activities in and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Where to Camp at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is large, so you’ll want to ensure that your chosen camping area (either in or outside of the park) aligns with your itinerary.
Keep in mind that the park straddles the border of North Carolina and
Campgrounds inside the Park
Fall camping at Cades Cove campground inside the park
This sprawling national park has 10 front country campgrounds and dozens of hike-in backcountry camping sites.
The front country campgrounds are scattered throughout the park with easy access from both the Tennessee and North Carolina entrances.
None of the front country campgrounds have electrical hook-ups, but most have dump stations and potable water (seasonally during the spring, summer, and fall).
These are suitable for both tent campers and RV campers, but keep a close eye on the RV length restrictions to make sure you get a site that’s right for your rig.
Where to Camp Outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Our pop-up camper at the Cherokee KOA during October
While I know that staying in the park is attractive since you’re right there, there are many reasons why you’d want a campsite outside of the park: perhaps you’re doing more than just sightseeing in the national park, you need full hook-ups for medical reasons, or you just want plenty of activities at the campground.
In that case, you’ll be spoiled for choice as there are many private campgrounds near each of the entrances to the national park.
If you’re looking for a campground near the Oconoluftee entrance, I recommend the Cherokee, NC, KOA, which is just 10 minutes from the park.
This beautiful campground has tons of things for families to do, including daily events and on-site fishing.
Read my complete review of the Cherokee KOA here.
Over on the Tennessee side, you have Townsend (near Cades Cove) and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg (near Sugarlands visitors center).
The Townsend KOA is large, packed with kid-friendly activities, and very close to one of the park’s entrances.
In Pigeon Forge, we’ve enjoyed our stays at both Foothills RV Park and Cabins and the slightly further away Up the Creek RV Park.
Read my review of Up the Creek RV Park here.
Where to Stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The park has one lodge, LeConte Lodge, but it’s only available by foot, and the reservations for the cabins and rooms fill up very quickly when the seasonal reservations open each October.
More likely, you’ll need to look for accommodations near the park—and there are plenty to choose from. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are right next to one another and are both packed with hotels, AirBnBs, and cabin rentals. Both of these towns have many attractions, restaurants, and shows.
Townsend, Tennessee, is an excellent home base if you’re planning to center your time around the beautiful Cades Cove area of the park. It is more laid back than Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, but you’ll still find a good mix of cabin rentals and chain hotels.
On the North Carolina side, Cherokee is a good bet if you’re looking for a quieter option. Cherokee is much smaller than Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, but you’ll still have grocery stores, shopping, and the excellent Museum of the Cherokee People nearby.
Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Established as a national park: 1994
Best Known for: unique hikes like The Narrows and Angel’s Landing
What’s Special about Zion National Park in the Fall
The scenery near the start of the Kayenta Trail in Zion Canyon
Since Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, you’re not going to get much in the way of fall foliage here, but what you are going to get are gorgeous, sunny days perfect for hiking some of America’s most iconic trails.
While visitors pile into Zion during the spring and fall, things do quiet down a bit as the fall season approaches, thanks to a combination of kids returning to school, fall sports dominating the social calendar, and holidays take precedence.
That’s not to say that it isn’t busy between September and November—the weekends can be particularly tough—but a mid-day hike will help you get away from the crowds.
Must Do Activities in Zion National Park
Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are the two iconic hikes in the park, so plan to do at least one of them. I will warn you that Angel’s Landing is not for the faint of heart, so you will need to determine how safe you’ll feel on this trail with chain sections and steep drop offs.
The Narrows, on the other hand, takes place nearly completely in the Virgin River, and the challenge here comes from picking your way through slippery rocks, and waist-to-chest high areas of water. It’s still a great deal of fun, and it’s so unique.
If you’re planning to visit with your family and want to do one of these iconic hikes, check out my guide to hiking the Narrows with kids.
There are other excellent, shorter hikes in the park like the Kayenta Trail, the Emerald Pools, and the Canyon Overlook Trail.
If you’d like to do something less intense, I have plenty of suggestions on the best non-hiking things to do in Zion here like the Nature Center, driving the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, and rappelling in one of the slot canyons.
Another excellent way to see the park is to rent an e-bike and cruise along the Pa’rus Trail and the Zion Canyon Scenic Highway. Learn more in my comprehensive guide to guide to biking in Zion National Park.
Other helpful planning resources for Zion:
More Activities in and near Zion National Park:
Where to Camp at Zion National Park
Staying in or near the park makes your time at Zion much easier since you’ll be able to quickly access the trails. Here are some tips on choosing the best campground for your specific itinerary and situation.
Campgrounds inside the Park
There are 2 campgrounds inside Zion, Watchman Campground and South Campground. As of the time of this writing, South Campground has been torn to the ground in a major revitalization project, and there is currently no anticipated reopening date.
Watchman Campground, which is located near the visitors center, is still open. It is quite large with over 100 campsites and is right on the Virgin River.
The sites at Watchman vary with what they have available with hook-ups, but there are on-site showers for guests to use.
Where to Camp Outside of Zion National Park
Our camper at Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort
Just a quarter mile from the pedestrian entrance to Zion National Park is the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort, which is my pick if you’re looking for a robust, full hook-ups campground.
There’s a s’mores pit, on-site camp store, pool, playground, and much more.
It is across the Virgin River from Watchman Campground inside the park, so you are as close to the national park as possible.
The Zion Canyon Campground is more expensive than others deeper in Springdale (and further from the park), but the convenience of being able to walk or ride your bike to the park makes up for the price tag.
Read my complete review of the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort here.
Where to Stay near Zion National Park
If you want to stay inside Zion National Park, you’ll want to book at the Zion Lodge. This gorgeous hotel is located on the main scenic drive through Zion Canyon, and it boasts a gift shop, multiple restaurants, and a wide, grassy lawn.
It also has its own shuttle stop, and it is within easy walking distance to the Kayenta Trail and Emerald Pools Trail.
If the lodge is filled up, and it often is during the fall, you’ll want to head outside of the park.
My recommended campground, Zion Canyon Campground, also has cute cabins for rental, which allows you access to all of the amenities on the property. Check for prices at the Zion Canyon cabins here.
Congaree National Park
Location: South Carolina
Established as a national park: 2003
Best Known for: cypress swamps, wooden boardwalk trails, and synchronous firefly display
What’s Special about Congaree National Park in the Fall
The Camping Kiddos on a fall hike on the Boardwalk Trail
South Carolina summers are hot, and the area around Columbia (including Congaree) might be the absolute hottest place in the entire state.
So, when the cooler weather comes to the Palmetto State, that’s the perfect time to head over to Congaree.
While many of the trees within the park are evergreen, you will get hints of fall colors in late October and early November as fall comes late to this part of the country.
So, you won’t get the picture perfect autumn foliage that you’ll find in Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, or New River Gorge, but you will get mild weather, fewer bugs, and lower crowds.
The famed Mosquito Meter near the park’s visitors center reflects the change as fall comes around and the bugs become less of an issue than they are in the late spring and summer.
Must Do Activities in Congaree National Park
The Boardwalk Trail is the best place to start if you’ve never been to Congaree before, as it gives an excellent overview of the tree and animal species that call this place home.
The trailhead begins next to the visitors center, and it is largely flat and stroller accessible. Don’t forget to pick up the free interpretive booklet at the visitors center to help you identify trees, historic points of interest, and other helpful stops along the 2 mile loop.
Getting out onto the water is another way to see the park since so much of it is wetlands. You can take a guided kayaking tour to see owls, snakes, butterflies, and much more.
Find all of my Congaree National Park planning resources, including itineraries, hiking guides, and more, here.
More Activities near Congaree National Park:
Where to Camp at Congaree National Park
If you’d like to stay at Congaree for a longer visit, you have limited choices because of where the park is located. Here are my suggestions on where to camp and stay in and near Congaree.
Campgrounds inside the Park
Getting ready to hike into the Bluff campground
Congaree only has 2 small campgrounds within its borders and both are walk-in.
Longleaf is just a few hundred feet from the parking area, while Bluff campground requires about a 1 mile hike to get to.
Longleaf has a vault toilet while Bluff is completely primitive.
Book head on Recreation.gov to nab your spot. I will note that fall is a popular time for camping in South Carolina since the weather is so nice, and the campgrounds will book up on the weekends.
Where to Camp Outside of Congaree National Park
For partial or full hook-ups for RV camping, you’ll need to head outside of the park. Poinsett State Park is about 45 minutes from the entrance to Congaree, and it has water and electric hook-ups and sites for small to medium RVs.
Otherwise, you’ll need to camp much further afield in Columbia, Santee, or Orangeburg.
Where to Stay near Congaree National Park
The park isn’t super close to any hotels, and nearby Hopkins is just a tiny little crossroads. You’re about 45 minutes from both Columbia and Orangeburg from the entrance to Congaree National Park, and I would suggest heading to one of the chain hotels in either place.
Columbia is much larger than Orangeburg, so you’ll have more options there. However, Orangeburg is closer to I-95 if you’re headed elsewhere on your trip.
Check hotel options in Columbia here and in Orangeburg here.
