Fall Camping in the South: Where to Chase Cooler Nights and Fewer Crowds
Fall camping in the South has a way of making an RV trip feel completely different. The summer heat begins to break, the mornings get cooler, the leaves start changing, and some of the busiest outdoor destinations finally become a little quieter.
For RV owners, this is one of the best times of year to get back outside.
You do not necessarily have to travel hundreds of miles north to find fall weather, either. From the mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina to the forests of Alabama and the rivers of Tennessee, there are plenty of places across the South where you can find cooler nights, beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway with the family, a couples trip or a longer fall road trip, these destinations are worth putting on your list.
Why Fall Is One of the Best Times to Go RV Camping
Summer gets most of the attention when it comes to camping, but fall brings several advantages that make it especially appealing for RV travelers.
The first is temperature.
Southern summers can mean hot afternoons, warm nights and plenty of time spent looking for shade. Once fall arrives, daytime temperatures become more comfortable and evenings are often cool enough to sit around the campfire without feeling like you are sitting in a sauna.
Fall also changes the pace of many campgrounds.
Popular destinations can be packed during summer vacations and holiday weekends. By the time September and October arrive, many families are back into their normal school and work routines. That can make it easier to find a quieter campsite, enjoy hiking trails without as many people and actually relax when you get back to your RV.
Then there is the scenery.
Fall foliage is obviously a major attraction, but even areas without dramatic mountain colors take on a different feel. Forests become more vibrant, sunsets arrive earlier, and cool mornings make that first cup of coffee outside the RV even better.
For RV owners looking for a reason to take one more trip before winter, fall is a pretty good one.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most recognizable fall destinations in the South, and for good reason.
Located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the Smokies offer miles of mountain roads, hiking trails, waterfalls, overlooks and scenic valleys. In the fall, the changing leaves transform the landscape into one of the most impressive displays of color in the Southeast.
The best part for RV travelers is that you can build an entire weekend around the area without needing a complicated itinerary.
Spend one day exploring the park, another visiting nearby mountain towns and an evening back at the campsite around a fire.
If you are RVing with kids, the Smokies also provide plenty of opportunities to get everyone outside. Shorter hikes, wildlife viewing, scenic drives and waterfalls can give the family something to do without requiring an intense backcountry adventure.
Keep in mind that fall is still a popular season in the Smokies, particularly when the leaves are reaching their peak. If your goal is fewer crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder portions of the season or visiting popular areas early in the day.
You do not have to leave Alabama to find mountain scenery and cooler fall temperatures.
Cheaha State Park sits on Cheaha Mountain, the highest natural point in Alabama. The elevated location makes it a particularly appealing destination when you are looking for a break from the heat.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful views across the surrounding Talladega National Forest.
This is also a great destination for a shorter RV getaway. Instead of spending an entire day driving to your destination, you can make the trip part of a weekend and still have plenty of time to explore.
Hiking is one of the obvious activities, but the real attraction is simply being in the mountains. Grab some coffee, take in the views and enjoy the slower pace that comes with fall camping.
For RV owners in Alabama, Cheaha is an excellent reminder that a memorable fall camping trip does not always require a long-distance road trip.
3. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
Northwest Georgia is another excellent place to chase fall color without traveling too far from home.
Cloudland Canyon State Park sits on the western edge of Lookout Mountain and is known for dramatic canyon views, waterfalls and hiking trails.
The landscape makes it especially attractive in the fall. Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable, while the changing trees add another layer to the scenery.
For RVers, Cloudland Canyon can work well as either a weekend destination or one stop on a larger North Georgia road trip.
You could spend the morning hiking, return to the RV for lunch, explore another area in the afternoon and finish the day outside around the fire.
That is one of the biggest advantages of RV camping. Your accommodations travel with you, so you can spend less time worrying about where you are going to eat, sleep and relax and more time enjoying the destination.
4. Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
If your idea of fall camping involves forests, quiet roads and plenty of opportunities to explore, Bankhead National Forest deserves a spot on your list.
Located in northwestern Alabama, the forest is known for its waterfalls, streams, hiking trails and heavily wooded scenery.
Fall can be an especially enjoyable time to explore the area because the cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more comfortable.
Bankhead is also a good option if your goal is to get away from the more heavily trafficked tourist destinations. Rather than building your trip around attractions and crowds, the destination itself becomes the attraction.
Spend the day exploring and come back to your RV in the evening.
For many campers, that is exactly what a fall weekend should look like.
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
Tallulah Gorge is another North Georgia destination that becomes particularly appealing as temperatures begin to drop.
The park is centered around a dramatic gorge carved by the Tallulah River, with overlooks and trails providing different perspectives of the landscape.
The surrounding mountains provide excellent fall scenery, while the cooler weather makes exploring the area more comfortable.
If you are planning a longer North Georgia RV trip, Tallulah Gorge can easily be combined with other mountain destinations.
One important tip for fall travelers is to plan ahead. Fall foliage brings visitors to many of the South's mountain destinations, and weekends around peak color can still be busy. If fewer crowds are your priority, consider visiting during the week or earlier in the season.
Located on Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama, DeSoto State Park is another strong choice for a fall RV getaway.
The park's elevation and wooded landscape make it a beautiful place to spend a few days when the weather starts cooling down.
There are hiking opportunities, waterfalls and scenic areas to explore, making it easy to fill a weekend without having to constantly get back in the vehicle.
And that is something worth considering when choosing a fall camping destination.
You do not have to pack every hour of the weekend with activities.
Sometimes the best part is getting back to the RV after a day outside, opening the awning, cooking dinner and watching the sun go down.
7. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee
For RV owners who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Natchez Trace Parkway is worth considering for a fall road trip.
The historic route stretches through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, connecting scenic overlooks, trails, historic sites and small communities along the way.
Fall is a particularly attractive time to explore the Trace because of the changing foliage and cooler temperatures.
Instead of staying in one campground for the entire trip, you can build a multi-stop RV adventure around the Parkway.
This is also a great option for couples who want a slower road trip. Pick a section, choose a few stops and let the drive itself become part of the experience.
Just remember that large RVs should always be operated with the route and individual road conditions in mind. Plan your fuel stops, campground reservations and daily driving distances before heading out.
Sometimes a fall RV trip is about more than hiking.
The North Georgia mountain region surrounding Helen offers a combination of mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, restaurants, shops and small-town attractions.
The area becomes particularly scenic as the leaves begin changing, making it a good choice for families who want a destination with something for everyone.
You can spend the morning outdoors, explore town in the afternoon and return to the campground for a relaxed evening.
It is also a good reminder that RV camping does not have to mean roughing it.
Your RV gives you the flexibility to explore during the day while still having a comfortable place to return to at night.
Fall camping does not always have to mean mountains and changing leaves.
If you are not ready to give up the beach, Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores offers another kind of fall camping experience.
The Gulf Coast can become much more comfortable once the peak summer heat begins to fade.
You can spend your days walking the beach, riding bikes, fishing or exploring the surrounding area. Then return to the RV for a relaxed evening.
One of the advantages of visiting coastal destinations in the fall is that you can get the beach experience without necessarily dealing with the same summer conditions.
For RV owners who prefer sand and saltwater to mountain trails, this could be the perfect fall alternative.
10. The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
If you are willing to make a longer road trip, western North Carolina provides some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the Southeast.
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer scenic drives, waterfalls, hiking trails and mountain communities throughout the region.
The key is timing.
Fall color moves through the region at different times depending on elevation and location. That means you can often find color somewhere in the mountains for an extended portion of the season.
If you are planning an RV trip specifically around fall foliage, do some research before leaving home and be flexible with your route.
Sometimes the best fall trip is the one where you leave room to change plans.
How to Make the Most of Fall Camping
The South may be warmer than many other parts of the country, but fall camping still requires some preparation.
Start by packing for changing temperatures.
A sunny afternoon can turn into a surprisingly cool evening, especially in the mountains. Bring layers, jackets and blankets even if the forecast looks comfortable during the day.
It is also a good idea to check your RV before heading out.
Test your furnace, check your tires, inspect your batteries and make sure your propane system is ready for cooler nights. If your RV has been sitting through the summer, fall is a good time to give it a thorough once-over before taking a longer trip.
And do not forget the outdoor setup.
Camp chairs, a fire pit, outdoor rugs, string lights and a good campfire setup can make your campsite feel like another room of the RV.
Fall is also the perfect season for cooking outside. Chili, soups, burgers, steaks and campfire meals all seem to taste better when the weather finally starts cooperating.
Planning a Fall Camping Trip From Home
One of the biggest advantages of living in the South is how many different environments are within driving distance.
You can head toward the mountains for cooler temperatures and fall foliage. You can travel toward the coast for comfortable beach weather. Or you can stay closer to home and find a state park or national forest that gives you the quiet weekend you have been looking for.
That makes fall a great time to think beyond the traditional weeklong vacation.
A Friday afternoon departure can turn into a full weekend adventure.
And for RV owners, that is what makes the season so appealing. You do not need a complicated plan or a faraway destination. You just need a destination worth driving to and an RV ready to take you there.
Find Your Next Fall Adventure With Great American RV
If you are searching for fall camping destinations, there is a good chance you are also thinking about your next RV adventure.
At Great American RV, our goal is to help you find the right RV for the way you actually want to travel. Whether that means taking the family into the mountains, spending weekends at the lake, exploring state parks or simply finding a quiet campground a few hours from home, the right RV can make getting away easier.
With locations across the Southeast, Great American RV gives RV shoppers the opportunity to explore a variety of motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels.
And remember, you do not have to wait for next summer to make more camping memories.
The cooler nights are coming.
The leaves are changing.
The crowds are thinning out.
It might be time to find somewhere to go.
After all, fall is one of the best seasons to make memories, one weekend at a time.
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