Fantastic fall foliage is right around the corner, and there is no better way to celebrate it than marking off some time on your September or October calendar to visit and camp at some of the best national parks in the USA. But...how do you choose which ones to visit? How many national parks are there even? Like, 100? 1,000? 10,000?? How do you know which ones are the best national parks to visit for the list of activities you want to do? What if they don’t allow camping? Do they have hiking trails with waterfalls or lakes? Can you bring food? AAAH!
Woah woah woah, Slow your roll there, partner. Take a breath, because all of these questions are about to be answered. From beginners to pros, this article is going to help you figure it all out - what to pack, what kind of camping supplies you’ll need (from camping hammocks to dry bags), basic national park rules to know, and finally, the top 5 list of national parks to visit and camp at this fall!
From beginning backpackers to ace adventurers, everyone needs a solid list of general items and hiking essentials for a big trip! Making a checklist is essential for any soon-to-be camper - you don’t want to be stuck at one of the best national parks in the USA with nothing but your shoes and a water bottle, right? Let’s start with the essential supplies:
Don’t get caught in the cold this fall! Assuming you’ll want to be doing a lot of walking around, follow this list of essential hiking clothes to stay warm from head to toe:
Camping is a great way to prolong your stay in some of North America’s most beautiful national parks. We’re about to get to the best national parks to visit and camp in, but let’s get through the supplies you’ll need first:
Yes! By acting as an added layer, a tent footprint prevents a lot of heat from escaping your tent. This is essential if you’re camping in the fall!
These are the basic things you’ll need. If you’re looking for more, check out our store for more camping and travel gear!
Not big into camping? No sweat - here are some other activities you can do!
Hiking: No trip to a national park is complete without a good bit of hiking. National parks have some of the best hiking spots in the world, and you won’t want to miss out. Whether you’re hiking with kids, looking for a dog-friendly hike, or just going solo, you’ll find a great trail.
Photography: North America’s national parks are some of the most photogenic places on earth - don’t be afraid to grab your camera and get out there (even if you only have a smartphone camera)!
Cooking: I know what you’re thinking - can you bring food into national parks? The answer is a resounding YES (most of the time). Most national parks allow grilling and cooking, so long as you clean up after yourself and are extra careful with fire.
Utah’s national parks are all gorgeous, but the dramatic red rock and striking autumn colors make this park stand out. Try out the Lava Point campground for extra beautiful views.
While not technically a national park, this national forest makes the list for its famed New England fall foliage. Check this place out for crimson scenery, fall vibes, and unforgettable Vermont hiking.
Giant dogwood trees and changing leaves make this one of the most beautiful national parks in California, and honestly, one of the best national parks in the USA. Stay at the Buckeye Flat campgrounds to get the real fall camping experience!
With countless species of trees, camping in this North Carolina national park in the fall brings a flood of fall color. Moreover, this park is famous for its fall activities: corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple-picking are just a few of the fall-related things you can do here.
Last (but not least) is one of Maine’s most beautiful natural gems. People from around the world flock to the Acadia National Park hiking trails not just for the challenge, but for the beautiful scenic reward. Fall is one of the most popular times to go, so make sure to book your spot at the Blackwoods campgrounds sooner rather than later!
Fall 2021 is set to be a beautiful time of year - don’t miss out on it by staying inside! Grab your camping gear and get out there before winter rolls in (and don’t forget to check out our website for any essentials you might have missed!)
Contributing Writer: Aurora Detor
