Turn your next road-trip into a celebration of the season with this list of 15 activities for fall camping trips!
Back in April, we had a poll asking YOU (our wonderful readers) which season is best for camping, and unsurprisingly spring and fall were tied for your top choice! There is something uniquely magical about camping in the fall, driving through the foliage, and cozying up by the campfire. Plus, celebrating the season in your RV means as you can still enjoy the crisp cool air and cozy-camping feelings while knowing you have a nice warm bed and hot shower to enjoy at the end of the day.
Sometimes it’s not immediately clear how to keep the whole family entertained during the fall (especially if your usual RV adventures revolve around summer sun, swimming, and warm weather). But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our list of 15 activities for fall camping trips!
1. Fishing
Did you know? Fall is peak fishing season for species like salmon and trout. Although many consider summer as the best time of year to find your catch of the day, fall offers prime conditions for fishing in deeper lakes and straying away from the crowds.
2. Hiking
In our opinion, autumn is the perfect time to go for a hike. The cooler temperatures make the experience more comfortable, and there’s nothing quite like walking along a trail covered in fallen leaves, with vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage overhead.
Just be sure to stay bear aware and follow best practices for wildlife safety; the fall is a peak activity season for many animals that hibernate during the winter.
3. Canoeing/Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are often seen as summer activities, but they can be even more enjoyable in the fall. With cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and less risk of sunburn, it’s a more comfortable experience all around. Plus, you’ll get to take in the stunning fall colours along the shoreline without the summer crowds.
4. Pumpkin Carving
We couldn’t help but include this fall-time classic on our list. Plus, this is a great activity to enjoy outdoors at your campsite (easier clean up)! Bonus points if you’re camping near a farm or pumpkin patch and source your pumpkins locally, which makes the whole experience even more memorable.
PS: We highly recommend roasting the pumpkin seeds over the campfire for a tasty and healthy campsite snack to enjoy afterwards.
5. Celebrate Halloween in Your RV
Add a unique twist to your regular celebrations by camping on Halloween night! Many campsites host special Halloween activities like campsite decorating competitions and costume contests. Lots of them also encourage campground trick-or-treating for kids, making for an extra special Halloween experience.
6. Decorate Your Campsite for the Season
Get into the fall spirit by decorating your campsite! Hang up some lanterns along your awning, get creative with Halloween decorations at your campsite, and display your jack-o-lantern creations on the picnic table!
7. Camp Near a Fall Festival
Seemingly every community, (big or small) hosts a fall carnival, harvest, or Halloween-themed event every year. If you’re camping just outside a city or town, it’s the perfect time to take your family out to enjoy the festivities. Check out some of the upcoming fall festivals near RV-friendly campgrounds listed below!
Alberta
Alberta Prairie Railway Fall Pumpkin Harvest Fest
Fall Days & Harvest Lights at the Calgary Farmyard
BC
Fort Langley Cranberry Festival
Maan Farms Halloween Fright Festival
Saskatchewan
8. Go Apple Picking or Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Step away from the campsite for a fun afternoon of apple picking or a visit to a pumpkin patch. Many farms offer kid-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Plus, it’s a great chance to stock up on fresh apples for baking some delicious treats back in your RV kitchen.
9. Try Out Wildlife Watching
Fall is considered one of the peak seasons for wildlife spotting in Canada for animals like bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and humpback whales.
10. Campfires and S’mores
One of the best reasons to camp in the fall is the opportunity for cozy campfires! By this season, most fire bans across the country are lifted and, in the evenings, temperatures drop, which makes cozying up around the warm glow of a campfire even better. Of course, you can’t have a campfire without s’mores! These ooey-gooey desserts are a classic autumnal treat.
11. Fall Crafts
Looking for a festive activity for the kids? Easy fall-themed crafts are a great activity to enjoy inside the RV or under the awning if it’s a rainy day. Try collecting some foliage around your campsite to create wreaths, garlands, and leaf rubbings. Or prepare ahead and pack a few simple supplies to follow our Nature Spray Paint Art or Beaded Corn Fall Craft.
12. Camp at a Farm or Winery
Have you ever heard of Harvest Hosts? This is a network of farms, wineries, breweries, and community hosts that offer overnight camping to RVers in Canada and the U.S. There are endless options of places to stay, with many of them including family farm fun, wine-based retreats, unique markets, and more!
13. Spooky Movie Night in Your RV
Is it a rainy, stormy night at the campground? Elevate the experience by taking advantage of your RV’s entertainment system and having a family movie night! Turn off the lights, pop some popcorn, and enjoy watching with the spooky backdrop of the woods outside.
14. Go for a Fall Drive
One of the best things about road-tripping during this season is all the fall foliage. The changing leaves make incredible scenery for a fall drive. Want to know where to go on your autumn adventure? Check out our recent blog on Fall Weekend Getaways in Western Canada.
15. Tell Scary Stories
There is something a little chilling about camping in the deep woods during the fall. The crisp feel of the fall air, the fog misting the trees in the morning, and the dark canopy of the woods at night that, if you play into the spookiness, give you an eerie feeling. Try scaring your crew by telling some spooky stories while around the campfire. You never know what’s lurking out in those woods!
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