Colorado Fall Camping Guide: Where-to Camp and How-to Camp
Our Lexus GX460 "Dolly," camping during peak fall colors in Colorado.
Want to know a secret? September and October might be the best months to camp in Colorado. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and stunning gold aspens painting the mountains — what more could you want? In this post, we’ll give you some of our recommendations and advice for planning a camping trip to keep the adventure spirit alive as the seasons change.
Where to Camp During the Fall in Colorado:
If you’re interested in visiting Colorado during the fall months, the good news is there’s an endless list of places to explore and things to see. Here’s a few of our favorite areas to visit during September and October:
Aspen
Crested Butte (Drive Kebler Pass for sure!)
Telluride
The Great Sand Dunes National Park (via Medano Pass, 4x4’s only)
Grand Mesa
Estes Park for the elk rut
Need some more help planning? Check out our road trip maps for a few loops in the state that will take you through stunning fall colors and stopping in some of our most iconic mountain towns.
Click on the maps below to view detailed Google Map
Our epic camping loop for Central Colorado to see mountain towns like Aspen and Crested Butte, plus driving over stunning mountain passes. All the while cruising through the aspen groves of gold! Stop in at one of the many hot springs along the way for a nice soak.
Check out this loop for Southwester Colorado to see mountain towns like Telluride and Vail, plus driving over stunning mountain passes. Plus knock off one the National Parks at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Fall colors will greet you around every corner!
Fall Color Forecast for 2024
Viewing Colorado’s golden aspen groves at peak fall color is breathtaking, but requires some planning to visit at the right time. The state’s meteorologists are predicting an on-schedule or slightly late fall color season. Here’s when you can expect to see peak colors for the different parts of the state:
Northern mountains: Sept. 20 to Sept. 25
I-70 area: Sept. 22 to Sept. 30
Central mountains: End of September into early October
Southern mountains: Early to mid-October
Tips and Tricks for Fall Camping
Pack Layers
The high country can have warm and sunny days and chilly nights. It’s not uncommon to see a snow shower or two as we get into October. We recommend you bring some heavier clothes for when the sun goes down and extra blankets for sitting around the fire and your tent..
Bring a Propane Fire Pit
Fire bans are a common detriment to camping year-round but can be more prevalent in the fall as the leaves change. During stage two fire bans, you cannot have any open flame outside unless it is fueled by a liquid source and has an “on/off switch”. How can you enjoy a fire in this scenario? Use a portable propane firepit! They are allowed in stage two fire bans and environments that would otherwise not allow for campfires.
Use a Heated Sleeping Pad
If you are camping in the high country or late in the fall when it’s cold, a heating sleeping pad can keep you warm and comfortable all night! Spread one out on the bottom of your tent and plug it into a portable battery to extend the temperatures you are comfortable camping in.
Looking for More Information? Give Us a Call. We’d Love Help You Plan Your Fall Camping Trip!
Smaller crowds, cooler temperatures and the best way to see the changing seasons, camping in the fall is a great way to continue your outdoor adventures. With the right gear and location choices, fall might become your new favorite time of year to camp! From overland vehicles equipped with rooftop tents to our propane fire pits and new heated sleeping pads, we have all of the gear you need to make your fall camping trip effortless, comfortable and adventurous. Not sure where to go? We know all of the best fall places to see and experience as the seasons change. Give us a call or send us an email to get your fall adventure started and trip planned. Just bring your layers, we’ll take care of the rest. Check out our Colorado camping rentals here!
