Wisconsin is absolutely full of public camping ground in state and county parks. In the summer, it can be difficult to get a reservation at some of the most popular spots, but as kids head back to school and fall starts moving it, it’s actually a perfect time to head out camping in Wisconsin.
A short weekend trip to some of the best parks in the state is one of the best ways to enjoy Autumn in Wisconsin. Not convinced? Here are 11 reasons why you should definitely consider fall camping:
- The fall colors
Flickr/ElvisKennedy Wisconsin parks are in some of the most gorgeous and unique spots in the state and they give you an opportunity to see the changing leaves up close and personal. Weather you’re up on Rock Island in Door County or overlooking the Mighty Mississippi in Wyalusing, you’ll be getting some of the very best fall views.
- It’s not so hot
Flickr/EileenMcFall This might be the most obvious, but it’s also the biggest and best difference. You’ll be more apt to want to go for long, wandering hikes when you don’t feel like you might pass out from heat exhaustion. It’s just all around more pleasant.
- It’s less crowded
Flickr/MichaelBuonacorsi Way, way less crowded. You won’t have to worry about competition for spots and you probably won’t be packed into sites like sardines. You won’t have to overhear your neighbors or feel like you have no privacy. With so many less people around, your trip will actually feel like the peaceful nature escape it was meant to be.
- The campfires
Flickr/SandorWeisz In summer, campfires are necessary for making food, but you don’t really find yourself lingering around them at night. In the fall, you’ll be thankful for the warmth a fire provides and you’ll find yourself hanging out around it all night long. It might be cliche, but it’s also one of the best parts of camping.
- Different wildlife
Flickr/AliEminov From migrating birds to Tom Turkey, there’s a whole new set of animals that you’re likely to see in the fall. You’re more likely to hear the coyotes at night. There’s a whole new animal world in fall and you’ll want to see it.
- It’s less expensive
Flickr/Dave While the state and county park fees don’t change with the seasons, if you look to stay at a private campground, their fees will definitely drop once high season ends at the end of summer.
- No Mosquitos
Flickr/NPS_wear With so much waterfront in Wisconsin, the bugs can be particularly brutal while camping in the summer. But as the weather cools off, the bugs go away and you’re free to enjoy the great outdoors without getting nibbled on.
- Comfortable sleeping
Flickr/NathalieMartin There might be nothing worse about summer camping than having to climb into a closed tent and try to sleep in a warm sleeping bag. But in the fall, the cooler temps make sleeping so much more comfortable. You’ll want to cozy on in and you won’t mind the lack of ventilation inside your tent. Fall camping sleep is the best camping sleep you’ll ever have!
- Darker skies and better star gazing
Flickr/Donny House It’ll get darker earlier in the day and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to look up and enjoy sleeping under the stars.
- Getting cozy
Flickr/RyanGirmm Weather you’re snuggling a significant other or one of your kids, hanging out around the campfire is sort of necessary in the fall and you’ll find some of your best times happen there. Gather together to share warmth and talk and have some awesome, unforgettable moments.
- The food
Flickr/LeifKurth That longer campfire and those cooler nights mean the dinner options are a whole lot more wide open. In summer, the heat can often mean you don’t want to be near the fire or you’re too worn out to even attempt something more than hot dogs. But the fall brings long fires for cooking all kinds of different options. Plus, there’s mulled wine or fresh apple cider or any number of awesome fall treats.
Do you like fall camping? Where’s your favorite place to camp in the fall in Wisconsin?
Flickr/ElvisKennedy
Wisconsin parks are in some of the most gorgeous and unique spots in the state and they give you an opportunity to see the changing leaves up close and personal. Weather you’re up on Rock Island in Door County or overlooking the Mighty Mississippi in Wyalusing, you’ll be getting some of the very best fall views.
Flickr/EileenMcFall
This might be the most obvious, but it’s also the biggest and best difference. You’ll be more apt to want to go for long, wandering hikes when you don’t feel like you might pass out from heat exhaustion. It’s just all around more pleasant.
Flickr/MichaelBuonacorsi
Way, way less crowded. You won’t have to worry about competition for spots and you probably won’t be packed into sites like sardines. You won’t have to overhear your neighbors or feel like you have no privacy. With so many less people around, your trip will actually feel like the peaceful nature escape it was meant to be.
Flickr/SandorWeisz
In summer, campfires are necessary for making food, but you don’t really find yourself lingering around them at night. In the fall, you’ll be thankful for the warmth a fire provides and you’ll find yourself hanging out around it all night long. It might be cliche, but it’s also one of the best parts of camping.
Flickr/AliEminov
From migrating birds to Tom Turkey, there’s a whole new set of animals that you’re likely to see in the fall. You’re more likely to hear the coyotes at night. There’s a whole new animal world in fall and you’ll want to see it.
Flickr/Dave
While the state and county park fees don’t change with the seasons, if you look to stay at a private campground, their fees will definitely drop once high season ends at the end of summer.
Flickr/NPS_wear
With so much waterfront in Wisconsin, the bugs can be particularly brutal while camping in the summer. But as the weather cools off, the bugs go away and you’re free to enjoy the great outdoors without getting nibbled on.
Flickr/NathalieMartin
There might be nothing worse about summer camping than having to climb into a closed tent and try to sleep in a warm sleeping bag. But in the fall, the cooler temps make sleeping so much more comfortable. You’ll want to cozy on in and you won’t mind the lack of ventilation inside your tent. Fall camping sleep is the best camping sleep you’ll ever have!
Flickr/Donny House
It’ll get darker earlier in the day and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to look up and enjoy sleeping under the stars.
Flickr/RyanGirmm
Weather you’re snuggling a significant other or one of your kids, hanging out around the campfire is sort of necessary in the fall and you’ll find some of your best times happen there. Gather together to share warmth and talk and have some awesome, unforgettable moments.
Flickr/LeifKurth
That longer campfire and those cooler nights mean the dinner options are a whole lot more wide open. In summer, the heat can often mean you don’t want to be near the fire or you’re too worn out to even attempt something more than hot dogs. But the fall brings long fires for cooking all kinds of different options. Plus, there’s mulled wine or fresh apple cider or any number of awesome fall treats.
Looking for interesting camping spots? Check out 10 Spectacular Spots In Wisconsin Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach.
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