The beauty of the beach is the fall is unmatched!

When you think of beach camping, summer might be the first season that comes to mind. However, fall beach camping offers a unique and rewarding experience that many outdoor enthusiasts overlook. Let's dive into why autumn is the ideal time to pitch your tent or park your RV by the shore.

Morning coffee on the water is the best way to start the day.

Why Fall Beach Camping Is The Best

To examine why fall beach camping scores high for our family, let's take a look at the list of pros and cons. For some, it may come down to overall family schedules. Our family has some additional flexibility since I can work remotely. And my husband is a high school teacher. I plan my time off and our travel schedule around school holidays. Every travel experience has its pros and cons. The beach is no different. I want to start out with these details before I get into the nitty gritty.

Pros

Less Crowded
Cooler Weather
Better Prices

Cons

Cooler Weather
Some local businesses may be closed or have abbreviated hours
Snowbirds and seasonal travelers may grab RV spots quickly

For our family, the upside outweighs anything that is a downside of the season. Keep reading to discover more about these details and how we plan our fall beach adventures!

Why We Love Fall Beach Camping

Less Crowded

One of the most significant advantages of fall beach camping is the lack of crowds. During the summer, beaches are bustling with families, tourists, and college students, making it hard to find a quiet spot to relax. In the fall, the majority of beachgoers have returned home, leaving you with a serene and peaceful environment. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet walk along the shore, an uninterrupted fishing session, or simply some tranquil time with your family and dogs, fall offers the perfect setting.

Cooler Weather

While summer's sweltering heat can sometimes make beach camping uncomfortable, fall brings cooler, more enjoyable temperatures. The milder weather allows you to participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and beachcombing without the risk of overheating. Plus, the crisp autumn air makes evening campfires even more enjoyable. Imagine roasting marshmallows with a gentle ocean breeze, wrapped in a cozy sweater—pure bliss!

Better Prices

Another fantastic perk of fall beach camping is the potential for cost savings. As the peak tourist season winds down, many campgrounds and RV parks lower their rates. Additionally, local attractions and restaurants often offer discounts to attract off-season visitors. This means you can enjoy all the beach has to offer without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent opportunity for a budget-friendly getaway with all the beauty and fewer expenses.

But, what are some of the downsides to beach travel in the fall?

Cooler Weather

While cooler weather can be a pro, it can also be a con for some. If you’re a fan of swimming and sunbathing, the cooler temperatures might put a damper on those plans. The ocean water tends to be chillier, and you might find yourself opting for a cozy blanket over a swimsuit. However, with the right gear and mindset, you can still enjoy the beach’s beauty in the fall.

Local Business Hours

As the tourist season winds down, some local businesses may reduce their hours or close altogether. Restaurants, shops, and rental services that thrived during the summer may not be as readily available. This can be a drawback if you rely on these amenities during your stay. It’s a good idea to check ahead and plan accordingly, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Snowbirds and Seasonal Travelers

Fall is also a popular time for snowbirds and seasonal travelers to head to the beach, which means RV spots can fill up fast. If you’re planning to camp in a popular area, make sure to book your spot well in advance. The competition for the best sites can be fierce, but with a bit of planning, you can secure a prime location for your fall beach adventure.

For our family the pros outweigh the cons. Plus, we have a couple of weeks off in the fall. I have a flexible work environment where I can work remotely too. So, we have started to travel longer on those school breaks where I can work and take off as a hybrid mix. Where do we like to stay?

Gulf State Park, Orange Beach Alabama

I have not stayed at this park, but I have visited here and used their walking/bike trails multiple times. This is a huge state park with so many sites. But, don't let the size fool you! It fills up quickly! It is a prime location with lots of seasonal travelers. Some of the amenities that make this park appealing:

lots of beautiful trails for walking and biking
heated swimming pool
beach access
fishing and many outdoor adventures!

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

This state park in the panhandle of Florida offers beautiful beaches and plenty of amenities as well. These sites also book up fast, but you can also add yourself to a waitlist and be notified if something becomes available. You can also make reservations for Glamping Tents through Fancy Camps. There is more information on their site about this.

We will be staying at this park for the first time this fall. I can't wait to do a full review of this location!

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach is located near Seaside Florida on that strip of 30A that so many love. We have traveled to this state park to check it out while at Seaside. The park itself is lovely. The RV sites are not right on the beach, but they are close enough to bike or walk. You can always drive to the beach. The beaches in this park are gorgeous. Plus, the bike trails that connect all of the places along 30A are right there and so easy to use! We have biked up and down this stretch over the years and love it here so much!

The Hideaway Retreat, Navarre, Florida

The Hideaway is a boutique type campground that is beautifully maintained. We have stayed here twice before and love it so much. We will be visiting for our third year in a row this fall. It is a private campground and prices are a little more expensive. But, I feel like it is worth the money!

The campground is located on the sound side of the gulf. You can easily drive to other public beaches that are so gorgeous. And it is a quiet and beautiful area of Florida to visit that we just love. You can see my full campground review here.

You can also check out Camp Gulf. They have campsites right on the gulf. I know quite a few campers that love this location and rave about it. We have not stayed here, but it is a popular beach destination for RV'ers!

We like a mixture of both private campgrounds and state parks. Since we are staying for a longer period time this fall, I was able to string together multiple campgrounds to make up our trip. A few things to help you maximize your time at the beach in the fall based on your available travel time would be:

Be flexible with your time if you can.
Be willing to stay at multiple campgrounds. You may not can get a site for the entire time you are free.
But, you could stay at one location a few nights and move on to another site. We are hopping between three different locations this fall that make up 11 nights total. If I can add a few more, I am going to do so!

Fall beach camping offers a unique blend of serenity, comfort, and affordability that’s hard to beat. While there are some challenges to consider, the benefits far outweigh them. With fewer crowds, cooler weather, and better prices, autumn provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable beach camping experience. So pack up your RV, bring along your family and furry friends, and discover why fall is the best time to hit the beach.

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