Outbound Collective logo

9 Campsites for Fall camping in the Southeast U.S

Camping is a great way to slow down and reconnect with nature. It takes extra effort if you're going somewhere chilly! If you're looking to escape the colder months without needing snow gear, check out these campgrounds in the Southeast U.S.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List


Camping offers the opportunity to take a break from the fast pace of daily life. It's just you, some pals, fresh air, and the starry night sky. Spare yourself the added element of preparing for fall and winter temps by checking out these campsites in the warmer Southeastern US. 

1. Deer Camp, Tennessee

Photo: Yonder

Not totally feeling the tent camping experience? Try glamping at this tiny, cozy cabin tucked in the woods near Fall Creek Falls State Park in Dunlap, Tennessee. The small cabin is adorned with a comfy queen bed and gas log fireplace. There's even an outdoor theater for movie night! The secluded locale is close to great hiking trails at Savage Gulf Natural Area and Rock Island State Park.

2. Buck Lake Group Campground, Florida

Photo: Daniel Obregon

This group camping facility hosts up to 50 guests and is located in the heart of Ocala National Forest in Altoona, Florida. The national forest is home to the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Along the shore of Buck Lake, get together with family and friends for fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking. Buck Lake Group Campground is an excellent option for families who need more tents than are allowed at most campsites. You'll have plenty of room to spread out and social distance within your covid 19 pod!

3. Waitsboro Campground, Kentucky

Photo: Lauren Barton

This campground is right on the serene and scenic Lake Cumberland in Somerset, Kentucky. The lake is home to an abundance of fish like largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky bass, making it a prime spot for anglers. Visit the quarter-mile Black Walnut Nature Trail near the lake office to take a self-guided educational tour and learn about the area.

4. Holiday Campground, Georgia

Photo: ExploreGeorgia

This waterfront campground is on the western shore of West Point Lake, spanning parts of both Alabama and Georgia. Forests and rolling fields surround the large waterway. This lake is a boater and sailor’s dream! Cruise along and cast a line for bass, catfish, or bream. Check out the Lakeside Trail for hiking or mountain biking. Other facilities include basketball and tennis courts, and a playground for younger kids!

5. North Bend Park, Virginia

Photo: Virginia.org

The North Bend campground is situated on the John H. Kerr Reservoir in Boydton, Virginia. The 26 wildlife management areas surrounding the lake offer abundant year-round activities like hiking, biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Bring binoculars to keep a lookout for bald eagles that migrate from October through December!

6. Badin Lake Campground, North Carolina

Photo: Tristan Dunn

This lakeside campground sits in a shaded forest and is a wonderful spot for swimmers, boaters, and anglers year-round. Drive 6.5 miles north of the campground to North Carolina’s Uwharrie National Forest to enjoy many miles of hiking, horseback riding, mounting biking, and off-roading trails.


7. Buck Hall Recreation Area, South Carolina

Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Located in McClellanville, South Carolina, this camp area provides access to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge with roughly 65,000 acres of creeks, beaches, and marshland to explore. Bulls Bay is known as the coast’s best shrimp baiting area, so give shrimping a try if you enjoy fresh seafood!

8. Doll Mountain Campground, Georgia

Photo: Abigail Ducote

Located in the North Georgia Mountains in Ellijay, Georgia, this campground is about 70 miles north of Atlanta. Primary recreational activities include hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, and picnicking-- an ideal mix of things to do while on a camping retreat. Travel to the north side of the lake to hike the Tumbling Waters Trail, a family-friendly jaunt that follows a creek to two beautiful overlooks with views of North Georgia!

9. Lake Sherwood Campground, West Virginia

Photo: Chris Santilli

The Lake Sherwood Campground in Greenbrier County, West Virginia is a great family-friendly spot in the Monongahela National Forest. Here, you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and volleyball (yes, there’s a court!). There are a variety of camping options to suit you and your group’s preferences like standard, tent-only, or group camping facilities.


Cover Photo: Vlad Shalaginov



We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Related

Lake Tahoe's trifecta: 3 Days of adventure at Zephyr Cove

Ranz Navarro

Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

Hannah Sibley

8 Amazing national park lakes to explore this Summer

The Outbound Collective

Add these three North Carolina destinations to your must-visit list

The Outbound Collective

10 National park activities that aren't hiking

The Outbound Collective