28 Amazing and Ultimate Benefits of Autumn Camping in 2025

Last Updated on 1 October 2025

Camping in summer is great fun, but have you ever considered autumn camping? Once the summer ended, I didn’t think about camping in autumn. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much. That all changed after I spent a weekend camping in autumn and realised how much fun it is.

As someone who’s spent countless nights under autumn skies with my family, the benefits of autumn camping extend far beyond just avoiding summer crowds. From the spectacular natural beauty to sitting around a campfire at night, autumn offers great opportunities to turn camping trips into amazing adventures.

Are you ready to learn the 28 benefits of autumn camping?

Read on to find out more!

A campfire. Benefits of autumn camping. Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash — Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash

28 Amazing Benefits of Autumn Camping You Need to Experience

Discovering the benefits of autumn camping has changed how our family approaches outdoor adventures. Autumn is no longer looked at as a dreary season, with us looking forward to warmer months before we can go camping again.

Here are the reasons we enjoy autumn camping:

Weather & Comfort Benefits

Perfect Sleeping Temperatures – The benefits of autumn camping start with ideal autumn camping weather. Unlike summer months, where night temperatures can rise in the mid to high-teens (depending on where you are) in the UK, in the autumn, nights typically range from 6-11°C, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (with the right gear from your autumn camping checklist) without overheating. We find that camping with our kids becomes so much easier during the autumn than our summer adventures.
Fewer Biting Insects – One of the greatest advantages of camping at this time of the year is reduced insect activity. Say goodbye to midges, mosquitoes, and wasps that plague your summer camping. You won’t need as much insect repellent, and you spend less time worrying about how they manage to get into your tent at night.
Crisp, Clear Days – The mornings will be cold, but your days will include stunning, clear skies perfect for autumn outdoor activities like hiking and photography without worrying about rising temperatures.

Visual & Sensory Benefits

Autumn leaves turning from green to red to orange. Photo by fr0ggy5 on Unsplash — Photo by fr0ggy5 on Unsplash

Spectacular Autumn Foliage – Experience nature’s most breathtaking display as leaves transform into brilliant colours. We love seeing the changing colours and enjoy making different autumn crafts to take home with us, reminding us of the fun we had.
Perfect Photography Opportunities – Golden hour lighting and colourful backdrops create photo opportunities you can’t get in other seasons. We typically bring a camera with us to capture these beautiful moments. Include one in your autumn camping list.
Unique Wildlife Spotting – Observe animals preparing for winter, including migrating birds and mammals gathering food stores. These autumn outdoor activities provide excellent educational opportunities. We like to find a quiet spot and observe what we can see and hear.
Stunning Sunrise and Sunset Views – Bare branches and clear skies create dramatic silhouettes and unobstructed views. Early sunsets make for some cosy evenings, especially when you’re sitting around a campfire after having enjoyed some delicious autumn camping recipes.
Peaceful Forest Walks – The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot creates sensory experiences children love during autumn camping with kids adventures. We enjoy jumping from leaf to leaf to find the crispy ones.

Social & Practical Benefits

Fewer Crowds – One of the things we enjoy about autumn camping are the low number of people we see. Not having to rush to the showers each morning is a bonus and is definitely one of the benefits of autumn camping for me.
Better Campsite Availability – Premium autumn camping in UK locations that would normally be booked during the summer are more readily available in the autumn and at off-peak prices. There have been a few places we’ve missed out on over the summer because they were fully booked, but during the autumn, we were able to camp there. And at a discount price and with fewer people…result!
Quieter Environments – Experience true peace without peak season chaos. This tranquillity enhances the benefits of family bonding and relaxation. Don’t get me wrong, I love children running around acting crazy (my own included), but it’s also nice to have a quiet campsite, especially at night.
Easier Facility Access – There are fewer queues at the toilets, showers, and washing facilities.
More Space for Children to Explore – My kids can roam freely and safely in less crowded areas when we’re camping in autumn, giving me peace of mind.

Financial Benefits

A growing money pot. Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash — Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

Lower Campsite Fees – Most UK autumn camping sites offer reduced off-peak rates. These savings are definite benefits of autumn camping for us when we don’t want to spend too much while we’re camping.
End-of-Season Equipment Sales – We often take advantage of autumn camping gear discounts as retailers clear their summer stock. This is the perfect time to update your autumn camping equipment and to grab a few bargains.

Family & Personal Benefits

Perfect Campfire Conditions – Cool evenings create ideal temperatures for gathering around fires without overheating. This cosy atmosphere after a well-earned meal and just before bed, as you talk about your day’s activities, is a lovely way to unwind and relax.
Enhanced Family Bonding – While we love summer camping, autumn camping feels a bit cosier with the nights getting darker earlier as you sit around a campfire before bed. It’s these things and the activities we do during the day that create lasting memories.
Educational Opportunities – Autumn provides natural learning experiences for our kids about seasonal changes and wildlife behaviour. We love seeing what birds we can spot or watching the wildlife getting ready for winter. These autumn nature activities combine fun with education.
Stress Reduction and Mental Health Benefits – For me, being outside in nature reduces any stress I’m feeling about life, work, etc. I just feel a great weight lifting off my shoulders, and I love the feeling it gives me. Research suggests that being in nature offers “benefits for both physical and psychological human well-being,” indicating the benefits of autumn camping.

Safety & Health Benefits

A sun balloon in a field. Photo by Laura Pratt on Unsplash — Photo by Laura Pratt on Unsplash

Reduced Risk of Overheating – Lower temperatures in autumn reduce heat exhaustion concerns during physical activities.
Better Air Quality – Autumn air is typically cleaner and fresher, providing respiratory benefits for the whole family during autumn family camping adventures. I suffer from hayfever and I see a noticeable change.
Vitamin D – You can still get your vitamin D during sunny autumn days without worrying about harmful summer UV intensity. And during those crisp mornings, I love having a bit of warmth on my face as well.
Enhanced Immune System – Fresh air and outdoor activity during autumn months help strengthen immune systems before winter with the cooler temperatures, adding health benefits of autumn camping.
Improved Physical Activity – Comfortable temperatures encourage more hiking and exploration. My kids enjoy more walking during the cooler months and we’re less likely to hear complaints from them. Make sure to include appropriate autumn camping clothing in your autumn camping checklist for active adventures.

Unique Autumn Camping Experiences

Magical Evening Atmospheres – Earlier sunsets create longer, cosier evenings perfect for campfire activities and stargazing during autumn family camping trips. We love stargazing and do it as one of our autumn nature activities.
Traditional Seasonal Activities – Opportunities for apple picking, conker collecting, and other classic autumn activities enhance the seasonal experience. Some of our favourites are leaf collecting, going on scavenger hunts, campfire cooking, and building dens.
Harvest Festival Experiences – Many autumn camping in the UK host festivals celebrating the harvest season, adding cultural richness to your camping adventure. Check with your campsite to see if there are any nearby before you go.
Extended Camping Season – The benefits of autumn camping allow families to extend outdoor adventures well beyond traditional summer seasons, maximising your camping investment. Now, we no longer wait for the warmer weather to kick in to go camping.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Autumn Camping

When you think about it, there are so many benefits of autumn camping that so many are missing out on. From sitting around campfires to seeing the natural beauty around us to the peaceful atmosphere and cost savings, autumn offers everything families need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

I’ve experienced firsthand how autumn camping creates those magical moments that my children remember and talk about years later. The combination of delicious hot meals, colourful leaves, and quality family time makes autumn camping a winner for families seeking authentic outdoor experiences. It also sets the foundation for my children to continue this when they’re older.

Ready to experience these incredible benefits yourself? Start planning your autumn camping adventure today. Check local campsites for availability, pack your warm layers, and prepare for an outdoor experience that will leave your family already planning your next autumn escape.

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Happy camping!

Have you found this benefits of autumn camping guide useful? What do you enjoy about autumn camping? If you haven’t done camping in autumn, do you think you will? Share your thoughts in the comments below!