Top 5 Hot Spots To Enjoy This Fall

With the landscape changing colors and the cold setting in across many of our public lands and waters, take a leaf from our book and travel somewhere warm this fall. Our top five “hot spots” offer temperatures where you and your loved ones can take off your fall jackets!

Escape to warmer weather!

Tonto National Forest

Arizona

Tonto National Forest (Sue Cullumber, Share the Experience)

From beachy lakes to the Sonoran Desert to the cool pine forests in the highlands of the Mogollon Rim, the largest national forest in Arizona features all of your favorite outdoor recreation spots! Take a look at the eight different wilderness areas within the park for your trip ideas.

Additionally, the Tonto National Forest offers seasonal Christmas Tree Permits for a special, family-based activity that will make incredible memories.

National Forests in Florida

FLORIDA

Ocala National Forest (Michael Stultz, Share the Experience)

Comprised of the Apalachicola, Osceola, and Ocala National Forests, the National Forests in Florida offer more than 1.2 million acres of outdoor recreation across northern and central Florida. With activities ranging from swimming to fishing to hunting, there are opportunities for all to enjoy the balmy weather!

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

South Carolina

Francis Marion National Forest (Harlan Jones, Share the Experience)

If you're looking for fall foliage outings without the winter layers, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina are a dream come true. Fall foliage peaks in late October, making it the perfect time for a warmer-weather getaway before winter sets in. Buck Hall Recreation Area offers camping, picnic shelters, boating, and provides access to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. 

Proctor Lake

Texas

Proctor Lake (Stephanie Jones, US Army Corps of Engineers)

Located in central Texas, about two hours from Waco and Dallas, Proctor Lake is an ideal spot for late-fall camping and fishing. Copperas Creek Park offers 30 campsites with amenities through the fall and winter seasons, three boat ramps, and is near 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and equestrian trails. October temperatures average highs in the low 80s (27°C) and lows in the 60s (15°C).

Allatoona Lake

GEORGIA

Allatoona Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers)

Located 30 miles (48 km) from Atlanta, Allatoona Lake (colloquially known as Lake Allatoona) is one of the most visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the country! Visit the visitor center to learn about the history of the attraction that brings more than 6 million visitors to its shores each year, or just relax near the water at one of 12 campgrounds.

Explore Related Trips

• Vivid Fall Colors from the Great Lakes to the West Coast
• Scenic Trails for Fall Mountain Biking
• 10 States to See Stunning Fall Colors

Bring Home a Story

• Wright Lake Campground Apalachicola National Forest, Florida
• Cholla Campground Tonto National Forest, Arizona
• Buck Hall Recreation Area Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, South Carolina
• McKinney Campground Allatoona Lake, Georgia
• Promontory Campground Proctor Lake, Texas