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!
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.
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!
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.
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).
Alabama
Alabama River Lakes (Christina Collins, US Army Corps of Engineers)
Nestled in Alabama's southwest hill country, Alabama River Lakes consists of three lakes; Claiborne Lake, Woodruff Lake and the William Dannelly Reservoir. These lakes and the surrounding forests provide excellent recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, camping, hunting, and sight-seeing.
Chilatchee Creek Campground is open year-round and offers more than 40 accessible campsites situated along the scenic Chilatchee Creek in Dannelly Reservoir. Just west of Montgomery, Gunter Hill Campground offers fishing, boating, scenic camping with RV hookups, and adjacent hunting opportunities in the nearby Lowndes Wildlife Management Area. In addition to overnight campgrounds, there are 35 day-use parks scattered around the three lakes for a late-fall afternoon getaway.
Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!