Tips for Fall Colour Camping in Ontario

Fall Colour Camping in Ontario: When to Go, What to Pack, and How to Nab a Great Site

Ontario’s forests put on a show from late September into October, and a little planning helps you catch those reds and golds without the crowds. Start by watching patterns, not precise dates: northern and higher-elevation parks usually turn first, followed by central Ontario and then the south. Aim for mid-week arrivals (Sun–Thu) traffic eases and you’ll have better odds of snagging your top pick if you’re flexible on dates and times.

How to pick a great fall site

Cooler nights change what “perfect” looks like. Prioritize:

• Sun exposure in late afternoon to enjoy the sun warmth while you prepare dinner.
• Wind breaks (bush, dunes, or forest edge) to cut that north breeze.
• Dry, level ground—bring a groundsheet to fight dew.
• Proximity to facilities: For Cooler nights you may prefer being near washrooms and water.

Pack smart for shoulder season

Think “warm, dry, lit, and fed.”

• Warmth: layered clothing, toques, gloves and a sleeping system rated at least 5–10°C lower than the forecast low.
• Dry: extra tarps/guylines, quick-dry towels, spare socks in a dry bag, and a door mat for muddy boots.
• Lit: headlamps for everyone (plus spare batteries) and a lantern for meal prep.  Remember the days are getting shorter so plan meal prep time accordingly.
• Fed: a reliable gas/propane stove with windscreen (charcoal can be restricted; campfires may be banned). Add a wide pot for soups, a thermos, and easy one-pot meals.
• Nice-to-haves: camp slippers, hand warmers, microfiber cloths for condensation, and a small broom/dustpan.

Make the most of the season

Ready to chase those colours? Browse fall-friendly campgrounds on Camping In Ontario, pencil in a mid-week escape, and let the map + photos guide you to that just-right site.