Fall is one of the best times of year to plan a camping trip from Memphis. The temperatures are cooler, the leaves begin to change and evenings are perfect for sitting around a fire. You can spend the day hiking, exploring a nearby town or relaxing outdoors without dealing with the heat and humidity that often come with summer camping. You also do not have to be an experienced camper to enjoy a fall weekend in nature. There are plenty of destinations within driving distance of Memphis that offer everything from traditional tent and RV sites to cabins, yurts, luxury tents, domes and renovated Airstreams. Whether your ideal weekend involves sleeping beneath the stars or enjoying the outdoors from a private hot tub, these are some of the best fall camping and glamping weekend getaways from Memphis.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in Millington, Tennessee
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 30 minutes
You do not have to drive far to enjoy a peaceful fall camping trip. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is located just north of Memphis along the Mississippi River and is one of the easiest options for a quick weekend outdoors.
The park has a campground for tents and RVs along with rustic cabins for anyone who wants a few more comforts. Spend the weekend hiking through the hardwood forest, paddling on Poplar Tree Lake, fishing or looking for wildlife.
Because it is so close to Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest is a good choice for first-time campers or families who want to try camping without committing to a long drive. It is also close enough for a one-night getaway when you cannot fit an entire weekend into your schedule.
Village Creek State Park in Wynne, Arkansas
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 1 hour
Village Creek State Park is another easy fall getaway from Memphis. Located along Crowley’s Ridge in eastern Arkansas, the park has wooded campsites, comfortable cabins, lakes and miles of trails.
Its location along Crowley’s Ridge creates more elevation and fall color than you might expect so close to Memphis. The park has 96 campsites and 10 cabins, giving families several ways to stay depending on how rustic they want the weekend to be.
During the day, you can hike, fish, kayak, play tennis or explore the multiuse trails. Village Creek is especially convenient when you want to leave after school or work on Friday and still arrive with enough time to settle in before dark.
Serendipity Resort in Brownsville, Tennessee
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 1 hour
Serendipity Resort is one of the closest glamping destinations to Memphis. It offers several types of accommodations, including cabins, cottages and yurts.
The yurts are a fun choice for families who want the experience of camping without bringing a tent or sleeping on the ground. You can still spend your evenings outside, cook around the fire and wake up surrounded by nature while having a more comfortable place to sleep.
The resort offers fishing, disc golf, horseshoes and other outdoor activities. While some of its amenities are seasonal, fall is a peaceful time to visit and enjoy the property without the heat of summer.
Pickwick Landing State Park in Counce, Tennessee
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 2 hours
Located along Pickwick Lake, Pickwick Landing State Park offers campsites, cabins and a lodge. This makes it easy for families or groups to travel together even if everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to camping.
Fall is a beautiful time to hike the park’s trails, play golf, fish or simply relax beside the water. The lake tends to be quieter once the busiest part of summer ends, but the weather is often still comfortable enough to spend plenty of time outside.
Choose a campsite if you want a traditional camping weekend or reserve one of the cabins for an easier getaway. The lodge is another convenient option if you want access to the park without camping at all.
Tishomingo State Park in Tishomingo, Mississippi
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 2 hours
Tishomingo State Park feels completely different from the relatively flat landscape around Memphis. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the park is known for its large rock formations, wooded trails and swinging bridge.
The park offers tent and RV camping along with cabins and cottage-style accommodations. Fall brings cooler hiking weather and changing leaves, making it one of the best seasons to explore the park.
The Bear Creek Outcropping Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes and takes visitors past rock formations, forest scenery and the swinging bridge. Families can also fish, canoe or enjoy a slower afternoon around the campsite.
Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs, Arkansas
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 3 hours
Lake Catherine State Park combines a relaxing lake getaway with easy access to Hot Springs. The park has wooded campsites, cabins, hiking trails and a marina.
One of its most popular trails leads to a seasonal waterfall. Even when the waterfall is not flowing heavily, the trail is a pretty way to enjoy the forest and fall color.
After spending the morning outdoors, drive into Hot Springs to explore Bathhouse Row, browse the shops downtown or have dinner before returning to your campsite or cabin. It is a great option for families who want to camp but also like having restaurants and attractions nearby.
Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 3 hours
Petit Jean State Park is one of the most beautiful fall camping destinations within a weekend’s drive of Memphis. The park sits atop Petit Jean Mountain and is filled with overlooks, waterfalls, rock formations and wooded trails.
There are several ways to stay, including campsites, cabins and rooms at historic Mather Lodge. Some of the cabins have fireplaces and incredible views, making them especially inviting during cooler fall weekends.
Cedar Falls Trail is one of the park’s best-known hikes, but it can be strenuous in places. Families looking for something easier can explore shorter trails, visit the overlooks or enjoy the views near Mather Lodge.
Petit Jean is very popular during peak fall foliage, so reserve your campsite or cabin as early as possible.
Center Hill Lake Glamping Domes in Smithville, Tennessee
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 4 hours
If your idea of camping includes a real bed, private bathroom and hot tub, the Center Hill Lake Glamping Domes are worth the drive.
The domes overlook Center Hill Lake and feature large windows that allow you to enjoy the scenery from inside. Each one has a private deck and hot tub, making this an especially fun choice for a couples’ fall getaway.
You can spend the day hiking, exploring the lake or visiting nearby waterfalls before returning to the dome to relax. This experience is more secluded and romantic than a traditional family campground, so I would especially recommend it for an anniversary trip or quiet weekend without the kids.
Terralodge in Monteagle, Tennessee
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 4 hours
Terralodge is a peaceful glamping property near Monteagle with domes, cabins and Scandinavian-inspired accommodations surrounded by trees.
We stayed here during the spring and loved how private and quiet the property was. Each accommodation has its own porch and hot tub, so you can spend plenty of time outside without giving up the comforts of a boutique stay.
Monteagle is particularly pretty in the fall and the area has several hiking trails, waterfalls and overlooks to explore. Terralodge is also approximately 45 minutes from Chattanooga if you want to add restaurants or family attractions to your weekend.
This is a great choice for couples, but some of the larger accommodations can also work for families.
Camp Long Creek near Branson, Missouri
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 4 hours
Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge offers one of the most luxurious glamping experiences within driving distance of Memphis.
The glamping tents have king-size beds, wood floors, heating and air conditioning, chandeliers and private bathrooms with tubs and showers. Outside, you will have your own fire pit and seating area overlooking the beautiful Ozark landscape.
Guests also have access to many of Big Cedar Lodge’s activities and amenities. You can hike, play mini golf, visit nearby Dogwood Canyon or spend a day exploring Branson.
Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit the Ozarks as the leaves begin to change. Camp Long Creek gives you the atmosphere of camping with almost none of the usual setup or packing.
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 6 hours
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is a wonderful option for anyone who wants to experience the Smokies without staying in a traditional hotel or cabin.
We visited several years ago and loved the luxury canvas tents and peaceful mountain setting. Depending on the tent you reserve, accommodations may include a king-size bed, private bathroom, wood-burning stove and separate sleeping area for children.
The property makes a great home base for hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, exploring Pigeon Forge or spending a day in Gatlinburg. At night, you can return to camp, sit around the fire and enjoy a much quieter side of the area.
Because mountain temperatures can drop quickly during fall, pack plenty of layers and check the property’s seasonal closing dates before planning your trip.
AutoCamp Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 7 hours
AutoCamp Asheville is one of the most unique fall glamping getaways in the South.
Located along the French Broad River, AutoCamp offers modern Airstream suites, cabins, smaller Bambi suites and BaseCamp accommodations for families and groups. The Airstreams have comfortable beds, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, heating and air conditioning and private outdoor areas.
We loved giving the kids a simpler, 90s-style summer here. They played tag, spent time outside and played card games while we slowed down and enjoyed being together. AutoCamp also has a clubhouse, hot tub, game room, yard games, badminton and scheduled activities such as crafts.
Fall is an ideal time to visit because you can explore Asheville, drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and search for the best fall foliage before returning to relax beside the river. Because it is a longer drive from Memphis, I recommend staying for at least three nights.
The Glamping Collective near Asheville, North Carolina
Distance from Memphis: Approximately 7 hours
The Glamping Collective is a luxury mountaintop glamping retreat near Asheville. The property offers glass domes and modern glamping cabins surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The large windows are designed to make the mountain views part of the experience, especially when the fall leaves begin to change. Accommodations feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, kitchen areas, outdoor decks and private hot tubs, allowing you to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
Spend the day hiking, exploring Asheville or driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway before returning to watch the sunset from your deck. The property’s peaceful setting also makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the weekend without planning a long list of activities.
The Glamping Collective is an especially good choice for a romantic fall trip, girls’ getaway or relaxing family weekend. Because of the drive from Memphis, I recommend staying for at least three nights and pairing it with time in Asheville or the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
What to Pack for a Fall Camping Trip
Fall weather in the South can change quickly. Warm afternoons can turn into chilly evenings, especially in the mountains. Packing layers will help everyone stay comfortable throughout the weekend.
Bring sweatshirts, jackets, extra blankets, comfortable hiking shoes and rain gear. Even if your glamping accommodation includes linens, a favorite blanket can make evenings around the fire more comfortable.
You will also want flashlights, reusable water bottles, camp chairs, insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit. If you plan to cook, confirm what cookware and utensils are included before packing. Glamping accommodations vary quite a bit and some provide a full kitchenette while others only offer a fire pit or grill.
Do not forget everything you need for s’mores, hot chocolate and an easy campfire dinner. Food always seems to taste better when it is prepared outside.
Tips for Planning a Fall Camping or Glamping Weekend
Fall is one of the busiest times for cabins, state parks and mountain glamping resorts. Reserve popular weekends as early as possible, especially if you want to travel during peak fall foliage.
Before booking, consider how much of a traditional camping experience your family actually wants. Tent camping is usually the most affordable option, but it also requires the most equipment and preparation. Cabins and yurts offer a comfortable middle ground, while luxury tents, domes and Airstreams give you the outdoor setting with hotel-style amenities.
Check whether your accommodation includes linens, towels, cookware, firewood and a private bathroom. You should also look at the distance between your campsite and the nearest restroom if you are traveling with younger children.
For destinations more than four hours from Memphis, I recommend staying at least three nights. A little extra time makes the drive more worthwhile and allows you to enjoy the property without trying to fit every activity into one day.
The Best Fall Getaways from Memphis
You do not have to choose between a weekend in nature and a comfortable place to sleep. The best fall camping and glamping destinations near Memphis offer options for every travel style, from rustic tent sites and state park cabins to luxury domes, canvas tents and renovated Airstreams. For a quick trip, start with Meeman-Shelby Forest, Village Creek or Serendipity Resort. Petit Jean and Lake Catherine are perfect for a classic fall road trip, while Terralodge, Camp Long Creek, AutoCamp Asheville and The Glamping Collective turn camping into an entire vacation experience. No matter which destination you choose, fall is the perfect season to slow down, spend more time outside and enjoy a weekend around the fire with the people you love.
