We usually can’t wait for summertime to arrive, to get on the road and get to the campground. To relax, get away from it all, have more space.

Whatever attracts you to the RV lifestyle can be that much sweeter when autumn and winter roll around. Extend the use and range of your RV by continuing to camp after the high season. Here are six reasons why late season camping has its perks.

  1. Reduced rates. The high season typically has higher prices. The late season can bring about lower rates or special deals since there is less competition. Campgrounds often publicize this on their websites and social media profiles, but you should also call to ensure that any pricing advertised is accurate when you make your reservation.
  2. Temperature changes. The moderate weather and cooler mornings may require you to turn on the heat for a little bit, but you usually don’t need to worry about running the air conditioning. You also don’t need to worry about leaving your pets behind as long as they are protected from the elements and have a cozy bed to retreat to. It’s easier to be active in the daytime, too, as you don’t need to manage exertion in hot temperatures. That doesn’t mean you won’t break a sweat, however. Fall days can be chilly to start, unseasonably warm by mid-afternoon, and brisk come nightfall. The best thing you can do: layer!
  3. More space. RVing helps you get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Camping in the late season gives you more space, both on the road – fewer vehicles clogging the lanes– and at the campground. If you camp during the weekdays, you’ll see this difference more prominently. Your favorite sightseeing spots, maybe even some new ones, will also be less crowded and more accessible. This isn’t true for every sight, however. There are some places that beckon people to visit at times of the year outside the “typical” high season (think fall colors and waterfall hikes).
  4. Pick of spots. Because of the reduction in camping traffic, you may have a better selection of campsites at your chosen campground. You can often find a spot to pull into at the last minute. Still, it’s best to make your reservation as far in advance as possible. Consider camping during the weekdays instead of a long weekend to have better access to better spots, and to avoid heavier crowds.
  5. Wildlife. Many animals become more active when the temperature drops, bettering your changes of spotting them during hikes and drives. Deer especially start to roam more.
  6. You get to enjoy RVing for a longer time. Most of us aren’t ready to put away the camper or trailer at the end of the summer… so don’t! Keep the RV out and ready for weekend camping (if work gets in the way). You don’t need to winterize the RV come September. The drives you took in the summer will look anew now that the autumn colors have arrived, giving you a completely new and different driving experience. And it’ll transform again when the snow begins to fall.