Shoulder Season Camping: Why It’s the Secret Best Time to Go

For Young Explorers Who Love a Great Deal

Have you ever heard of the "Shoulder Season"? It sounds like a funny name, but it is actually a camping "secret" that pro travelers use to have the best trips ever.

The Shoulder Season is the time of year right before summer starts (Spring) and right after summer ends (Fall). It’s like the shoulder of the year—it’s right next to the "head" (the busy summer).

Here is why camping during these times is actually the smartest way to travel.

1. No More "Sold Out" Signs

In the middle of summer, campgrounds are packed. But in the Shoulder Season, many people are at home.

  • The Benefit: You don't have to book your site six months in advance! You can often find a perfect spot just a few days before you want to go.

  • The Best Part: You usually get to pick the absolute best site in the park because there are so many open spots.

2. The "Perfect Porridge" Weather

Summer can be way too hot, and winter is way too cold. Shoulder season is "just right."

  • The Benefit: The days are usually cool and sunny—perfect for hiking or riding your bike without getting too sweaty.

  • The Best Part: At night, it gets nice and chilly, which is the perfect excuse for a big campfire and extra marshmallows!

3. Peace and Quiet

In July, the playground might be super crowded and noisy. In the Shoulder Season, it’s much more peaceful.

  • The Benefit: You don't have to wait in line for the pool or the mini-golf course.

  • The Best Part: You have a much better chance of seeing cool animals like deer, turkeys, or foxes because there aren't as many people around to scare them away.

4. Save Your Allowance!

Since fewer people are traveling, many campgrounds lower their prices during the Shoulder Season.

  • The Benefit: Your family might save $10 or $20 every single night!

  • The Best Part: Saving money on the campsite means you might have more money for a treat at the camp store or a fun activity nearby.

5. The "Changing Colors" Show

Depending on where you live, the Shoulder Season is the most beautiful time of the year.

  • The Benefit: In the Spring, you get to see all the flowers blooming and baby animals being born. In the Fall, the trees turn bright orange, red, and yellow.

  • The Best Part: Your camping photos will look like they belong in a magazine!

Pro Tip: Pack for "Surprises." In the Shoulder Season, the weather can change quickly. It might be sunny at lunch but rainy by dinner. Always pack a rain jacket and an extra pair of dry socks just in case!

Final Thoughts

Shoulder Season camping is the "smart" way to go because you get more space, better prices, and beautiful views. If you don't mind wearing a hoodie instead of a swimsuit, you might find that Spring and Fall are your new favorite times to explore the outdoors.

Ready for a quiet adventure?

🐟 Want to see if the trees are turning colors at your favorite park? You can check out the campsites and the woods before you go! CampgroundViews.com lets you take a 360-degree tour of the park on your tablet. You can see how much shade the sites have and what the trees look like right now.

Explore the colors at CampgroundViews.com!