When you’re looking for destinations for your vanlife adventures, there are a lot of places to go in the summer months. But what abut when the weather starts to turn colder, and there’s a chill in the air? There are still plenty of amazing places to explore, and that can help you have adventures that don’t involve the summer heat. Whether you want to have a campfire under the stars or you’re looking to hike into the cool, refreshing greenery of a mountain trail, there are some great September van destinations to consider.
Telluride, Colorado
The area around Telluride, Colorado is a popular winter destination because of skiing and other sports. But in the fall, it’s breathtaking with all the foliage changing color. You can camp and hike with ease, and there’s plenty of wildlife and nature to experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop and dine in some nicer places around the area without battling the summer or winter crowds. That makes this a great September vanlife destination.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
If you want to visit Oregon, but you’re not sure about the rain or temperatures in September, check out the Willamette Valley. There’s wine country, hiking and camping, great shopping options, and less rain than you might find out by the coast. The drier climate and moderate temperatures can be an excellent mix when you want to get out and explore everything the area offers. You’ll have cool nights and comfortable days, for all your adventures.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Much like other areas of the state Breckenridge, Colorado is an excellent option when you want to enjoy mountains and hiking in your camping area. You won’t have to drive far to get to great trail and rock climbing options, and you can also shop and dine at fine locations without being in the middle of big crowds. That also makes it much easier to camp, since the campgrounds in the area won’t be packed with summer or winter travelers. You’ll have more space to enjoy.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is one of the best places for outdoor activity in September. You’ll be getting the enjoyment of the leaves changing color, but also appreciating the wildlife in all its abundance. You’ll also be avoiding the crowds that flock to the area in the summer months, so you can check out the best the area has to offer without worrying about a lack of camping spaces. The forest offers plenty of hiking, biking, and climbing options, along with breathtaking natural beauty.
The Ozark Mountains
Heading to the mountains can give you some of the best opportunities for camping and outdoor adventure, and the Ozark Mountains are one of the best choices. There, you can experience everything the area can offer, including the beautiful fall foliage as the leaves start to change. Depending on when in September you visit the area, you may be able to get the full pallet of autumn colors as you walk and hike through scenic trails.
Santa Ynez Valley, California
Looking for more warmth as the seasons change? Check out the Santa Ynez Valley in California. You’ll experience a warm but moderate climate without much rainfall, which can be perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Because you’re avoiding the crowds, you can also enjoy more room to spread out and explore, which makes for a richer experience. The valley is a beautiful place, with plenty of trees and grassy areas, along with options for shopping and indoor activities, as well.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is one of the most popular areas in Montana, because of the level of natural beauty it provides. If you want to unplug for a while, there are definitely places to do that. September weather in the park is generally very comfortable, and not yet cold or snowy, although winter weather is possible that early in the year at higher elevations. If you plan to hike and climb in the park, being prepared for changing weather is a good idea. The natural beauty of the location is second to none.
Coloma, Michigan
Located right on Lake Michigan, Coloma is one of the best places to get all the great things about the state rolled into one. You’ll be close to shopping, dining, waterparks, amusement parks, and plenty of indoor and outdoor adventures. But you’ll also get the beauty of the lake itself, where you can swim, fish, and enjoy the water in all sorts of great ways. People young and old can find something to do in the area, and the natural beauty is well worth seeing, as well.
The Oregon Coast
If you’re looking for a cooler location with some dampness in the air, the Oregon Coast can be an excellent option for your vanlife adventures. You can walk on the beach, hike in the sand dunes, or rent a side-by-side or other ATV to go exploring. There are shopping options, plenty of great restaurants, little towns full of shops, casinos, and more. It’s never boring when you’re at the beach, and there are abundant camping opportunities in cities such as Florence and Lincoln City.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine is a great tourist destination to explore when there’s a fall chill in the air. The leaves will be changing colors in September, especially late in the month, so you can check out all the beautiful foliage. Visiting Acadia National Park means great camping opportunities, giving you somewhere to stay as you check out the surrounding area. With hiking and biking options, along with the natural beauty of the trees preparing to shed their leaves, you can’t go wrong with this location.
Ready to head out on your next van adventure? With all the destinations you can explore, there are options for everyone. Whether you want to experience the coolness of the mountains or the coast, or you’d rather enjoy some warmth for as long as it lasts, you can always find an area to appreciate. Indoor and outdoor adventures are all over the country, and September means smaller crowds in a lot of the most popular summer destinations.
