Fall camping in Minnesota comes with a pretty short window, but when the timing is right, it’s hard to beat. Cooler days, colorful trees, quiet lakes and evenings around the campfire make autumn a beautiful time to get outside.

In the Willmar Lakes Area, you can turn a camping trip into a full fall getaway. Spend your days exploring trails, chasing fall colors, fishing or discovering the communities around Kandiyohi County, then head back to camp to relax by the fire.

Ready to plan your fall camping weekend? Here’s how we’d spend it.

Find Your Fall Campsite

Start by finding a place to stay that lets you enjoy the outdoors while keeping you close to all the fall fun.

The Willmar Lakes Area has five county campgrounds, along with camping at Sibley State Park. A few privately owned campgrounds and lakeside resorts also remain open into the fall, giving you additional options for a seasonal getaway.

For something a little different, consider the yurt at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center for a cozy camping experience surrounded by nature.

Fall availability can vary, so be sure to check with individual properties for their seasonal dates and reservations.

Saturday Morning: Grab a Coffee & Hit the Trails

Once you’ve settled into camp, start your day with a warm cup of coffee and a little exploring.

Fall is a fantastic time to hit the area’s trails. Without the heat and humidity of summer, you can comfortably spend a few hours hiking, biking or simply enjoying the scenery.

Head to Sibley State Park and explore its miles of trails through hardwood forests, prairie and wetlands. Make the climb to Mount Tom for a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, especially when the fall colors begin to appear.

Or explore Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, where you’ll find trails winding through woods, prairie and wetlands. Bring your bike if you want to add a little more adventure to your afternoon.

And don’t forget to look up—and keep your eyes open. Fall migration makes this a great time for birdwatching, and you may spot hawks, waterfowl, deer and other wildlife along the way.

Saturday Afternoon: Get Out on the Water

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the lakes have lost their appeal.

With more than 30 recreational lakes in the Willmar Lakes Area, fall is a great time to enjoy some peaceful fishing before winter arrives. The cooler weather and quieter surroundings can make for a relaxing day on the water.

Not a fisherman? That’s okay. Take a scenic drive around the lakes, find a place to enjoy the view or simply spend some time outdoors taking in the changing landscape.

Fall colors typically begin showing up toward the end of September and into early October, so it’s a beautiful time to explore the area by car, bike or on foot.

Saturday Evening: Explore Local Flavor

Eventually, you’ll need to take a break from the great outdoors—and that’s when you can discover another side of the Willmar Lakes Area.

Head into one of the area’s communities for lunch or dinner, browse local shops and boutiques, or stop for a seasonal coffee or sweet treat.

Fall is also a fun time to check out local events. Depending on when you visit, you might find a fall festival, community celebration, live music, theater performance or other event happening nearby.

And if you’re a fan of craft beer, local breweries are another great stop after a day outdoors. Grab a seasonal brew, enjoy some food and soak up the fall atmosphere before heading back to camp.

Saturday Night: Campfire Time

Now it’s time to return to your campsite.

Pull on a sweatshirt, gather around the fire and let the evening slow down.

Roast marshmallows. Make s’mores. Tell stories. Look up at the stars.

After a day spent exploring, there’s something especially satisfying about ending it with a campfire and nowhere else you need to be.

Sunday Morning: One More Adventure

Before packing up, squeeze in one more taste of fall.

Take an early morning walk, enjoy one last cup of coffee beside the lake or find a scenic spot for a few final photos of the changing leaves.

If you have time, stop for breakfast or brunch in one of the nearby communities before heading home. You might even find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve left.

Make the Most of Fall

The beauty of fall camping is that you don’t need a packed itinerary. A good campsite, a few outdoor adventures and plenty of time to slow down can make for a memorable weekend.

And in the Willmar Lakes Area, it’s easy to combine all of those things into one getaway.

So grab your camping gear, your favorite fall sweatshirt and a bag of marshmallows. Pick a weekend, find your campsite and come enjoy autumn while it lasts.

Plan Your Fall Camping Weekend

Ready to start planning?

Explore campgrounds, resorts and other places to stay in the Willmar Lakes Area, then check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

Your fall weekend is waiting.