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Top Fall Fishing Destinations

by CampspotterSep 15, 2023
Top Fall Fishing Destinations

As the leaves change and the temperatures dip, anglers everywhere are reeling in the excitement of finding the best fishing spots for fall. It’s time to grab your tackle box, don your favorite flannel, and join us as we explore the crème de la crème of fall fishing destinations. Whether you’re an angling aficionado or just a casual caster, get ready for a world-class fishing experience at these top campgrounds.

1. Diamond M Ranch Resort – Kenai, AK

RV parked among trees

Average Fall Temperature (F) High/Low: 43°/27°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Kenai River, Cook Inlet

Fishing Amenities: Fishing charter partners

First on the list of best fishing spots for fall is the Diamond M Ranch Resort. Located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, this spot is the perfect home base for an Alaskan adventure. The area is teeming with popular fishing quests of Pacific halibut, trophy salmon, and rainbow trout. Situated on the bluff overlooking the famous Kenai River and Cook Inlet, this destination offers a top fall fishing experience.

Book This Last Frontier Resort

2. Alaskan Angler RV Resort and Cabins – Ninilchik, AK

Alaskan fall fishing destinations with mountain in background

Average Fall Temperature (F): 43°/27°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Ninilchik River, Cook Inlet

Fishing Amenities: On-site charter company

Alaskan Angler RV Resort and Cabins spans eight acres in the heart of Ninilchik, Alaska. Their on-site fishing charter company, Afishunt Charters, covers the entire Kenai Peninsula from their home base on the Cook Inlet to the Pacific Ocean and beyond. With experience in halibut and king and silver salmon, this fall fishing destination is a dream for fishing enthusiasts near and far.  

Book This Alaskan Angler’s Paradise

3. Adventures of Putman Lake RV Park & Campground – Baldwin, MI

lake fall fishing destination view from cabin porch

Average Fall Temperature (F): 59°/36°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Bush Lake, Government Lake

Fishing Amenities: Waterfront

“Adventure” perfectly captures the spirit of this western Michigan destination. With several lakes nearby, including the park’s namesake, adventure is always just minutes away. While you can travel throughout the area for a great catch, Putnam Lake itself is a great destination to hook largemouth bass and bluegill. 

Book This Western Michigan Getaway

4. Happy Trails Campground – Meadview, AZ

man standing with horse and dog beside lake at Happy Trails Campground, a favorite fall fishing destination on Campspot

Average Fall Temperature (F): 79°/54°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Colorado River, Lake Mead

This family-owned and operated campground is located in the heart of Meadview, Arizona, and is a no-frills fishing spot for fall. For those seeking proximity to rugged outdoor adventure with a simple, comfortable place to stay, Happy Trails is the perfect happy medium. With free access to Lake Mead Recreational Park, this location provides various spots for anglers to cast a line. 

Popular fish in the area include rainbow trout, black crappie, and the famous striped bass, among several others. With spectacular views and close access to Lake Mead, Happy Trails Campground is a fantastic spot for those looking for fall fishing destinations.

Book This Family-Run Fishing Spot

5. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains – Granby, CO

campground beside fall fishing destinations (lakes) with mountains in backdrop at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a favorite fall fishing destination on Campspot

Average Fall Temperature (F): 55°/26°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Lake Granby, Grand Lake

Fishing Amenities: Boat launch

It would be easier to list the things you cant do at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. This outdoor paradise isn’t just one of the best fishing spots for fall. It’s also a perfect destination for hiking and camping in the summer and winter sports when the snow falls. If that doesn’t sell you, Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains also took home fourth in the 2022 Campspot Awards category Top Campgrounds for First-Timers and second in Top Campgrounds with Views.

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6. Alpen Rose RV Park – Durango, CO

RV parked next to lawn and trees at Alpen Rose RV Park, a favorite fall fishing destination on Campspot

Average Fall Temperature (F): 65°/31°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Lake Nighthorse, Animas River

Located in the beautiful Animas River Valley and beneath gorgeous red rock cliffs is Alpen Rose RV Park. With close access to the free-flowing Animas River, you can enjoy fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout at its best with gorgeous mountain scenery. This fall fishing destination provides an excellent experience, and it took ninth place in the 2022 Campspot Awards category Most Popular Campgrounds in the USA.

Book This Award-Winning Rocky Mountain Stay

7. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins – Montrose, CO

RV park next to fall fishing destination of a riverband

Average Fall Temperature (F): 64°/36°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Ridgway State Park, Gunnison River

Fishing Amenities: Walk-in river access

Riverbend RV Park and Cabins is centrally located between Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the majestic San Juan Mountains, and Grand Mesa, making it one of the best fishing spots for fall. The park offers shaded sites and walk-in river access for fly fishing and floating. When you’re not fishing, you’re just minutes away from golf courses, miles of bike paths, and the Montrose Rec Center.

Book This Riverfront Basecamp

8. Conejos River Campground – Antonito, CO

smiling man holding fish next to river at Conejos River Campground, a popular fall fishing destintation on Campspot

Average Fall Temperature (F): 60°/26°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Cove Lake Reservoir, La Jara Reservoir

Fishing Amenities: Staff assists with booking fishing guides

Bordered by the Rio Grande National Forest and sitting among the San Juan Mountains is the Conejos River Campground. The campground features a peaceful, scenic location perfect for outdoor recreation. You’ll be just a short walk to the Conejos River, where you can experience one of Colorado’s premier trout rivers, home to rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.

Book This Colorado Retreat

9. Campfire Ranch on the Taylor – Almont, CO

road leading into campground by Taylor River, a best fishing spot for fall

Average Fall Temperature (F): 46°/19°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Taylor River, Gunnison River

The famed Taylor River in Gunnison County, Colorado, is one of the best fishing spots for fall when it comes to brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. This makes the nearby Campfire Ranch on the Taylor the perfect fall fishing destination for you. Camp in rustic comfort as all the campsites are walk-in and tent-only, and enjoy the iconic views in the Central Rockies.

Book This Unique Fishing Stay

10. Albert’s Landing Idaho – Kingston, ID

man holding fish while boating on river

Average Fall Temperature (F): 59°/36°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Coeur d’Alene River, Harrison Slough

Fishing Amenities: Boat launch

A favorite among fall fishing destinations, Albert’s Landing is located on the banks of the beautiful North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, an area known for its renowned fly fishing and one that offers several guided trips.

Fronting the Coeur d’Alene River, you’re just steps from great fishing when you wake up each morning. Anglers can spread out over almost 1,000 feet of river frontage or drive just a few minutes to get to more secluded spots. Popular species here include brook trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon, among others.

Book This Historic Idaho Stay

11. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Tower Park – Lodi, CA

aerial view of waterpark and campground of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Tower Park, near the Delta, a best fishing spot. forfall

Average Fall Temperature (F):  83°/54°

Nearby Bodies of Water: California Delta

One of the best fishing spots for fall is the California Delta, hands down—which makes Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Tower Park, located on the byways of the Delta, the perfect spot to go fishing and have fun with the whole family. The California Delta is teeming with striped bass, crawdads, catfish, salmon, black bass, and sturgeon, while this campground was also a 2022 Campspot Awards winner in the category Most Popular in the USA. Needless to say, you won’t be disappointed at this top fall fishing destination.

Book This Luxurious Angler’s Escape

12. Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor – Petoskey, MI

RV parked next to luxurious putting greens

Average Fall Temperature (F): 56°/40°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Little Traverse Bay, Walloon Lake

There are no bad spots at this Sun Outdoors location. However, if there’s one spot to nab, it’s the Premium Coach spots here, which took second place in the 2022 Campspot Awards category Top Camping Sites. They take luxury seriously here, with an expansive, temperature-controlled pool, spa, and manicured putting green. If you can tear yourself away from the resort, the Crown Jewel of Michigan has world-class fishing opportunities.

Book This Award-Winning Hotspot

13. Paul Bunyan Land Campground – Brainerd, MN

aerial view of Paul Bunyon Land campground

Average Fall Temperature (F): 54°/33°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Rice Lake, Mississippi River

With the nickname “Land of 10,000 lakes,” the Brainerd Lakes Area is a fisherman’s dream come true. This spot on our list of best fishing spots for fall provides a close location to one of the most popular fishing lakes and Minnesota’s second-largest lake, Lake Mille Lacs. Surrounded by numerous bodies of water, Paul Bunyan Land Campground is the perfect place to set up camp for a long fishing weekend. Those looking for fall fishing destinations will be quite happy here.

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14. Sandy Pond Campground – Plymouth, MA

aerial view of Sandy Pond Campground, a best fishing spot for fall

Average Fall Temperature (F): 63°/42°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Cape Cod, Sandy Pond

One of the best fishing spots for fall (specifically for big bass and bluefish) is the beautiful Cape Cod in Massachusetts, so stay at Sandy Pond Campground for your basecamp. This picturesque campground is located just three miles from Cape Cod Canal and 15 minutes to historic downtown Plymouth. Besides fishing, make sure to experience the local attractions or take day trips to Boston, Newport, and more. 

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15. Majestic Oaks Campground – Eldon, MO

RVs parked neatly at campground

Average Fall Temperature (F): 68°/46°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Lake Ja-Ha, Osage River

With a quiet country setting, the Majestic Oaks Campground offers a peaceful getaway in Eldon, Missouri. Nestled just minutes away from the Lake of the Ozarks, this fall fishing destination provides some of the country’s best fishing. The lake offers renowned bass fishing and various other species with crappie, paddlefish, catfish, and more. With miles of shoreline to explore, anglers can enjoy year-round fishing opportunities.

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16. Countryside RV Park – Dillon, MT

beautiful lake fall fishing destination

Average Fall Temperature (F): 59°/30°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Beaverhead River, Clark Canyon Reservoir

Located in beautiful Southwestern Montana, this destination is a fly-fisher’s paradise. The park offers close proximity to some of the best “blue ribbon” streams in the U.S., including Beaverhead River, Ruby River, and Big Hole River. The area is predominantly known for trout fishing, with the most sought-after being the brown trout. Dillon is also home to Anderson & Platt Outfitters, which offers unforgettable guided fly-fishing trips.

Book This Montana Fishing Hotspot

17. Woodland RV Park – Libby, MT

two kayaks floating on huge river

Average Fall Temperature (F): 56°/34°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Kootenay River, Libby Creek

Nestled under a canopy of pine trees is Woodland RV Park, your home base for endless outdoor excitement. This area is rich in lakes and creeks, offering an abundance of fishing opportunities. The nearby Kootenay River provides a world-class trout fishing experience, with species including rainbow trout, bull trout, and cutthroat trout. Nearby are a pair of popular rivers, the Yaak River and the Fisher River, making this campground one of the best fishing spots for fall.

Book This World-Class Fishing Getaway

18. Sun Outdoors Coos Bay – Coos Bay, OR

three painted cabins

Average Fall Temperature (F): 62°/47°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Beale Lake, Bluebill Lake

Fishing Amenities: On-site fishing, crab cooking station

Experience incredible RV camping on the Oregon coast at Sun Outdoors Coos Bay. Their location on Coos bay is home to an abundance of fish with chinook salmon, coho salmon, and striped bass. Sharky’s Charter is just minutes away for a professional, high-quality experience on Coos Bay. It also took third in the 2022 Campspot Awards categories Top Campgrounds with Views and Most Popular Campgrounds in the USA.

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19. Bear Run Campground – Portersville, PA

two canoes floating on lake

Average Fall Temperature (F): 63°/39°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Lake Arthur, Moraine Mill State Park

Bear Run Campground is located in Portersville and offers a central location to all western Pennsylvania has to offer. The campground is a short distance from Moraine State Park, a popular fishing destination serving a variety of fishing tournaments each year. While you’re there, you can fish for northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and more!

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20. Silver Canoe Campground – Rural Valley, PA

A-frame cabin next to lake

Average Fall Temperature (F): 62°/39°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Keystone Lake, Pine Creek

Fishing Amenities: On-site lake

Silver Canoe Campground is located in a serene, wooded valley in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania. The park is situated on the upper end of the picturesque Keystone Lake, offering great fishing destinations close by. The lake is predominantly bass-filled but also includes trout, yellow perch, and brown bullhead catfish.

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21. Sevier River RV Park – Sevier, UT

RVs parked next to each other by the woods

Average Fall Temperature (F): 68°/31°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Sevier River, Fish Lake

Sevier River RV Park provides everything you need for your Utah outdoor adventure. Surrounded by Fishlake National Forest, this area offers incredible fishing spots, accompanied by gorgeous views. The park provides close access to the Sevier River, known predominantly for rainbow and brown trout. Other popular areas include Fish Lake, Panguitch Lake, and Beaver Creek.

Book This Southwestern Fishing Destination

22. American Sunset RV & Tent Resort – Westport, WA

aerial view of American Sunset RV & Tent Resort campground in Washington, surrounded by water

Average Fall Temperature (F): 60°/40°

Nearby Bodies of Water: South Bay

Westport, Washington, is known for its year-round, world-class fishing (as well as surfing, clamming, beach-combing, crabbing, and more), which makes the family-owned American Sunset RV & Tent Resort one of the best fishing spots for fall. You’ll have everything you need here for an awesome fishing experience for the whole crew.

Book This Pacific Northwest Fishing Paradise

23. Buckboard Marina – Green River, WY

Marina with boats on the lake

Average Fall Temperature (F): 60°/28°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Green River, Eden Reservoir

Fishing Amenities: Full-service marina

Buckboard Marina is an easy favorite among our best fishing spots for fall, featuring the beautiful Flaming Gorge Reservoir and a backdrop of the Uinta Mountains. Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers some of the best fishing in the United States, with the most sought-after species here being the lake trout and kokanee salmon. 

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24. Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake – Geneva on the Lake, OH

view through a gazebo of a lake at Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake, a best fishing spot for fall

Average Fall Temperature (F): 64°/43°

Nearby Bodies of Water: Lake Erie

Fishing Amenities: Stocked fishing pond

Last but not least among our best fishing spots for fall is this campground situated directly across from Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake. This Ohio camping resort has something for everyone, including miniature golf, two catch-and-release fishing lakes, or poolside relaxation. With Lake Erie known for walleye fishing, cast your line and luck on the water before coming back to enjoy your amenity-rich accommodations.

Book This Ohio Fishing Mecca

Don’t let the cool temperatures fool you; the fish are roaming, and the catches are hot! Whether you’re looking for the best fishing spots for fall or year-round spots, browse even more campgrounds on Campspot and get ready for a fishing trip that you’ll never forget.

This post was originally published on October 26, 2020, and has been updated for freshness and comprehensiveness.

Photo credit: Header photo – Adobe Stock – Cindy Creighton; all remaining photos are credited to their associated campground.