Fall travel has a number of advantages for those looking to get away after Labor Day. You’ll usually find fewer crowds as school begins. Fall is also usually the off-season for destinations that are popular in both winter and summer. This means you may find fall vacation deals, and campgrounds and activities may have lower rates.
If you’re planning a fall camping trip, you might want to consider a fall festival or fair. There are also many beautiful road trips and campgrounds where you can find brilliant fall foliage.
The Best Fall Camping Destinations
Whether you want to extend your summer with a beach vacation, catch some amazingly beautiful foliage in the mountains, or get outdoors for some exercise in cooler weather, there’s a perfect fall vacation for you. So, where are the must-see stops this fall? Here are some of our favorites.
Southern Beach Escapes
Destin, Florida
We know. Floridian beach destinations just scream summer.
But fall beach vacations make a lot of sense. The crowds are gone. It won’t be as hot and humid as it is in July, when just existing can feel exhausting.
This northwestern beach town is perfect: it has soft sand, emerald waters, and a great balance of city perks and quaint beachside quietude. It’s also far enough north that it’s fairly easy to get to for a long weekend or short fall break… as opposed to the six-hour drive south to the Keys!
Campgrounds Nearby
There are lots of options for camping near Destin. Bayview RV Campground has full hookups, showers, laundry, and is pet friendly. Geronimo RV Resort is three miles from Destin in Miramar Beach and has full hookups, laundry, showers (including outdoor showers for beachgoers), and is very close to the beach.
Saint Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country, and its history makes it ripe for plenty of ghost stories. From the Old Jail to the Castillo de San Marcos, many of St. Augustine’s buildings have been featured on a variety of ghost-hunting programs. (The verdict: they are, indeed, very haunted.)
Campgrounds Nearby
There are lots of campgrounds near Saint Augustine. Ocean Grove RV Resort is within walking distance of the beach and has a playground, jacuzzi, and pool. There’s also a private pier, a boat ramp, a dog run, and laundry facilities. Sun Outdoors St. Augustine has full hookups, a heated outdoor pool, a nature trail, a playground, showers, and laundry facilities. There’s also a dog park.
Savannah, Georgia
Whether you want history or a romantic getaway on your fall vacation, Savannah fits the bill. While you won’t see quite as much in the way of changing leaves, you’ll get to enjoy this city’s southern charm. It’s also a great time of year to walk from square to square without sweating through your clothes.
Savannah is also just a few minutes from Tybee Island, where you can see the charming lighthouse and soak up the island views.
Campgrounds Nearby
You’ll find lots of campground options in Savannah. Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks has full hookups, a pool, a boat ramp and dock, a dog park, a playground, and game courts. Red Gate Campground & RV Park has full hookups, showers, a laundry room, an equestrian center, farm animals, a pool, and much more.
East Coast Getaways
The Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina and Virginia
Virginia’s section of America’s most ancient mountain range is particularly pretty, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most accessible scenic drives for laid-back leaf-peeping.
Depending on where you travel, you might experience peak colors as late as the third week of November.
For full details on the slowly shifting shades in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit this website, which has an annual fall colors forecast. If you’re planning on making the trip, don’t forget that there are tons of adorable destination towns to stop and explore along the way, from quirky Roanoke, Virginia to uber-hip Asheville, North Carolina.
Campgrounds Nearby
There are lots of great campgrounds in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spacious Skies Bear Den is in North Carolina and has hiking trails with waterfalls, playgrounds, a lake with swimming and fishing, and a camp store. There are showers and a laundry room as well.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway, known by locals as “the Kanc,” is a scenic route that stretches 34 miles from Lincoln to Conway, New Hampshire and is full of amazing views. In late September and early October, it’ll be crowded with drivers taking fall drives. Since it cuts directly through the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most famous fall foliage zones on Earth, driving the Kanc is just about as good as leaf-peeping gets.
The byway is business-free, so you won’t have any distractions from the surrounding beauty. And if you want to do some fall camping, there are six developed campgrounds along the road that accept RVs and large vehicles.
Staying at either end works, too; check out Lincoln’s inventive sips at Seven Birches Winery or treat the kids to a fun afternoon at Story Land, only a few minutes outside of Conway.
You may also want to check out Ashland, near the southern end of the forest. This little town is the perfect spot to camp and see some gorgeous foliage. You can enjoy long days hiking amongst the trees before returning to enjoy the quaint downtown amenities.
Campgrounds Nearby
There are quite a few campgrounds to choose from along the Kancamagus Highway. The Country Bumpkins Campground is in Lincoln, New Hampshire, and has full hookups, showers, a playground, a camp store, a dump station, and a propane filling station. Big Rock Campground is managed by the National Forest Service. It does not have any hookups, and has vault toilets and very few amenities.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a classic fall destination for a reason. The site of the famous witch trials, it leans into its reputation for some nail-biting October holidays. There are also quite a few fall foliage drives in Salem and nearby Boston.
Campgrounds Nearby
You’ll find several campgrounds around Salem. The Winter Island Park Campground has electric and water hookups and is a beautiful spot right on the water at Salem Harbor. You’ll also find more campgrounds near Boston, just half an hour away.
The Adirondacks, New York
New York State may be home to the most bustling American city, but it’s also a treasure trove of scenic, outdoor beauty for those who venture farther north. Upstate’s famous Adirondack range boasts brilliant fall colors. You’ll get a full spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows that slowly extend themselves across the region over the month of October.
One of the best places to experience the height of the Adirondacks’ fall splendor is Cascade Mountain, a 4,098-foot peak near the town of Lake Placid. It’s about a 5-mile hike round trip, with 1,886 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderately challenging day hike.
You can learn more about when and where the fall colors are peaking in the Adirondack range, and discover all sorts of fall-themed activities like harvest festivals and corn mazes, by visiting the region’s travel information website. It’s chock full of helpful information to help you plan and make the most of your trip.
Campgrounds Nearby
Lake George RV Park is more than 120 acres and includes indoor and outdoor heated pools and an aquatic park for kids. Campsites have full hookups, and there are showers, a laundry room, movie theaters, and a cafe. The Natural Bridge/Watertown, NY KOA Journey has full hookups, a pool, a dog park, and a laundry room. The Lake George Camping Village has full hookups, heated pools, showers, a laundry room, and events like outdoor movies.
Midwestern Towns
Athens, Ohio
Athens is home to Ohio University, which means it’s bustling with culture and excitement despite its tiny size. And if you’re looking for some Halloween fun, well, the annual block party is so legendary it actually has its own Wikipedia entry. (Just maybe don’t bring the kids for that one!)
But the real treasure at this destination is nearby Hocking Hills State Park, which will be filled to the brim with shimmering golden and crimson leaves. They’ll even line the paths that beckon you to hike in its many nooks and valleys.
Campgrounds Nearby
There are several campgrounds near Athens where you could stay on a fall road trip. Lake Hope State Park has sites with electric hookups as well as sites with no hookups. There are showers, vault toilets, and laundry facilities. Pets are allowed at the campground. Carthage Gap Campground has full hookups, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and a playground.
Western Escapes
Denver, Colorado
Denver is said to have more sunny days per year than some areas of Florida, so if you’re looking for a fall destination that combines temperate weather with stunning fall scenery, you can’t do much better than the Mile High City.
Plus, you’ve got lots of time to enjoy the beautiful foliage changes in Denver. The city has one of the longest periods of fall colors of any city in the country, thanks to the five different climate zones within a two-hour drive of downtown Denver.
Campgrounds Nearby
There are lots of campgrounds near Denver, Colorado. Dakota Ridge RV Park is nestled against the foothills of the Front Range. It has full hookups, a seasonal pool, a fitness center, and a clubhouse. Chatfield State Park has campgrounds near the park’s 2.3 square mile reservoir. The campgrounds have full hookups, showers, laundry, and are pet friendly.
Breckenridge, Colorado
If you are checking out Colorado for the foliage you’ll want to add this little mountain town to your list. For one thing, the town’s Oktoberfest actually hits the streets in early September so you can begin celebrating early. And the town has plenty of hiking trails and scenic drives where you can experience the splendor of a Rocky Mountain fall vacation.
Campgrounds Nearby
There are, unsurprisingly, lots of campgrounds in the high Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Tiger Run Resort in Breckenridge has full hookups, an indoor pool, hot tubs, laundry facilities, and outdoor pickleball and sand volleyball courts. Peak One Campground is in the White River National Forest, close to Dillon Reservoir. Campsites do not have hookups but there are flush toilets and water available.
Missoula, Montana
Missoula, Montana is a beautiful western city that boasts some of the most beautiful changing leaves in the country. If you’re brave enough to strip down in the rapidly-cooling air, you can enjoy a dip in one of the many nearby hot springs, or hike in any of the nearby national forests or wildernesses.
The town itself is also home to the University of Montana, so you’ll find lots of interesting indoor activities from museums to art galleries.
Campgrounds Nearby
There are plenty of campgrounds near Missoula, Montana where you can stay on a fall road trip. Turah RV Park has full hookups, laundry, and a playground. The Polson/Flathead Lake KOA has full hookups, a seasonal pool, mini golf, a dog run, and laundry facilities.
The Cascades, Oregon
Portland is a great destination, surrounded as it is by mountain ranges that bloom with spectacular reds and oranges during the fall season.
There’s plenty of hiking in the area, including the state’s highest peak, Mount Hood. Much of the mountain is covered in snow by the time the colors are making their appearance, so a full-on climb might not be possible — but it’s certainly beautiful to view from a distance.
For a more relaxed fall adventure, you can get a great taste of Oregon by driving along the Columbia River Gorge.
Campgrounds Nearby
Check out the many campgrounds near Portland for a fall trip. Roamer’s Rest RV Park has electric hookups, laundry, WiFi, and is pet friendly. The Portland Fairview RV Park is a Thousand Trails RV resort. RVs that camp here must be self-contained, with a black water tank. The park has a pool, a playground, a clubhouse, and is pet friendly.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a well-known destination for summer exploring and winter skiing — but it also makes an excellent autumn stop. With its shimmering shore lined in quaking aspen and cottonwood trees, Tahoe is especially lovely in mid-to-late October. You might even score cheaper prices and find fewer crowds since fall is the region’s shoulder season.
There are plenty of trails near the lake, allowing you to hike down leaf-strewn paths to your heart’s content. Temperatures are usually between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your elevation, so as long as you layer, you’ll have some crisp and comfortable adventures. And if you’re looking for an excuse to get a little indulgent during your fall getaway, you can take advantage of one of the region’s many swanky day spas.
Campgrounds Nearby
Top campgrounds at Lake Tahoe include Camp Richardson Resort in South Lake Tahoe. The resort has sites with full hookups and showers are available. The camp has a restaurant, a deli, an ice cream shop, and a camp store. Zephyr Cove RV & Campground has full hookups, showers, laundry services, a restaurant, free WiFi in the lobby, and is a short walk from the beach at the lake. William Kent Campground in Tahoe City has campsites with a picnic table, campfire ring, grill, and bear-proof storage locker. There are no hookups, but there are flush toilets and the campground is within walking distance of the lake.
Ogden Valley, Utah
With its famous sandstone arches and long, rippling red canyons, Utah might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of fall foliage. But the state actually has a whole lot to offer eager leaf-peepers as well as canyoneers!
Utah is one of the most accessible places to visit for fall foliage viewing, with Snowbasin and Park City each less than an hour from downtown Salt Lake City. There are plenty of other spots to add to your itinerary while you’re in the state as well, and you’ll see everything from aspen to evergreen to canyon maple.
Campgrounds Nearby
The top campgrounds in Ogden, Utah include the South Fork Campground. It does not have hookups and there are vault toilets. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Magpie Campground also doesn’t have hookups and has vault toilets. Both campgrounds are close to areas with tubing and fishing.
Your Favorite National Park
The summer crowds are gone, the weather is still temperate, and you’ll get to see whichever park you choose all decked out in fall splendor.
Whether you go for Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, or any of the others (there are more than 60 to choose from!), you’re sure to have just as great a time as you would have had over the summer… if not better.
Just be sure to check the weather and campground openings before you hit the road. Some national parks have seasonal closures. But even many northern parks usually don’t see snow until well into October!
Campgrounds Nearby
You can find information about all of the national parks here, including where to camp inside and just outside the parks. Most national parks do not have hookups available at campgrounds within park boundaries. You’ll also want to check on length limitations at campgrounds. If you’re visiting a park with winding roads like Yosemite National Park, you’ll want to check on length limitations for driving within the park as well.
Why Fall?
Fall is the perfect time for an RV road trip for so many reasons. The weather is cooler and more pleasant than the sweltering summer months. Sometimes you can find cheaper prices after Labor Day, when most families stop vacationing to start school. You may also find fewer crowds in some areas, especially on weekdays.
Autumn can be a great opportunity to get in some more RV trips before the cold winter months.
Fall Camping Destination FAQs
When is the best time to see fall foliage in the U.S.?
The best time to see fall foliage in the U.S. will depend on where in the U.S. you’re headed. Generally speaking, color moves from north to south and from higher elevations to lower ones.
| Region | Best Time to See Foliage | Notes |
| New England & Upper Midwest | mid-September to mid-October | this area gets the earliest fall color in the U.S.; it consists of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, upstate New York, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula |
| Rockies & Mountain West | late September to early October | brilliant golden aspens against mountain backdrops, often with bright blue skies; the area consists of Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming |
| Mid-Atlantic & Midwest | early to mid-October | these regions have a strong mix of maples and oaks; the area consists of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois |
| Southern Appalachians | mid-October to early November | this area has a long season, thanks to varied elevations; it consists of the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway |
| South & West Coast | late October to mid-November, sometimes into December | these regions have the latest color in the country; they consist of the Ozarks, Texas Hill Country, Northern California wine country |
What are the best RV routes for fall colors?
The best RV routes for fall colors can be found throughout the country, so you should be able to find one near you. Here are a few of the best:
- The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is one of the country’s best fall color drives. It’s a 34 1/2-mile drive through the White Mountain National Forest, with plenty of views of autumn foliage and the beautiful mountains.
- Route 100 runs the length of Vermont and has a number of sugar maples, covered bridges, and classic small towns. State parks like Molly Stark are along the way and make great spots to stop and camp.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway goes through Virginia and North Carolina, and is almost 470 miles of scenic road. There are plenty of campgrounds along the parkway where you can stay as you explore.
- The Upper Peninsula Loop in Michigan has routes around Munising, Marquette, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Along with colorful maples, you’ll get views of the shore of Lake Superior.
- The San Juan Skyway in Colorado includes the iconic Million Dollar Highway. The road winds through aspen-lined mountains and historic mining towns. There are steep grades, so this drive is best for experienced RV drivers … or you can bring along a tow vehicle to drive this road.
- The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile route that runs from Mississippi to Tennessee. It has gentle grades that aren’t hard to navigate in an RV. It also has gorgeous oaks and hickory trees that turn deep reds and oranges each fall. There are several campgrounds directly on the parkway, and many more nearby.
Which states have the longest fall foliage season?
Several states have extra-long foliage seasons, usually because these states have a variety of elevations, an accommodating climate, or a wide variety of trees that turn at different times. Vermont, New York, Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee all have autumn color seasons that can stretch six weeks or longer. In many cases, different elevations or areas of the state will peak at different times, so you’ll want to tailor your visit to hit the right area of the state at the right time.
Are campgrounds open in the fall?
Campgrounds are open in the fall, but many of them do close as the weather gets colder. Often, higher-altitude campgrounds close earlier than those that are lower and often get less snow. Most campgrounds stay open through late September, but many begin to close then. Some of them are also guided by the weather, and may close earlier if it snows … and stay open later in the season if the weather is warm. It’s best to check the campground where you want to stay to make sure it will be open when you get there.
Hopefully, you found a destination (or several) to fit your fall travel bug. Be sure to check out our helpful fall packing list to help you prepare for your fall vacation.
