TL;DR: Embrace fall's enchantment with RV camping across the US. Enjoy peak foliage, seasonal activities, and unique Harvest Hosts stays from New England's colors to the vibrant West.
For so many people, fall is the most magical time of the year. As summer ends, a bit of chill fills the air, leading to the myriad of foliage colors seen as the trees prepare for winter. Sweaters and flannels emerge, as well as all the seasonal flavors, such as warm cinnamon sugar, pumpkin spice, and salted caramel. Football games and bonfires become favorite weekend activities, and many folks enjoy trips to the pumpkin patch and apple picking.
As the foliage colors really start to peak, leaf peeping trips become more common. These trips involve driving to places where one can see the best colors on the trees for general enjoyment and photography opportunities. For RVers, fall RV camping trips are especially fun. Sleeping beneath colorful trees and spending time beside a warm bonfire is particularly special, and many want to experience this at least once during the season. Luckily, during the times of COVID-19, fall RV camping is especially safe, allowing travelers to sleep in their own bed, eat meals made from their own kitchen, and social distance while enjoying outdoor activities. This is much safer than traveling to hotels and eating out for every meal.
Here, we have put together a list of all the best fall camping locations, organized by region and state. Whether you live in Oklahoma, Oregon, or New Jersey, we have a beautiful place for you to enjoy the season, so sit back, relax, and join us as we cruise the contiguous US in search of all the best camping that autumn has to offer.
Fall RV Camping in New England
Out of all the places in the country, most people tend to think of New England when they think of fall. Something about the rolling hills, endless stretches of incredible color, and cool weather makes this region one of the very best to visit in the autumn months. It's only natural that we begin our scenic tour of the US in its Northeastern-most corner, so hop in and cruise with us as we start our journey in the lovely state of Maine.
Maine
Maine is gorgeous all year-round, and it is home to Acadia National Park, one of the top ten most popular national parks in the country. Each year, 3.5 million people visit this magical place to explore its dense forests, sandy beaches, striking lighthouses, and rocky coastlines. It is even more spectacular in the fall months, when the colors on the trees change from green to a myriad of warm hues. When traveling here in your RV, you will find no shortage of excellent camping options. There are a number of excellent campgrounds within the national park boundaries, and there are also some fantastic RV parks in the nearby town of Bar Harbor. Several campgrounds remain this year, but be sure to call and book ahead to ensure you have a space available. Plan to visit in early October to catch the season's .
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If we head west just a bit, we'll run into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which are just ripe with opportunities for fall adventures. In the autumn months, the mountain slopes are covered in colorful foliage, making for quite an epic sight. In the national forest, there are tons of places to camp, in both RV parks and at boondocking sites. Between the boating, shopping, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, golfing, scenic train rides, and so much more, you'll find plenty of fun things to do on your fall vacation to this stunning mountain range. Plan to visit in early to mid-October, when colors are at their brightest.
This pretty Vermont farm is open year round, with a farm stand and produce, a gift shop, and a restaurant available. However, Goodrich Maple Farm's main product is authentic Vermont maple syrup, and this delicious product is especially pertinent in the autumn season. They sell maple syrup in jugs and in glass bottles, as well as by the case. In addition, they sell candy, sugar, and cream, all created from maple syrup. This is a spectacular stop on your New England journey, so be sure to visit before heading on to Connecticut.
Connecticut
If we head south, we'll reach the town of Woodstock, Connecticut. This charming city is full of rich, cultural history and plenty of fun fall adventures. These include scenic drives through rolling farmlands, farmers markets full of autumn's harvest, and even some spooky Halloween events. Since Connecticut boasts the longest-lasting foliage colors in New England, you are sure to find plenty of beauty all throughout late September and much of October. There are three well-maintained campgrounds within the city, but these tend to book early in anticipation for fall. Be sure to reserve your site ahead of time if you plan to enjoy a scenic October trip to Woodstock. See more RV camping in Connecticut.
Massachusetts
If you love the yearly apple harvest, then Massachusetts's Red Apple Farm is the perfect place for your fall enjoyment. This beautiful orchard and farm is open each year exclusively for the autumn season and is considered a local tourist destination. Here, Harvest Host members can park beside the lush orchards overnight, allowing even more opportunities to experience all the fun fall activities offered. Between the slow-cooked barbecue, fresh apple pies, cider donuts, apple dumplings, and cold and hot cider, there is plenty of seasonal food to try here on your visit. Be sure to bring some goods home with you to share with friends and family.
While it may be the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island packs quite a bit of beauty into its borders. It is home to one of the most scenic drives in the country, and this drive is even more breathtaking in the fall. The coastal drive along Highway 1A spans from Pawtucket to Watch Hill and is a mere ninety-two miles in length. Yet, despite its short distance, one could easily spend days touring this area if they stopped to explore all the landmarks. Along this drive, you'll find historic mansion, small coastal towns, thick forests, lovely beaches, and plenty of classic New England fall foliage. In the autumn months, this scenic drive is especially quiet, and you will find plenty of campgrounds to stop for the night in between daily driving. Plan to visit mid-October to experience the peak colors of the season.
New England in the fall is truly like nothing else. See our more in-depth fall RV camping in New England guide to the perfect autumn New England road trip for even more fantastic places for RV camping this season.
Fall RV Camping in the Northeast
Fall in the lower half of the Northeast is also beautiful. New England is typically considered the very best for fall colors, but the lower Northeastern states are not far behind. The high concentration of deciduous trees guarantees that most leaves will change colors and fall before winter. The people of the Northeast also seem to enjoy celebrating the best of the season, so any autumn trip here is sure to be a treat.
New York
Our first stop us the Adirondacks of New York, which many people consider to be one of the best places for fall foliage viewing in the entire country. At over six million acres in size, this is the largest protected area east of the Mississippi River. It is also the largest state park in the United States. Here, visitors can find over 3,000 lakes and ponds, 30,000 miles of waterways, and over 2,000 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, all tucked away in the gorgeous Catskills Mountains.
In the fall, the trees’ leaves change to a variety of gorgeous hues, making this the ideal October spot to hike a trail, paddle a river, or take a scenic drive. When camping in your RV here, you will find no shortage of beautiful campgrounds and RV parks all throughout the area.
Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for fall colors in Pennsylvania, then Pine Creek Gorge is just the place for you. Dubbed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, this stunning gorge offers sweeping views and scenic vistas along a forty-seven-mile stretch of continuous canyon. Because it is peppered in a variety of deciduous trees, fall-time visitors can expect to see a multitude of autumnal shades, including yellows, browns, oranges, red, and purples. If you’re bringing your RV along for the journey, you can find several state parks and campgrounds available for overnight accommodations.
New Jersey
Heading east of Pennsylvania, we’ll enter the state of New Jersey. While you’ll find lots of heavily-populated towns and cities here, there is still plenty of farmland and fall foliage to be enjoyed. In south central New Jersey, we can stop at the beautiful Unexpected Farm in the town of Newfield. This location is truly unexpected, as they have a farm stand with seasonal produce and offer fun events at different times of the year. In September, they feature fun sunflower-themed events, where kids can cut their own sunflowers and also enjoy face painting, music, and other fun events. In October, guests can visit the pumpkin patch and have their photos taken with “friendly witches” on the weekends. Be sure to stop here for some spooky seasonal fun!
Delaware
Heading south brings us to RV camping in Delaware! In Bridgeville, Delaware, you’ll find TS Smith and Sons Farm. This Harvest Hosts location features a slew of specialty products, including a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, fruit baskets, jams, butters, pickles, mixes, and bakery products. They also make excellent sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch, which many previous guests have greatly enjoyed. In the fall, they offer pumpkins and apple picking, with many varieties of apples to choose from. On the second full weekend in October, they host an annual “Apple Scrapple Festival,” celebrating the area’s two most prominent industries. Here, guests can enjoy farm wagon tours, live music, scrapple sandwiches, hot dogs, apple donuts and of course apples, which sounds like an ideal fall weekend in the Northeast. Be sure to add this one to your list!
Maryland
If you’re looking for fall spirit in Maryland, then look no further than Faulkner Branch Cidery and Distillery in Federalsburg. This beautiful orchard doesn’t even open until the second week of September, and when they do, they feature a variety of fresh and fermented fruits to choose from. Customers can pick their own apples or purchase apples in small batches or in bulk. Visitors can also sample and buy a variety of ciders and liquors. If you love ciders, then this Harvest Hosts location is certainly the perfect fall stop for you.
Fall RV Camping in the South
The south is often mistaken for displaying few fall foliage colors, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Between the Ozark Mountains and Appalachian Mountains, there is plenty of colorful scenery to enjoy. Even the Deep Southern states see their fair share of colors, so Southerners are still able to experience the beauty of fall along with the rest of the country. Keep in mind that fall colors generally appear later in the south, so you will have to plan your trips accordingly for optimum leaf peeping.
Virginia
Our tour of the South has to begin with the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, of course. Skyline Drive may just be the very best autumn drive in the country. Every year, tens of thousands of people travel to Virginia just to drive this stunning, 105-mile long scenic highway that runs right through the center of Shenandoah National Park.Along the drive, visitors are treated to endless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in all their colorful glory. There are nearly seventy overlooks to stop at and take in the views, as well as plenty of places to stop for a hike or a picnic just off the highway. The entire drive takes about three hours if you do not stop, but stopping is all part of the fun. Plan to spend at least a full October day cruising this gorgeous highway.
West Virginia
Let’s cut over to view more of the Appalachian Mountains. This range runs through a majority of the East Coast, crossing over to West Virginia and providing us with the beauty that is Seneca Rocks. Seneca Rocks in West Virginia has long been deemed one of the most spectacular places for fall foliage on the Eastern half of the country. Visitors can climb, hike, or bike their way up to the top of these narrow, craggy peaks for a wonderful view of the myriad of colors below. There are several nearby campgrounds below the rocks, some of which are located beside the beautiful Potomac River. This goes to show you that RV camping in West Virginia is anything but boring.
North Carolina
Midway through our journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains brings us to Asheville, North Carolina. The fall colors begin to bloom in early September, but the last week of October is generally considered peak season. Be sure to check out this interactive map from Explore Asheville’s website to plan your perfectly-timed leaf peeping trip. This page actually gives you a full breakdown of the different parts of Asheville by elevation and the best times to visit accordingly. It also lists all the local events, allowing you to make the most of your autumn trip.
Tennessee
Our Blue Ridge expedition ends with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. We recommend side-stepping the touristy town of Gatlinburg and enjoying the serene camping experience of either backcountry or frontcountry camping depending on your preferences and expertise. Even in the more populated frontcountry camping sites, you can enjoy waking up in the great outdoors surrounded by the most unbelievable fall foliage that Tennessee has to offer.
The best time to embark on your fall adventure for this region is mid-October to early November for the mid and lower elevations, including the famous Clingman’s Dome. If you’re opting to visit the higher elevations, then plan your trip a little earlier in mid-September.
Kentucky
Popping up north for a moment, let’s see what Kentucky has to offer. On your long journey, you can stop for a drink and night of rest just outside of Lexington at Wildside Winery with your Harvest Host membership. This casual and affordable winery has over 30 wines to suit just about any taste. Book ahead, because this location only has one reservable spot. There are lots of fun activities in the Lexington area during fall, such as participating in the Henry Clay Estate tree climbing competition or taking a ride on the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad. For this area, mid to late October is best for viewing fall foliage.
South Carolina
Let’s head back to the Carolinas to begin our true tour of fall in the South. Harvest Hosts members are in for a treat with this rustic, pet-friendly farm found in Rembert, South Carolina. Old McCaskill’s Farm is an agritourism location, selling a variety of goods and local products. This includes wool goods, produced from wool made from their own sheep, a variety of meats and cheeses, honey, handmade soaps, jams, eggs, prepared foods, and more. In addition, they have a play area and a petting zoo, as well as a petting zoo, with chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and horses. In October, guests can visit the pumpkin patch, which is the perfect fall activity in the south.
Georgia
In Georgia, you will find the beautiful Tallulah Gorge State Park and Cloudland Canyon State Park. If you were surprised to hear the words “gorge” and “canyon” in the state of Georgia, then you’ll need to take a trip down here to see these stunning locations for yourself. Tallulah Gorge is a very popular location that allows you to hike around the rim of the gorge and take in all the breathtaking beauty that fall has to offer. If you’re up for a challenge, stop by the main office in the morning to take a hike down to the gorge floor. There, you can also partake in some whitewater kayaking. In November, the water is released from the dam creating class IV and V rapids for those who enjoy the extremes.
Cloudland Canyon offers hiking and mountain biking trails of varying difficulties. If you hike to the bottom of the canyon, you’ll find two beautiful waterfalls. The best view of the canyon can be found on the moderately-difficult West Rim Loop trail. Again, the best time to view fall colors in the south is late October to early November, which is also a great time for outdoor activities as the weather begins to cool down.
Florida
If you thought Florida didn’t have fall foliage, then think again! Torreya State Park is one of the highest-rated places in the entire state for leaf peeping and is located on the Florida panhandle. You’d be surprised that you’re still in Florida after waking up surrounded by lush foliage and hardwood trees after a night of camping. The state park campground offers primitive and developed sites, as well as 20-foot Yurts for overnight accommodations. This park is actually located on the southernmost edge of the Appalachian Mountains, but still offers a variety of ecosystems, such as swamps, ravines, and pinelands. The Torreya Hiking Trail is one of the most rugged in the whole state and the Weeping Ridge Trail will take you to a beautiful waterfall.
Alabama
Let’s head north of the panhandle to Lake Guntersville State Park. North Alabama was actually ranked a favorite place to “Fall in love with fall” by Group Travel Leaders magazine right alongside parts of New England, so you’re definitely in for a treat. Lake Guntersville is located along the Tennessee River and offers something for everyone. Popular activities include fishing, boat rentals, zip lining, golf, a beach, and even a resort lodge. They also offer primitive and full hookups sites for both tent camping and RV camping.
Mississippi
Mississippi's Homochitto National Forest certainly doesn’t skimp on fall foliage. Located in the national forest, Clear Springs Recreational Area consists of Lake Okhissa, a campground, picnic areas, swimming areas, and two hiking trails. The nearby town of Natchez even offers bicycle rentals to round out your fall outing. Any of these family-friendly activities would make for perfect fall photo opportunities. The recreation area offers a wide range of tent and RV campsites for overnight accommodations.
Louisiana
Dipping into Louisiana, let's pay North Toledo Bend State Park a visit. This beautiful location is home to 900 acres of space perfect for camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, and just plain relaxing. This park is actually home to the country’s largest man-made reservoir. For camping, they offer sixty-three campsites with water and electric available. You could also consider staying in one of their 10 cabins complete with fireplaces for you to enjoy while comfortably sipping your fall beverage of choice. While the first day of fall might be September 23rd, we recommend heading here towards the end of October.
Arkansas
If you’re ready to sit back, relax, and let the fall colors come to you, then let’s cruise up Arkansas’s National Scenic 7 Byway. The portion we’ll focus on begins at the Louisiana border and takes us all the way up to Harrison, Arkansas. The first big landmark is the Ouachita Mountains which offer some lovely views. If you continue your drive to the Ozark Mountains and Ozark National Forest, you'll find even more famously breathtaking views of fall foliage.
Continue driving to see the amazing vistas of the “Grand Canyon of the Ozarks”. The entire route from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas is about 290 miles and offers lots of quaint little towns, landmarks, and views. Follow along with this handy guide to make the most of this scenic road trip.
Fall RV Camping in the Southwest
Because the Southwestern states are mostly desert, many folks seem to think that they do not see true fall colors. However, this is simply not true. Between the gorgeous aspen trees of the high desert and the small deciduous trees of the lower elevations, the desert sees plenty of golden hues in the autumn months. Even the true desert with no trees witnesses the changing colors on some of the underbrush foliage. Here, we have listed all the most beautiful places in the Southwestern states for your fall trip planning pleasure.
Texas
If you’re ready for a hiking adventure with jaw-dropping views, then be sure to check out Garner State Park in Concan, Texas. With the Frio River winding through over 1700 acres of scenic terrain, you are almost guaranteed to find some fall photo ops while visiting here. Visitors are able to swim or go tubing down the river, rent a paddle boat, hike any of their sixteen miles of trails, canoe, picnic, fish, geocache, or camp at this large park.All of these wonderful activities tend to attract big crowds, so be sure to check their website for the best times to visit. You can even consider purchasing a “Save the Day” pass to guarantee your entry to the park. For your camping needs, this park offers twelve full hookup sites, twenty-four sites with just electricity, sixteen sites with just water, and several cabins with different amenities. Autumn in Texas is short-lived, so it’s best to visit between late October and early November.
New Mexico
For the best views of fall in New Mexico, we recommend hiking or driving through Carson National Forest. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway spans eighty-five miles around the highest peaks in New Mexico, starting and ending in the town of Taos, which was named New Mexico’s “Best Fall Foliage Small Town” by Country Living Magazine. Try to time your visit towards the end of October because the last full weekend of the month hosts the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. Seeing both the colors and the rally is sure to add another layer of fun to your fall outing adventures.
Arizona
Fall isn’t just for the states with four seasons, as proven in Flagstaff, Arizona. Fall in the desert is a real treat, with the sandstone background littered with gold, orange, and yellow leaves that seem to flow out of the boulders. We recommend driving on Highway 89 from Sedona to Flagstaff for the best views. Before leaving Sedona, be sure to check out our lovely Harvest Hosts location, Oak Creek Apple Company. Their beautiful farm offers plenty of hiking and relaxation opportunities, as well as products made from their apples.After leaving Sedona, be sure to check out the nearby Grand Canyon Railway for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. During the month of October, they offer a Pumpkin Patch train ride filled with lots of fall activities. This also happens to be the best time to view fall foliage at this elevation, so you are sure to see plenty of stunning views.
Utah
Heading up to Utah, we’d like to take you on a tour of the Alpine Scenic Route Byway, located in American Fork, Utah. This twenty-four-mile drive begins at 5,000 feet of elevation and winds all the way up to 8,000 feet. On your ascension, you will be treated to views of the gorgeous colors as they cascade down the side of Mount Timpanogos. Please be aware that this route is only open until the end of October and is not recommended for vehicles over thirty feet in length. If you want to take a break to stretch your legs, be sure to check out Timpanogos Cave National Monument. There, you can take guided tours of three underground caves and hike above ground as well. Due to the varying elevation, October is roughly the best time to visit.
Nevada
Let’s make a fun fall pitstop in Fallon, Nevada, where you will find Lattin Farms. This Harvest Host location offers affordable fun for the whole family with their annual Fall Festival from September 27th-October 26th. With a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hayride, corn maze, and a fresh food market, you will be hard-pressed to run out of things to do. If you’re looking to stock up on product, be sure to check out their handy guide for what’s growing during the fall season. Locals can also consider subscribing their Farm Share boxes that are delivered right to your doorstep. October is the best time to view the fall colors of Nevada.
Fall RV Camping in the West
Alongside the Northeast, the fall colors in the West are always said to be spectacular. Between the thick forests and the gorgeous snow-capped peaks, the autumn months are incredibly beautiful for all who have the opportunity to experience them. Consider any of these lovely places for a Western fall adventure that you are sure to never forget.
California
Continuing West brings us to Yosemite Valley, which is the most magical place throughout all four seasons of the year. In the fall, it is especially colorful, and the views are just spectacular. Hiking and climbing are among the most popular activities found here, and these sports become more enjoyable when paired with stunning autumnal views. The best part about visiting in the fall is that you can avoid a majority of the bustling summer crowds. Be sure to book your campground as early as possible, as the sites fill up quickly. Less people and more beauty are exactly what most travelers seek, so be sure to pay Yosemite an October visit. You’ll thank us later. If you don't snag a campsite in time, there are plenty of other RV camping opportunities in the vast California wilderness.
Oregon
About twenty-five miles outside of Portland, we can find Stone Circle Cider in the town of Estacada. Nothing screams fall quite like cider, and Stone Circle serves up some of the very best! The location is quiet and picturesque, offering excellent views of the surrounding areas. The colors there are lovely in the fall, and this makes for a perfect fun fall event in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington
Wrapping up the Northwest brings us to the far north of Washington State. Have you ever heard of larch trees? They are a type of coniferous tree that change color and shed their needles in the fall. They are especially rare, being found in just a couple of specific locations in North America. North Cascades National Park has a few hikes that can take you to these unique trees, which are best visited in early October. After seeing the larch trees, be sure to take in all the additional surrounding beauty of fall on the Cascades before settling into one of the park’s spacious campgrounds for the night.
Idaho
Let’s dip back down to Sun Valley, a picturesque little town in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. Here, gleaming alpine lakes, bubbling rivers, stunning greenery, towering mountains, and sweeping views all unite to create some of the best views west of the Mississippi River. These views are even more enhanced when they are dotted with golden and orange foliage.
When bringing your RV along for your Sun Valley adventures, you will find a variety of excellent places to camp. These include some boondocking sites and several full hookups campgrounds. The autumnal beauty of the mountains of the West never seems to end, so be sure to add this one to your list.
Montana
Our journey continues back east, where there is no shortage of fun fall activities in Missoula, Montana. From pumpkin picking, to corn maze maneuvering, to waterfront trails and scenic city hiking amongst the foliage, Missoula truly has it all. Many local breweries also offer a selection of seasonal beers and ciders to really put you in the mood for fall. Big Sky Brewing Co is an excellent brewery located just outside the small city of Missoula. This Harvest Hosts location offers self-guided tours of the brewery and samples of their most popular seasonal favorites for craft beer and hard seltzer lovers alike.
Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming, is truly a magical place. This spectacular town is located at the base of the Teton mountains, whose three snow-capped, towering peaks seem to rise up out of a seemingly flat valley with few to no foothills. On the other side of the mountains, which encompass Grand Teton National Park, you can find another iconic American park: Yellowstone. This area is simply stunning year-round, but the beauty really peaks in the fall. At this time, the mountains begin to look snowier, and the trees and plants at the base of the mountains change to gorgeous hues of gold and orange. When visiting this beautiful corner of Wyoming, we have the perfect Harvest Host location for your overnight camping needs. Jackson Hole Still Works is located right in the heart of downtown Jackson and features a variety of liquors using only handmade, local ingredients. Be sure to stop in and sample the local fare at Jackson’s only craft distillery. Then, head out to see the autumnal beauty the rest of the area has to offer.
Colorado
Telluride, Colorado, is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but in the fall, the setting is particularly stunning. Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, there is plenty to do, see, and eat all throughout the little town. There are several nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and boondocking locations for camping RVers.
In the fall, the aspens turn a beautiful golden color, and these are best viewed from the town’s gondola. Once atop the mountains, you can hike, bike, climb, or just stroll and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the leaves as they change from green to gold and fall to the ground in preparation for winter. The colors really start to show in late September and last for about three weeks. Be sure to visit before mid-October if you want to catch a glimpse of the beauty that is Telluride in the fall.
Fall RV Camping in the Midwest
Although it is relatively flat in elevation, many are surprised by the particular beauty of the Midwest in the fall. A high concentration of deciduous trees combine with chilly weather to create the perfect autumn atmosphere for Midwestern RV campers. Take a look at any of the following gorgeous destinations when planning your ideal Midwestern autumn getaway.
Oklahoma
The Prairie Rattler Winery makes RV camping in Oklahoma an unforgettable experience. Here, they sell a variety of white and red wines, all crafted on site, as well as several canned craft brews available from other vendors. This pet-friendly Harvest Host location has four reservable sites and a beautiful selection of red and white wines to sample, as well as a seasonal Autumn Harvest Blush. Be sure to visit towards the end of October so you don’t miss the warm colors in the trees.
Kansas
In Northeast Kansas, you can find a spectacular scenic drive through a gorgeous area called the Glacial Hills. Once filled with glaciers, this landscape has changed considerably over the years, leaving behind a unique scene of rolling, wooded hills and deep valleys filled with bubbling streams and rivers. Besides driving, this 63-mile long scenic route offers a multitude of activities for visitors to enjoy. These include hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and more. In the fall, the trees put on a spectacular show of gorgeous colors, making the drive that much more scenic and memorable. There are a few campgrounds towards the beginning and end of the drive, offering comfortable overnight accommodations to RVers.
Missouri
Point Labaddie Brewery is the perfect small hometown location for all your fall fun. This well-known Harvest Hosts location features a rotating list of IPAs and farmhouse ales, with a special selection for autumn. Seasonally, visitors can enjoy live music and food trucks, as well as a farmers market and perfectly-cooked burgers and brats. This brewery offers electricity and has a variety of parking spots to choose from. There are even some lovely sites beside the on-site pond. During your visit, be sure to stop into the tasting room to sample a variety of delicious beers, wines, and liquors, all made in-house.
Ohio
Let’s jump all the way back east to the beautiful state of Ohio. Considered the crown jewel of the state, Hocking Hills offers miles of hiking trails, powerful waterfalls, and prehistoric caves. This gorgeous setting is even more amazing in the colorful fall months. Throughout the summer and fall, music fills the hills, and crowds flock to enjoy the general splendor and activities. If you’re planning to camp, Hocking Hills State Park has an excellent full-hookup campground. There are also many more campgrounds and RV parks nearby.
Indiana
If fall-inspired spirits are your thing, then we have the perfect place for you in Indiana. Located on a beautiful farm beside a lake, Cedar Creek Winery, Distillery, and Brewing Co is available to Harvest Hosts members for overnight accommodations. Weekly events with music and a variety of drinks of all different flavor combinations make this an excellent stop for those who love to sample seasonal favorites.
Shawnee National Forest is one of the most beautiful Midwest locations in the fall. Inside the national forest, you can find five different state parks, each with their own established hiking trails and campgrounds. With a variety of rock structures, natural bridges, waterfalls, and rivers, there is no shortage of fun activities here to enjoy. From scenic driving to hiking, picnicking, boating, camping and more, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Be sure to stop by on your travels through the Midwest.
In the southeastern corner of the state, Historic Hills Scenic Byway offers a beautiful location to enjoy the fall colors of the midwest. Along this drive, visitors can find a state forest and three state parks, which are all full of opportunities for hiking, water sports, and wildlife viewing. The Historic Hills are home to large populations of Amish and Mennonites, and there are many small towns to be explored. The extensive forests and rolling hills are quite picturesque, and the whole area displays brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the autumn season. Plan to visit in mid-October to enjoy the peak season colors.
Halfway between Nebraska’s two largest cities, Lincoln and Omaha, you will find Platte River State Park. This quaint little patch of woodlands offers something for everyone. This includes a waterfall, hiking and biking trails, and a hikeable observation tower that offers excellent views of the Platte River Basin. Here, visitors can find a variety of campgrounds of various offerings available, each located amongst the lovely, changing trees.
South Dakota
Western South Dakota’s Black Hills are beautiful all year long, and even more so in the fall. They are home to the famous Mount Rushmore, two national parks, Custer State Park, and a variety of historic towns. While there are many excellent places to camp here, our favorite is Naked Winery in Hill City. This cute little restaurant is available for overnight stays for Harvest Hosts members. It features a variety of red, white, and blush wines, as well as 100+ microbrews available on tap. We hope you’re hungry because the joint restaurant and brewery offers pizzas, pretzels, and platters for your munching enjoyment.
Fall RV Camping in the North
The Northern states above the Midwest are often considered the True North. Here, the fall season begins a bit early, as the weather starts to change in late August or early September. The colors typically peak in late September, so be sure to follow local guidelines when planning your Northern fall RV camping trip.
North Dakota
Heading to southeastern North Dakota, we can find the beautiful 4e Winery. Named for the four elements needed to create wine (earth, air, water, and fire), this beautiful winery specializes in growing grapes that are equipped to survive harsh winters and create delicious wines. In addition to wine, they also have hiking and bird watching available on their beautiful property. The fall colors there are quite lovely, and the location offers the perfect place to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the season.
Minnesota
Now we’ll continue our journey to the edge of the wilderness with a resort and scenic byway called…"Edge of the Wilderness Resort." Located in Marcell, Minnesota, this beautiful area in northern Minnesota is, quite arguably, the best place to view leaves in the entire state. Tucked away in the Chippewa National Forest, the resort area is home to eleven different properties, each with their own amenities and seasonal hours of operation. If you’d like to skip the camping, then take a drive on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. This lovely drive winds along forty-seven miles of pristine lakes and stretches from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Effie, Minnesota.
Wisconsin
If you’re ready for the full fall family experience, then look no farther than Sunrise Orchards in Gay Mills, Wisconsin. This Harvest Host location is open exclusively for fall and into late December for maximum end-of-year celebrations. The orchard is home to twenty-two varieties of apples, a bakery, a gift shop, a family park, and even a dog walk area. There’s an endless list of things to do and delicacies to eat here. Be sure to check out their events calendar to view all the happenings this fall and winter, especially the Trick-or-Treat weekend for the kids. For overnight campers with Harvest Hosts memberships, there are four available spaces that can accommodate rigs of any size.
Michigan
Couples and families alike will enjoy everything that Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery has to offer. Located in Grand Rapids, this winery is open year round and has lots of activities and foods to choose from. The orchards themselves are home to over thirty-five varieties of apples along with apricots, cherries, peaches, and blackberries, and their winery features over twenty different wines and ciders. These are all available for sampling during the tasting room’s business hours.
In addition to the winery, they have a bakery, a cider mill, a lunch area, daily activities, and seasonal events. They even offer a limited U-Pick season around mid-September. If you’re looking to stay here with your Harvest Host membership, this pet-friendly location has four reservable spaces for rigs of any size.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall RV Camping
What are some of the best places for fall RV camping in the U.S.?
Great fall RV camping destinations can be found in every region of the country. Popular options include New England, the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Adirondacks, the Rocky Mountain region, and destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest. We recommend choosing a destination with scenic drives, hiking trails, and seasonal activities.
When is the best time to go RV camping for fall foliage?
The best time depends on where you’re traveling. Northern and higher-elevation destinations may begin seeing fall colors as early as September, while destinations farther south often peak in late October or early November. Because timing varies by elevation and weather, check local foliage reports before your trip.
Is Asheville, North Carolina, a good destination for fall RV camping?
Yes. Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are excellent destinations for an autumn RV trip. Because elevations vary significantly throughout the region, fall colors can develop at different times, creating a longer leaf-peeping season. Scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and local fall events also make the Asheville area a popular stop for RV travelers.
No matter where you call home, there is surely a gorgeous location to enjoy the fall season within a couple hours' drive. Whether you camp at a farm with hay rides, a brewery with seasonal beverages, a state park with excellent fall foliage viewing, or a national park with gorgeous mountainous views, you are sure to create autumn memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the best camping of the season in whichever region you choose.
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at 9,600+ unique locations across North America with no camping fees. Stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations while enjoying memorable travel experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing a safe place to stay is always nearby.
