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There’s something magical about hitting the road in your RV when autumn rolls around. The trees are putting on their annual show, the summer crowds have packed up and gone home, and you can actually breathe without sweating through your shirt. Fall camping is honestly the best-kept secret among RVers – you get all the beauty of nature’s grand finale without fighting for a decent campsite.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’ve never seen Maine in the fall, you’re missing out big time. The leaves start their color parade in late September and keep going strong through mid-October. We’re talking postcard-perfect reds, oranges, and yellows that’ll make you pull over every five minutes to snap another photo.
The hiking trails around Cadillac Mountain are incredible this time of year, and if you’re into biking, the carriage roads are perfect for a leisurely ride through the forest. Don’t even get me started on the scenic drives – Bar Harbor Road alone is worth the trip.
For camping, you’ve got two solid options: Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground. Both can handle RVs, though Blackwoods tends to book up faster since it’s closer to Bar Harbor. Pro tip: make your reservations early because everyone and their brother wants to camp here in October.
2. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Smokies are hands-down one of the most popular fall destinations, and for good reason. Highway 441 from Gatlinburg to Cherokee is like driving through a painting. The mountains just roll on forever, covered in every shade of red and gold you can imagine.
What makes this place extra special is the wildlife. Fall is elk mating season, so if you’re lucky (and quiet), you might catch sight of these massive creatures doing their thing. Just remember to keep your distance – those bulls don’t mess around during rutting season.
Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground are your best bets for RV camping. Elkmont’s got more amenities, but Cades Cove puts you right in the heart of the wildlife action. Fair warning though – this place gets packed on weekends, so weekday visits are your friend.
3. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Okay, here’s where things get really good. The UP (as locals call it) is like nature’s hidden gem. The Tree Tunnel on M-119 is absolutely insane in mid to late October – it’s literally a tunnel of blazing maple trees that arch over the road. You’ll feel like you’re driving through a fairy tale.
Michigan’s state parks are perfect for RVers, with plenty of sites that have electrical hookups. The colors up here peak later than most places, so you can still catch amazing foliage when everywhere else is done for the season. Plus, Lake Superior adds this incredible backdrop that makes everything even more dramatic.
The best part? Way fewer crowds than the more famous spots. You can actually enjoy the peace and quiet that made you want to go camping in the first place.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Now we’re talking about a completely different kind of fall experience. September in the Rockies means aspen trees, and when those golden leaves start shimmering in the mountain breeze, it’s pure magic. The contrast between the bright yellow aspens and the dark evergreens is something you won’t see anywhere else.
Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you’ll ever see. The hiking is fantastic too, though you’ll want to dress in layers – mountain weather can change faster than you can say “altitude sickness.”
Moraine Park Campground and Glacier Basin Campground both welcome RVers. Just keep in mind that some sites fill up months in advance, especially for September weekends. The altitude takes some getting used to, but once you adjust, you’ll understand why people drive across the country to camp here.
5. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Let me tell you about New Hampshire’s best-kept secret for fall colors. The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a 34-mile stretch of road that’ll ruin you for all other scenic drives. Late September through early October, the whole forest explodes in color. Sugar maples, birches, and oaks create this incredible tapestry that changes around every bend.
The White Mountains have tons of campgrounds that can handle RVs, from basic sites to full hookup spots. Dolly Copp Campground is particularly nice, sitting right at the base of Mount Washington. The hiking here ranges from easy nature walks to serious mountain challenges, so there’s something for everyone.
What I love about camping in New Hampshire is how genuine everything feels. You’re not fighting tourist buses for photo ops – you’re just out there enjoying some of the most beautiful country on the East Coast.
Planning Your Fall RV Adventure
Here’s the thing about fall camping – everyone else has figured out how awesome it is too. That means you need to get your act together early if you want the good spots. Start making reservations in spring if you can, especially for popular places like Acadia or the Smokies.
Each of these destinations offers something totally different. Maine gives you that classic New England experience with lobster rolls and rocky coastlines. The Smokies bring Southern hospitality and mountain culture. Michigan’s UP is all about unspoiled wilderness and stunning lake views. Colorado delivers those epic mountain vistas that make you feel tiny in the best possible way.
The weather can be tricky in fall, so pack layers and be ready for anything from warm sunny days to chilly mornings that’ll have you cranking up the RV’s heater. But trust me, dealing with a little unpredictable weather is totally worth it when you’re surrounded by nature’s most spectacular show.
Don’t wait too long to plan your trip – peak foliage season is short, and Mother Nature doesn’t reschedule for anyone. Get out there and see what all the fuss is about. Your Instagram feed (and your soul) will thank you.
