Don’t Winterize Your RV Just Yet, Fall Camping Is Here

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, it’s the perfect time to hit the road and explore the beauty of Fall. And what better way to do it than in an RV? Your RV is perfect for fall camping!

Fall is a great season for RV travel, with mild temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer crowds. Let’s take a look at some must-visit RV destinations for fall camping. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone on this list.

So pack your bags, fuel up your RV, and get ready for an unforgettable autumn adventure!

National Parks

We can’t start off a fall camping destination list without starting with the National Parks. The fall season is the perfect time to explore some of the parks that would otherwise be crowded with summer tourists.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

First on the list is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In fact, fall is the perfect time to visit these famous mountains and experience the beauty of the autumn foliage.

While you’re RVing through the Great Smoky Mountains, experience the vibrant colors of the Appalachian Mountains; hike the scenic trails to two of the region’s waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls; catch a glimpse of the wildlife, or visit Cades Cove for a glimpse into the region’s history. Cades Cove is an isolated valley nestled in the Tennessee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Before the formation of the national park, the valley was home to numerous settlers. Today Cades Cove is the single most popular destination for visitors to the park.

Where to Stay: While you’re RVing in the Great Smoky Mountain area, choose from over 200 campgrounds. Here are some suggestions:

• Gateway to the Smokies RV Park & Campground – located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this campground is your gateway to the Smokies! Stay in any of their RV sites and enjoy on-site amenities like a swimming pool, playground, basketball courts, dog park, and more!
• Flaming Arrow Campground – or stay on the other side in North Carolina at the Flaming Arrow Campground! This campground is just 4 miles from the park and boasts amenities like a pool, pavilion, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast outdoor dreamscape located in Maine. Its landscape is home to granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States East Coast. While you’re here, take in the breathtaking coastal views and fall foliage (September and October are the best times), take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road, or explore the charming town of Bar Harbor.

Where to Stay: Stay and play in Acadia National Park while making Bar Harbor Campground your home base. This highly-rated campground has a heated pool and boasts stunning ocean views. Get there soon! The park closes after Columbus Day.

Scenic Drives

If National Parks aren’t your thing and you’re looking for the finest fall foliage, we have a selection of scenic drives that are sure to impress.

Blue Ridge Parkway

For fall campers looking for a stunning drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway should be your top pick. This winding road through the Blue Ridge Mountains is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Stop at overlooks for views that’ll make your Instagram followers turn green with envy. Plus, you can add some culture to your camping by visiting charming towns like Asheville and Boone along the way.

Where to Stay: Set up camp at Linville Falls Campground for easy access to hiking trails and jaw-dropping waterfalls. Located in a dense pine canopy, this campground is within hiking distance of Linville Gorge. Linville River, which winds beside the campground, is stocked for fishing. Plus, the campground is central to many area attractions, including the Linville Falls waterfall, which has three waterfall overlooks in a one-mile hike.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

For RVers seeking a two-for-one fall camping experience, head west to Glacier National Park, where the main attraction, Going-to-the-Sun Road, is a spectacle of its own. Picture snow-capped peaks, vibrant meadows, and wildlife sightings. Keep those eyes peeled for bears and mountain goats!

Where to Stay: Secure a spot at Fish Creek Campground, the second-largest campground in Glacier National Park. This highly-rated campground is located on the west side of the park and has front-row views of Lake McDonald.

Glampers, beware, this campground has limited hookups, and you will need to exercise bear safety.

Historic Towns

Up next on our fall camping destination list are some towns brimming with history perfect for those looking for some culture this season.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Feeling a bit nostalgic? Head to Williamsburg, Virginia, and step back in time to Colonial Williamsburg. From reenactments to fall festivals, this place oozes with charm and knowledge. Perfect for a history buff looking for a dose of fall camping fun.

Where to Stay: Try American Heritage RV Park for a cozy stay and easy access to the historic district. In addition to top-notch amenities, this campground is just 8 miles from historic Williamsburg and provides easy access to Jamestown, Yorktown, Water Country, and Busch Gardens.

While you’re here, visit Virginia’s Historic Triangle – where American history is brought to life!

St. Augustine, Florida

Let’s switch things up and head south to the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the USA – St. Augustine, Florida. Here, you can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, go on spine-tingling ghost tours, and soak up the town’s haunted history. Who says Florida is just about beaches?

Where to Stay: While there is definitely more to St. Augustine than beaches, who can resist a beachfront campground? Anastasia State Park Campground offers a slice of nature’s beauty within the city’s reach. Enjoy more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches and tidal marshes at this 139-site campground.

Foodie Destinations

There is something tasty waiting for RVers this fall camping season as well with these must-visit destinations!

Napa Valley, California

If your idea of camping involves uncorking a bottle of fine wine while gazing at vineyards dressed in autumn hues, Napa Valley is your happy place. Indulge in world-renowned wines and farm-to-table dining. You can even take your experience to new heights with a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the vineyard vistas.

Where to Stay: Skyline Wilderness Park & Campground offers a serene escape close to the wineries. While you’re here, enjoy over 25 miles of trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing, and seeing a variety of flora and fauna.

Portland, Maine

Last but certainly not least, we’re heading to Portland, Maine, for a feast of the senses. Dive into a seafood lover’s paradise with fresh lobster and oysters. The vibrant food scene here is a treasure trove of farm-to-table restaurants, and don’t forget to explore local breweries and distilleries for craft beer and spirits that will warm your autumn nights.

Best Campground: Try Wild Duck Campground & RV Park for a mix of nature and easy access to Portland’s culinary delights. Wild Duck is a 70-site adult-only campground located in the middle of Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh, the state’s largest saltwater marsh.

Don’t Miss These Fall Camping Destinations!

Fall is a magical time to explore the country in an RV, and these destinations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culinary delights. Whether you prefer hiking through national parks, driving along scenic routes, immersing yourself in history, or indulging in delicious food and wine, there’s a destination on this list that will capture your heart. So start planning your RV trip for fall and get ready to create unforgettable memories.

The post Fall Camping: Must-Visit RV Destinations for Autumn appeared first on Camper Smarts.