Updated for 2023
It’s easy to see why fall is loved by so many RVers—the colorful foliage, cooler camping outside at national parks, fun at fall festivals, road trips to pumpkin patches, and Halloween attractions. By the end of October, you may be thinking it’s too late to join in on the top RV activities for the fall season, but that’s not the case. There’s still plenty of time for an inexpensive day-long outing or a simple weekend getaway without much planning, RV Trader is sharing 10 destinations for a quick autumn RV trip.
1. Amicalola Falls State Park — Georgia
A true gem that’s often overlooked against the larger national parks in the Appalachian Mountains, Amicalola Falls State Park is near the North Georgia Mountains and features the majestic 729-foot Amicalola Falls. RV camping includes pull-in and back-in sites, though it’s worth noting the road only accommodates small RVs versus larger models. The park provides easy access for hiking on the Appalachian Trail, plus you can partake in archery, zip lining, lodging with dining, and camping fireside under the stars.
2. Craven Farm — Washington
For a family RVing venture in the Pacific Northwest, add Craven Farm in Snohomish, Washington to your list. With a nearby RV campground, you’ll have easy access to catch the tail end of their Fall Pumpkin Patch Festival, which runs through Oct. 30th. There, RVers can take their little ones for pumpkin picking, fall foods, and some of the most inventive activities and games you’ll find at any autumn event. Check out Craven’s Alice in Pumpkin-land maze, a kids corn maze with hayrides, petting zoo, mini golf, human foosball, and hit targets with their apple cannons.
3. Hoosier National Forest — Indiana
If you’re in the Midwest and looking to get out in nature this autumn, Hoosier National Forest in the rolling hills of southern Indiana is a prime destination for fall colors. The forest is located within Charles C Deam Wilderness, a designated wilderness area that’s unspoiled and less crowded than many national parks. Bring your camper and set up for a weekend of hiking, biking, and horseback riding, or relax and put away your cares as you take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
4. La Union Corn Maze — New Mexico
Roam through the Southwest to La Union Corn Maze in Anthony, New Mexico, where every weekend through the beginning of November you can enjoy your favorite fall activities. Located near the borderlands of Texas and Mexico with nearby RV campgrounds, you can make a day of it at their 12-acre maze and 18-acre pumpkin patch. Add to that fall foods with New Mexico cuisine, and family and kids activities like giant jumping pillows, pig races, and much more.
5. Redwood State Park — California
The enchanting Redwood State Park provides a different take on leaf-peeping in the fall. While you won’t get the same array of colors you’d find back east, you will see autumn sunshine reflect through the tallest trees in the world. There are a number of campgrounds and places to park your RV nearby, so set aside some time to get a glimpse at these giants in the forest while out hiking in the crisp fall air.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park — Colorado
Autumn brings aspen leaves colored golden, orange, and red at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. RVers will find a dedicated camping location for you and your vehicle nearby with hookups, but if you want to take a simple scenic day drive, that option is on the table too. For a longer trip, consider hiking, biking, and wildlife watching with elk roaming among the vistas in this stunning park.
7. Salem — Massachusetts
Full of small town New England charm, Salem, Massachusetts has a bewitching history and so much to do at the end of October before All Hallow’s Eve. This is your chance to camp out with your RV and hit the town to visit a number of top-rated attractions focusing on local lore surrounding the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Take a tour of haunted houses, look out for ghosts, and visit the Salem Witch Museum while you’re there. And be cautious when driving on local haunted roads.
8. Sleepy Hollow — New York
You may know Sleepy Hollow best from the legendary tale by Washington Irving, featuring the Headless Horseman. Today, Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown are top RVing destinations, especially in the fall as the Hudson River Valley lights up with jack-o-lantern displays. If you’re the type of RVer that enjoys haunted roads, Sleepy Hollow also makes it easy to get in the spirit of the season with an array of haunted mansions and graveyard tours during October.
9. Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch — Texas
The Dallas Arboretum goes big for Halloween, with 100,000 pumpkins and gourds on display throughout the park. Camp out at an RV park down the road with your family, and visit the park for a quick day trip this fall. You’ll see pumpkins surrounding Cinderella’s carriage, pumpkin houses in a pumpkin village, and clever recreations with gourds paying tribute to other children’s stories.
10. White Mountain National Forest — New Hampshire
An autumn classic and one to add to your top destinations for fall foliage, White Mountain National Forest is a favorite among RVers in New Hampshire. Experience all the glory of fall’s colors along Kancamagus Highway, or simply “The Kanc.” You can check out campgrounds with hookups while you’re there, or just keep cruising down the road, amazed by all the scenery.
Celebrate the best of fall’s offerings with a quick getaway in your RV. You’ll get more out of your vehicle and the season by partaking in these once-a-year traditions at these top destinations. If you’re looking for your next new or used vehicle, be sure to see the nationwide selection on RVTrader.com.
