Top 7 Places to Visit for Autumn Foliage in your RV

Fall camping season is right around the corner. For those of us who love the chilly weather, this is a magical time of year that includes cozy campfires, stargazing on crisp, clear nights, cold-weather hikes, and of course my favorite part, plenty of Autumn foliage!

Honestly, you can catch the colors of fall almost anywhere in the country as long as you visit during the right part of the autumn season. That said, there are some areas that really put a show during the fall time. These parts of the country are absolutely perfect fall destinations, and taking an RV is even more perfect because it allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds that fill the woods during this time of year. 

Want to do some leaf peeping of your own this year? Below are some of my favorite places to go to catch the fall spirit and enjoy a colorful performance put on by Mother Nature herself. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Top of my list is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stretching between Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this iconic scenic byway is gorgeous any time of year. I will always recommend driving at least part of it any time you get a chance. That said, the most magical time of year to drive this beautiful road is during the fall. 

In mid-October, the leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway (and in both aforementioned national parks) turn from green to a vibrant sea of color. Driving the parkway during this time of year gives you a chance to enjoy these colors—along with some of the most beautiful views in the country—from the comfort of your vehicle. Make sure to stop at some of the pull-offs for photos!

Where to Stay

There are a number of good places to stay along the Blue Ridge Parkway. While in the Smokies, we like to stay at the Douglas Dam campgrounds, and in Shenandoah, I recommend staying at one of the in-park NPS campgrounds. 

Acadia National Park

I visited Acadia National Park in the summer and instantly fell in love. This place is so utterly gorgeous, and it has a fairytale-like quality that I’ve only found at a few places in the country. I love the way the waves crash against the rocks to create soft white spray, and the way the sea glistens in the sunlight. The “secret” sea cave we found added to the mystical feel, and hiking through the woods to find a hidden island was pretty incredible as well. 

While we didn’t get to stay into the fall, we did stay in the park well into late August and got to see the beginning of the leaves changing color. A friend who was equally enchanted with the park got to visit during the fall and highly recommended it, and based on that advice and the little bit of fall color that I saw, this spot would easily be one of the best in the country for leaf peeping starting as early as September. 

Where to Stay

During our time in Acadia, we stayed at Narrows Too RV Resort. We loved our stay there and would stay again. Another option is to stay in one of the in-park campgrounds. My mom did this and really enjoyed it. 

Stowe, Vemont

It took us a long time to make our way to Vermont. In fact, it very well may have been the last state we got to in our quest to visit every single one. I just couldn’t find much to do there, so I didn’t have a good reason to go. That said, when we did finally make it to the Green Mountains of Vermont, I found that I adored it. The state is full of mountains, forests, caves, and hidden swimming holes, meaning our nature-loving family could explore for weeks without getting bored. 

During the months of September and October, this part of the country is stunning. In fact, the town of Stowe, Vermont is one of the most famous leaf peeping destinations in the country.

Part of this is due to the fact that there are so many trees, but the fact that there are so many different types of trees producing a variety of different colors also plays a part. The astounding number of mountain roads and secret hiking trails make it easy to find a peaceful place to take it all in. 

Where to Stay

One of the best places to park an RV when visiting Stowe is Gold Brook Campground. For a more rustic experience, look into Little River State Park campground just outside of the city. 

The Ozark Mountains

Looking to go somewhere away from the east coast? Head to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. I grew up going to the Ozarks and have always enjoyed my time there. We would find swimming holes to jump into during the summer, hike in the spring, and go leaf peeping in the fall. I always adored the leaf peeping there, and I know you will too. 

One of the most unique ways to take in the fall colors? Kayaking on the James River or Lake Springfield. Many people also enjoy golfing or biking the Ozark Greenway trail system. No matter how you take in the colorful leaves, you will want to do it in mid-October and into November, as this is when the colors are at their brightest. 

Where to Stay

I’ve camped in the Ozarks a number of times, but never as an adult, so I can’t recommend any campgrounds from personal experience. That said, there are a number of Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds as well as state parks in the area, and we have had good luck with both in other areas. 

Columbia River Gorge

All the way over on the west side of the country, you’ll find the Columbia River Gorge. This is a recreation area that sits just outside of Portland, Oregon and presents opportunities for all kinds of outdoor recreation. It’s home to the incredible Multnomah Falls (as well as a number of other waterfalls) and some seriously amazing trails, and we had a blast exploring the area. 

Beginning in October, the Columbia River Gorge changes from a lush, green place to a spectacular scene filled with an array of bright colors. The trees are so plentiful that you’ll feel as though you’re driving through a sea of fire as you wander the roads that wind through the park. This is an experience you won’t soon forget. 

Where to Stay

We were camped way over at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort during our visits to Columbia River Gorge. I 100% recommend this campground, and the drive didn’t ever seem like too much. That said, if you prefer to be closer, there are campgrounds within the park. 

New River Gorge National Park

We visited New River Gorge National Park during the summer months. My family and a few of our friends had a wonderful time exploring the park’s trails and even doing a bit of rock climbing using a friend’s gear. The park is gorgeous and full of lush greenery. I can see why many people recommend visiting in the fall. 

Unfortunately, I have yet to make it to New River Gorge during the fall months. Instead, I have to imagine the beauty instead. I’m told that the highest point of the park starts to change color as early as the beginning of September. That said, peak foliage happens between late September and early October, and this is the time to visit. 

Where to Stay

During our time in New River Gorge, we dry-camped in the Tamarack Cultural Center parking lot. It wasn’t fancy, but it was flat, relatively quiet, and free. There was also a potable water fill and a dump station nearby. Our friends stayed in Summersville Lake Rentals and enjoyed their stay. 

Northwestern Wyoming

Last but not least, I must mention Northwestern Wyoming. This little corner of the Equality State is where you’ll find two of the most amazing national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Both of these parks are gorgeous during the summer months. That said, they become even more spectacular in late September and early October when the leaves turn. 

In this area, the most common fall color is yellow, meaning the whole place has a sort of golden haze over it. You will find the occasional orange mixed in, and once in a while a red or purple tree will pop out of the wall of yellow. The brightly colored trees sit against the backdrop of the Teton mountains and create an extra colorful backdrop for Yellowstone’s features, bringing new life to everything in the area. 

Where to Stay

We have boondocked every time we’ve visited northwestern Wyoming. We’ve stayed in 3 different spots and honestly, I couldn’t tell you which ones for sure. That said, it’s very easy to find free boondocking spots in this area. I recommend checking Campendium for options. 

As you can see, there are several places across the country that offer an especially magnificent view of the fall leaves. Why not pick one of these destinations and plan a leaf peeping adventure for the coming season? I promise you won’t regret it!