15 Fun & Simple Fall Bucket List Ideas for RVers

Fall is one of the best times to enjoy RV life! The air is crisp, the campgrounds are quieter, and everything feels a little cozier.

Whether you’re parked in the mountains or chasing changing leaves across the country, there’s something special about this season on the road.

If you’re craving a slower pace, scenic views, and simple joys like warm drinks by the fire or bundled-up hikes with your pup, you’re in the right place.

This fall RV bucket list is full of easy, doable ideas that make the season feel a little more intentional!

After five years of full-time RV travel with my husband and our two dogs, I’ve learned that the best memories usually come from the simple stuff.

This list is full of those kinds of things…cozy, practical, and perfect for soaking up autumn in your home on wheels.

Cozy Fall RV Bucket List Ideas

1. Host a fall campfire night

There’s something about a campfire that makes fall feel extra cozy, am I right?!

Whether you’re at a boondocking spot or a full hookup campground, it doesn’t take much to make it feel special.

Throw on a hoodie, pour yourself a warm drink (hello, fresh apple cider!), and pull your chairs close to the fire.

We like to bring out a cozy blanket and some string lights if we’re feeling fancy.

And of course, s’mores are always a good idea!

Tucker and Janae sit by a fire pit, bundled up and sipping from mugs while Janae rests her head on Tucker’s shoulder. A table with drinks and snacks is set up behind them beside a corrugated metal wall.

2. Make a homemade pumpkin roll

If you’ve never made a homemade pumpkin cheesecake roll before, it’s easier than you think.

And bonus: your whole RV will smell like a fall candle in the best way!

My friend Megan has an awesome pumpkin cheesecake roll recipe that’s seriously drool-worthy.

Even if you’re not much of a baker, it’s totally doable in an RV kitchen.

And if you’re short on time, no shame in going with simple pumpkin muffins or a quick pumpkin bread mix if you want to bake something else…anything pumpkin this time of year is yummm!


3. Try a fall-themed Instant Pot recipe

When the weather cools off, we start craving alllll the cozy meals.

Soups, stews, creamy pasta…anything warm and comforting after a long hike or chilly evening outside!

The Instant Pot is one of my favorite RV cooking tools since it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t heat up the whole rig.

If you need some ideas, I’ve got a whole list of Instant Pot camping recipes that work great in a tiny kitchen.

And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, no worries. You can check out this list of RV crockpot meals instead!

This crockpot taco soup is one of our go-to fall dinners. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes your whole RV smell amazing!

A bowl of Frito chili pie topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips, with a spoonful lifted to show the hearty mix of beans and meat.

4. Add fall decor to your RV

You don’t need to deck out your whole rig to make it feel like fall.

A few simple touches can go a long way, such as mini pumpkins, a plaid throw blanket, or a cozy candle that smells like apple cider or cinnamon.

I put together a bunch of my favorite finds in this post on fall RV decorating on a budget if you need some inspo!

Even just swapping out your dish towel or adding a fall pillow can totally change the vibe.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to make your RV feel warm and homey this time of year.

A white ceramic jug with the letter "M" and a laurel design holds a bouquet of orange fall flowers, placed on a wooden surface next to a glittery decorative pumpkin.

5. Have a fall movie night in the RV

There’s nothing better than curling up inside when the temps start to drop.

Pop some popcorn, make a mug of hot cocoa or cider, and turn on your coziest fall movie.

Add a fluffy blanket and some fuzzy socks, and you’re all set!

Honestly, it’s one of my favorite ways to wind down after a chilly day outside.

Need ideas for what to watch? Here’s a fun list of cozy fall movies.


Outdoor Fall Activities for RV Life

6. Go leaf hunting on a hiking trail

There’s something extra magical about fall hiking when the leaves are changing and the trees are bursting with vibrant colors!

Two of our favorite places for fall colors are Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which both made the list in our favorite fall RV destinations.

If you’re headed to Rocky Mountain National Park, we really loved the Emerald Lake Trail.

It’s short, scenic, and packed with golden aspens in the early fall.

And of course, wherever you’re hiking, if you’re RVing with your pup, don’t forget to check if the trail is dog-friendly before you go!

A couple poses in front of a waterfall cascading down mossy rocks covered in colorful autumn leaves in the Great Smoky Mountains. A romantic and nature-rich stop for fall RV destinations in the Southeast.

7. Plan a scenic fall drive

Sometimes the best way to see fall color is from the comfort of your truck or RV with a warm drink in hand.

We’ve taken some of our favorite scenic drives in the fall!

It doesn’t have to be a full road trip; even a short detour through the mountains or countryside can be totally worth it.

Bring your camera, queue up a good playlist, and take it slow.

Fall doesn’t stick around forever, so soak up the views while you can, and be sure to add this to your fall bucket list!


8. Visit a local apple orchard or farmers market

One of my favorite parts of fall travel is checking out the seasonal stuff in each new place we stop!

Local farmers’ markets and apple orchards are perfect for picking up fresh produce, homemade treats, and maybe even a few fall goodies to decorate your RV.

Some of my favorite purchases have been mini pumpkins, warm cinnamon donuts, and even fresh apple cider. Yummm!

It’s such a fun way to support small businesses while soaking up the local fall vibes!

You can search for a local market on LocalHarvest.org.

Tucker and Janae sit together on an old red tractor surrounded by hay bales and a variety of pumpkins in a festive autumn farm setting.

9. Press colorful leaves in a journal

This one’s super simple, but it’s such a fun way to remember where you’ve been.

If you find a pretty leaf while you’re out hiking or walking around the campground, tuck it between the pages of your travel journal or even a current book you’re reading.

You can even jot down the location and date next to it so you remember where it came from.

It’s a sweet little keepsake that doesn’t take up any space, which is always a win-win in RV life!


10. Get lost in a corn maze

Corn mazes are such a classic fall activity for your fall RV bucket list, and they’re surprisingly easy to find across a lot of the country.

Some are small and simple, while others are legit giant puzzles that can take hours to get through!

Either way, it’s a fun way to get outside and do something a little different on your fall RV trip.

Just make sure to check if there’s RV parking or call ahead before you go.

Tucker and Janae walk hand-in-hand through a dry corn maze under a bright blue sky, smiling and casually dressed for fall weather.

Creative Things to Do in Your RV This Fall

11. Create a fall RV photo album

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a million photos on your phone from your travels.

Fall is the perfect time to actually do something with them!

Pick a few of your favorites from this season and turn them into a digital album, or print them out and make a scrapbook page.

It doesn’t have to be fancy…just something simple to remember the little moments.

And bonus, it’s pretty fun to look back on cozy campfires and golden leaves when you’re stuck inside during winter camping!


12. Start a fall travel journal

A simple travel journal is a great way to capture the little things like where you stayed, what the weather was like, and what made that spot special.

You don’t have to write a novel…even just jotting down a few lines at the end of the day can help you remember moments you’d otherwise forget.

And if you press a leaf or tape in a photo, even better!

I personally enjoy bullet journaling, but it doesn’t have to be anything fancy.

A close-up ground-level view of a wooden bridge lined with red railings, covered in scattered autumn leaves with a vivid orange maple leaf in the foreground.

13. Have a fall picnic at a local park

Cooler temps and colorful trees make fall the best time for a picnic.

Pack up some sandwiches, a thermos of soup or cider, and your favorite snacks.

Find a quiet spot with a view, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a slow afternoon.

It’s such a simple way to enjoy the season without spending a dime!


14. Play board or card games on a rainy day

Fall weather can be unpredictable, but that just gives you the perfect excuse to stay in and play games.

We always keep a few favorites in the RV for slower afternoons or rainy nights.

If you need ideas, I’ve got a whole list of RV-friendly games that are great for two people, families, or even solo players.

Add a warm drink, a blanket, and start up a little friendly competition…you’re set for an evening of laughter-filled memories!

A close-up of a game of Mexican Train dominoes in progress on a dark table, with colorful pips arranged neatly across several white tiles. The dominoes are organized in rows, capturing the orderly yet strategic nature of the game.

15. Paint mini pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is fun…until you remember how messy it is in a tiny RV.

Painting them is a way easier (and cleaner!) option that still gives you all the festive vibes.

You can grab mini pumpkins from a farmers market or grocery store and use craft paint or paint pens to decorate them.

Display them on your picnic table, kitchen counter, or anywhere you want a little fall flair.

It’s a fun way to get creative without needing a ton of supplies or cleanup.

Need ideas? Here’s a fun list of mini pumpkin painting ideas.

A decorative bowl filled with assorted colorful gourds and mini pumpkins, resting on a table with orange and red fabric leaves tucked around the edges.

Make the Most of Fall in Your RV

Whether you’re leaf peeping in the mountains or cozied up at camp with a warm drink, fall is such a fun season to slow down and enjoy RV life.

You don’t need a huge fall bucket list or fancy plans…just a few simple ideas to make the season feel a little more special.

And if temps are starting to drop where you’re parked, now’s a good time to start thinking about staying warm, too.

Here’s how we DIY our RV skirting each fall to help keep the heat in and the cold out.

Trust me, your toes (and your propane bill) will thank you.

Safe travels!

Much Love, Janae xoxo
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Janae, alongside her husband, Tucker, has turned the world into her playground. Having lived and traveled in an RV for over four years, she has trekked through 22 US national parks, ventured across 28 states, and explored the natural beauty of 12 countries. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been when she witnessed Iceland's shimmering Northern Lights, explored the rugged terrains of Southern Utah, and traveled across Ireland for almost two months. A lover of adventure and couple travel, Janae's writings have been featured in notable travel websites and magazines, and she has collected an online community of over 30,000 passionate fellow travelers.