Fall is one of our favorite times to travel in the RV. The weather is cooler, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is absolutely next level!
If you’re trying to figure out where to go this season, I’ve got you covered.
These fall RV destinations are perfect for leaf-peeping, hiking in cooler temperatures, and soaking up all the autumn vibes.
We’ve visited several of these ourselves over the years, and a few are still high on our bucket list!
Whether you’re chasing fall color, looking for small-town charm, or just want an easy spot to park the RV and enjoy the season, here are 10 fall RV destination ideas for you to consider.
1. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
Capitol Reef is stunning in the fall! We visited in October and boondocked at Beas Lewis Flat, just outside Torrey.
It was a peaceful spot with easy access to the park and stunning views.
The weather was perfect for hiking. It was warm during the day, but chilly as soon as the sun went down, so be sure to wear layers.
Cassidy Arch was our favorite trail, and we made sure to stop at the Gifford House afterward for pie.
If you’re visiting in the fall, you’ll still catch it open through November. Just note that they close for lunch at midday (check their hours here).
What to Do in Fall
- Pick fresh apples from the historic Fruita orchards
- Hike to Cassidy Arch or Hickman Bridge in cooler weather
- Catch peak cottonwood color along Scenic Highway 24 and Boulder Mountain
- Watch for deer and bighorn sheep near the campground
- Enjoy stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park
RV Camping Tips
- Stay at Fruita Campground (no hookups but unbeatable views)
- Find full hookups in nearby Torrey, Utah
- Boondocking on nearby BLM land is easy and beautiful in fall
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
The Smokies are one of the best fall RV camping destinations out there, and for good reason!
We visited at the end of October into early November, and it was the perfect mix of peak fall color and hardly any crowds.
Our favorite drive was Highway 441 from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. The mountain views, winding roads, and layers of color were incredible!
We hiked the Laurel Falls trail, which was an easy but beautiful hike to a waterfall surrounded by golden trees.
We also got to see the elk in rut, which was such a cool experience! We found more elk on the North Carolina side of the park, so keep that in mind if you go looking for them.
Downtown Gatlinburg was fun too. We shopped, grabbed dinner, and treated ourselves to giant milkshakes at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar!
What to Do in Fall
- Take a scenic drive on Highway 441 through the national park
- Experience Elk Fest and Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg
- Visit local apple barns, pumpkin patches, and harvest markets
- Hike Laurel Falls or Cades Cove Loop
RV Camping Tips
- Book early at Elkmont or Cades Cove Campground
- Try private RV parks in Pigeon Forge or Townsend for more amenities
- Consider shoulder season camping in October for fewer crowds
3. Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor (Maine)
Acadia has been at the top of our fall RV bucket list for years and for good reason!
From what we’ve heard from fellow RVers, the fall colors here are absolutely unreal.
You can expect bright red maples and golden birches set against rocky coastlines and mountain views.
Late September through mid-October is usually peak season for color.
You can hike or drive up Cadillac Mountain, bike the Carriage Roads, or take a boat ride along the coast while the leaves are still glowing.
The town of Bar Harbor looks so charming, too, with cozy shops, fall treats, and just enough bustle to still feel lively without being overwhelming.
This one’s high on our list for a future fall trip!
What to Do in Fall
- Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain over a sea of fall color
- Bike the Carriage Roads framed by golden birches
- Take a scenic harbor cruise or go apple picking nearby
- Stroll through Bar Harbor’s fall festivals and cozy shops
RV Camping Tips
- Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds are NPS options near the park
- Private RV parks near Bar Harbor offer full hookups and more amenities
- Plan your visit for late September or early October for the best peak colors
4. Upper Peninsula (Michigan)
Another spot that’s high on our fall RV bucket list is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
We’ve seen so many photos of the vibrant fall colors along the lakes and forests, and it looks absolutely beautiful!
Mid to late October is usually peak season, and the colors are intense.
The Tunnel of Trees on M-119 is one of the most popular fall drives in the region, and it’s easy to see why.
We’ve also heard amazing things about Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks this time of year.
And if you’re into fall treats, the area is known for its cider mills, apple orchards, and cute little towns that lean into the season!
We definitely hope to make it up there soon!
What to Do in Fall
- Drive the Tunnel of Trees on M-119 for a magical fall canopy
- Visit waterfalls like Tahquamenon Falls
- Explore pumpkin farms and cider mills in Harbor Springs or Petoskey
- Hike along Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks
RV Camping Tips
- Boondock in state forests with a free camp registration card
- Many state parks offer electric hookups (check seasonal closures)
- Be prepared for chilly temps and possible lake-effect weather in late October
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those places we keep going back to, and it never disappoints!
We’ve visited multiple times now, and while we also enjoy going in the summer, fall brings a whole different kind of magic.
The aspens turn bright gold, the air is crisp, and the wildlife is more active than ever.
We’ve seen elk every time we’ve visited, but fall is when they’re in rut, and the bugling was wild to hear in person!
Estes Park is the cutest little mountain town and such a fun place to base yourself.
We love walking around the shops, grabbing breakfast at The Egg of Estes, and watching elk stroll right through the middle of town!
Some of our favorite hikes inside the park are Emerald Lake and Sky Pond via Loch Lake.
Both are stunning, especially with snow-dusted peaks and golden trees all around!
What to Do in Fall
- Hike to Emerald Lake or Loch Lake for alpine views and fall color
- Listen for elk bugling in Moraine Park during the rut season
- Drive Trail Ridge Road or Bear Lake Road for golden aspens
- Shop and eat your way through downtown Estes Park
- Look for moose and other wildlife on early morning trails
RV Camping Tips
- Book early if you want a spot at Moraine Park Campground
- Private RV parks in Estes Park offer full hookups
- Fall nights get cold fast, so bring layers and be ready for chilly mornings
- September is peak aspen season (book well in advance)
6. Ozark Mountains (Arkansas)
We haven’t made it to this area in the fall yet, but it’s been recommended to us many times.
The Ozark Mountains are supposed to be beautiful in October, especially along the Talimena Scenic Byway and around the Buffalo National River.
This region gets full-on fall color, and there’s usually less traffic than in the bigger national parks.
You can also spot elk during rut season in Boxley Valley, which makes it a great alternative to the more crowded parks out west.
What to Do in Fall
- Drive the Talimena Scenic Byway for colorful mountain views
- Hike to Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) for a classic Arkansas overlook
- Look for elk in Boxley Valley in the early mornings
- Explore charming towns like Eureka Springs or Mountain View
RV Camping Tips
- Dispersed camping is available in the Ozark National Forest
- Several state parks and forest campgrounds offer electric hookups
- Temps stay comfortable during the day, but nights can get chilly
- Fall festivals pop up in mountain towns
7. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite might not be the first place that comes to mind for fall, but it’s a gorgeous time to visit!
The summer crowds are gone, the weather is cool and crisp, and the valley starts to quiet down.
Don’t worry, though, you’ll still see some fall color too.
Golden oaks, bright dogwoods, and big-leaf maples all stand out against the granite cliffs!
The cooler days are perfect for hiking, and the clear night skies are ideal for stargazing by the fire.
This is a more dog-friendly national park than most, which is an added bonus.
What to Do in Fall
- Wander through the golden meadows in Yosemite Valley with fewer crowds
- Hike to Bridalveil Fall or bike the paved Valley Loop
- Spot black bears and mule deer foraging for acorns
- Soak up fall color near Cook’s Meadow or the Merced River
RV Camping Tips
- North Pines and Lower Pines Campgrounds stay open into fall
- Reservations are a must, especially for weekends
- Roads like Tioga Pass may close with snow, so go before mid-October
- Pack for cold, dry nights and crisp sunny days
8. Blue Ridge Parkway & Shenandoah National Park (Virginia/North Carolina)
We’ve visited this area before, but never in the fall, and it’s high on our list to go back!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for being one of the most scenic drives in the country, and fall takes it to a whole new level.
From what I’ve seen, the color here is unreal in October, especially along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
The higher elevations start turning earlier, then the lower spots follow, so you get a long stretch of time for good foliage!
There are tons of overlooks, short hikes, and cute mountain towns to explore along the way, too.
What to Do in Fall
- Take Skyline Drive for nonstop foliage and mountain views
- Hike to waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls or Linville Falls
- Stop in small towns for pumpkin patches and farm markets
- Visit apple orchards in Charlottesville or Asheville
RV Camping Tips
- Big Meadows and Loft Mountain are popular NPS campgrounds
- Parkway campgrounds are often first-come, so plan to arrive early
- Bring layers (higher elevations can be cold even when the sun’s out)
- Peak color hits mid to late October, depending on elevation
9. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana)
We visited Yellowstone in late September, and the fall colors were already peaking.
It even snowed while we were there, which made the scenery feel extra dramatic and beautiful!
We drove the big loop around the park and couldn’t believe how much wildlife we saw.
The elk were in full rut, especially around Canyon Village. We watched bulls bugling and fighting over their herds, and it was absolutely wild!
We also saw a grizzly bear eating on a carcass, and it was really incredible to see in person.
Of course, we stopped at Old Faithful and explored the hot springs, but for us, the wildlife was the highlight of the whole trip.
We boondocked just outside of West Yellowstone at Bootjack Dispersed Camping in Island Park, and it was a peaceful place to come back to after a full day in the park.
What to Do in Fall
- Drive the Grand Loop for fall color and wildlife viewing
- Visit Old Faithful and the geothermal hot spots with fewer crowds
- Look for bears and wolves in Lamar or Hayden Valley
- Catch sunrise over the river for foggy, golden views
RV Camping Tips
- Park campgrounds start to close in late September, so check dates ahead of time
- Boondocking outside the park is easy near West Yellowstone
- Expect cold nights and possible snow, even in early fall
10. Albuquerque (New Mexico)
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most iconic fall events for RVers!
Every October, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons lift off just after sunrise, filling the sky with the most incredible views.
You can walk right onto the launch field, see the balloons up close, and even stay for the evening Balloon Glow when they light up after dark.
It’s a bucket list experience for so many travelers, and RV camping options nearby make it easy to be part of the action.
What to Do in Fall
- Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October
- Spend an afternoon exploring Old Town Albuquerque
- Try local favorites like breakfast burritos and anything with green chile
RV Camping Tips
- Balloon Fiesta RV sites sell out quickly, so make reservations early
- Nearby RV parks offer full hookups and easy access to the event
- Fall mornings can be chilly, so plan on layers and a hot drink for sunrise launches
Where Will You Go This Fall?
Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and colorful views make fall one of the best times to hit the road!
Whether you’re planning a full cross-country trip or just looking for a cozy weekend getaway, I hope this list gave you a few new fall RV destinations to add to your list!
If you’re getting your rig ready for the season, you might also like this post on how to decorate your RV for fall on a budget.
It’s full of simple ideas to make your RV feel cozy without a lot of effort.
Happy fall camping!
