Fall RV travel is where the magic happens—cooler temps, quiet campgrounds, and roads framed in fiery color. This season turns an ordinary drive into an unforgettable escape, with campgrounds that give you both space and scenery.
Why Fall RV Travel Is the Perfect Getaway
Cooler days, golden horizons, and fewer crowds—fall checks every RV travel box. Trails feel inviting instead of sweltering, campgrounds quiet down, and prices dip as summer fades. It’s the season where road trips feel slower, cozier, and more memorable.
Table of Contents
7 RV Campgrounds for Fall RV Travel (with quick trip ideas)
1) Tensaw River Park — Bay Minette, Alabama
A peaceful Gulf-Coast base with full-hookup RV sites, wide-open green space, and quick access to I-10 and I-65—perfect for shoulder-season road swings between beaches and bayous. Reserve at American RV parks. Trip idea: Fairhope + Mobile food run, then sunset on the Delta. Tensaw River Park
2) Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park, Maine
Drive-in sites under spruce and fir, five miles from Bar Harbor. It’s the classic coastal foliage base for sunrise on Cadillac, Jordan Pond loops, and Park Loop Road overlooks. Trip idea: Two nights at Blackwoods, one night at Schoodic for a quieter autumn vibe. National Park Service
3) Mount Pisgah Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
High-elevation (cooler) Parkway camping with RV sites, flush toilets, water, and a dump station—great for leaf-peeping along iconic overlooks and waterfall hikes. Trip idea: Skyline-to-Smokies week—BRP southbound, then hop to the Smokies. Recreation.gov
4) Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Centrally located on Skyline Drive with roomy RV loops and instant access to fall-color trailheads. Think golden ridgelines by day, hot cider by night. Trip idea: Two-park loop—Shenandoah to Blue Ridge Parkway over a long weekend. National Park Service
5) Cades Cove Campground — Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Open year-round, paved roads, and RV-friendly sites right by wildlife meadows and historic loop drives. Peak color pops here in October. Trip idea: Early-morning Cades Cove ride, then Laurel Falls and a chili night at camp. National Park Service
6) Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campgrounds — Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Quiet, woodsy sites near roaring falls and maple-gold forests. Multiple RV-capable campgrounds, miles of trails, and serious autumn solitude. Trip idea: UP waterfall circuit—Tahquamenon, Munising, Pictured Rocks viewpoints. Michigan.gov
7) Peninsula State Park Campgrounds — Door County, Wisconsin
Five campgrounds, 468+ family sites, and shoreline scenery for peak Midwest fall. Orchard stops, lighthouse views, and lake sunsets seal the deal. Trip idea: Fish Creek base + leaf-peep loop through Ephraim and Sister Bay. Wisconsin DNR
More Scenic Routes for Fall RV Travel
Not sure where to start your autumn adventure? Beyond the campgrounds, these classic routes are worth the drive:
- Pacific Coast Highway, California – Ocean cliffs and endless views.
- Great Ocean Road, Australia – If you’re venturing abroad, coastal drama at its best.
- Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania – Winding turns with mountain backdrops.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina – America’s favorite fall drive.
- Shenandoah Skyline Drive, Virginia – Rolling hills and vineyard stops drenched in color.
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – Waterfalls and golden forests.
- Door County, Wisconsin – Orchards, lighthouses, and shoreline escapes.
Essentials for Fall RV Travel (copy-paste checklist)
Use this list for RV Travel to pack what you are going to need! Stopping is fun but if you want to be on the road as much as possible, pack it instead of stopping!
- Warm blankets & layered clothing
- Hiking boots (leaf-covered trails get slick)
- Flashlights/lanterns for early sunsets
- Thermos for coffee or hot cider
- Compact/portable heater (always follow park rules)
- Rain gear + doormat (mud happens)
- Firewood/fire starters (where permitted)
- Board games/cards for cozy nights in
- Extra hoses & a heated water hose if temps dip
- Seasonal snacks (chili fixings, caramel apples, s’mores kit)
Fall RV Travel Reminder
Fall RV travel isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about slowing down, making memories, and discovering places you’d otherwise miss. From iconic parks like Acadia and Shenandoah to hidden gems like Tensaw River Park, autumn is the season when RV life feels at its best.
So pack your rig, chase the leaves, and escape to where fall shines brightest.~Dana XO
Leave a Reply