Every year, when the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to transform into shades of amber, scarlet, and gold, I pack up the RV and hit the road. There’s no better way to celebrate autumn than chasing the changing leaves through winding backroads, peaceful state parks, and vibrant mountain towns. After years of exploring different parts of the country during fall, I’ve narrowed down a list of the best RV destinations for fall foliage that truly stand out.
Traveling by RV makes it easy to take in peak color without the need for constant packing and unpacking. I love waking up to forest canopies glowing orange outside my window and being able to brew coffee while surrounded by autumn’s best colors. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply leaf-peeping with a warm drink in hand, these spots offer a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia offers some of the most dramatic fall colors in the Northeast. With rocky coastlines, dense forests, and high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scenery. I usually time my visit to early October when the park’s maples and birches are in full color. The scenic Park Loop Road is a must-do drive, and I never skip sunrise on Cadillac Mountain it’s the first place in the U.S. to see the sun rise.
Jordan Pond is another highlight, with reflections of autumn trees mirrored in the water. I also like hiking the Beehive Trail and taking photos along Ocean Path. Bar Harbor, just outside the park, adds a coastal town vibe with great seafood and local shops.
Campground Tip: Blackwoods Campground is within the park and has RV-accessible sites. If you need full hookups, look into private campgrounds just outside Bar Harbor.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
This 469-mile stretch of winding road through the Appalachian Highlands is tailor-made for fall travel. I’ve driven the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway more than once, and the timing always matters early to mid-October is typically ideal for peak foliage. What makes this one of the best RV destinations for fall foliage is the constant access to overlooks, quiet trails, and forested campgrounds.
I usually stop at Peaks of Otter, Linville Falls, and Craggy Gardens. Each has its own flavor, from waterfall hikes to expansive mountain views. The pace is slow, with a maximum speed limit of 45 mph, making it perfect for leisurely RV travel.
Campground Tip: Julian Price Memorial Park and Mount Pisgah Campground both offer beautiful foliage views and good RV accommodations.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers fall color that rivals New England, but with a lot fewer people. I especially enjoy driving the stretch from Marquette to Copper Harbor in early October. The roads wind through thick hardwood forests and past quiet lakes reflecting fiery red and orange trees.
The Keweenaw Peninsula feels like a hidden gem, with dramatic views of Lake Superior and charming towns like Houghton and Calumet. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is another highlight, with expansive vistas and miles of hiking trails through sugar maple and oak forests.
If you’re searching for less-traveled autumn beauty, the Upper Peninsula is one of the best RV destinations for fall foliage.
Campground Tip: Fort Wilkins Historic State Park near Copper Harbor offers full hookups and lakefront access.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah is one of my favorite places to catch peak fall foliage in the Mid-Atlantic. Skyline Drive runs the length of the park and provides 105 miles of ridge-top views filled with every shade of red, gold, and rust. I always start early in the day to avoid fog and crowds, and I stop often to hike short trails like Stony Man and Dark Hollow Falls.
The elevation differences mean you can experience different stages of color change depending on where you are in the park. I like to stay a few days and camp high up for cooler nights and sweeping views.
Campground Tip: Big Meadows Campground is ideally located for foliage access and offers RV sites with dump stations and potable water.
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozarks fly under the radar for many travelers, which makes this region feel like a secret treasure in autumn. I enjoy the peace and quiet here in October when the ridges and valleys light up with golden hickories, sugar maples, and scarlet oaks. Scenic Byway 7 is a stunning drive, especially around the Buffalo National River and Mount Magazine State Park.
Hiking trails like Whitaker Point and Pedestal Rocks are perfect for getting that photo-worthy view. The crisp air and lack of crowds make this one of the best RV destinations for fall foliage, especially if you prefer a quieter, slower-paced trip.
Campground Tip: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and Lake Wedington offer RV sites near some of the best hiking trails.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Fall in the Pacific Northwest is breathtaking, and the Columbia River Gorge stands out as a must-see. The blend of waterfalls, towering basalt cliffs, and colorful foliage along the river creates a painterly landscape that’s hard to forget. I usually drive the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop at Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Wahkeena Falls.
October is peak time, and the combination of yellow cottonwoods, red vine maples, and green conifers makes the forest glow. I often bring my camera and spend hours exploring the trails before retreating to a nearby RV park with river views.
Campground Tip: Ainsworth State Park has paved RV sites and is just minutes from the scenic waterfall loop.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer some of the most dramatic and vibrant fall scenery in the Northeast. I always take the Kancamagus Highway, which winds through the forest and over the Swift River. You can’t go more than a few miles without pulling over for a picture or a short hike.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is another highlight, with panoramic views from New England’s highest peak. I prefer mid-October for my visits, and I always come prepared for chilly nights and brisk hikes.
This region is one of the best RV destinations for fall foliage due to its combination of elevation, maple-heavy forests, and endless photo ops.
Campground Tip: Covered Bridge Campground and Jigger Johnson Campground both offer excellent access to the Kancamagus Highway.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
New Mexico might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about fall foliage, but the Enchanted Circle around Taos delivers brilliant color with a Southwestern twist. Aspens turn vibrant gold, and the contrast with the red earth and blue sky is unlike anything else.
I enjoy stopping in towns like Red River and Eagle Nest, which offer hiking trails, riverside walks, and a mix of art and culture. The drive itself is looped, making it convenient for RVers looking to experience everything without backtracking.
Campground Tip: Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers electric sites and beautiful lake views backed by mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
I make it a point to visit the Smokies every fall if I can. The variety of trees here means a long, gradual foliage season. Starting in early October at higher elevations and lasting into November in the valleys, it’s perfect for an extended leaf-peeping RV trip.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Clingmans Dome, and Newfound Gap all provide excellent overlooks. Gatlinburg and Cherokee offer access to the park, along with dining and shopping. The cooler temperatures and frequent mist make the colors look even more vivid.
This classic national park earns its place among the best RV destinations for fall foliage with its rich diversity, long viewing window, and countless scenic roads.
Campground Tip: Elkmont Campground is centrally located and allows larger RVs with limited hookups.
Final Thoughts
Fall is my favorite season to travel in an RV. The air is crisp, the roads are less crowded, and the scenery is downright magical. Whether it’s the sugar maples of the Northeast or the golden aspens in the Rockies, the best RV destinations for fall foliage offer more than just good views they give you a reason to slow down and savor the season.
Over the years, I’ve returned to some of these places again and again. Each visit is a little different depending on weather, timing, and travel companions, but the magic of autumn never fades. If you’re looking to make the most of your RV this fall, don’t wait for the leaves to start changing start planning now.
These best RV destinations for fall foliage promise unforgettable landscapes, cozy nights under colorful trees, and days filled with golden light filtering through the forest. All you have to do is drive, park, and enjoy the view.