10 Breathtaking Fall RV Destinations You’ll Love Driving To

Crisp mornings. Golden sunsets. Roads lined with fiery reds, burnt oranges, and shimmering yellows. 🍁

Fall is the perfect season to hit the road in your RV. With summer crowds gone and cooler temperatures settling in, this time of year offers a more relaxed pace — plus peak foliage, seasonal festivals, and wildlife sightings you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re chasing national parks ablaze with color, quaint small towns celebrating harvest season, or scenic drives worth slowing down for, these 10 hand-picked destinations are your guide to a dreamy autumn RV adventure.

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1. Shenandoah National Park, VA

Shenandoah National Park

Best Time to Visit: Mid to late October
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 15–30

Skyline Drive is one of the most iconic fall road trips in the U.S. — and for good reason. With 105 miles of scenic highway winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains and 75+ overlooks, every curve brings postcard-worthy views.

  • Hike Old Rag Mountain for panoramic foliage vistas
  • Visit Dark Hollow Falls for a short but stunning waterfall hike
  • Enjoy a sunrise drive for fewer crowds and golden light

💡 Insider Tip: Reserve a site at Big Meadows Campground early via Recreation.gov. Use the AllTrails app to track color forecasts and closures.

2. Great Smoky Mountains, TN & NC

Great Smoky Mountains

Best Time to Visit: Late September – early November
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 10–28

Home to over 100 native tree species, the Smokies transform into a painter’s palette of scarlets, ambers, and golds. Thanks to wide elevation ranges, leaf season lasts longer here than in most parks.

  • Drive Cades Cove Loop Road for wildlife spotting
  • Photograph stunning overlooks along Newfound Gap Road
  • Catch a fall festival like the Smoky Mountain Harvest Celebration

💡 Insider Tip: Camp along the river at Elkmont Campground for a unique experience. Use Campendium to locate RV-friendly options nearby.

3. Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia National Park

Best Time to Visit: Late September – mid-October
Peak Foliage Forecast: September 25 – October 12

Where rugged coastlines meet blazing forests, Acadia offers a fall experience like no other. Cool ocean air, cozy towns, and mountains drenched in color make it an RVer’s dream.

  • Watch sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain
  • Bike the historic carriage roads
  • Explore Bar Harbor for lobster rolls and boutique shopping

💡 Insider Tip: Reserve early at Blackwoods Campground. Nights are chilly — pack an RV-safe heater or warm bedding.

4. Glacier National Park, MT

Glacier National Park

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 1–10

Fall brings a rare calm to Glacier. Golden larches, mirrored lakes, and snow-dusted peaks make this park magical without summer crowds.

  • Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road before it closes
  • Spot mountain goats at Logan Pass
  • Take in reflections at Lake McDonald

💡 Insider Tip: Download offline maps — cell service is minimal. Stock up on groceries before entering; shops shut down after September.

5. Door County, WI

Door County

Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 10–25

Door County is Midwestern autumn charm at its best: orchards, lighthouses, and winding shoreline drives.

  • Tour Peninsula State Park — RV-friendly and stunning in October
  • Visit apple orchards for fresh cider and pies
  • Photograph the 11 historic lighthouses

💡 Insider Tip: Lakefront RV sites go fast — reserve in early September for prime views.

6. Columbia River Gorge, OR

Columbia River Gorge

Best Time to Visit: Late September – late October
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 5–20

Few places mix towering waterfalls, fiery foliage, and sweeping vistas quite like the Columbia River Gorge.

  • Visit Multnomah Falls for the perfect autumn shot
  • Drive the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway
  • Explore wineries along the Fruit Loop Trail

💡 Insider Tip: Expect rain — bring waterproof gear. Pair with nearby Mount Hood National Forest for extra scenic drives.

7. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA & NC

Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Time to Visit: Early October – early November
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 1 – November 5

Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway spans 470 miles of Appalachian magic.

  • Photograph Mabry Mill — one of the most iconic parkway stops
  • Wander the cozy towns of Boone and Blowing Rock
  • Hike Humpback Rocks for jaw-dropping vistas

💡 Insider Tip: Start in Virginia early October, then follow the foliage wave south into North Carolina.

8. Ozark National Forest, AR

Ozark National Forest

Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 15–30

The Ozarks are a fall paradise without heavy crowds — just quiet forests and glowing valleys.

  • Cruise the Pig Trail Scenic Byway for peak colors
  • Hike Hawksbill Crag for breathtaking photos
  • Enjoy local harvest festivals and artisan fairs

💡 Insider Tip: Use AllStays to find hidden boondocking-friendly RV spots along the byway.

9. White Mountains, NH

White Mountains

Best Time to Visit: Late September – early October
Peak Foliage Forecast: September 25 – October 10

For a classic New England fall, few places beat the White Mountains.

  • Drive the Kancamagus Highway (“The Kanc”) — 34 miles of nonstop color
  • Take the Mount Washington Auto Road
  • Hike Flume Gorge for waterfalls framed in fiery leaves

💡 Insider Tip: RV-friendly campgrounds are limited — reserve early or pair your stay with nearby state parks.

10. Zion National Park, UT

Zion National Park

Best Time to Visit: Mid-October – early November
Peak Foliage Forecast: October 15 – November 5

Golden cottonwoods against red canyon walls make Zion an unforgettable fall destination. Cooler temps also make its famous hikes more comfortable.

  • Walk The Narrows when water levels are low
  • Drive the Kolob Canyons Scenic Road
  • Stargaze — Zion is a certified International Dark Sky Park

💡 Insider Tip: RVs longer than 40 feet require tunnel permits — secure yours ahead of time.

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