Best Place to See Fall Foliage in Your RV
10-27-2021
Author: in Education
It's Fall Y'all! Every year, as temperatures cool and nights lengthen, thousands flock to the countryside to view the autumn splendor. Lovingly—and whimsically—referred to as leaf peepers, these individuals, couples, and families trek into the forests to see the widest array of fall hues.
One of the best ways to experience this time of the year is to drive your RV to one of the many campgrounds in some of the most popular areas for seasonal viewing. Not only can you walk the nearby trails, but you will be totally immersed in the contrasting reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. Listed alphabetically by state, here are the top locations—and accompanying RV Parks—for checking out the autumn colors.
Colorado, Aspen
Named for the gorgeous aspen trees that turn golden in autumn, this area provides all sorts of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The mountainous area near Maroon Bells is particularly attractive.
There are many RV Parks and campgrounds, and most of them have interesting, easy to remember names. A few of the uniquely titled options include Difficult Campground, Little Mattie Campground, Little Maud Campground, and Lost Man Campground. The majority of these are open from May to September or October. One of the most popular nearby campgrounds is White River NFCG/Dillon RD. Since this is a very popular destination, you should probably make reservations to ensure accommodations.
Maine, Bar Harbor
Sitting in the "down east" part of the state, Bar Harbor is a popular place to visit in mid-October. The area allows tourists to experience the salty, sea air while they take in the beautiful fall foliage. Acadia National Park provides a gorgeous setting for seasonal exploration while kayaking or bird and whale watching.
Camden Hills State Park is a great place to stay while engaging in Maine leaf-peeping. It puts visitors in close proximity to the moderate hiking opportunities provided by Mt. Megunticook, which is the highest of the Camden Hills. The campground is open year-round. It is a very popular place to stay, so reservations are recommended.
Massachusetts, Lennox
The American Elm is the state tree, but there are nearly 20 species of native trees in Massachusetts. Mid-October is when the colors are at their peak, and hiking or biking to Pleasant Valley Sanctuary provides a great way to see the vivid seasonal hues. There is also plenty to do in town after a day of leaf peeping.
Along with KOA, there are many different campgrounds and RV Parks in the area. The Camp Coldbrook RV Resort in nearby Barre is one of the highest-rated options. It is set on 156-acres bordering the 22,000-acre Ware River Watershed Wildlife Recreation Center and overlooks the Ware River Valley. Along with the hiking and biking, guests can enjoy the 100-foot wading pool, the Olympic swimming pool, and the Nine-Hole Executive Par three golf course.
Minnesota, Duluth
Minnesota has 52 native tree species with a mix of coniferous and broadleaf types. Located on the north shore of beautiful Lake Superior, Duluth is one of the best places to view the autumn splendor. It is one of the beginning points for possibly the most popular RV road-trip: the “North Shore Scenic Drive.” Duluth also features the beautiful Lake Walk. With the inspiring geography and the hilly terrain, the vibrant colors reflected in the freshwater lake in September are also quite attractive.
Among the several other reputable RV parks, one of the most highly rated campgrounds is the Cloquet/Duluth KOA. It accommodates Big Rigs, but is quaint enough with plenty of gorgeous scenery and a great view of the fall foliage. Since it is only open from May 1 to October 14, it is a good thing the fall colors begin early here.
Missouri, Branson
The Ozark Mountains surrounding popular Missouri destination Branson provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy fall foliage with over 200 different species of trees including maple, pine, oak, and walnut. Along with the Branson Scenic Byway and Table Rock State Park, visitors can take in the view from the Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills. Known as the "landmark on the horizon", it provides a panoramic view from a 230-foot-tall tower.
In addition to KOA, there are several good options for RVers. Branson Treehouse Adventures is a quaint campground that accommodates smaller campers and trailers. Although it is located within minutes of Branson's primary attractions, it has a remote atmosphere. Plenty of trees allow visitors to immerse themselves in the experience, and some them actually feature treehouses!
New York
Near Huntington, New York sits the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. A gorgeous area to visit, this preserve has over 1,600 acres and features 27 trails. Along with an array of pines and fir trees, dogwood, hickory, and sassafras are among the native species. The colorful Sugar Maple is the state tree. The area provides an exciting view for a walk.
One of New York's premier RV parks, Sleepy Hollow Lake Resort , located in Western New York about 25 miles east of Buffalo and 50 miles west of Rochester. Campfires can be seen glowing radiantly around this campground. Telling campfire stories and eating s’mores are sure favorites of all ages. This campground is one of New York’s most family friendly and scenic areas around town.
Oregon, Columbia River Gorge
Located between Oregon and Washington, Colombia River Gorge boasts over 50 waterfalls. The months of October and November, however, are the most popular times to visit. With a combination of 67 native coniferous and broadleaf tree species, Mount Hood becomes alive with fall colors. It is perfect for biking, hiking, and picture-taking.
Merely a couple of hours away, the Tillamook RV Park is one of the highest rated year-round campgrounds in Oregon. With rainforest and beaches, this park also offers a playground and a petting zoo along with the typical amenities. It's ¼-mile from the Tillamook Cheese Factory, as well.
Vermont, Stowe
From September through mid-October, Vermont is the place to be. With over 76 native species—packed into a relatively small space—turning different shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown, it is no surprise that Stowe is called “Fall’s Color Capital.” It is a great place to bike, hike, or take a scenic drive on Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road.
Located in nearby Colchester, Lone Pine Campsites is a great park for autumn tourists. Called "Vermont's Favorite Family Campground," it is located in the picturesque Lake Champlain Valley.
Provided within 78 acres, it offers views of Butternut, Elmore, and Sterling Mountains. Along with typical amenities, Lone Pine has a Camp Store, sports courts, and two pools.
In Conclusion
Whether you plan a two-week vacation to enjoy the best leaf-peeping has to offer, or merely plan a weekend trip, there are many areas and many ways to check out this year's autumn change. Pack your hiking boots and don't forget to bring your camera! The fall colors in these areas are spectacular, but they don't last long. That is one reason they are so special.
One of the best ways to experience this time of the year is to drive your RV to one of the many campgrounds in some of the most popular areas for seasonal viewing. Not only can you walk the nearby trails, but you will be totally immersed in the contrasting reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. Listed alphabetically by state, here are the top locations—and accompanying RV Parks—for checking out the autumn colors.
Colorado, Aspen
Named for the gorgeous aspen trees that turn golden in autumn, this area provides all sorts of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The mountainous area near Maroon Bells is particularly attractive.
There are many RV Parks and campgrounds, and most of them have interesting, easy to remember names. A few of the uniquely titled options include Difficult Campground, Little Mattie Campground, Little Maud Campground, and Lost Man Campground. The majority of these are open from May to September or October. One of the most popular nearby campgrounds is White River NFCG/Dillon RD. Since this is a very popular destination, you should probably make reservations to ensure accommodations.
Maine, Bar Harbor
Sitting in the "down east" part of the state, Bar Harbor is a popular place to visit in mid-October. The area allows tourists to experience the salty, sea air while they take in the beautiful fall foliage. Acadia National Park provides a gorgeous setting for seasonal exploration while kayaking or bird and whale watching.
Camden Hills State Park is a great place to stay while engaging in Maine leaf-peeping. It puts visitors in close proximity to the moderate hiking opportunities provided by Mt. Megunticook, which is the highest of the Camden Hills. The campground is open year-round. It is a very popular place to stay, so reservations are recommended.
Massachusetts, Lennox
The American Elm is the state tree, but there are nearly 20 species of native trees in Massachusetts. Mid-October is when the colors are at their peak, and hiking or biking to Pleasant Valley Sanctuary provides a great way to see the vivid seasonal hues. There is also plenty to do in town after a day of leaf peeping.
Along with KOA, there are many different campgrounds and RV Parks in the area. The Camp Coldbrook RV Resort in nearby Barre is one of the highest-rated options. It is set on 156-acres bordering the 22,000-acre Ware River Watershed Wildlife Recreation Center and overlooks the Ware River Valley. Along with the hiking and biking, guests can enjoy the 100-foot wading pool, the Olympic swimming pool, and the Nine-Hole Executive Par three golf course.
Minnesota, Duluth
Minnesota has 52 native tree species with a mix of coniferous and broadleaf types. Located on the north shore of beautiful Lake Superior, Duluth is one of the best places to view the autumn splendor. It is one of the beginning points for possibly the most popular RV road-trip: the “North Shore Scenic Drive.” Duluth also features the beautiful Lake Walk. With the inspiring geography and the hilly terrain, the vibrant colors reflected in the freshwater lake in September are also quite attractive.
Among the several other reputable RV parks, one of the most highly rated campgrounds is the Cloquet/Duluth KOA. It accommodates Big Rigs, but is quaint enough with plenty of gorgeous scenery and a great view of the fall foliage. Since it is only open from May 1 to October 14, it is a good thing the fall colors begin early here.
Missouri, Branson
The Ozark Mountains surrounding popular Missouri destination Branson provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy fall foliage with over 200 different species of trees including maple, pine, oak, and walnut. Along with the Branson Scenic Byway and Table Rock State Park, visitors can take in the view from the Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills. Known as the "landmark on the horizon", it provides a panoramic view from a 230-foot-tall tower.
In addition to KOA, there are several good options for RVers. Branson Treehouse Adventures is a quaint campground that accommodates smaller campers and trailers. Although it is located within minutes of Branson's primary attractions, it has a remote atmosphere. Plenty of trees allow visitors to immerse themselves in the experience, and some them actually feature treehouses!
New York
Near Huntington, New York sits the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. A gorgeous area to visit, this preserve has over 1,600 acres and features 27 trails. Along with an array of pines and fir trees, dogwood, hickory, and sassafras are among the native species. The colorful Sugar Maple is the state tree. The area provides an exciting view for a walk.
One of New York's premier RV parks, Sleepy Hollow Lake Resort , located in Western New York about 25 miles east of Buffalo and 50 miles west of Rochester. Campfires can be seen glowing radiantly around this campground. Telling campfire stories and eating s’mores are sure favorites of all ages. This campground is one of New York’s most family friendly and scenic areas around town.
Oregon, Columbia River Gorge
Located between Oregon and Washington, Colombia River Gorge boasts over 50 waterfalls. The months of October and November, however, are the most popular times to visit. With a combination of 67 native coniferous and broadleaf tree species, Mount Hood becomes alive with fall colors. It is perfect for biking, hiking, and picture-taking.
Merely a couple of hours away, the Tillamook RV Park is one of the highest rated year-round campgrounds in Oregon. With rainforest and beaches, this park also offers a playground and a petting zoo along with the typical amenities. It's ¼-mile from the Tillamook Cheese Factory, as well.
Vermont, Stowe
From September through mid-October, Vermont is the place to be. With over 76 native species—packed into a relatively small space—turning different shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown, it is no surprise that Stowe is called “Fall’s Color Capital.” It is a great place to bike, hike, or take a scenic drive on Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road.
Located in nearby Colchester, Lone Pine Campsites is a great park for autumn tourists. Called "Vermont's Favorite Family Campground," it is located in the picturesque Lake Champlain Valley.
Provided within 78 acres, it offers views of Butternut, Elmore, and Sterling Mountains. Along with typical amenities, Lone Pine has a Camp Store, sports courts, and two pools.
In Conclusion
Whether you plan a two-week vacation to enjoy the best leaf-peeping has to offer, or merely plan a weekend trip, there are many areas and many ways to check out this year's autumn change. Pack your hiking boots and don't forget to bring your camera! The fall colors in these areas are spectacular, but they don't last long. That is one reason they are so special.
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Comment
terriszukhentAugust 9, 2023 | 04:10 PM
You forgot to add the state of Michigan! It starts about the end of September in the Upper Peninsula and flows down through the rest of the state through the month of October. Absolutely beautiful!!!
Author: Carrie Todd
