11 Idyllic RV Destinations in October (For Fabulous Fall Camping)
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Rving in October can be a great experience. From cuddling up by a campfire and telling scary stories to sharing a cup of hot cocoa and s’mores, fall puts everyone in a good mood! With October comes flannel season, pumpkin spice, Halloween, and football, all American staples.
October is arguably the best time to go camping, because you get the best of both worlds. The leaves have changed colors and look absolutely beautiful, and the heat of the summer has been taken over by cool, brisk breezes.
In some places, snow has just begun to fall, lightly dusting the tops of mountains.
We’ve found over 11 different bucket list-worthy destinations that are perfect for your October RV road trip.
You can get a copy of the interactive Google map by clicking on the figure above or clicking here. If you want to use the map, simply save a copy into your own maps and start planning your fall RV camping trip.
This is part of our series on RVing. Did you know you don’t need to own an RV to enjoy these destinations? You can rent one and take a fall road trip or arrive at your destination and rent and RV. We are here to help with many resources for renting an RV.
- 9 Foolproof ways to rent a cheap RV
- 17 Questions to ask before you sign a rental agreement.
- What you need to know to reserve an RV campsite
Moab, Utah
Moab and the nearby Arches and Canyonlands national Parks are best seen in the fall with cool weather and fewer people are in the area. We have visited the Moab in the fall a couple years in a row. The nights are cool and the days are sunny and warm.
The springtime is beautiful but can be overrun by tourists, especially during the ATV rallies. Fall is just right in the Moab area. In fact, we have an entire series on visiting Moab including Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Since it is a long way to drive, you should consider renting an RV when you get to Moab. Or even have one delivered to the campground.
We suggest staying in an RV park in a town like Archview RV Resort & Campground or at Dead Horse Point State Park. This nearby state park is a destination in itself and offers electric hookups so you can stay warm in the fall.
- 19 Exciting Things to do in Moab
- Our Guide: Ultimate Guide to RV camping in Moab
- Where to Stay: Archview RV Resort & Campground
- Rent an RV in Moab and save $ from Outdoorsy
Aspen, Colorado
Such high elevation may be an unusual choice for an October camping trip, but with an RV you can stay nice and cozy in the chilly nights. Aspen is known for fall foliage as the aspen trees turn bright golden hues. It is perfect for families because is one of those places that has a little bit of everything.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors, you can go hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and bicycling at the White River National Forest.
Want to just enjoy the scenery? The famously breathtaking Maroon Bells are in White River National Forest. The shuttle runs into October
If you’re planning a family vacation you can visit the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies , the Aspen Art Museum and enjoy ice skating and a burger at CP Burger.
- Aspen Chamber Website
- Rent an RV near Aspen on Outdoorsy (you can even rent ours!)
- Where to Stay: Glenwood Canyon Resort
- Pro tip: If you would rather sleep at a lower elevation and avoid the high elevation, you should consider staying in Glenwood Springs and visiting Aspen for the day. A good choice would be Glenwood Canyon Resort See our entire series on Glenwood Springs starting at the Guide to visit Glenwood page.
Branson, Missouri
Fall in the Ozarks is nothing less than spectacular. You can see the brilliant oranges, pinks, and scarlets from a boat on the lake, backcountry dirt roads or right from your own camp chair
You can drive route 265 and get a view of Table Rock Lake or go to the scenic overlook at the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.
Branson also has no shortage of fun activities for your family:
- Silver Dollar City theme park – This was named America’s Best Theme Park by USA Today!
- Branson Scenic Railway – This iconic railway is an unforgettable 40-mile roundtrip journey through the Ozarks.
- National Tiger Sanctuary – Love animals? You’ll love this tiger sanctuary that’s just north of Branson. You can see African Lions, Leopards, a Bengal Tiger, and more!
If you want to see all the fall foliage, you can stay at Table Rock Lake or you can take a self-guided driving tour to see the best fall views
- Branson, Missouri Website
- Where to Stay: Branson Shenanigan’s RV Park
Dinosaur National Monument
Surprisingly the best thing about this National Park is not just the bones! There are so many things to do and the weather in October is perfect for an outdoor adventure. You can hike in the cool breeze and explore the area for petroglyphs as if you were the first to discover them.
The campgrounds are open until late November. We camped at the Green River campground in October with the kids and a toddler. We had a spot right by the river and the days were still warm enough to splash in the water. Read more about our adventures at Dinosaur National Monument here.
- Dinosaur National Monument Website
- Our Trip to Dinosaur (it’s more than just bones!)
- Rent an RV here and camp at Dinosaur
Gays Mills, Wisconsin
Sunrise Orchards basically invented fall. They offer an amazing family camping experience that you’ll remember for years to come. The apple orchards are beautiful and boast twenty-two different kinds of apples. What better way to end a day of camping, hiking, or exploring than with a nice cup of fresh hot apple cider.
They’ve got fall events every weekend in October like Caramel Apple Weekend, Cheese Curd Weekend, Sunrise Cider, and Trick-or-Treat Weekend for the kids.
This is a Harvest Host location, which means it’s only available to Harvest Host members. Members pay an annual fee to gain access to hundreds of RV camping sites across the US. They offer spaces for any size RV, and thanks to reservations there’s never a competition for parking spaces. The catch is, this campsite is only available from fall to December, and October is the best time to go.
- Gays Mills at Harvest Host Website
- RV rentals start at $90 a night here on Outdoorsy
Green Mountains, Vermont
Route 100, through the Green Mountains, was recognized as “one of the most scenic drives in New England”. This fall road trip offers spectacular views filled with history and culture, and you can choose from any destination along the way.
This is a 146-mile route located in Vermont that zigs and zags through the Green Mountains. Besides the wonderful views, you can visit the Black River Academy Museum, Plymouth Artisan Cheese (which has been around since 1890!) , or enjoy some of the nature trails.
- Okemo Valley Website
- Save money with an RV on Outdoorsy
- Where to Stay: Horseshoe Acres
Willamette Valley, Oregon
This one is for all the beer and wine lovers! Willamette Valley (also called Oregon Wine Country) is a 150-mile area in the northwest part of Oregon that has more than 500 wineries!
We were thinking this would be a perfect multi-generational destination. Get the “Heart of Willamette Wine Passport” for an opportunity to taste the local wineries and breweries in Corvallis and Salem, OR area!
Family-friendly activities you can do in October is attending the Greek Fest visiting the Majestic Theatre, or Whiteside Theatre
For other road trip ideas along the Oregon Coast (in late summer) check out our suggestions for best beaches in Oregon.
- Willamette Valley Website
- Rent an RV in Willamette Valley on Outdoorsy
- Where to Stay: Albany / Corvallis KOA
Highway 158 (AKA June Lake Loop), California
If you rent a small RV or campervan this scenic drive should be on your list.
Highway 158 (also known as June Lake Loop) goes is a short route that loops around a canyon and four different lakes. Driving 40 miles you will see June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake.
The June Lake area also has hiking trails, and opportunities to go swimming, sailing, boating, canoeing, and rock climbing. On one end of June Lake, you can find a quaint little community that filled with lodges, shops, and restaurants!
- June Lake Loop Website
- Rent an RV near June Lake
- Where to Stay: June Lake RV Park
Chicago Area, Illinois
A big city may not come to mind for the perfect RV destination but Chicago area, but I am intrigued by the idea of RVing in Chicago.
Thanks to the nearby Kankakee River State Park, you’ll be able to enjoy regular activities like hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
Urban Kayaking – Through the Kayak Chicago company, you can go on one of their many tours that go through the city of Chicago! This is a special way to enjoy the architecture, the city lights, and just the Chicago River in general! This activity is a must for anyone looking for something truly unique.
- City of Chicago Website
- Affordable RVs for rent near Chicago on Outdoorsy
- Where to Stay: Kankakee South KOA
Woodstock, Connecticut
The best place to spend fall is undoubtedly in New England. From fall festivals to breathtaking scenery, Connecticut should be your RV camping destination for October. Connecticut has the longest fall foliage season in New England, with its peak during October and November. Woodstock is the site of many historical landmarks and fall family outings; from vineyards to pumpkin picking to Oktoberfest, there’s always a fall activity to check out.
Chamberlain Lake Campground is the perfect rural spot to park your RV and enjoy the scenes. Located on a lake, fishing is a popular attraction, and they host fishing derbies and tournaments throughout the year. Your stay will be packed with fun things to do, the campground is located near orchards, wineries, speedways, ziplining, and even hot air balloon rides. Halloween weekend is particularly exciting at Chamberlain because they decorate the campgrounds, host trick or treating hayrides, and even a Halloween Party that all campers are invited to.
- Woodstock Website
- Affordable RVs for rent near Woodstock on Outdoorsy
- Where to Stay: Chamberlain Lake Campground reserve here on Allstays
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon can be extremely hot and busy during the summer months. Hiking in canyon country is difficult enough (you hike uphill on the way out) without the added heat stress. Fall is an excellent time to enjoy the breathtaking Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock and the Colorado River flowing hundreds of feet below.
For photographers (even amateurs like me), the change in the autumn light will set the stage for amazing pictures. You can get some pretty spectacular family photos at any of the overlooks.
You should know that the campgrounds in the National Park do not have RV hookups. So you will need to bring the water that you need and a generator will be very useful. Mather Campground and Tarler Village are open all year and the North Rim campground is usually open May 15 through October 31.
“Tent and RV Camping on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon remains available throughout the winter at both Mather Campground and TrailerVillage, both are located in Grand Canyon Village.“ (Grand Canyon NPS)
- Grand Canyon NPS website
- Rent an RV near Grand Canyon from Outdoorsy
- Where to RV Camp: Mather Campground on the South Rim, Open All Year
- Where to RV Camp: North Rim Campground May 15 through October 31
Boonesborough State Park, Kentucky
This reconstructed as a working fort represents Kentucky’s second settlement. Enjoy the original fort site, founded by Daniel Boone and settlers
You can enjoy camping on the banks of the Kentucky River and Daniel Boon National Forest. There are fall activities for the whole family. You can fish the natural sandy beach of the Kentucky River or hike Pioneer Forage Trail.
The campground is open year-round and offers electric and water hookups.
- Things to do: Working Fort by Daniel Boone, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing
- Where to Camp: Boonesborough State Park Campground
Final Thoughts on RV Destinations for October
RV camping in the fall can be an epic experience! There are still lots of parks and attractions that are open for all of October (and beyond), and there are the new fall colors to enjoy.
CEO of ARVC, Paul Bambel, said, “Autumn used to be a quiet, slow period in the country’s parks, but things have changed. Although fewer campers are traveling, park operators have discovered they can sometimes fill their campsites and cabins to capacity if they provide enough activities.”
More and more RV campers are realizing that you don’t have to travel far from the campsite to find something exciting and fun for the whole family. Campsites in October are offering many more activities than ever before, like apple and pumpkin picking, harvest festivals, fishing derbies, Halloween weekend events, and much more.
I hope you enjoyed the variety of destinations on this list!
For more ideas for camping in the fall read our other suggestions for
- 11 Best RV destinations in September
- Best RV destinations in November
- Foolproof Ways to Rent a Cheap RV
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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