Where are you RVing this fall? Are you leaf-peeping and enjoying autumn festivals? Or are you already heading south? Real RVers answer…
Fall is finally here, signified by cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Many campers love to take advantage of fall temperatures to explore the outdoors or take advantage of the smaller crowds at otherwise popular locations.
Always looking for new travel inspiration, we were curious where our fellow RVers are headed. So, we posted the following question on our RV Lifestyle Facebook page:
When I camp in the Fall, I usually go to __________.
We also contributed first in the comment section by adding that our favorite fall location is Michigan. It turns out that many other RVers also love Michigan!
New England was also mentioned a lot, along with some other spots you may have never considered! So, we decided to break up the RVers' destinations into categories and provide resources to help you plan a similar trip…
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Michigan
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Many folks love Michigan in the Fall. Not only does the state offer gorgeous fall foliage, but there are so many seasonal recreational activities to keep you busy.
It's our home state and is still one of our most favorite places to camp in the country. That should say a lot since we travel ALL OVER for most of the year. In the above video, you can see why we love it so much. And below, why others enjoy it…
Upper Peninsula
When Jennifer and I travel in the Fall, our go-to are our favorite destinations in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) in Michigan. That is because it is stunning, and there is so much to do and see.
Most festivities wrap up by the end of October, in preparation for the snowy winter. However, we love to camp in the snow up there as well!
- Michigan's Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide
- Michigan's Lower Peninsula RV Adventure Guide
- Ah… Lake Views! 13 Lakeside Campgrounds in Michigan’s UP
- The Best Camping in Upper Peninsula Michigan
- 9 Best Events & Festivals in Northern Michigan
- & many more articles about Michigan!
Fall Foliage
One of the primary attractions in Michigan is the stunning fall foliage. The U.P. boasts a diverse range of hardwood forests that explode into a riot of red, orange, and yellow colors during the fall.
The landscapes, particularly around the forests, lakes, and waterfalls, become incredibly picturesque.
Outdoor Activities
The fall weather is typically crisp and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities. You can go hiking, biking, or take scenic drives to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The U.P. is home to several state parks and natural areas, such as Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- 15 Picturesque Waterfalls in Lower Michigan & the UP
- The Best Things to Do in the Porcupine Mountains
- Second Best State Park in America: Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Fishing
Many RVers love to fish!
Fall is an excellent time for fishing in the U.P. That is because many fish species, including salmon and trout, migrate upstream during this season, providing exceptional opportunities for anglers.
In addition, the Michigan campgrounds on rivers and lakes are less crowded than in the summer months.
- The Best Travel Fishing Rod and Reel
- Do You Need the Best Cheap Fishing Sunglasses?
- I’m Hooked on Kayak Fishing
Less Crowded
While summer is the peak tourist season, fall is much less crowded. Most RVers I know like to avoid crowds when traveling. That way you can enjoy the attractions and natural beauty in a more serene and peaceful setting.
What can be better than staying at gorgeous campgrounds in the UP without the hassle of crowds?
Harvest Festivals
Do you love harvest festivals? If you are like me, then you love a good apple cider and pie. You can take the deliciously fresh fruit back to the campground and make your own treats, like this baked apple recipe you can make on the stove.
There are various festivals and events in Michigan celebrating the harvest season. You can enjoy local foods, crafts, music, and the warm hospitality of the residents.
Local Cuisine
Fall is a great time to savor traditional Upper Peninsula cuisine, which often includes hearty dishes like pasties (meat pies) and fish boils. You can also enjoy freshly harvested apples and other fall-themed treats.
In fact, two of Our Favorite RV Road Food Stops are in Michigan.
Scenic Drives
Michigan offers some of the most scenic drives in the country. Take a road trip along routes like the H-58, M-28, or US-2 to enjoy breathtaking views of the fall foliage and the Great Lakes.
Finally! Mike and Jennifer's Michigan Bundle
(Michigan's Lower Peninsula AND Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
This Michigan Bundle contains our ever-popular Guide to the Upper Peninsula PLUS our newest Guide on the LOWER Peninsula! Here's a little on both ebooks (not a printed book):
Michigan's Upper Peninsula Adventure Guide: This ebook is a seven stop guided exploration of the Michigan UP. We provide a suggested route and itinerary, links to multiple campgrounds and boondocking spots, and the best spots to see along the way. Don’t plan your trip to the Upper Peninsula without it!
Michigan's Lower Peninsula Adventure Guide: This guide explores the Lower Peninsula, also known as ‘the Mitten.” You can easily spot its mitten shape on the map. Most of this guide follows the coast of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, with a little bit of Lake Erie down near Detroit.
You are in for a HUGE adventure with this ebook bundle of the best of Michigan for RVers!
New England
Many RVers also commented that they LOVE traveling in New England during the fall. Not surprisingly, New England has a lot of similar fall offerings as Michigan.
There is a lot of overlap between the two places, but New England does have a more extended history. That includes spooky sites that folks like to see during Halloween.
The following are New England’s main attractions for RVers in the Fall.
Breathtaking Foliage
One main reason folks travel to New England is for its famous vibrant fall foliage. The region's deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning natural spectacle.
New England’s stunning Fall color is not new to us. We have written articles about how and where to find the best fall color. Keep reading Leaf Peeping Map: Plan Your Fall RV Trips and the 7 Best Fall Color Drives in New England to discover the best locations.
Picturesque Small Towns
This area of America is dotted with charming small towns and villages that come alive in the fall.
Places like Woodstock, Vermont; Kennebunkport, Maine; and Lenox, Massachusetts, offer quintessential New England charm, complete with historic architecture, local shops, and cozy inns.
Outdoor Activities
The fall weather in New England is generally mild and pleasant. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, apple picking, and kayaking.
Many of the region's state and national parks are at their most beautiful in the fall. Consider checking out Canaan Valley State Park in West Virginia.
Apple Picking and Harvest Festivals
Are you an apple pie fan? Then look no further than New England.
Fall is apple season there, and you can visit orchards to enjoy fresh apple cider and pies pick your own apples to make baked apples at the campsite. Additionally, many towns host harvest festivals with local food, crafts, and entertainment.
Haunted Attractions
New England has a rich history and is home to many haunted places and ghost stories. In the fall, you can explore haunted tours, visit historic cemeteries, and enter the Halloween spirit.
One of the most famous haunted tours is Lizzie Borden House Ghost Tours. Some folks even stay the night there!
A few of the 8 Spooky RV Road Trips take you through New England's haunted past.
Culinary Delights
New England cuisine in the fall is delicious. You can savor dishes like clam chowder, lobster rolls, pumpkin pie, and hearty stews at local restaurants. Many towns also have farmers' markets where you can taste fresh, seasonal produce.
If you're headed to Maine, you should enjoy Corea Lunch on the Wharf at a fully functioning fishing harbor. You can walk out on the reconstructed wharf and enjoy lobster or a steaming bowl of haddock chowder.
We just released a new e-travel book as well: Our Coastal Maine 7-Day RV Adventure Travel Guide.
Festivals and Events
Like Michigan, New England hosts numerous fall festivals and events celebrating the season.
The Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts, the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire, are just a few examples.
Scenic Train Rides
We are calling all train enthusiasts!
Enjoy the fall foliage from the comfort of a scenic train ride. Several railways offer special autumn tours in New England that provide breathtaking views.
Historical Sites
New England is rich in history, and you can visit historic sites like the Freedom Trail in Boston, Plymouth Plantation, and Old Sturbridge Village to learn about the region's colonial past.
Where to Camp in New England
New England is a prominent place. Many folks love New Hampshire because of the scenic fall drives. Check out 13 Best RV Campgrounds in New Hampshire to find some great camping spots.
Other great states to stay in include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Tennessee, and New York. Check out 5 Awesome RV Destinations for Fall Color to decide on a spot to visit.
You can also read Fall Foliage Adventure: Creating the Perfect Roadtrip with Harvest Hosts.
Other Destinations Mentioned
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We kicked off the fall season with a family RV adventure to Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. And boy, was it a lot of fun! As you can see in the video above.
There were many other Eastern spots mentioned in the Facebook post as well. Some places to consider are:
- Wellsboro, Pennsylvania: The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Brevard, North Carolina
- Upstate New York
- Nashville, Tennesse
Early Snow Birding to the South
Are you a snowbird? From the Facebook post, we learned many RVers start early. Some folks like to take their time driving south or arriving before snowbird season begins. That way, they can see some beautiful sites before setting up for the winter.
As you move south, the Fall season extends. You can visit the northern states as late as mid-October, and then as you move south, you can still see places where early winter has yet to set in.
If you're getting ready to migrate south for the winter, we suggest reading 5 Mistakes Snowbirds Make (& How to Avoid Them).
Florida
Florida is, of course, the most popular destination for snowbirds. It's certainly one of our favorites.
As a favorite, we have LOTS of resources to help you plan a trip to Florida any season of the year:
- ATTENTION Snowbirds: Thousands of New RV Sites in Florida!
- Florida Atlantic Coast RV Adventure Guide
- Florida Keys RV Adventure Guide
- Florida Gulf Coast RV Adventure Guide
But Florida isn't the only snowbird destination! In fact, other states are starting to give Florida a run for its money as a go-to snowbirding destination…
Other Snowbird Destinations
While Florida is great, other folks have found that they enjoy snowbirding in places like Arizona, Texas, California, and Utah.
Alabama is also quickly becoming popular, making a tremendous snowbirding location alternative to Florida. For some, it can be more cost-effective or closer to family.
Mike and Jennifer's Favorite Places in Florida – all 3 ebooks!
We RVers may wander far and wide but it’s true for most of us that we end up with some favorite “Go-To” places – places that draw us back again and again.
Florida is one of those places for us. And we know it is for many RVers looking to get away and explore during the winter.
That's why we've created three guides, covering Florida's Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the Keys.
Each of these guides is a seven-day guided exploration of one of the coasts. And each stop is a curated view of the best things that we’ve enjoyed on this trip and want you to experience.
Altogether these guides are over 300 pages of content!
We recommend you go Lectric for your RV Lifestyle
You know we love our RAD Power bikes – and have featured them for years, but we recently tested out and LOVE our new Lectric foldable ebikes. Being able to fold them up allowed us to put them in our Wonder rear garage area for a recent RV Lifestyle Gathering. You can check out our experience with them right here on our YouTube Channel.
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