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Where to Camp for Brilliant Fall Colors This Season
If chasing fall colors is on your travel list, an RV trip to the best campgrounds for autumn scenery is the perfect way to welcome the season. From mountain forests that glow with fiery red maples to lakeside escapes lined with golden oaks, fall camping brings nature’s most breathtaking views right to your RV doorstep.
It’s also the coziest time of year to gather around a campfire, explore nearby trails, or join in seasonal festivities. Thousand Trails offers campgrounds across the country where the foliage is at its peak, and this lineup even includes a few unique surprises, like historic ghost tours and alpine lake views. Here are some of the best places to soak in autumn’s beauty.
Thousand Trails Natchez Trace – Hohenwald, Tennessee
“The campground is amazing. It’s beautiful and appears to be cut out of the woods.”
Set on 830 wooded acres with a 3-mile lake, Thousand Trails Natchez Trace is a nature lover’s escape in the heart of Tennessee. In autumn, the surrounding forest lights up with reds, oranges, and golds that reflect across the water. Guests can spend fall mornings fishing from the bank for bass or crappie, with a convenient fish cleaning station on site, or launch their boats from the campground’s ramp to explore the lake.
On land, scenic hiking trails, mini golf, a game of horseshoes, and other activities keep the fun going. With RV sites, cabins, tiny houses, and even a lodge that sleeps 15, it’s a destination that welcomes everyone, from solo travelers to big family groups.
Nearby, you’ll find even more fall charm with day trips to historic Franklin, President James Polk’s home in Columbia, or Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills. Nashville is just over an hour away, pairing Tennessee’s fall scenery with live music and city energy.
Thousand Trails Circle M – Lancaster, Pennsylvania
“This is a truly beautiful campground. It’s in the middle of Rural Lancaster, surrounded by corn fields. It’s super quiet and gets very dark at night time. This is definitely one of the nicest Thousand Trails campgrounds I’ve ever been to.”
In the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails Circle M is surrounded by Lancaster’s rolling farmland, Amish homesteads, and vibrant fall scenery. Framed by the Conestoga River, the campground offers plenty of autumn ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Cast a line in the river, paddle out in a kayak or canoe, or simply stroll along the streamside setting and take in the changing colors. A variety of onsite amenities and family activities add to the fun, while the cozy atmosphere makes it easy to settle in after a day of exploring.
Circle M is also just minutes from Lancaster’s unique attractions. Seasonal rides on the historic Strasburg Rail Road let you see the foliage by steam train. And the region’s theaters, outlet shopping, Amish markets, and hearty Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine give you plenty to fill a fall getaway.
Drummer Boy Camping Resort – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“If youre looking for things to do in Gettysburg, its a great location less than a mile away. Downtown Gettysburg is beautiful.”
Nestled across 95 wooded acres just minutes from historic downtown Gettysburg, Drummer Boy Camping Resort blends autumn beauty with seasonal fun. In fall, the campground comes alive with festive themed weekends (everything from pumpkin bake-offs and crafts to costume contests, trick-or-treating, and site decorating).
Guests can also enjoy catch-and-release fishing or simply take in the colorful views. With more than 400 sites plus cabin options, Drummer Boy is a welcoming base for families and groups alike.
Beyond the campground, Gettysburg is famous for its history and its haunts. Visitors can explore the battlefields in peak fall color, browse local shops and museums, or join one of the town’s legendary ghost walks for a spooky evening out. And with Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Lancaster, and Hershey all within an easy drive, Drummer Boy makes it simple to pair your camping trip with memorable day adventures.
Lake George Escape Campground – Lake George, New York
“This campground has to be one of my favorites! We visited in the fall so the trees were absolutely stunning…We loved how spacious the park was, perfect for a 2 mile run with our dogs. There is also a large fenced in dog park to enjoy as well. They had lots of fun things planned for the adults and kids alike! Pool was still open and heated nicely. River was gorgeous as well. Overall a great spot to stay and see all the beauty of the Lake George area!”
Located in New York’s Adirondack region, Lake George Escape Campground puts you right in the middle of one of the nation’s most iconic fall destinations. As autumn unfolds, the surrounding forests shift into a vibrant patchwork of crimson maples, amber birches, and coppery oaks reflected in the calm waters of the Schroon River. Guests can canoe or kayak along the river, bike the local trails, or join in seasonal campground activities before settling into the easy pace of local life.
Just a short shuttle ride away, Lake George Village offers boutique shopping, dining, and small-town charm. Whether you’re planning a couples’ retreat, a friends’ getaway, or a family weekend filled with crafts and wagon rides, Lake George Escape delivers the quintessential fall vacation.
Tahoe Valley Campground – South Lake Tahoe, California
“We love this park. It’s tucked into trees so it feels like real “camping” but it’s so close to the lake and you can ride your bikes everywhere…one of the best Thousands Trails in the network!”
With its backdrop of towering pines and snow-dusted peaks, Tahoe Valley Campground offers a one-of-a-kind setting for fall camping in the Sierra Nevada. As the season changes, cooler air and golden aspens transform the landscape into a striking contrast against the evergreens.
Guests can hike local trails, stroll along the river, or head to the lake’s shoreline to take in mountain reflections framed by autumn colors. Onsite activities, from kids’ crafts to outdoor games, add to the lively campground atmosphere, while shaded RV sites and cabins provide a comfortable place to relax after a day outside.
Just minutes away, South Lake Tahoe delivers even more variety. Spend a day exploring the lake by kayak, browsing local shops, or enjoying fulfilling mountain fare, then test your luck at the Stateline casinos for a night of entertainment. Whether you’re drawn by the alpine scenery, the vibrant town, or both, Tahoe Valley Campground pairs the energy of South Lake Tahoe with the natural beauty of fall in the Sierra.
Tips for Planning Your Fall RV Trip
- Book early. Peak foliage season is one of the busiest times of year, and the best sites often fill up quickly.
- Pack for changing weather. Crisp mornings can give way to warm afternoons and chilly evenings, so bring layers you can mix and match.
- Plan around local events. From harvest festivals to ghost walks, autumn brings plenty of activities that make your trip even more memorable. Call the campground office ahead of your stay to ask about special events and schedules.
- Take lots of pictures. You’ll want to capture the brilliant colors at golden hour. And don’t forget to share those photos when you leave a review on RV LIFE Campgrounds.
- Add cozy comforts. Blankets, firewood (from the campground store), and your favorite warm drinks make campsite evenings even more enjoyable.
- Check the foliage forecast. Peak colors can shift each year depending on weather, so keep an eye on regional reports before you go.
- Mind the daylight. Shorter days mean earlier sunsets, so plan hikes, drives, or activities with fewer daylight hours in mind.
Wrapping Up the Best Campgrounds for Fall Colors
Fall is one of the most rewarding times to hit the road in your RV, when cooler air, vibrant colors, and seasonal traditions make every trip feel special. If you’re drawn to Tennessee’s wooded lakes, Lancaster’s Amish countryside, Gettysburg’s history and haunts, the Adirondacks’ mountain scenery, or the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, these campgrounds bring the season to life in unforgettable ways.
Ready to plan your own autumn adventure? With locations across the country, Thousand Trails makes it easy to find the best campgrounds for fall colors and beyond. Book your stay today and discover why fall camping is an experience you’ll want to return to year after year.
The post Welcome Autumn on an RV Trip to the Best Campgrounds for Fall Colors appeared first on RV LIFE.
