How to Extend Your RV Travel Season into Fall (and Avoid Sad Camping)

Summer might get all the attention for road trips, but RV travel in the fall has its own magic. Crisp mornings, vibrant foliage, fewer crowds, and cozy evenings by the fire make it one of the most rewarding times to hit the road. The key? A little preparation so you can stretch your RV adventures well beyond Labor Day.

Here’s how to keep the good times rolling this autumn (without slipping having to resort to sad camping.

1. Plan Routes Around Peak Foliage

Scenic views keep sad camping away. One of the biggest fall perks is the scenery. States like Vermont, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Michigan explode with color from late September through October. Use regional foliage trackers to plan your route so you don’t miss nature’s best show.

Pro tip: Harvest Hosts offers unique overnight stays at wineries, farms, and attractions in these regions, letting you enjoy the views up close without crowded campgrounds. Explore Harvest Hosts locations.

2. Prepare for Cooler Weather

Fall nights can dip into the 40s—or colder—depending on where you roam. Make sure your RV is ready:

• Pack extra blankets and layers.

• Check your furnace and stock up on propane.

• Invest in heated hoses to prevent freezing.

3. Take Advantage of Fewer Crowds

After summer, popular RV destinations tend to quiet down. National Parks, state parks, and scenic byways are less congested in September and October. That means easier reservations, quieter trails, and better photo ops.

If you’re a Harvest Hosts member, you’ll also find more flexibility booking unique stays since peak travel has slowed. It’s the perfect time to try new experiences like staying at farms, wineries, and other unique attractions across the US and Canada.

4. Adjust Your Packing List

Your fall RV packing list should look different than your summer one. Add:

• Rain gear (autumn showers are common).

• A mix of warm- and cool-weather clothing.

• Seasonal treats—hello, apple cider and pumpkin bread!

Packing smart ensures you’re always ready for the day’s adventure, no matter the weather.

5. Savor Seasonal Activities

Fall brings unique experiences you won’t get in July:

• Apple picking at orchards.

• Harvest festivals at local farms.

• Winery tours with seasonal pours.

• Hiking among golden aspens or crimson maples.

There are plenty of Harvest Hosts locations that offer fall-friendly activities each year, including festive fall farms, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards, making autumn travel even more memorable.

6. Winterize on the Go (If Needed)

If your travels extend into late fall, be proactive about winterization. Drain water tanks before freezing weather, or schedule service stops along your route. A little planning goes a long way toward avoiding costly repairs.

Extend the Fun, Avoid Sad Camping

Fall RVing doesn’t mean the season is winding down—it means you’re just getting started. With the right prep, you can enjoy crisp air, stunning scenery, and cozy evenings long after summer ends.

Ready to take your travels into autumn? Join Harvest Hosts and unlock access to thousands of unique camping locations that make every season worth celebrating.