Fall + festivals + RV camping = the perfect recipe for a road trip. As the leaves begin to turn and the air cools, the U.S. comes alive with harvest fairs, cider tastings, art & craft shows, Oktoberfests, wine festivals, hot air balloons, and more. For RVers looking to soak it all in, finding RV-friendly fun is key.
That's where Harvest Hosts comes in. With over 9,500 unique RV camping locations across the U.S. and Canada, Harvest Hosts gives you access to farms, wineries, breweries, orchards, museums, and more. The trick is planning your route so that your festival stops align with host availability and nearby amenities.
Here's a curated list of some standout fall festivals around the U.S. - each paired with RV camping options (including nearby Harvest Hosts locations) and tips for making the most of your stay.
1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October - New Mexico)
Why it's a must-see: A trip to New Mexico might not be your first thought when you think of a fall festival, but Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta is one of the world's premier balloon festivals, and it's just that special. It's magical at sunrise as dozens (or hundreds) of balloons ascend in unison.
Where to camp / Harvest Hosts options nearby:
-
The official Balloon Fiesta grounds offer RV camping with hookups, though spaces are competitive.
-
In the surrounding region (Albuquerque / Rio Rancho / Corrales), you'll find Harvest Hosts brewery and attraction Hosts within a short distance of the festival site.
-
A good strategy: book your festival RV spot early, then plan a peaceful Harvest Hosts stay either before or after the festival core days, to break up your travel.
Tips:
-
Arrive early to secure a good RV camping spot on site.
-
Watch for traffic closures around the festival grounds.
-
Many balloon events schedule "mass ascension" early - plan to disturb your sleep schedule!
2. Oktoberfest Nashville / Music City Oktoberfest (October - Tennessee)
Why it's a must-see: With German food, polka, beer gardens, and live music, Nashville's autumn Oktoberfest events attract both locals and visitors.
Where to camp / Harvest Hosts options nearby:
-
There are commercial RV parks around Nashville (Hermitage, Hendersonville, etc.).
-
On the outskirts of the city, you may find Harvest Hosts locations within 20-40 miles offering scenic, quiet overnight stays. Use the Harvest Hosts app to filter by "around route" or "near destination."
-
Stay a few nights at a Harvest Host farm outside the city; you get both tranquility and festival access.
Tips:
-
Plan for heavy traffic entering and exiting the city.
-
Use your Harvest Hosts stay as a buffer from festival noise and congestion.
-
Engage with the local farm or winery where you stay - many hosts are happy to share produce, tours, or local tips.
3. Catoctin Colorfest (October - Thurmont, Maryland)
Why it's a must-see: One of the largest arts & crafts festivals on the East Coast is held in Thurmont, Maryland, where you can admire the leaves changing as you enjoy looking at the arts, crafts, and jewelry, and eating the delicious food. Over 125,000 attendees visit each year!
Where to camp / Harvest Hosts options nearby:
-
The festival itself doesn't usually host RV stays, but nearby state parks, fairgrounds, or commercial RV parks are available.
-
In the broader region (Frederick County, Carroll County, etc.), there are many farms, orchards, wineries, and cideries. There are a few to choose from in Hagerstown, MD, as well as in the Gettysburg, PA area.
-
Use the Harvest Hosts map to find hosts in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia that lie within a one-hour radius.
Tips:
-
Festival attendance is heavy; get there early and consider shuttles or local transit.
-
Use your Harvest Host stay to decompress after a full arts fair day.
-
Bring thermal layers - October evenings in Maryland can be brisk.
4. Huck Finn Jubilee (October - San Dimas, California)
Why it's a must-see: This bluegrass festival celebrates Americana, with workshops, camping, and intimate performances.
Where to camp / Harvest Hosts options nearby:
-
The festival runs RV/tent camping on-site (Bonelli Bluffs Resort) with full facilities.
-
On your drive in or out, look for Harvest Hosts locations in Southern California (vineyards, farms, breweries) to split your trip into manageable segments.
Tips:
-
Reserve the festival RV spot months in advance.
-
Use your Harvest Host stays to access regional high-quality wines or local farm goods.
-
Use the quiet nights to tune your ears for the next day's acoustic sets.
Bonus: Other Festival Ideas to Pair with Harvest Hosts
-
Oktoberfest (Leavenworth, WA / Helen, GA / other small towns)
-
Apple Harvest Festival (Shelburne Farms, VT, Stowe, VT)
-
Harvest / Cider Festivals in the Northeast / Midwest
In many of these regions, Harvest Hosts has dense coverage of farms, orchards, cideries, and small vineyards. Use their map filters (e.g. "type: orchard / winery / farm") and "along route" search to find ideal stays.
How to Plan Your RV + Festival + Harvest Hosts Itinerary
Here's a step-by-step approach to crafting a smooth, memorable fall festival RV trip:
-
Pick your festival(s): Start with the fall events you want to attend (dates, location).
-
Map your route: Use mapping software (e.g. Google Maps, RV-specific route tools) or the Harvest Hosts trip planning tool and plot Harvest Hosts stops as waypoints.
-
Check Harvest Hosts availability: Use their app/website to book stays along your route, with filters for distance, amenities, and dates.
-
Reserve festival RV camping: Many festivals require early reservations for RV spots.
-
Buffer with Harvest Hosts stays: Use Harvest Hosts to break long drives, rest, enjoy quiet nights, and explore local businesses.
-
Leave margin: Festivals often have congestion, delays, or schedule shifts - give yourself wiggle room.
-
Respect hosts: Remember, Harvest Hosts are small businesses. Purchase a product, follow rules, arrive early/late per guidelines, and leave a clean site.
