What’s the best part of fall camping adventures?
Most people say … the colors!
America’s National Parks and National Forests are great places to experience nature during summer vacations … but … Autumn is not to be forgotten.
Our national treasures transform from lush greenery and warm temperatures to cooler environments with awesome color changes played out on natural stages across these great United States.
I call this my “Camper’s Colorful Bucket List” which includes the best camping for fall foliage RV trips and the most popular National Parks to visit during October and November.
Best Camping For Fall Foliage In National Forests
If you are in the area, you HAVE TO DRIVE “The Kanc” … that is short for the Kancamagus Highway.
It is a 34.5 mile American Scenic Byway in Northern New Hampshire.
It is one of the best leaf peeping areas in the country and it runs along a portion of NH’s Rt. 112.
It is an absolute MUST SEE if you are in the Northeast during the season which usually hits its prime colors in mid October.
Here are some options for camping along The Kanc in the White Mountain National Forest:
Hancock Campground
- Located on Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112); 5 miles East of Lincoln, NH.
Big Rock Campground
- Located on Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), 6 miles east of Lincoln, NH.
Passaconaway Campground
- Located on Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), 14 miles west of Conway, NH.
Jigger Johnson Campground
- Located on Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), 12 miles west of Conway, NH.
Blackberry Crossing Campground
- Located on Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), 6 miles west of Conway, NH.
Covered Bridge Campground
- Located on Passaconaway Road about a mile from the Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), 7 miles west of Conway, NH.
Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
Top National Parks For Fall Foliage Viewing
This list includes 16 National Parks so no matter which part of the country you are in, you will find a fall colors viewing destination relatively close to you.
Oh yeah, to make it even more convenient for you, I’ve included an interactive map so you can get directions from where you are right now directly to the National Park of your choice.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine.
Acadia was the first Eastern National Park.
The spectacular coast of Maine beckons people to visit the area.
The land that became Acadia National Park was donated by early 20th-century visionaries who were inspired by its diverse beauty.
The park is home to the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast and visitors can hike granite peaks, bicycle along historic carriage roads or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between the end of September through mid-October.
Moon Coastal Maine: Including Acadia National Park
The northeastern U.S. is considered to be the best place in the country to experience fall foliage so expanding your trip beyond Acadia National Park is a great idea … especially if you are doing a bucket list type of trip and traveling a great distance for your adventure.
You may want a guide book like this: Moon Coastal Maine: Including Acadia National Park. It includes must-see attractions and options for hiking and biking experiences through lush timberland forests. It also includes suggestions on taking a lighthouse cruise down the Kennebec River.
You’ll get tips to find local eateries and discover maritime history in a traditional fishing village.
Find your way to pedestrian-only island towns packed with hiking trails.
You’ll also get information about the secluded wilderness of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park!
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You can find more information on the Acadia National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Acadia National Park, Maine:
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia.
Did you know the Blue Ridge Parkway is widely considered “America’s Favorite Drive”?
The breathtaking scenery along this magnificent drive features long-range vistas as well as close-up views of the robust mountains and countryside settings of the Appalachian Highlands.
The Parkway extends for 469 miles and crosses through parts of North Carolina and Virginia.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Parkway you are on, visitors can usually find fall colors between late September through mid/late October.
You can find more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway website as well as a map of the entire drive.
Guide To The Blue Ridge Parkway
“America’s Favorite Drive” is the calling card for the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll see why it is one of the best places to visit and enjoy the colorful change of seasons!
The Guide To The Blue Ridge Parkway will help you navigate the mountains and valleys of the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway as it meanders through Virginia and North Carolina.
It highlights significant points of interest on and near the Parkway including the highest point east of the Mississippi (Mount Mitchell), one of the most photographed sites on the Parkway (Mabry Mill) and locations of overlooks, waterfalls, and tunnels.
You’ll also find information about the Parkway’s history, geology, human history and an extensive wildflower bloom calendar.
One of the best parts of this guide: it is organized mile-post to mile-post which is perfect for people traveling in an RV.
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3. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and is one of the most unique lakes on the planet.
It is known for its rare, striking blue color and nearly two thousand feet high cliffs that surround the lake that contains two magnificent islands.
Crater Lake is fed by rain and snow making scientists marvel at its purity.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between late September through early November.
Trails Of Crater Lake National Park & Oregon Caves National Monument
As you might guess by the name of this National Park, the lake is the star of the show!
On a calm, clear, sunny day … you can see almost 150 feet down through the sapphire blue water.
The Trails Of Crater Lake National Park & Oregon Caves National Monument is a complete visitors guide with detailed descriptions of every trail and sightseeing suggestions.
You’ll also find illustrated chapters about the parks’ history and geology as well as color guides with information about the wildflowers and wildlife of the parks.
The guide is the work of the combined forces of the Crater Lake Natural History Association and the Oregon Caves Natural History Association.
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You can find more information on the Crater Lake National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon:
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio.
The winding Cuyahoga River is sometimes known as the “Crooked River” which meanders near deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands.
Visitors can follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal by walking or riding along the Towpath Trail.
When you are inside the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you might forget you are only about 10 miles outside of Akron and about 20 miles from Cleveland.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between early October through early November.
Trail Guide To Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Trail Guide To Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a year-round guide for hikers of all abilities … AND … it has specifics for hikers, cyclists, skiers, and horseback riders … Giddy-up!
This guide was written by the volunteers who help build and maintain its trails … that’s what I call the inside scoop!
In addition to the really popular trails, this book features many less-traveled trails that lead to hidden ponds, oak-canopied brooks and quiet glades.
You’ll be able to easily plan your route and find your way along your planned path with the easy-to-use maps.
Of course, the guide contains information about the plants, animals, geology, and human history of the park.
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You can find more information on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio:
5. Denali National Park, Alaska.
When people think of Denali National Park they usually think of North America’s tallest peak: Denali at 20,310 feet.
But this National Park is so much more than a massive mountain … it is six million acres of wild land that is bisected by a single road that exposes travelers to low-elevation taiga forest, high alpine tundra and snowy mountains.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-September through mid-October.
You can find more information on the Denali National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Denali National Park, Alaska:
6. Glacier National Park, Montana.
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s dream with 700+ miles of trails to explore.
You’ll find unspoiled forests, alpine meadows, outstanding lakes and rugged mountains within the Park.
The approximate 50 mile scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road will reveal some of the prettiest scenes in the landscape but some portions are closed due to weather conditions throughout the year.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-September through early October.
You can find more information on the Glacier National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Glacier National Park, Montana:
7. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
Even though it is not the deepest canyon in the world, the gigantic Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful and colorful landscapes boasting with specs that include the canyon being a mile (1.6km) deep, up to 18 miles (29km) wide and having an impressive 277 river miles (446km) long.
There are several dams that border the Grand Canyon National Park yet there are none within the Park’s boundaries.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-September through early November.
You can find more information on the Grand Canyon National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona:
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
The Teton Range led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you will find pristine lakes, abundant alpine terrain and remarkable wildlife.
Visitors can explore 200+ miles of trails as well as an exciting float down the Snake River.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between late September through late October.
You can find more information on the Grand Teton National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee.
The forest-filled mountain ridges seem to go on forever in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Spanning through portions of North Carolina and Tennessee, this Park is the most visited of all of the U.S. National Parks … by more than double! We have tips to avoid crowds in National Parks during your visits.
In addition to beautiful mountain scenery, you’ll find remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture and a diverse population of plants and animals.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-October through mid-November.
You can find more information on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee:
10. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California.
Various volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, wildflower-filled meadows and crystal-clear mountain lakes make Lassen Volcanic National Park a unique place to visit.
Even today, hot water continues to shape the land around this Park.
Lassen Volcanic offers opportunities to discover the wonder and mysteries of volcanoes and hot water for visitors willing to explore the undiscovered.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between September through October.
You can find more information on the Lassen Volcanic National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Lassen Volcanic National Park, California:
11. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington.
Mount Rainier towers over the nearby landscape reaching an impressive 14,410 feet above sea level.
It spawns six major rivers and is still an “episodically active” volcano meaning that it is quiet now but scientists believe it will erupt again some time in the future.
Mount Rainier National Park’s star-of-the-show is accompanied by wildflower-filled meadows, beautiful forests and rich wildlife inhabitants.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-October through November.
You can find more information on the Mount Rainier National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Mount Rainier National Park, Washington:
12. Olympic National Park, Washington.
There are several different ecosystems within the nearly one million acres creating Olympic National Park.
You’ll find rivers that flow from mountain peaks, old-growth rainforests in the valleys and waves crashing against the coastline.
You won’t find roads … only trails exist in the expansive interior of the wilderness area in this Park.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-September through early November.
You can find more information on the Olympic National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Olympic National Park, Washington:
13. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
You’ll find 415 square miles of breath-taking mountain environments within the Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Trail Ridge Road is a great way to see the Park’s landscape … it reaches over 12,000 feet and has lots of overlooks for viewing.
If you’d rather experience this landscape by foot, you can do it along the 300+ miles of hiking trails.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between late September through mid-October.
You can find more information on the Rocky Mountain National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado:
14. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
When you explore the 200,000 acres of protected lands in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find flowing waterfalls and extraordinary vistas … make sure you keep an eye out for the local wildlife including deer, songbirds, and black bears.
You can take a hike to get up-close to the Park’s features or take a drive along the ever-popular Skyline Drive.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between early October through early November.
You can find more information on the Shenandoah National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia:
15. Yosemite National Park, California.
Within Yosemite National Park’s nearly 1,200 square miles you will find giant sequoias, magnificent meadows, deep valleys, gigantic granite walls, rushing waterfalls and wonderful wilderness areas.
One of the best ways to see this Park is by pedaling … the 12+ miles of paved bike paths provide a unique opportunity to leisurely experience the landscape on two wheels.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-September through late October.
You can find more information on the Yosemite National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to Yosemite National Park, California:
16. Zion National Park, Utah.
The state of Utah doesn’t just have one National Park … it has 5.
The “Mighty Five” consists of Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands and … Zion, which happens to be their first!
Inside Zion National Park you will be amazed at the brilliant colors of the sandstone cliffs as they soak up the beautiful bright blue sky above.
The narrow slot canyons are popular with adventurous visitors and there are hikes for every level of hiking abilities.
The shuttle is a great way to get around Zion because it can get congested in spite of the fact that there are restrictions on the use of personal vehicles.
Best time to visit for fall colors: Depending on the year and the elevation of the part of the Park you are at, visitors can usually find fall colors between mid-September through mid-October.
You can find more information on the Zion National Park website.
Here’s the interactive map to get from where you are now to
Warm Food For Cool Weather Trips
When you go searching for fall colors, you are bound to encounter cold weather.
These winter camping recipes will keep you toasty.
No time to look for recipes, create a menu and write a grocery list? No Problem! Get our 3-Day Dutch Oven Camp Menu Plan here!
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If you need camping recipes and menu ideas, you can find them here at the Camping For Foodies Camping Recipes list.
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