Autumn is considered by many to be New England’s most glorious time of year with its crisp air and vibrant foliage. Celebrate the season with this New England fall RV trip, which begins and ends in Boston. Tour through New England’s forests and marvel at their natural splendor. Stop off at parks situated alongside wide lakes, rolling rivers, and some of New England’s most stunning coastline.
We compiled this New England fall RV road trip so you can absorb all of the sights and sounds that make the region so distinct and special.
First Stop: Ellacoya State Park, New Hampshire
– A 2.5-hour drive from Boston
Ellacoya State Park is situated on the southwest shore of the state’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and boasts long, sandy beaches and stunning views of the nearby Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. There’s a boat launch into the lake for some first-rate boating and fishing. A bathhouse with showers and a changing area is conveniently located near the swimming beaches. Start your New England fall RV trip off with a relaxing mountain lake adventure at Ellacoya. There are 37 RV sites to reserve.
Second Stop: Lake Francis State Park, New Hampshire
– A 3-hour drive from Ellacoya State Park
Jaunt up to the stunning Lake Francis State Park, located just a couple of miles from the Canadian border, for some true New England wilderness. The glistening lake and surrounding woodlands are sometimes shrouded in mist, giving all the more character to this region of the Great North Woods. There is a boat launch, and while boaters do come here, the lake is a haven for paddlers. Go for a hike or go hunting in the nearby forests. There are 45 campsites, including 17 RV sites.
Third Stop: Erving State Forest, Massachusetts
– A 4-hour drive from Lake Francis State Park
Nestled in the woods of Central Massachusetts, the park’s 27-site campground is situated on a hillside above crystal-clear Laurel Lake. During this stop on your New England fall RV trip, be sure to include a memorable hike through the forest of oak, maple, and hemlocks with its changing and falling autumnal leaves. The beautiful, brick-lined lakeshore is picture-perfect, and the waters may be warm enough for fishing, swimming, or boating the lake. Each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and fire pit.
Recommended: 5 Picturesque Cabins & Campgrounds with Lakes
Fourth Stop: American Legion State Forest (Hawes), Connecticut
– A 2-hour drive from Erving State Forest
The American Legion and People’s State Forest is located in Barkhamsted. A portion of the Farmington River divides the two forests and is the focal point of the beloved river-based recreational activities in the park. Many people come from far and wide to go trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. The remainder of the forest is characterized by rugged terrain and steep, rocky hillsides. There are 27 campsites and six cabins.
Fifth Stop: East Beach, Rhode Island
– A 2-hour drive from American Legion
East Beach is a state park treasure. As one of the least developed state beaches, it offers unparalleled natural seaside beauty. There’s limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms and little else but miles of sandy beach. As the easterly extension of Quonochontaug Neck, the park serves as a three-mile-long barrier beach that separates Ninigret Pond from the ocean. Beach comb, build sandcastles, relax, or cast a line into the ocean at this must-see seaside spot on your New England fall RV trip. There are two RV sites that can be reserved in advance, as well as other sites that are only accessible by four-wheel drive.
Recommended: Gulf Coast Road Trip
Sixth Stop: Wompatuck State Park, Massachusetts
– 2-hour drive from East Beach
Located a short 35 minutes from downtown Boston, Wompatuck State Park beckons city dwellers and people from the larger region to its network of trails for hiking, road biking, and some of the best mountain biking in the state. The trail network includes 12 miles of paved bicycle trails and many miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails. Campers also love fishing and canoeing in the reservoir, as well as ocean swimming at nearby Nantasket Beach. There is lots of camping – with 251 RV sites – as a relaxing way to end your New England fall RV trip.
Other Recommended Itinerary: Mountain States Road Trip
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!