Nothing signifies the oncoming change of seasons more than autumn’s colorful foliage. The change of color is a natural phenomenon that takes place in the tree as the seasons gradually change from summer to winter. In the summer months, the chlorophyll in the leaves gives them their green color. But as the days shorten and the weather cools, that chlorophyll breaks down. As a result, the green color disappears and the famous fall reds and yellows reveal themselves.
This breathtaking natural display is, for many people, a highlight of the year. Are you ready to see the show for yourself? From New Mexico to New Hampshire, we have the ultimate list of fall foliage destinations across the United States, plus where to camp nearby. Grab a warm coat, a cozy blanket and hit the road to see what Mother Nature has to offer this fall.
These are the must-see fall foliage camping destinations.
Destination: Asheville, North Carolina
Where to Camp: Asheville West KOA. Asheville West KOA is close to fall foliage hot spots like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What to Expect: Considered one of the best autumn leaf viewing locations in the country, leaf-peepers have been traveling to Asheville to see the fall colors for decades. A drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Craggy Gardens to Graveyard Fields is an absolute must for those seeking the best in fall colors. Visit mid-October when both high and lower elevation leaves have begun to put on a show.
Destination: Mountain View, Arkansas
Where to Camp: Ozark Folk Center State Park. A one-of-a-kind park dedicated to the music and culture of the Ozarks, it’s also in a prime location for leaf viewing.
What to Expect: Thanks to the cool weather and crisp blue skies, fall is an ideal time in Arkansas to hike, camp and spend time in the outdoors amongst the changing colors of autumn. Considered by insiders to be one of the best places to view fall foliage in the U.S., take a scenic drive from Mountain View to Ozark National Forest, where the changing leaves put on quite a show. Visit in late October through early November to see peak colors.
Destination: Stowe, Vermont
Where to Camp: Smugglers Notch State Park. Located in a narrow pass through the Green Mountains, Smugglers Notch State Park is settled right in the middle of the changing fall foliage.
What to Expect: Pegged as fall’s “Color Capital,” Stowe, Vermont is a picturesque land of rolling countryside and vibrant mountain peaks famous for its changing leaves. The extensive trail system in Stowe encourages visitors to step out of the car, stretch their legs and experience the beautiful fall colors on foot. Visit mid-September through early October when the leaves are at their most colorful.
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Destination: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Where to Camp: Chattanooga Holiday Travel Park. Close to both the urban center and the natural beauty of Chattanooga, the Holiday Travel Park is a great place for RV campers.
What to Expect: There are many ways to see the fall colors in Chattanooga, but one of the best is aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad, which takes leaf-seekers on beautiful routes like the Hiwassee Loop Trip through the Hiwassee River Gorge, a perfect destination to view the spectacular fall colors. Make the trip in late October or early November to see the colors at their strongest.
Destination: North Conway, New Hampshire
Where to Camp: Chocorua KOA. Nestled into the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, Chocorua KOA offers everything from pancake breakfasts to rental boats.
What to Expect: When it comes to fall colors, the White Mountains are anything but. North Conway is a small mountain town with great access to the mountains. Stay in the city to see the changing leaves on the horizon or take the drive along Route 112 between North Conway and Lincoln, a scenic road that fills with fall foliage fans. Visit in late September or early October to catch the peak colors.
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Destination: Estes Park, Colorado
Where to Camp: Estes Park KOA. Estes Park KOA is a great place to explore the high-altitude city of Estes Park, or head into nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
What to Expect: There’s no more beautiful sight than the golden leaves of the Aspen trees set against a deep blue September sky. That scene is what makes Estes Park a fall foliage destination. Head into Rocky Mountain National Park to see the changing Aspen trees on foot or drive the Trail Ridge Road and enjoy the views. Arrive in late September when the leaves hold an otherworldly golden glow.
Destination: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Where to Camp: Santa Fe KOA. Santa Fe KOA is a perfect home base for exploring both charming downtown Santa Fe and the nearby Santa Fe National Forest with its golden Aspen trees.
What to Expect: If you’re lucky enough to catch the Aspen trees in the high elevations around Santa Fe turn their golden hues you’ll understand why this part of the country is called the Land of Enchantment. The changing leaves only last about one week, so drive the Santa Fe National Forest scenic byway to see if you can spot the change. Peak color dates vary and are hard to predict, but shoot for a visit around the end of September or beginning of October.
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Destination: Fayetteville, West Virginia
Where to Camp: New River Gorge Campground. Offering both tent and RV camping, New River Gorge Campground is a fun place to call home as you seek the fall colors in the New River Gorge.
What to Expect: An outdoor mecca that’s best known for its beautiful New River Gorge, Fayetteville is the perfect place to pitch a tent in search of fall colors. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a rafting trip down the New River and search for the blazing red, yellow and orange leaves from the water. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, take the short hike from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center to see spectacular views of the colorful gorge. Visit in October to catch the leaves in their full glory.
Destination: Haines Falls, New York
Where to Camp: North-South Lake Campground. The biggest and most popular campground in the Catskills Forest Preserve, there are several lakes located within the campground.
What to Expect: Burning with red and yellow maple leaves, the Catskills are one of the best places to view fall foliage. Nearly everywhere in the Catskills puts on a colorful show, but locals love to see the changing colors on top of Mount Utsayantha, a 3,214-foot peak accessible by foot or by car. Climb the fire tower at the top of the mountain for an unobstructed view of the changing colors. Make the trip in late September or early October for the best leaf display.
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