The end of summer isn’t the end of camping season. Between uncrowded campgrounds and the leaves changing color, fall is actually the perfect time to take a camping trip in your recreational vehicle (RV). You won’t have air conditioning on the mind during the warm autumn days and you’ll never wake up in a full sweat in the middle of a cool autumn night. Plus, most campgrounds offer discounted rates after Labor Day.
The period of time starting in September and stretching through at least October can make for one of the most picturesque and comfortable camping experiences in your RV.
The Right Place at the Right Time
Depending on the region and the wildlife, certain campgrounds are prettier in the fall than any other time of the year. If you usually camp with your RV in the summer, fall camping is a great opportunity to visit somewhere new (especially forested areas that are otherwise plagued with mosquitos). Weather.com maintains a fall foliage map for the entire country and most campgrounds will update the status of their own foliage as well, so you can catch the changing leaves at the perfect time.
You should always make campground reservations, but especially in the fall because some campgrounds do close shortly after summer.
See the Autumn Leaves Along the Way
The excitement of wanting to reach your destination can make the drive the hardest part of your RV camping trip, but in the fall the roads are lined with spectacular scenery too. In addition to helping you decide where you’re going, fall foliage maps can also help you plan how you’re going to get there. The best way to experience a truly scenic route is with your RV in the fall.
Just remember that you probably won’t be the only person looking at the leaves. Keep a little more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you because everybody will be slowing down or stopping more often than usual.
Layers on Layers
Temperatures can vary in the fall, so pack layers of clothing that will allow you to adapt to any weather. Obviously, the greatest shift in temperature is going to happen at night. Packing a few blankets, even a cold weather sleeping bag, will ensure you can handle the chilliest of autumn nights. Weather conditions can also fluctuate, so be prepared for rain and storms, even snow, with inclement weather gear, just in case.
If the campground offers electricity, another perk of camping in the fall is that heating your RV is a lot easier and affordable than cooling your RV on a hot day.
Don’t put your RV in storage just yet. Fall can be the best season for a camping trip. With the right research and preparation, you can take in the beautiful scenery, enjoy more comfort than any summer trip could offer, and avoid annoying mosquitos. When you are ready to put your rig away for the season, be sure to winterize your RV before putting it away.
At Ketelsen RV, we’re RV vacation specialists because RVs are our business. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to take an RV for a test drive, call or stop by today and one of our RV experts will be happy to answer all your questions.
