Plan to Hit the Road for Fantastic Fall Colors
Celebrate autumn with an excursion to some of the most colorful spots in North America
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Fall is coming, and along with it, the colors that New England and other parts of the Eastern states are famous for. But leaves can be fickle. Forecasters say the best time for prime leaf peeping is late September through mid-October. So, if you have more than one week for your New England road trip, your chances improve for seeing the fall show of colors. However, some simple research and a check of local weather may improve your odds of hitting it just right.
Photo: Tolga Ahmetler
Traveling by RV also opens the opportunity to visit many areas and take in some local culture. There are pumpkin patches, apple orchards, small farms, and other places of interest.
During your fall visit, here are some of the recommended RV parks:
Maine
Camp Ann Camp Site is in the small fishing village of Gloucester, just 30 miles from Boston. There are more than 200 RV sites to accommodate everything from big rigs to folding tent trailers. They have water-view sites and wooded sites with fireplaces and picnic tables. One beach is just a mile away. There are deep sea fishing and whale watching charters. Or take a one-hour train ride to Boston.
Photo courtesy of Cape Ann Site.
Sea-Vu Campground is just off Highway 1 in Wells. There are several sandy beaches nearby. Kayak rentals and deep-sea fishing are also available. Camping is open from May 9 to October 15. Visit two lighthouses and dine at any of the local restaurants, some serving locally sourced lobster.
Sun Outdoors Wells Beach is a mile from one of Maine’s public beaches. And there is a lot more to do, including a challenging 18-hole mini golf course. Sites have gravel patios, cable TV, Wi-Fi, a picnic table, and a fire pit.
Massachusetts
Pine Acres Family Camping Resort in Oakham has been family-owned since1960. There are three levels of campsites and cabins. Some sites overlook the 70-acre lake, and those sites feature paver patios and Adirondack chairs. During the spring and fall value season, there is a 3-night minimum for campsites.
Photo courtesy of Sunsetview Farm Camping Area.
Sunsetview Farm Camping Area in Monson was started by a family in 1970. Today, second-generation owners welcome campers. The site was a dairy farm and apple orchard. Even the office is in the original family home, dated 1799.
New Hampshire
Tidewater Campground in Hampton Beach offers family camping and a pristine stretch of beach that has been chosen for perfect water quality. Also take a walk on the boardwalk, which is loaded with shops and restaurants. There are weekly fireworks, free concerts and a sand sculpting competition.
Photo courtesy of Twin Tamarack Family Camping and Resort.
Twin Tamarack Family Camping and Resort in New Hampton sits across the road from Lake Pemigewasset, where there is boating and fishing. Other activities include hiking, golf, water slides and mountain biking.
Wakeda Campground in Hampton Falls is operated by four generations of the same family. With 400 sites, Wakeda offers activities and facilities to meet the needs of guests.
Cold Springs Camp Resort in Weare is a top-rated RV park with about 400 sites on the 108-acre property. Started in 1969, the Silva family has run the business since. Today, sons Scott and Todd are controlling partner and manager, respectively, for what includes an RV dealership. The resort includes 4 pools, a host of planned activities and many rustic cabin rentals.
Photo courtesy of Shir-Roy Camping Area.
Shir-Roy Camping Area is in Richmond. Camping sites sit on 50 acres of natural woodlands, with a 42-acre pond. They have 75 available camp spots and a 42-acre pond. If you do not have an RV, you can rent a trailer to try out camping.
Virginia
Endless Caverns Resort isn’t in New England but is at the base of Massanutten Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where fall color also abounds. With 120 RV sites, the park offers comfort and privacy among tree lined spaces. Plus, Endless Caverns offers an underground adventure led by experienced guides through six miles of caverns. Tours are offered April through November.
West Virginia
Leatherman’s Falling Waters Campsite in Falling Waters has been owned and operated by the same family since 1962. Most campers arrive driving off Interstate 81, a mile away. Leatherman’s also has a full-service camping store and is surrounded by historical sites in the hills where Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland meet.
Just remember, fall leaf viewing is a popular time of year in these areas, so be sure to book ahead. Have fun, take lots of colorful photos and tell them Good Sam sent you!
