From changing leaves and crisp air to bonfires and s’mores, fall is the season to both cozy up and explore! Indeed, fall RV camping is unquestionably one of the best times to be out in nature. The weather is cooler and bugs and crowds have both dissipated, making fall the prime time for camping, especially in Florida and the southern states.
And while you may not experience the full range of fall foliage in Florida, you are mobile thus your options are endless! In fact, there are a ton of benefits to fall RV camping. Aside from the aforementioned advantages, you can also plan your trip around many fall festivals and other holiday happenings. There really are just so many things to love about RV life in the fall, but preparation is key. So, fall in love with camping this season by following these tips to ensure a festive and fun RV adventure.
Find the Right Destination
Although it’s often about the journey, not the destination, the destination can make or break your fall RV camping experience. With the dropping temperatures and changing foliage, fall is the perfect time to visit national parks. And while there are some amazing state parks, we’d be remiss not to highlight some of our bucket list recommendations. Our favorite fall RV camping destinations are Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, Death Valley, Acadia, and Rocky Mountain.
Regardless of where you’re heading, it is important to plan ahead. Remember that some campgrounds and parks close starting in September and October. Additionally, not all road are accessible year-round, so always call ahead for confirmation. And for more destination ideas, read more about traveling in your RV and where to visit next year!
Prepare for the Journey
Remember, destinations are important, but it really is about the journey, so make sure you’re prepared. First, while the weather is typically milder in fall, nature can still be fickle. Remember that there can be big differences in temperature between daytime and nighttime. And if you’re traveling further north, prepare your RV for snow. Additionally, hurricane season runs through November, so be prepared for rain. For more maintenance tips read: Keep Your RV Running With These Maintenance Tips: Servicing and Upkeep.
Next, if you are planning a snow adventure, you should ensure your RV is winterized. Our KA RV service department can help you with that! We’ll make sure your water heater, furnace, generator, RV batteries, seals and seams are prepped for the cold. Depending on where you are traveling, you’ll also want to ensure that your RV pipes and tanks don’t freeze. In the event that you need to hunker down for a night of bad weather, you should have propane and extra blankets at the ready.
And, depending on your destination, it is important to pack the necessities for your trip. If you’re traveling to colder climates, remember to pack clothing that can be layered. You should have a warm, moisture-wicking base layer. Additionally, you should pack a water and wind resistant jacket and pants, waterproof boots and some warm socks.
Also worth noting, it’s especially easy to get dehydrated with cooler, dryer temperatures, so you’ll want to bring extra water. And lastly, because you lose sunlight quicker in the fall, we recommend bringing extra light sources like portable lanterns.
Fun Things to Consider for Fall RV Camping
Lastly, with the end of wildfire season and fire danger minimizing, you can once again light up the campfire. It’s the time to roast a hotdog over the fire or spice things up with some new fall camping recipes. We a firm believers that a good cup of hot chocolate or steaming apple cider is restorative to the soul. And who wouldn’t love cozying up with a cup fireside during their fall camping trip?
Similarly, who can resist the cheer and festivities that fall brings? During the fall, there are always festivals and holiday events that you can attend whether they are at campgrounds or local parks. From hayrides and mazes to potlucks and shimmering lights, there are so many fun things to see and do. Regardless of your destination, you can find day trips and events to make your fall RV camping trip memorable.
All things considered, fall RV camping is a must-have experience for all RVers. Whether you intend to stay south for warmth or navigate north towards snowy weather, you can have a great time. Just be sure that you are prepared and your RV is checked for repairs and maintenance. Remember, a 45 point inspection will cover every part of the vehicle you can think of, so you can travel with peace of mind. And, if you’re located near DeBary, Orlando, or the surrounding Florida areas, you can depend on the experts at KA RV Repair to help with all of your RV and camper servicing needs.