Sweater weather has arrived, bringing a whole host of seasonal activities. Whether you prefer hiking through breathtaking fall foliage, taking part in fun-filled festivals, or seeking out cozy indoor activities, October is prime time. Everyone from solo travelers to families can find their bliss during this month.
Still in search of the perfect destination? We've got you covered. We're sharing four locations that are at their most beautiful at this time of year. From a colorful foodie adventure in New Mexico to a storybook stay in Connecticut, there is something for every traveler on this list. Each destination is welcoming to RV enthusiasts, with multiple motorhome accommodations nearby. If you're ready to plan your October excursion, read on.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Autumn in Albuquerque is truly a treat. Sunny, crisp weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in the foothills or by the Rio Grande River. The slight chill in the air also makes hearty Southwestern dishes like sopapillas and tamales even more satisfying. All in all, New Mexico's nickname, the Land of Enchantment, rings especially true in the fall season.
Every October, Albuquerque hosts the nine-day Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take flight each morning. At night, the grounded balloons are lit up like giant lanterns. As the largest balloon event in the world, this unique tradition draws visitors from across the globe. The festival also offers convenient RV camping so bleary-eyed travelers can roll out of bed straight into the early morning festivities. Wake up and warm up with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider, and don't forget the breakfast burritos!
Later in the day, Indian tacos, green chile cheese fries, and mini donuts call your name. Balance out the carb-loading by cooking a healthy dinner in your RV. After the fiesta, there's plenty to see in the rest of the state, from historic Santa Fe to national parks. Visit The Ultimate RVers Travel Guide to New Mexico for more ideas.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Looking for the perfect Halloween destination? Head to Yellowstone National Park. This iconic park offers a vast, breathtaking landscape with a side of the supernatural. Fall is an idyllic shoulder season here - the summer crowds will have dispersed but cold weather road closures won' be in effect yet. You'll also have a good chance of seeing large wildlife like bears and elk preparing for winter.
The park's famous Old Faithful geyser and multiple kaleidoscopic hot spring pools create an otherworldly atmosphere. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is another must-see attraction here. Get your heart pumping on the steep Uncle Tom's Trail, made up of more than 300 steps plunging into the heart of the canyon.
The thrill doesn't end with Yellowstone's natural attractions. The park's historic inn has a reputation for paranormal activity, with multiple visitors reporting an apparition of a headless bride. So if you prefer solitude - and perhaps some ghostly company - to the usual throngs of tourists, October is an ideal time to explore Yellowstone. Read our RVers Tips and Tricks for Visiting Yellowstone National Park to get started planning your trip.
Portland and Tualatin, Oregon
If you'e in the mood for fall festivities of a less spooky variety, check out the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This annual tradition takes place in Tualatin, a suburb of Portland. Since October is on the cool side here, you'll appreciate the chance to cozy up among Portland's charming coffee shops, museums, and bookstores. Outdoor activities are also on the menu - the forests surrounding Portland offer a veritable cornucopia of scenic hiking trails.
Visit Tualatin on October 22nd for the zany West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This event made it onto our list of 8 Can't-Miss Fall Festivals to Check Out in Your RV. Distinguishing itself from run-of-the-mill regattas, the festival swaps boats for giant 1,000-pound hollowed-out pumpkins, which are paddled across the lake in a variety of wild races. The fun continues with pumpkin bowling, pumpkin checkers, costumes, crafts, food, and much more.
RVers in search of a cozy, quirky, and family-friendly October destination will appreciate the double feature of Portland and Tualatin. Take your pick of multiple RV parks and campgrounds in the area.
Woodstock, Connecticut
Small-town charm and striking autumnal scenery lie in wait at this destination. New England is known for its fall foliage, and Connecticut has the longest leaf-peeping season in the region. The town of Woodstock is located in the northeastern corner of the state, in a rural area lovingly nicknamed The Quiet Corner. Throughout October, warm hues blanket the landscape, providing a postcard-pretty setting for hiking and scenic drives.
Here, the itinerary is all about relaxation. Stroll through town, enjoy a lakeside picnic at Roseland Park, and go wine tasting at the Taylor Brooke Winery. The latter location will host three weekends of Oktoberfest activities, along with one-off events like a Char-boo-terie workshop where you can craft an Instagram-worthy themed platter. Another creative event is the Roseland Cottage Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.
RV visitors to Woodstock will have no shortage of campground options, but the Chamberlain Lake Campground is a favorite for its serene setting. Plus, if you visit towards the end of the month, you'll be treated to decorations, hayrides, and a Halloween party.
Whether you opt for a bucket-list experience in Albuquerque, a scenic and spooky Yellowstone trip, a quirky festival in Oregon, or a leisurely New England autumn, we hope you enjoy your October RV adventures.
For more destination inspiration, check out Best Fall Destinations to Visit in Your RV and last year's Top RV Destinations for October. Need some help getting in the Halloween spirit while on the road? Read The Complete Guide to Decorating Your RV for Halloween.
RVing is an ideal type of travel for the fall season, unlocking cozy and comfortable camping surrounded by picturesque scenery. Still looking for the RV of your dreams? We can help! At La Mesa, we carry a wide selection of the best motorhomes on the market. Visit our website or come see us in person to start your journey today.
