America's Best Fall Camping and Leaf-Peeping

Image: PHOTO: Fall foliage. (photo via Pixabay/Hans)

by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Fri August 25, 2017

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a stellar leaf-peeping season this year.

Conditions are said to be ideal for bright fall colors.

"Drier soils typically mean brighter fall color in the mountains," said NOAA Climate Scientist Jake Crouch. "But we aren't having to worry about any extreme conditions like drought and what that might do to the leaves."

Fall weather is ideal for outdoor pursuits as well as leaf-peeping. If you have been holding off on living your ideal #vanlife dreams due to summer crowds, this is a great time to hit the road.

Due to mild temperatures, hiking, fishing, camping and warming up by the campfire are all still at their peak during autumn.

There are more than 180 Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds and RV parks around the country, many of which are in prime leaf-viewing areas:

Midwest

Foliage camping is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts in the Midwest.

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is a good spot for those who want an up-close look at the beautiful flora. Tranquil Timbers camping resort offers guests a place to relax as well as access to 48 acres of stunning trails.

Leaves usually reach their peak color in Wisconsin's famous Door County around mid-October, and guests can combine their visit with the Door County at Sister Bay Fall Fest or the local Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch.

West Coast

Fall colors aren't just confined to the Eastern or Midwest states.

At the base of Oregon's Mount Hood, guests can find the best of fall in the Pacific Northwest at Mount Hood Village RV Resort. Take a mid-October drive down the Columbia River Highway for almost 75 miles of fall scenery, or time your visit just right for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

[READMORE]READ MORE: 4 Must-Visit Places in Appalachia for Fall Colors[/READMORE]

East Coast

History and nature come together best in the fall. Take in Colonial Williamsburg during the vibrant fall season and you will be welcomed with fewer crowds and brilliant colors.

Discover what some of the first settlers found in America more than 200 years ago while discovering our past at the history museums that make up Virginia's Historic Triangle: Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

Asheville, North Carolina, could be one of the best places to camp this fall as the colors here are forecasted to be some of the best due to good spring and summer weather as well as an abundance of healthy trees.

"We aren't seeing trees prematurely losing their leaves in the mountains. Tulip poplars often lose their leaves in the summer, but this year we may get to enjoy an added burst of bright yellow from these sentinels in the forest," said Dr. Howard S. Neufeld, professor of biology and "fall color guy" at Appalachian State University.

For those looking to experience the best of the best in the Blue Ridge Mountains, head to Scenic RV Resort, where you can also visit the Biltmore House, explore myriad hiking trails, golf or just relax and enjoy the vibrant view.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.