Best Places to RV In New Hampshire This Fall

There’s truly nothing else that can compare to New England in the fall. Although the region is lovely in all its seasons, the festivities that autumn brings to the rustic charm of its towns and cities makes it best experienced in September through November.

Fall camping allows you to take in the beauty of New England’s mountains and valleys when the trees are gilded red, orange, and yellow. The air is crisp, and hot cider keeps you warm by the fire after a long day of hiking and exploring. And, when the weather is cool during the day but cold at night, camping in an RV rental is the perfect way to experience the change of season without sacrificing any comfort. If you’re looking for winding mountain trails and extraordinary vistas, then New Hampshire is your hiker’s paradise.

Why New Hampshire?

There are 48 mountains, more than 100 waterfalls, and over 4,000 miles of hiking trails in the densely wooded state, sure to keep you and your party busy during your entire stay. Below are the best places to camp in New Hampshire and highly rated RV campgrounds through which to access them. Plus, what to bring camping in the fall.

Best Places To RV In New Hampshire

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

Any list of the best places to RV in New Hampshire has to start with the Basin Cascade trail of Lincoln’s Franconia Notch State Park. Make sure that you’ve packed waterproof boots, because the trail up Kinsman Mountain runs parallel to over a mile of smoothed rock, flowing streams, and waterfalls. The trail starts by the grand basin of its namesake and its peak is at Lonesome Lake atop the mountain, where a volunteer-run lodge with snacks, meals, bathrooms, and an incredible view awaits you. Just seven minutes down the road is the Flume Gorge trail, where hikers can walk along bridges through its carved out water pathways.

RV Park Access

A few miles north from the Basin is Cannon Mountain RV Park, located by scenic Echo Lake. There are so many hiking trails within Franconia State Park, that just between Cannon Mountain RV Park and Flume Gorge, there are six different hiking spots to keep travellers busy from their base.

White Mountain National Forest

Directly east of Franconia Notch is its mother range, the White Mountain National Forest. Surrounded on all sides by a ring of eight different mountain peaks, you could spend an entire season exploring the full breadth of woodland. Waterfalls, lakes, observatories, and railroad tracks cross the hiker’s path on any of the many trails that intersect the forest and its mountain ranges.

The White Mountains are home to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, Mount Washington. However, because the mountain is infamous for its unpredictable and extreme weather at the top, we recommend that you only hike to the top in the summer months. That being said, the other seven peaks that surround the forest also have plenty of breathtaking views of the foliage of New England in the fall.

RV Park Access

Crawford Notch Campground on the eastern side of the National Forest gives visitors direct access to the New Hampshire portion of the Saco River, and has a general store on site for all kinds of food, beverages, and general supplies.  

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

In North Woodstock, there are a number of notable trails and hiking spots, including the New Hampshire trailhead of the Appalachian trail. On the other side of Mt. Moosilauke is Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, whose wooden bridges and observatories reach as high as the treetops in some places. While the rivers and streams that run along the trail and into the gorge are more than enough to draw in campers, the Boulder Caves within the gorge itself that can actually be walked (or crawled) through make this hike a must-visit in New Hampshire.

RV Park Access

The Lost River Valley Campground is settled between the shores of Lost River and Walker Brook, with plenty of sites for RVs and trailers and all of the basic amenities (restrooms/showers/laundry, full electric amp hook-ups). The campground has a playground for children and makes for a great base to operate out of if you’re looking to explore Mt. Moosilauke and the surrounding trails to the west or the cities of Lincoln and Woodstock to the east. 

White Lake State Park

For families looking to RV with children, White Lake State Park in Tamworth is a great option for laidback nature trails and lakeside relaxing. During September, when temperatures are still in the mid to high 70s, the lake is perfect for swimming and kayaking, and the gorgeous sandy shore is a dream to sunbathe on. White Lake itself is a quintessential New England reservoir, surrounded by lush trees and hiking trails, but close enough to nearby towns for those that are looking for more things to do in the city during their vacation. Although there are other family-friendly hiking spots in the state, the location and RV campground below gives White Lake State Park the edge to make it one of the best places to RV in New Hampshire for families.

RV Park Access

For families looking for the popular camping KOA in New Hampshire, Chocorua Camping Village KOA is located two minutes up the road from White Lake State Park on Moore’s Pond. As expected with any KOA, the family-oriented amenities offered by the staff on-site are second to none in RV parks. If you visit in the fall, be sure to attend the park’s Pumpkin Patch or Haunted Halloween weekends, from September 24-October 11.

Jericho Mountain State Park

In the northeast corner of New Hampshire, Jericho Mountain State Park’s rugged terrain is a treat for visitors looking for something truly Northern wild. The overlooks at the various peaks of Jericho Mountain give way to stunning sunrises and starry wilderness nights unmarred by the industry of any local society. Lakes and streams dot the landscape, but without a doubt, the rolling hills and pathways of the mountain are what makes Jericho Mountain one of the best places to RV in all of New Hampshire.

For thrill seekers, the State Park also has 85 miles of ATV trails wide enough for 4x4s and access to the Ride The Wilds System, which connects trails from nearby Perry Stream and the Stratford area system. Taking about several hours to complete, it’s a favored spot for offroading and mudding in any season.

RV Park Access

Jericho Mountain Campground is situated on the shores of Jericho Lake, with access to restrooms, showers, and laundry. The ATV trail passes along the outskirts of the campgrounds, making it a convenient spot for your RV rental if you’re looking to take advantage of the trails.  

What To Bring Camping In The Fall

Assuming that your sleeping temperature needs are being met by using an RV rental, most of what you have to worry about is related to the hikes themselves. Here are our tips for what to bring on your next fall camping vacation:

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layer: Layers, layers, layers. Because the mornings and nights are cool in the fall but mild during the day, you’ll want to ensure that you’ll be comfortable throughout your hike by starting with a moisture-wicking material in the event that you’ll be sweating under the other layers. For this layer, it’s up to you whether or not you choose short or long sleeves— but if you choose short sleeves, it’s a good idea to bring a long-sleeve shirt just in case. We also recommend leggings or long-johns or your lower half if you plan to wear jeans.

• Warm mid-layer long-sleeved shirts: You could end up shedding these during the day if the weather is nice enough, or be really glad you brought them! Try not to wear shirts that are too tight, or you’ll feel constrained during strenuous activity. A zip-up fleece is ideal for this layer.

• Windbreaker and rain jacket: If you can get your hands on a fully waterproof windbreaker, then you’re looking golden for your outer layer. If not, a normal windbreaker is great for the lightweight cold protection that it will bring you. However, be sure to pack a rain jacket or poncho as well. Even without rain, many of the trails feature waterfalls whose spray could make things uncomfortable during your hike without proper gear.

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots: Fairly self-explanatory, but do make sure that you’re treating your feet right on these hikes by wearing the appropriate footwear. Sneakers like running shoes are nice for quick walks or wearing around the campsite, but your feet will hate you if you bring them out on the hikes themselves. Also be sure to bring socks, socks, and more socks out with you! Because many of the trails cross over rivers and streams, there’s a good chance your feet end up submerged at least once— it happens to everybody! Because of this, and last but not least. . .

Storage

• Hiking backpack: Since layers are the name of the game in fall camping, be sure to keep a hiking backpack on you while you go out to store layers, extra socks, and things like snacks, maps, mittens, a first aid kit, and water bottles. 

Hiking New England in the fall is an incredibly rewarding, breathtaking experience in mother nature. As long as you pack wisely and don’t overexert yourself, you’ll be reminiscing about nights spent by the fire, under the stars, for years to come. Let RVnGO make planning your next fall vacation painless with its Person-To-Person network and leave all your worries behind you.

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