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As the leaves start changing colors and the weather gets cooler, fall brings pleasant conditions perfect for RV travelers. It’s a great time to hit the road with your four-legged friend to explore new outdoor adventures. Here are 10 dog-friendly destinations around the U.S. ideal for RVing with your pup this autumn.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Stretching across the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning fall scenery as the oak, maple and birch trees display vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves. Many park trails allow dogs, like the 3.6 mile roundtrip hike to Alum Cave Bluffs that rewards you with scenic overlooks. Don’t miss Cades Cove Loop where you may spot deer, turkeys and black bears. Campgrounds abound both in and around the park for RVs.
2. Shenandoah National Park
Known for its beautiful Skyline Drive stretching 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Shenandoah unveils a kaleidoscope of fall colors. Take your leashed dog on easy trails like Overall Run Falls and Dark Hollow Falls. Outside the park you’ll find RV parks with amenities and pet accommodations. Don’t miss the charming towns of Luray and Staunton to explore with your pup.
3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
This classic New England destination offers plenty for RVers and pets to enjoy like lighthouse tours, fresh seafood and quaint villages brimming with shops and art galleries. Take scenic drives past bright red cranberry bogs, walk sandy beaches with your dog and unwind together watching vibrant sunsets over the ocean in Provincetown. RV parks scattered throughout Cape Cod cater to travelers with pets.
4. Great Lakes Region
The shorelines of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario unveil brilliant fall vistas as trees transform with vibrant colors. Check lake levels beforehand since higher water may cover beaches. Hike forest trails to scenic overlooks and relax at a waterfront cafe with your dog after. Stop at Mackinac Island before ferries shut down for the season. RV parks abound near all the Great Lakes.
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Temperatures may still reach the 70s on South Carolina’s coast through November, making Myrtle Beach an ideal autumn escape. Miles of sandy beaches give dogs room to roam and swim as you soak up the warm sunshine. Explore beach cottages, lighthouses and piers, or take a hike in Huntington Beach State Park to see migrating birds. Numerous pet-friendly RV parks sit close to the beach.
6. Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Region
Northern California’s wine country bids farewell to harvest season in the fall as vineyards unveil sensational autumn colors against rolling golden hills and mountains. Grab a picnic lunch and take your pup wine-tasting at the many dog-friendly wineries offering outdoor seating options. Top-rated RV parks with dog parks and trails intermingle with acclaimed wineries.
8. Columbia River Gorge
Carved by the Columbia River through the Cascade Mountains along the Oregon and Washington border, the Columbia River Gorge delights RVers with dozens of waterfalls, hiking trails and panoramas of Mount Hood. Have a picnic with your dog at Crown Point Vista House overlooking the gorge. Leaf peepers delight in the crimson and gold backdrop of the rocky cliffs mixed with the blue river and evergreen trees. Public parks allow RV camping.
9. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Bask in sunny 70 degree weather typical of fall days in Santa Fe perfect for exploring with your dog. Get your fill of Southwestern culture as you stroll the art-filled streets and pick up some world-famous red and green chilies. Let your dog make friends along The Plaza surrounded by Native American jewelry shops and buildings displaying traditional adobe architecture. RV parks positioned near town have dog parks for playtime.
10. Acadia National Park, Maine
Crisp autumn days invite exploration of Maine’s spectacular Acadia National Park where golden birch, maple and pine trees mingle with rocky cliffs along the Atlantic coastline. Drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views with your pup. Hike shaded forest trails and walk the historic Shore Path together paralleling the ocean. Nearby Bar Harbor offers creature comforts for RVers like shopping and dining in pet-friendly establishments.
Exploring new fall destinations with your dog by your side makes RVing during autumn months extra enjoyable. As the crisp air signals winter’s approach, savor the sunny days and colorful scenery of the season. By selecting RV parks welcoming pets, you and your faithful companion can make fond memories amid beautiful backdrops across America’s countryside.
