Fall Foliage Adventures: Best Autumn Campgrounds to Explore in Your MoonLander

As summer gives way to crisp air and golden light, fall emerges as one of the most magical times to hit the road in your MoonLander. The crowds thin out, the temperatures cool down, and vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow paint the landscapes from coast to coast. For MoonLander owners, fall is a prime season to explore the outdoors in comfort, chase jaw-dropping views, and make the most of cozy evenings spent fireside under the stars. From the dense hardwoods of the Northeast to the high-altitude aspens of Colorado, the U.S. offers a treasure trove of scenic autumn escapes. In this guide, we’ll take you through six must-see regions and their best fall campgrounds, along with expert tips for booking, timing your trip to catch peak colors, and prepping your MoonLander for the season.

First up is New England, the undisputed champion of fall foliage. Specifically, Acadia National Park in Maine delivers a stunning mix of rugged coastline and forested hills that explode into color from late September through mid-October. Set up camp at Blackwoods Campground, which offers wooded sites just minutes from Cadillac Mountain and the famed Park Loop Road. Mornings are crisp and quiet—perfect for sunrise hikes or hot coffee overlooking the Atlantic. Book early, as fall reservations go quickly. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Seawall Campground on the western side of the island is a hidden gem with fewer crowds.

Next, head south to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, where the Blue Ridge Parkway offers one of the most scenic drives in the country. The foliage peaks between early and mid-October, depending on elevation, and the views are nothing short of cinematic. Stay at Julian Price Campground near Blowing Rock, NC, for easy access to trails, waterfalls, and lakes surrounded by sugar maples and oaks. Or try Sherando Lake Recreation Area in Virginia for a peaceful basecamp nestled beneath the hardwood canopy. MoonLander’s compact size is perfect for these forested sites where maneuverability is key.

In the Midwest, one of the best-kept secrets is the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Known affectionately as the “Porkies,” this park combines expansive Lake Superior views with rugged forested hills, where maples, birches, and aspens set the landscape ablaze. Visit between late September and early October for peak color. Union Bay Campground offers modern amenities and direct access to the Escarpment Trail, one of the best hikes for panoramic fall scenery. Bonus: fewer crowds and cooler temps make for blissfully peaceful camping.

Let’s not forget the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, a fall destination that offers a completely different kind of beauty. Unlike the fiery maples of the East, Colorado’s aspens transform into glowing golden groves that shimmer in the wind. One of the top places to experience this is Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, home to one of the largest aspen groves in the world. Campgrounds like Lake Irwin or Lost Lake are ideal for MoonLander setups, with primitive spots that offer seclusion and direct access to alpine trails. Visit between mid-September and early October to catch peak elevation color before the snow begins to fall. For a more established option, Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Denver offers foliage-rich trails and easily accessible campsites within a short drive from the city.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is a spectacular fall destination. From late September through October, the lush evergreens are punctuated by bright yellow bigleaf maples and deep red vine maples. Ainsworth State Park or Wyeth Campground offer great jumping-off points for exploring waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, Wahclella, and Horsetail. The damp air and misty mornings give this area a uniquely moody, autumnal charm that’s perfect for quiet reflection, forest bathing, and trail photography. Bring a rain shell—showers are frequent but fleeting, and the MoonLander’s weather-ready setup will keep you comfortable no matter what the skies bring.

Last but not least, venture to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, an underrated hotspot for fall camping. Peak foliage typically arrives in late October to early November, making it a great late-season destination. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is a beautiful drive, and Devil’s Den State Park offers gorgeous trails, sandstone bluffs, and well-equipped campsites perfect for MoonLander travelers. Nearby, Buffalo National River also provides dispersed camping and incredible paddling opportunities framed by blazing ridgelines. With mild weather and fewer tourists, the Ozarks deliver a relaxed, colorful camping experience with Southern hospitality.

Now that you know where to go, here are a few quick tips for booking and trip prep. First, reserve early—fall is a high-demand season for many parks. Use apps like Recreation.gov or The Dyrt to find availability or discover dispersed camping spots if formal sites are full. Check foliage forecasts, such as the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Map, to plan your timing within each region. For MoonLander owners, prepping for cooler temps is key. Bring a four-season sleeping bag, and consider adding a heated blanket or low-energy electric heater if your setup allows. Invest in window insulation panels or Reflectix to retain heat at night. For cooking, prep hearty meals like chili, stew, or skillet hash—perfect for warming up after a long hike. And of course, don’t forget your camera. Fall colors wait for no one.

From crisp mountain mornings in Colorado to misty maple forests in Maine, autumn is the ultimate season for MoonLander adventures. These six regions offer breathtaking foliage, diverse landscapes, and the kind of soul-filling solitude that only fall can provide. So fuel up, pack your layers, and hit the road—the leaves won’t last forever, but the memories will.