3 Fall Campervan Trips in the Northeast for Autumn Adventures

When the leaves start changing, it’s time to grab your camera, pack a few bags, and go north to see the sights. Finding the perfect fall campervan trip to take can be challenging, though, even if you are familiar with the hot spots for autumn adventurers in the northeast United States. Whether you’re looking for a sleepy alcove for canoodling or a hip small town to explore, each destination has its own distinct charm that attracts travelers in the cool months leading up to winter snowfall. For this post, we’ll be outlining three campervan trip itineraries for states like Vermont, Maine, and New York. By the end, maybe you’ll decide to take one of the journeys, marveling at all the trees and kitschy stops along the way — or maybe, you’ll just have to take on all three and see what the northeast is all about!

Vermont

When traveling through Vermont, there’s no shortage of places that are sure to entice anyone looking for Instagram-worthy leafy outposts, like Manchester and Stowe. Despite being a rather small state, most of the best spots are still hours apart from each other by van. This allows for an ample amount of exploring in-between; so make sure you take the long way with this itinerary.

Bennington, VT - After departing New York City, make your first stop in this picturesque college town at the base of Vermont. You’ll want to spend time exploring the campus, and then venture into nature. Go on a hike on the Molly Stark Trail and observe the seemingly endless sea of yellow, red and orange-tinged trees all around you, pausing on the observation decks to take it all in. You can even stay nearby the college at one of the most unique campsites around: the Big Red Alpacas farm!

Manchester, VT - After your stay in Bennington, see some of the majestic sights tucked away in Manchester. Lye Brook Falls is an unbelievably beautiful spot, especially during the fall months. The waterfalls cascade down the rocks, surrounded by lush foliage; it’s a prime place for nature photographers to get their best shots of the season. There’s also an endless amount of farms to explore in the area. Find refuge during your stay right outside of Manchester at Emerald State Park, right on the 20-acre Emerald Lake.

Stowe, VT - Head farther north and stay tucked away in the changing fall landscape at Sky Acres Stowe, and during the day fall in love with the town of Stowe. Throw back some brews at The Alchemist Brewery and take a tour of the beer producer’s facilities, or visit the nearby Austrian hall, von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall. Then, once you get hungry, hit up any number of the delicious and trendy restaurants in the area, like Piecasso.

Trip Length: 5-7 Days

Maine

A trip to Maine is one of the best choices for travelers trying to get out of the city. This itinerary allows for a stop in one of New England’s biggest cities and even more exploration in parts of the northernmost United States.

Boston, MA - About four and a half hours into your trip, you’ll want to stop in Boston on the way to Maine so you can see some historic sites amidst the fall foliage. Whether you find yourself exploring the Freedom Trail, or taking a time out in the Boston Common — America’s oldest public park — you’ll enjoy any time spent in the revolutionary city.

Portland, ME - After departing Boston, you’ll find yourself in Portland after only a two hour drive along the coast. Enjoy the peaceful bayside solitude by following the beach trails, visit the Portland Museum of Art, and stop for some tent camping at Wild Duck Campground.

Bar Harbor, ME - Bar Harbor, another bayside destination, is located right near Acadia National Park. You’ll find yourself immersed in some of the most spectacular views of nature, and no shortage of secluded campgrounds. Take it all in, and make this region the final stop on your Maine trip — and don’t rush to get back home!

Trip Length: 5-7 days

New York

Upstate New York offers a relatively quick escape for adventurers wanting to see the leaves change outside of the city. You won’t have to spend more than a few hours traveling to some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the state. This entry is the quickest itinerary on our list, for travelers looking to spend just a weekend and hit up some fall views in the Catskills.

Catskill Mountains, NY - For this trip, don’t make any stops along the way (unless it’s for potty breaks) so you can get the most out of your weekend in the Catskills. Stay at Wright’s Farm, an active orchard, and indulge in the fall festiveness of apple-picking. During your stay, you’ll want to hit up Catskill Brewery for some beers and stop at the historic Phoenicia Diner for some comfort food. As far as taking in the very best of what nature has to offer in the region, you can stop at any number of spots on our Catskills field guide; some top-notch locations include Diamond Mountain Falls, or Windham Mountain.

Trip Length: 2-3 days

Need Help Finding Fall Campervan Campsites?

If you’re still struggling to pick a spot outside of the city to go camping during the fall months, check out all our field guides.

For any questions about traveling in a campervan for your autumn adventure, feel free to drop us a line at hello@vanishtravel.com.