A kaleidoscope of color along with crispy apples and orange pumpkins are among the many fall offerings that await visitors coming to the quintessential Upper Valley area of the New England. The vibrant foliage that lasts from mid-September to mid-October and billowing chimney smoke to stave off the autumn chill are all part of the sights and smells of this region during this time of year.

What better way to celebrate the autumn equinox than to go camping at one of the areas many campgrounds before it gets too cold!

Quechee State Park in Hartland, Vermont

Located at 5800 Woodstock Road, is a popular tourist destination thanks in part to its proximity to many Upper Valley attractions. Hundreds of thousands of visitors stop each year to take in the breathtaking views of Quechee Gorge and to enjoy the easy access to the park’s spacious campsites. The focal point of the park is Vermont’s deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago. Visitors can look down at the Ottauquechee River flowing 165 feet below along Route 4. The park contains 45 tent/RV sites and seven lean-to-sites, which are in the camping area. The park has an interpreter offering fun hands-on activities and is dedicated to helping visitors learn more about the natural and cultural history of the park. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday from 9am to 7pm from May 13 to October 16. Pets are permitted throughout the park. For more information, click here or call (802) 295-2990.

Gifford Woods State Park in Killington, Vermont

Located at the base of Pico Peak at 34 Gifford Woods Access, is a wooded park that provides camping, picnic, and fishing facilities and has hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. There are 21 tent/RV sites and 19 lean-to sites. Four cabins are available to rent and pets are permitted throughout the park and in certain cabins. Open from May 13 to October 16, day-use hours are 10am to official sunset. For more information, click here or call (802) 775-5354.

Mt. Ascutney State Park in Windsor, Vermont

At 1826 Back Mountain Road, is open from May 15 to October 16 daily from 10 am to official sunset. The park offers 38 tent/RV sites and 10 lean-to sites. There are five cabins available to rent, and pets are permitted throughout the park and in specific cabins. There are five trails ranging in difficulty from moderate to difficult. The summit trail is 1.40 miles. There are picnic areas throughout the park with four trailheads and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. For more information, click here or call (888) 409-7579.

Storrs Pond Recreation Area in Hanover, New Hampshire

Includes a camping area with necessary amenities such as a bathhouse with hot showers, electrical hookups for RVs no larger than 50 feet, and a dump station. Sites have easy access to the hiking trails, pond and pool swimming, and the community of Hanover. Tent and RV sites are offered from mid-May through Columbus Day in October. There are 17 RV sites and 12 tent sites available. Reservations are strongly recommended. For further information, click here or call (603) 643-2408. Campers may stay for one night or up to one full week. Payment is required in advance.

Mascoma Lake Campground in Lebanon, New Hampshire

Located at 92 US Route 4A, is for all ages and all types of camping, extending from May 15 to October 15. Check-in is at 3 pm, and checkout is 12pm. Facilities include terraced sites for great views of Mascoma Lake, 20 to 50 campsites, log cabin rentals, laundry facilities, a playground, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, accommodations for trailers up to 40 feet, excellent fishing, free use of nonmotorized boats, a separate wooded area for tents and some pop-ups, a game room and pool table, a private beach, a store, ice, wood, and propane. For more information, click here or call (603) 448-5076. Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 12 to 6 pm; Friday from 12 to 8 pm; Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Jacob’s Brook Campground in Orford, New Hampshire

At 46 High Bridge, offers top-notch facilities, including large tent sites, pull-thru RV sites, water and electric (and sewer) RV sites, group family campsites, a dumping station, an in-ground pool (early June to Labor Day weekend), a playground, clean restrooms, showers, mountain brook swimming and fishing, a forest garden, free WiFi access, a camp store, and it’s pet friendly. Weather permitting, reserved campsites are open to the public on May 15 and remain so until October 15 every year. Arrival times are from 2 to 8 pm any day of the week. For more information, click here or call (603) 353-9210.