Summer may be waving good-bye in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean you need to park the RV in storage yet.

Autumn in Michigan is an ideal time for RVers to camp and explore the natural wonders, seasonal agriculture, and seasonal views. And since most campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts are open until mid- to late October, you don’t need to worry about finding a spot to camp. In fact, this may work to your advantage. Here are some of the best things you can do in the fall in Michigan.

  1. Go apple picking. From sweet to tart, Michigan is known for its diverse and large apple crop. There are more than 800 family run farms in the state (here’s just a sample) that grow apples, and most if not all of them have roadside stands, u-pick hours on the farm, or sell at the local farmer’s market. Each summer, MSU Extension releases a list of projected peak harvest dates for Michigan’s apples (read the 2018 forecast). Apple picking is a fun, leisurely activity for families and couples, plus you’ll get to enjoy them after you’re done picking. Need some ideas for recipes? Check out our Pinterest board.
  2. Go on a scenic drive. Autumn’s garb is much flashier than the summer season. As is popular in the Northeast, people enjoy going for a drive to see the colors. Some of the best spots, of course, usually busy, are the Tunnel of Trees near Petoskey/Harbor Springs and the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City. The Covered Drive, an 18-mile segment of US 41 in the Upper Peninsula, is another top spot, as well as from any scenic platform.
  3. Go sip some wine. Enjoying a cool glass of white or a lightly peppered red out on a patio or deck overlooking the vineyard sounds like something out of an Italian fairy tale. But you can do that in Michigan. Northeast Lower Michigan and Southwest Michigan are the regions most well-known for their vineyards and vintages. Here are some wine and beer spots across the state that deserve a visit.
  4. Go hiking. Sure, you’ve been hiking all summer long, but the outdoor temperature is much more moderate and bearable in the fall, so get out to those trails you’ve been putting off. You might consider a route that’s on one of Michigan’s mountains, so that you’ll be rewarded with a scenic view of the colors following your climb. And of course, the Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains is someplace you have to visit in the fall at least once in your lifetime.
  5. Go kayaking. Whether your soul is called to the river or to one of the big lakes, early fall can be a magical time to go kayaking or canoeing. The view is completely different from the water than it is from the shore, and the water of the larger inland lakes and the big lakes can look almost Caribbean. Get in some fishing or bring along a small picnic lunch to enjoy.