As the vibrant colors of autumn spread across the United States, harvest festivals become a perfect way to celebrate the season. These festivals offer something for everyone—from crisp apple picking to navigating winding corn mazes, strolling through pumpkin patches, and taking hayrides under the golden glow of fall. 

For RV travelers, these seasonal events offer the perfect opportunity to park in scenic locations, explore rural landscapes, and enjoy family-friendly activities. With farms and small towns catering to RV enthusiasts, you can easily plan a trip to multiple harvest festivals this fall.

Here’s a roundup of the top harvest festivals in the U.S. for RV travelers, each offering unique experiences and plenty of fall fun.

1. Apple Harvest Festival – Ithaca, New York

Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Ithaca’s Apple Harvest Festival is a must-visit for RV travelers, celebrating the bountiful harvest of apples. This annual festival is a celebration of all things apple, offering fresh cider, apple donuts, pies, and local craft items. Families can enjoy live music, entertainment, and plenty of apple-picking opportunities at nearby orchards.

RV-Friendly Tip: The Finger Lakes area is perfect for RV travelers, with numerous campgrounds and RV parks nearby. Take advantage of Ithaca’s proximity to scenic state parks such as Taughannock Falls, where you can park your RV and explore the stunning waterfall views before heading to the festival.

2. Harvest on the Harbor – Portland, Maine

Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor is a food lover’s dream come true, especially during the harvest season. This festival celebrates Maine’s rich agricultural heritage and coastal seafood with a blend of farm-to-table cuisine, local spirits, and artisanal goods. Sample Maine’s famous lobster dishes alongside fresh fall produce and enjoy a culinary experience like no other.

RV-Friendly Tip: Portland is an excellent destination for RV travelers, with campgrounds just a short drive from the city. Stay at a nearby RV park and enjoy the stunning fall foliage as you explore both the festival and the scenic coastline.

3. Circleville Pumpkin Show – Circleville, Ohio

Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” the Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the country. Held every October, this event boasts giant pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds, pumpkin-flavored treats, parades, and carnival rides, celebrating the significance of this staple crop. Kids will love the pumpkin pie-eating contest and the creative pumpkin displays.

RV-Friendly Tip: Circleville offers plenty of RV-friendly options. Nearby campgrounds and RV parks make it easy for travelers to stay close to the action, and the town is welcoming to RV visitors. This charming Midwest town is a great base for exploring more fall attractions in Ohio.

4. Harvest Festival – Arroyo Grande, California

Arroyo Grande’s Harvest Festival is the quintessential small-town autumn celebration, featuring a parade, live entertainment, local food vendors, and a scarecrow-building contest, all while celebrating the diverse crops harvested in the region. Situated on California’s Central Coast, this event combines coastal charm with classic fall fun, including hayrides, pumpkin patches, and plenty of arts and crafts.

RV-Friendly Tip: RV travelers will find several parks along the coast, with easy access to both the festival and the nearby beach towns. Stay at one of the many RV parks that cater to travelers seeking coastal views and fall activities all in one trip.

5. National Apple Harvest Festival – Biglerville, Pennsylvania

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country, the National Apple Harvest Festival is a two-weekend event celebrating the new crop and all things apple. From fresh apple cider to homemade apple butter, this festival has it all. Attendees can enjoy tractor rides, apple pie baking contests, craft vendors, and live country music performances.

RV-Friendly Tip: Gettysburg is just a short drive away, making it a perfect stop for RV travelers interested in both history and harvest fun. There are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds in the area, many of which provide full hookups and easy access to both the festival and the historic Gettysburg Battlefield.

6. Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival – Elk Grove, California

Elk Grove’s Giant Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly event that takes place during the harvest time, featuring massive pumpkins! The festival includes a pumpkin weigh-off, where giant pumpkins often reach record-breaking sizes. In addition to pumpkin-related activities, there are carnival rides, a pumpkin regatta, and even a pumpkin derby.

RV-Friendly Tip: Elk Grove is RV-friendly, with campgrounds nearby offering easy access to Sacramento and the surrounding areas. After you’ve had your fill of pumpkins, take your RV on a scenic drive through the nearby vineyards and farmlands.

7. Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch – Oakland, Nebraska

For a down-home harvest experience, head to Oakland, Nebraska, where the Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch offers an authentic farm experience centered around pumpkins, a staple crop. This family-owned farm features a massive pumpkin patch, corn mazes, hayrides, and fun activities for kids like petting zoos and playgrounds. It’s a perfect stop for RV travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate festival.

RV-Friendly Tip: Nebraska’s countryside is filled with RV parks and open spaces, making it easy to find a peaceful spot to park your RV. Many farms in the area are accustomed to RV travelers and offer ample parking and warm hospitality.

8. Sonoma County Harvest Fair – Santa Rosa, California

For wine lovers, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair offers a blend of grape stomping, wine tasting, and agricultural exhibits. Similar to the veneration of Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, in Bali, this event also celebrates the region’s harvest with farm-to-table cuisine, local crafts, and family activities. The grape stomp competition is a favorite for visitors of all ages.

RV-Friendly Tip: Sonoma County is full of RV parks and campgrounds, making it easy to explore both the harvest fair and the many wineries in the area. Stay in your RV and take in the stunning views of the vineyards, all while enjoying fall activities.

9. Hershey Harvest Fest – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Combining the fun of fall with the sweetness of chocolate, Hershey Harvest Fest is held at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, marking the end of the rainy season. The event offers a delightful mix of autumn-themed attractions, including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and, of course, chocolate treats. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly games.

RV-Friendly Tip: Hersheypark Camping Resort is ideal for RV travelers who want to stay close to the action. The resort offers full hookups, shuttle service to the park, and plenty of amenities, making it easy for families to enjoy the festival and the park without worrying about accommodations.

10. Baldwin County Fair & Corn Maze – Robertsdale, Alabama

Head down south for the Baldwin County Fair in Robertsdale, Alabama. Similar to the yam festival, this harvest-themed fair features a classic Southern experience, with livestock shows, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and plenty of fairground rides. It’s a wonderful way to explore the Gulf Coast while enjoying the fall festivities.

RV-Friendly Tip: The Gulf Coast is a prime destination for RV travelers, and the Baldwin County Fair offers RV-friendly parking options nearby. Enjoy the warm autumn weather, and consider taking a short drive to the beaches after the festival.

11. Washington State Fair’s Harvest Festival – Puyallup, Washington

In the Pacific Northwest, the Washington State Fair’s Harvest Festival in Puyallup, which occurs around the fourth Thursday of November, offers a perfect blend of agricultural exhibits, fall activities, and scenic surroundings. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin carving contests, apple cider tasting, and festive rides. The beautiful fall foliage in Washington makes it a perfect time for an RV road trip.

RV-Friendly Tip: Washington State has plenty of campgrounds and RV parks for travelers. The Harvest Festival is close to Mount Rainier National Park, giving RVers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest after attending the event.

12. Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival – Stowe, Vermont

For something a little different, check out Vermont’s Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in Stowe. Marking the beginning of the harvest season, this quirky event involves launching pumpkins across fields using homemade catapults. It’s a family-friendly event with a lot of excitement, live music, and great food, set against the beautiful backdrop of Vermont’s autumn landscape.

RV-Friendly Tip: Vermont is an RV traveler’s dream, with stunning fall foliage, scenic campgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. Stowe’s RV parks offer breathtaking mountain views, making it easy to relax and enjoy both the festival and nature.

Plan Your Ultimate Family-Friendly Fall Road Trip with Cruise America

With so many harvest festivals across the U.S., RV travelers can create their own autumn road trip itinerary, much like a Thanksgiving celebration of gratitude for bountiful harvests. Many of these festivals are conveniently located near RV parks or campgrounds, making it easy to explore multiple events in one trip. 

Whether you’re into pumpkin patches, apple picking, or enjoying the best farm-to-table cuisine, these harvest festivals offer something for everyone. Pack your bags, load up the RV, and get ready for a fall adventure filled with crisp air, scenic drives, and seasonal fun.

Taking an RV trip allows you the freedom to roam from one harvest festival to the next, experiencing the very best that fall has to offer. 

Don’t forget to reserve your RV rental with Cruise America to take advantage of up to 20% off with our Fall Special!