The Best Fall Harvest Orchard to Visit Near You This Year

Consider Fall Camping

Renting a camper van for your fall orchard adventure offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Imagine the open road, where you can stop at your leisure and savor the scenic vistas along the way. With a camper van, you don’t just visit the orchards—you live the experience to the fullest.

There’s no need for rigid schedules or multiple hotel bookings; your cozy, mobile shelter follows wherever your curiosity leads. The camper van becomes your home away from home, allowing you to wake up each morning surrounded by stunning natural beauty. 

With a camper van rental from GoCamp, you’ll automatically get everything you need, from warm blankets for chilly nights to cooking equipment for preparing fresh meals with the harvest’s bounty. Embrace the spontaneity of fall travel, and let a camper van be your vessel to extraordinary autumn adventures.

Northern California Apple Hill

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Apple Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the quintessential fall harvest orchard. Located off the beaten path between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, the scenic drive to Apple Hill is a treat in itself, with winding roads that offer breathtaking views of rolling hills adorned with fall foliage.

Apple Hill is home to a diverse array of farms offering a variety of apples and other produce. Whether you’re a fan of crisp Granny Smiths or sweet Fujis, you’ll find it all here. Beyond apple picking, families can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. October is the prime time to enjoy pumpkin patches and delicious fall cider fresh from the farm.

With many camper vans available to rent in the San Francisco area, GoCamp has you covered for the perfect fall weekend getaway.  Apple Hill offers several nearby campgrounds where you can set up for the night. One popular option is Sly Park Recreation Area, which provides serene settings for campfires and stargazing. After a day of orchard adventures, unwind by your camper van and soak in the beauty of nature.

Oregon Hood River Fruit Loop

If you’re looking for a great fall harvest orchard, another fantastic spot is The Hood River Valley, widely known as the “Fruit Loop”. This 35-mile loop is brimming with orchards, each offering a unique taste of the region. Along the way, you’ll find apples, pears, berries, and more, each farm providing its own special touch to the fruit-picking experience.

Hood River’s farms aren’t just about fruit picking; many offer additional activities like wine tasting, homemade jams, and artisan crafts. Be sure to stop by Draper Girls Country Farm for their famous apple cider donuts or visit Kiyokawa Family Orchards for a wide selection of heirloom apples. Each stop along the Fruit Loop promises new delights.

Camping in Hood River is a dream come true for camper van renters, too. Pick up a van in Potland or Hood River and make your way to Tucker Park, located along the Hood River, for a picturesque camping setting to enjoy with your van. With easy access to the Fruit Loop, you can spend your days exploring and your nights relaxing by the river.

Washington Yakima Valley

Known as one of Washington’s major agricultural regions, Yakima Valley is a destination that showcases the best of fall harvest orchards. From apples to cherries and hops for brewing, the valley is a rich tapestry of flavors waiting to be explored.

Yakima Valley isn’t just about fresh produce; it’s also a haven for wine and craft beverage lovers. With numerous wineries and craft breweries, you can sip on local wines and beers while taking in the stunning landscapes. A visit to Wilridge Vineyard or Bale Breaker Brewing Company is a must for adults looking to indulge in the region’s craft scene.

Located three hours from both Seattle and Portland, Yakima Sportsman State Park offers excellent camping facilities for those traveling with a camper van. Surrounded by the beauty of the valley, you can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and birdwatching, making it a perfect complement to your orchard visits.

Arizona Schnepf Farms

In the heart of the Phoenix area, Schnepf Farms stands as a beloved institution. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this farm offers a range of activities that celebrate the fall harvest season. From picking your own pumpkins to enjoying a hearty chili party, Schnepf Farms provides a fall harvest orchard experience for visitors of all ages.

Schnepf Farms takes pride in its rich history and commitment to sustainability. Established in the 1940s, the farm has become an integral part of the Phoenix community. Their focus on eco-friendly practices ensures that visitors can enjoy the farm’s bounty while supporting sustainable agriculture.

For those making the trip from Phoenix in a camper van, Lost Dutchman State Park offers a convenient campsite nearby. With picturesque views of the Superstition Mountains, it’s an ideal spot to end your day of exploration. Simply park your van, set up camp, and enjoy the tranquility of the desert evening.

Find the Best Spots with Harvest Hosts

WIth so many picturesque vineyards and orchards available to visit, don’t you wish you could just set up camp right there for the night? Well, with Harvest Hosts you can! GoCamp has a partnership with Harvest Hosts so you can get a discount on a membership to take advantage of all the best “off the map” camping spots. Park at a vineyard or orchard and sip chardonney at sunset with your camper van! 

Cherry-pick your favorite rig and get on the road (see what we did there?). And by renting with GoCamp, you never have to worry about what to pack. Each camper van rental comes fully loaded with all the camping essentials and supplies you need – from bedding to cookware. Just hop in and go!

Get Pickin’

Fall is a season that beckons us to connect with nature, and there’s no better way to do so than by visiting a fall harvest orchard. Whether you’re picking apples at Apple Hill, tasting wines in Yakima Valley, or experiencing the joy of Schnepf Farms, each orchard offers its own unique charm and adventure.

And what better way to experience these destinations than in a cozy camper van from GoCamp? With the freedom to explore at your own pace, a camper van allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and bounty of the season. If you’re ready for your fall harvest adventure, start planning today! 

Get inspired by checking out our other blog posts and travel guides. Browse available camper van rentals anytime and get inspired to explore the outdoors.