Fancy Gap / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Journey Blog
Fall Camping = Fewer Crowds and RV sites start at $73
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From 52 follow our signs, we are just 100 yards from Blue Ridge Parkway
From I-77 just 1 mile off Exit 8 Follow our signs
Something is changing in the camping world.
For years, Labor Day felt like the unofficial end of camping season. The kids went back to school, summer vacations wrapped up, and RVs slowly started heading home.
Not anymore.
October camping is having a moment in 2026—and we completely understand why.
Campers are looking for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery and trips that allow them to slow down instead of rushing from one attraction to the next.
At Fancy Gap / Blue Ridge Pkwy KOA Journey, October brings all of that together on Fancy Gap Mountain.
One of 2026's growing travel trends is the fallcation—taking that getaway in September, October or November instead of squeezing everything into summer.
And camping fits perfectly.
October mornings call for a cup of coffee outside. Afternoons are made for exploring. Evenings practically demand a campfire.
There isn't the same pressure to fill every minute of the day.
Sometimes the best camping itinerary is no itinerary at all.
Another major camping trend for 2026 is the return of the classic American road trip.
Travelers are rediscovering small towns, scenic roads, local restaurants and those unexpected stops that become the stories you tell when you get home.
Fancy Gap was made for this kind of trip.
We're located just one mile off I-77 at Exit 8, making us an easy stop for travelers heading north or south—but October might convince you to stay a little longer.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than a mile away, and the surrounding area offers small-town exploring, antique shopping, hiking, local food and beautiful places to simply stop and enjoy the season.
And, of course, there's nearby Mount Airy, North Carolina—the town that inspired Mayberry.
Here's one of our favorite camping trends of 2026: people are rediscovering the simple things.
Put the phone down.
Build a fire.
Make the s'mores.
Go fishing.
Take a walk.
Sit outside and talk.
Look at the stars.
KOA's 2026 camping research found that campers increasingly value these traditional, unstructured experiences. Sometimes we become so busy trying to create the perfect vacation that we forget the moments people remember most aren't necessarily the ones we planned.
October gives you permission to slow down.
Camping looks different for everyone, and that's another trend we're seeing.
Some people love arriving in their RV with everything they need.
Others want a tent and sleeping bag.
And some people want the outdoor experience followed by a comfortable bed at night.
That's why Fancy Gap KOA offers RV sites, tent sites and cabins.
You don't have to be a lifelong camper to experience October in the mountains.
Bring your RV.
Pack the tent.
Or just bring your suitcase.
Of course, everyone wants to know:
“When will the leaves peak?”
Mother Nature gets the final say.
Weather can move peak color earlier or later, and 2026 forecasts suggest fall color in portions of the central Appalachians could be especially beautiful during the middle to latter part of October.
But here's our advice:
Don't make your entire trip about finding one “perfect” weekend.
October isn't just about peak leaves.
It's the crisp mornings.
The smell of a campfire.
The sound of leaves beneath your feet.
The drive along the Parkway.
The quiet.
And that wonderful realization that you're not in a hurry to be anywhere else.
If you like a little more activity mixed into your relaxing getaway, October is especially fun at Fancy Gap KOA.
Our Fall Festival Weekends are coming October 10, 17, 24 and 31, with Saturday activities adding a little seasonal fun to your mountain camping getaway.
Stay for the weekend, enjoy the campground, explore the area and make some fall memories along the way.
More campers are discovering something we've known for a long time:
Camping doesn't have to end when summer does.
In fact, October might give you exactly what you wanted from camping in the first place, a chance to get away from the noise, spend time with the people you love and remember how good it feels to simply be outside.
So before you winterize the RV…
Before you put the camping gear away…
Before you decide you'll wait until spring…
Give yourself one more camping trip.
The mountain colors are changing.
The campfires are waiting.
And October at Fancy Gap KOA is just getting started.
Fancy Gap / Blue Ridge Pkwy KOA Journey
Just 1 mile off I-77 at Exit 8 on Fancy Gap Mountain
Proudly named 2025 Virginia Campground of the Year
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
