Exploring the Dolomites in October: A perfect off season adventure

Last October, I went on an unforgettable RV road trip through the Dolomites in northern Italy. I spent four days exploring its stunning mountains and lakes, plus two travel days with a quick stop at Lake Garda.

The Dolomites are famous for their sharp peaks, clear lakes, and a mix of Italian and Austrian culture. It is the perfect place for nature lovers like me, the views are truly one of a kind. Join me in this article and I will show you exactly how to plan your own Dolomites road trip, with practical tips and a ready to use itinerary.

Travelling in a campervan

To truly enjoy the Dolomites, we rented the  Active Bunk Campervan. Traveling in a campervan gave us total freedom and flexibility. We could go at our own pace and avoid long daily drives from the same starting point. This saved us a lot of time, as the distances and driving times were longer than we expected.

It was also great to change our route whenever we wanted and adjust our clothes for the different temperatures in the high mountains. Waking up to a beautiful sunrise right before starting the famous Tre Cime hike was an unforgettable experience.

Some essential travel tips for the Dolomites

Here are some essential travel tips based on my journey:

• Consider flying to Venice: To reduce traveling time, mileage, and toll costs, consider flying to Venice instead of Milan. Although we found a cheaper flight to Milan, in retrospect, flying to Venice would have been more cost and time efficient.
• Be prepared for parking fees: Especially for larger motorhomes, be aware of parking fees. Smaller caravans usually pay less.
• Utilize apps like Park4Night: When booking campsites, I was surprised that most campsites were full even during the off season. To find suitable places for your campervan, use helpful apps like Park4Night.
• Pack for versatility: In October, the weather in the Dolomites can be a bit unstable. Be sure to pack comfortable, cool clothes for the fluctuations in temperature. Additionally, do not forget to pack sportswear, hiking boots, or trainers, as they will be your best friends on the beautiful trails.

My Itinerary

Day 1: Milan to Trento

After landing in Milan, I headed straight to the Indie Campers pick up center to collect my motorhome and start the adventure. My first stop was Sirmione, a charming town on the shores of Lake Garda. I wandered its cobbled streets, enjoyed the lake views, and treated myself to a delicious gelato.

As the day wound down, I drove to Agricamp near Trento, a peaceful campsite surrounded by nature, perfect for a good night’s rest before heading into the heart of the Dolomites.

Day 2: Adolf Munkel Weg & Val di Funes

We left Trento early and headed straight into the Dolomites for the Adolf Munkel Weg, a beautiful 9 km hike with stunning views of jagged mountain peaks rising above lush green meadows. Halfway along the trail, we stopped at Rifugio delle Odle, which I honestly think is the most beautiful mountain hut in the region. The views are incredible, and the food is even better, definitely a must visit!

If you have the time and energy, you can start and finish the hike from Val di Funes or other nearby villages to avoid paying for parking near the trailhead. Since our visit was short, we chose the closer parking option to make the most of our day. In the late afternoon, we visited the famous Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Val di Funes. You cannot go inside, but there is a perfect viewpoint for taking those iconic Dolomites photos.

Useful links: Car park;

Day 3: Lago Di Braies & Cadini di Misurina

We drove north for Day 3 to visit two of the Dolomites’ most iconic spots.

Our first stop was Lago di Braies, the most famous lake in the region. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and pine forests, it is a true must see. Parking for campervans is limited, so we left ours in the nearest village and hopped on a €6 bus to the lake. The easy loop walk takes about an hour, and we made sure to stop for a picnic right on the shore.

In the afternoon, we headed up to Rifugio Auronzo, sitting over 2,000 meters high. From here, two unforgettable trails begin: the Cadini di Misurina, a moderate hike with jaw dropping views, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the Dolomites’ most famous and slightly tougher routes.

We chose Cadini di Misurina for the late afternoon light and were rewarded with an incredible sunset over the jagged peaks. We spent the night in the Auronzo parking area, perfectly positioned for more hiking the next morning.

Useful links: Lago di Braies Car park; Auronzo Car park.

Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Lake Durrense

We started the day by watching the sunrise from our Active Bunk campervan parked at Rifugio Auronzo. After a warm breakfast, we set off on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, one of the most iconic trails in the Dolomites, famous for its dramatic rock towers and sweeping mountain views. It is a bit challenging in places, but every step is worth it.

On our way back, we made a quick stop at Lake Dürrensee (Lago di Landro) to enjoy the peaceful water and mountain reflections before the day ended.

Day 5: Lago di Carezza & Alpe di Siusi

We began the morning at Lago di Carezza, a small but stunning lake with emerald green water. The short loop trail around the lake is easy and offers picture perfect views from every angle.

Next, we drove to the vast meadows of Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), known for its postcard worthy alpine scenery and outdoor activities. Fun fact, it is a ski resort in winter and spring! To avoid taking the cable car, arrive before 9:00 a.m., when the road is still open for parking.

For an extra adventure, you can rent an electric bike to explore more of the area. It is not the cheapest option, but it is a fantastic way to take in the beauty of Europe’s largest alpine plateau at your own pace.

Useful links: Alpe di Siusi parking; Alpe de Siusi parking for cable car access; Lago di Carezza parking;

Day 6: Return to Milan

With our adventure ending, we returned to Milan to hand over the motorhome to Indie Campers. And to catch our flight.

Conclusion. October is a great month to visit the Dolomites!

At first, I was not sure if visiting the Dolomites in October was a good idea, but it turned out to be an amazing choice. The weather was on our side, and I later learned that summer is actually the rainy season here, even though it is also the busiest time of year.

Even in October, the Dolomites can still feel busy in popular spots, but overall, the trails and viewpoints were far less crowded than in high season. If you want great views without the summer rush, autumn is perfect.

I visited in early October, and I highly recommend it. That said, many travellers say late October is even more magical because of the golden autumn colours in the trees.

I hope my tips and itinerary help you plan your own Dolomites road trip, whether by campervan or RV. The Dolomites are a place where every sunrise feels like a dream and every turn in the road brings a new view you will never forget.