Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking destination only an hour and a half southwest of Alexandria. The only road leading through this park is Skyline Drive. You will see mileposts on the west side of the road, and all activities occur near a particular milepost. RVs must be under 12 feet 8 inches tall to drive along this road. Anglers often love fishing the Big Run. You can easily get there by following the Doyles River Trail, which begins near Milepost 81. Another favorite activity is horseback riding. This park has stables located near Milepost 42.5. While visiting this park, leave time for a picnic in the Big Meadow, near Milepost 51.2. Shenandoah National Park is home to five campgrounds that are suitable for RVs. With 221 campsites, Big Meadow Campground, near the picnic area and stables, is the park's largest.
In West Virginia, five hours southwest of Alexandria, New River Gorge National Park is a terrific place to start an adventure with an 83-mile scenic drive to get an overview of this park. If you are new to whitewater rafting, the upper part of the New River running through this park is an ideal option for you, but more experienced rafters will love the lower part. Rafting season begins mid-spring and lasts until early summer with a few rafting trips occurring in the fall. Stop at the Canyon Rim, Grandview, Sandstone and Thurmond Visitor Centers to get hiking recommendations for each part of the park. Hikes usually are shorter than 7 miles, but many involve crossing challenging terrain.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, five hours and 50 minutes northwest of Alexandria, is an excellent place for hiking because there are more than 125 miles of hiking trails. An easy one to complete is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which runs along the path of the former canal that operated at this location throughout the late 19th century. Riding on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a fun way to experience this park. You can paddle the river or bike along the towpath and use the train to get you back to your starting point.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Alexandria, VA without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Alexandria, VA?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Alexandria, VA, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Alexandria, VA?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Alexandria, VA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Alexandria, VA that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
