Arvada is only an hour and a half southeast of Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Longs Peak, the highest point in the park, is a popular destination for climbers who would love a panoramic view of the mountain ranges. The park also offers scenic drives and trails with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, the park has something for everyone. You will need to carry several layers of clothing as the weather can change quickly.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, four hours southwest of Arvada, has the tallest dunes in North America. The dunes were formed over thousands of years by wind and rain. This over 100,000-acre park offers great grassland landscapes with conifer forests and wetlands. You do not have to worry about where to park your RV as the park has many RV-friendly camping sites. You will have a great time sliding down the epic dunes on a warm day.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is four hours and 45 minutes southwest of Arvada, and it is one of the deepest gorges in North America. The canyon was carved over time by the Gunnison River, and it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The park offers many ranger-led programs during which you can learn about the history and geology of the canyon.
Chatfield State Park is a half-hour south of Arvada, and it offers a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park has a marina where you can rent a boat or bring your own. You can also go for a swim in the heated pool. It has over 1,000 acres of land and is a great place to see wildlife such as birds, deer, and coyotes.
Cherry Creek State Park is about a half-hour southeast of Arvada, and it is one of the most popular state parks in Colorado. The park has some trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park also has a reservoir where you can go for a swim, fish, or paddleboard. You can also camp in the park at its many RV-friendly campsites.
You cannot finish your trip around Arvada without visiting the beautiful and rustic Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The park is about 40 minutes northwest of Arvada and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. With rent-out boats available, you can explore the 12 miles of shoreline at the reservoir. The park also has some hiking and biking trails.
Colorado is rife with incredible landmarks and monuments near Arvada. Twenty-two minutes southwest of Arvada is the famed Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. This celebrated venue is 6,450 feet above sea level and the only naturally occurring, acoustically amphitheater in the world. It consists of two 300-foot monoliths, Creation Rock and Ship Rock. In addition to hosting concerts from some of the top artists in the world, Red Rocks also holds yoga sessions, shows films, and contains several hiking trails.
Stephen King fans must make it a point to visit The Stanley Hotel, which is an hour and 25 minutes northwest of Arvada in Estes Park. It was opened in 1909, and King stayed there once, which inspired one of his most well-known books, "The Shining." The hotel offers several tours. The Historic Tour and Caretaker’s Cottage Tour take place during the day while the decidedly spookier Spirited Stanley Tour and The Spirited Shining Tour happen at night. You can also enjoy one of The Stanley Hotel’s six eateries.
You also will want to view the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, which is an hour and 20 minutes south of Arvada in Colorado Springs. This National Natural Landmark consists of unique red rock formations that were created along a natural fault line millions of years ago. They range in color from deep red and pink to white and have been tilted vertically from the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak. It is biologically diverse as it melds the piñon-juniper woodlands and grasslands with a massive mountain forest. Here, you can hike, bike, rock climb, horseback ride, and take vehicle and Segway tours.
Clear Creek RV Park in Golden features full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a laundry room. You could also consider Applewood RV Resort, 10 minutes southwest of Arvada, which has both back-in and pull-through sites. Enjoy a rustic experience at Golden’s Dakota Ridge RV Resort with its 141 camping sites.
How do I correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Arvada, CO without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Arvada, CO?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Arvada, CO?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Arvada, CO, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Arvada, CO?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.