New River Gorge National Park is just up the Appalachian Mountains from Banner Elk. This beautiful gorge was carved out over eons by the ancient New River. Outdoor adventures include hiking, biking, rock climbing, and white water rafting. There are plenty of opportunities to see the local wildlife and to see the breathtaking autumn leaves. Take a hike on the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk for fantastic views of the gorge, river, and 900-foot bridge.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies on the western escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee. These beautiful mountains are filled with wildflowers, lightning bugs, and black bears during the summer. In the winter, light blankets of snow cap the mountaintops and dust the valleys. Take the Rainbow Falls Trail for views of the falls on your way to the top of Mount Le Conte.
Congaree National Park is in the heart of South Carolina. The state's only national park, Congaree, features a diverse ecosystem. There are forests, fertile valleys, and a winding river that lead into swamps and floodplains. Take the Fork Swamp trail for opportunities to see local wildlife, or hop in a canoe and follow the river. Afterward, explore the small ghost towns around the park for a glimpse into history.
Roan Mountain State Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. This massive mountain range tops out at 6,285 feet, which makes it one of the tallest mountains on the East Coast. High-elevation bluffs provide gorgeous views of the Doe River. In the summer, head over to Watauga Lake for swimming and boating in one of the most pristine lakes in the country.
South Mountains State Park is located just down the mountain from Banner Elk. This park is a transition from the foothills to the Appalachian Mountains. Miles of trails wind through the beautiful forests for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Take a trip to High Shoals Falls for an up-close view of the towering falls. Lake James is a beautiful place for fishing, swimming, and boating. Finally, the town of Morganton is next door, with fantastic restaurants, shopping, and local breweries.
Grayson Highlands State Park sits beside Mount Rogers, the tallest mountain in Virginia, and features high-elevation grasslands and meadows. The park is famous for its wild ponies that roam the grounds. Hiking trails wind through the park and lead to excellent picnic and camping areas.
Horn in The West is an open-air theater and historic recreation of frontier life in the heart of Boone, North Carolina. Annual reenactments of the Battle of Horn in The West bring visitors back to the triumphs of the Revolutionary War. The grounds also have multiple frontier-era cabins that were relocated from nearby locations.
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly amusement park with a deep history in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The train ran from Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Johnson City, Tennessee before a great flood destroyed the tracks in the 1940s. Stranded in Blowing Rock, the train became a destination for tourists and locals. Now it features multiple rides, live theater, and a ropes course.
Linville Falls is a short drive from Banner Elk, North Carolina. These majestic falls drop over 100 feet as they lead into the Linville Gorge. Visitors can access the top, middle, and bottom of the falls through the many hiking trails.
Flintlock Campground is conveniently located on the edge of Boone, North Carolina. Within five minutes, you can be walking the streets of Downtown Boone or, in the other direction, heading out on an epic hike.
As its name suggests, Grandfather Campground is located on Grandfather Mountain. This one-of-a-kind RV campground features open meadows, deep forests, and hiking trails that lead to the summit.
Julian Price Campground features multiple RV sites and sits on the banks of Price Lake. The lake offers a launch ramp for canoeing and has a hiking trail that loops around the lake. Best of all, the campground is on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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 Banner Elk, NC 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 Banner Elk, NC?
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 Banner Elk, NC, 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 Banner Elk, NC?
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 Banner Elk, NC particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Banner Elk, NC 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.
