Crater Lake National Park is two hours and 35 minutes southwest of Bend via U.S. Route 97 and then Oregon Highway 62. The geologic feature of interest here is the lake created by the collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and, perhaps, also one of the most pristine. The terrain around the collapsed volcano includes caves, forests, lakes, and several mountain peaks that receive the most visitors between July and September. Summers are warm and dry, while the winters are very snowy (the park headquarters gets about 42 feet of snow annually). This park covers 183,224 acres that facilitate camping, fishing, and hiking during the summer and ranger-led snowshoeing tours, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in winter.
You can visit Mount Rainier National Park using I-5 and other major roadways to get into Washington state. The park, which is about five hours and 20 minutes north of Bend, is open year-round. Mount Rainer gets around 670 inches of annual snowfall, keeping the mountaintop covered throughout the year. Small towns are scattered outside the park, offering basic amenities like gas and food. Sites like Cougar Rock and White River Campgrounds provide RV or tent camping, but they get busy during the dry and warm months of July and August. Sightseeing is the top activity here, and you can enjoy ranger-led activities throughout most of the year. Miles of hiking trails are available to explore, and climbers come from around the world to ascend the 14,410-foot volcanic peak of Mount Rainer.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is five hours and five minutes south of Bend, north of Mineral, California. Visitors come here to see the numerous volcanoes, bubbling mud pots, geysers, and steaming fumaroles. Popular activities in and around the volcanic terrain include backpacking, boating, bird-watching, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and stargazing. Many sections of the park are closed during the winter. Several campgrounds take reservations, while the Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Walk-in Campgrounds are first come, first served.
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 Bend, OR 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 Bend, OR?
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 Bend, OR, 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 Bend, OR?
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 Bend, OR particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Bend, OR 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.
