At 205 miles away, Shenandoah National Park is the nearest national park to Bethany Beach. The main road that travels through the park is called Skyline Drive. It runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains and generally takes about three hours to drive on a clear day. As you travel along Skyline Drive, you will come to the largest developed area of the park, Big Meadows, at milepost 51. Shenandoah has well over 500 miles of hiking trails that offer adventurous rock scrambles, spectacular overlooks, and beautiful treks through the wilderness. Some trails have magnificent waterfall views that cascade along the mountain streams. This place is also excellent for fishing, rock climbing, biking, and birdwatching. Stop at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and look at the exhibits to learn why Shenandoah National Park is such an amazing place.
Delaware Seashore State Park boasts six miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline, making it the ideal water recreational oasis. Paddle the bay in a kayak from Savage Ditch to explore the vast marsh islands and see horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins, and nesting birds. Visitors also can enjoy hiking through Burton Island Nature Preserve and experience the ever-changing scenery as you stroll from salt marsh to maritime forest habitats. Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and fishing are some of the most popular activities. Visitors can camp on either side of the Indian River Inlet, creating a more enjoyable way to explore Delaware's fantastic seashore. Cape Henlopen State Park sits at the mouth of Delaware Bay with over six miles of coastline. If you enjoy swimming, boating, clamming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing, you will not want to miss out on visiting Cape Henlopen while in the area with a Bethany Beach, Delaware RV rental. While there, tour the Fort Miles Historical Area and learn how Cape Henlopen was once a World War II coastal defense site. Walk the fishing pier, built initially to support mine operations during World War II. Today, it provides access to fishing in the Delaware Bay. Visitors can stay longer by booking an overnight stay or more at the campground, which accommodates large rigs and more. The Nature Center lets visitors get close to native marine life in the touch tank and teaches them about the park's habitats and the living creatures. Assateague State Park sits on Assateague Island embarked by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Sinepuxent Bay to the west. It has two miles of ocean beaches offering surfing, sunbathing, beachcombing, swimming, and fishing. The bayside area is ideal for exploring secluded coves by kayak or canoe. The park has 342 sites with electric hookups, each with a fire ring and wooden picnic table. Some of the sites are solely designed for visitors with a disability and their families or guest. During your visit to Assateague, you will likely encounter a few wild ponies, and it is advised only to observe them. Other wildlife that lives here includes over 200 species of birds, such as herons, ducks, shorebirds, sandpipers, and even endangered peregrine falcons. The nature center is the perfect place to see native animals up close, including sea stars, box turtles, flounder, sea trout, and bluefish.
One of the many national sites you can visit near the Delaware area is the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is cared for and managed by the National Park Service. You can take sightseeing cruises, kayak tours, or fish, crab, bike, hunt, and hang out at the beach at this site. If you enjoy visiting state parks, wildlife management areas, and country parks, then Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River should be on your list. The river flows soundlessly through marshes and trees within the Pinelands National Preserve. Bring your fishing gear and try catching striped bass and alewife herring in the river, or try kayaking, camping, and nature walking. Another national site to see is the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. Stop at the visitor center to look at the exhibits and a film or talk to the staff for further information or guidance on other sites to visit. While there, you can experience Harriet Tubman's home, where she was born into slavery and grew into a determined young woman to gain freedom for herself and her friends and family.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is in Lincoln, just minutes from Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Rehoboth Beach. The campsites are spacious enough to accommodate Class A and Class C motorhomes up to 45 feet. An alternative option to consider is Holly Lake Campsites in Millsboro, Delaware, just nine miles from the ocean. The campground is equipped to accommodate camper vans, motorhomes, and more. It has full hookups, free Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool. Another great place to stay is Tall Pines Campground Resort in Lewes, Delaware. This pet-friendly resort has many amenities, such as a splash park, swimming pool, an 18-hole mini golf course, and a playground.
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 Bethany Beach, DE 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 Bethany Beach, DE?
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 Bethany Beach, DE, 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 Bethany Beach, DE?
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 Bethany Beach, DE particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Bethany Beach, DE 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.