Shenandoah National Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from Bethesda. This park, located in Virginia, is known for its stunning scenery. The park is 300 square miles, and visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, rock climb, fish, boat, or swim. Shenandoah is beautiful at any time of the year, but visitors may want to come during the fall to view the spectacular foliage.
Located about four and a half hours from Bethesda, New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia offers stunning views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. The park is 70,000 acres, and there are dozens of options for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is about five hours and 20 minutes from Bethesda. This gorgeous national park has plenty of things to see and do. The park encompasses 100 miles of river, 100 waterfalls, a scenic railroad, and more than 125 miles of hiking trails.
Patapsco Valley State Park is just under 40 minutes from Bethesda. This beautiful park offers scenic views of the local landscapes, including waterfalls and forests. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, or horseback ride in the park, and swimming and fishing are also popular activities.
About an hour’s drive from Bethesda, Smallwood State Park offers gorgeous views, camping, wildlife viewing, photography opportunities, and plenty of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The plantation house in the park has also been restored so that visitors can tour through it.
Gambrill State Park is about 45 minutes from Bethesda. This 1,200-acre park offers plenty of hiking or mountain biking trails. Visitors can spot wildlife, take pictures, or simply enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Visit in the fall to see the best foliage colors.
Maryland is home to many historic landmarks and monuments. Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the famous Civil War battle, is only about an hour and 10 minutes from Bethesda. The Fort McHenry National Monument also opens up the area’s history to visitors. The Clara Barton House, which celebrates the woman who founded the Red Cross, is also only about 10 minutes from Bethesda.
There are many options for camping in and around Bethesda. The Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA is located right near the Antietam battlefield and several other historic sites, and the campground offers full hookups, showers, and a pool. Ramblin' Pines is centrally located near Washington, D.C., but it’s quiet and secluded. The campground offers 200 RV sites with full hooks, and there are showers, a pool, a hot tub, and mini-golf. The Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina offers stunning waterfront campsites and also has showers and a laundromat.
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 Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD?
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 Bethesda, MD, 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 Bethesda, MD?
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 Bethesda, MD particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Bethesda, MD 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.
