Big Bear, California, is located near several iconic national parks. It's only an hour and 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, which offers some of the most unique and beautiful scenery in the Southwest. This park features numerous spots where you'll be able to enjoy incredible desert views. In addition, you'll be able to see the area's famous Joshua trees. These small trees have an unusual twisted, gnarled appearance, unlike anything you can see anywhere else in the world.
Around three and a half hours from Big Bear is Death Valley National Park, which is one of the most famous national parks in the country. Not only is Death Valley well-known for its record-breaking heat and exceptionally arid conditions, but the park also features vast forests and towering mountain ranges. It also offers some of the best opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking in California. Allthough the park can be sweltering in summer, the other three seasons are all beautiful times to visit.
Channel Islands National Park is located three and a half hours from Big Bear, and it offers some of the most beautiful ocean views in the state. The Channel Islands are north of Los Angeles, and you'll be able to take a ferry to the park from the mainland.
Some of the best state parks in the region are Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Silverwood Lake and Lake Perris are two of the best spots in the region to enjoy aquatic activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
Mount San Jacinto State Park offers exceptional opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Not only does the summit of this iconic peak offer exceptional views, but you'll be able to enjoy vast areas of pristine wilderness as well. Also, the weather in the park tends to be mild during the summer months.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area includes a beautiful California lake that covers 8,200 acres. This pristine lake offers some of the best opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and water skiing in the region. The park also offers plenty of beginner-friendly hiking trails to choose from.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, but it's best-known for the water activities that Silverwood Lake offers. This lake spans 976 acres. Not only does it offer exceptional opportunities for boating, but it's also a perfect spot for swimming and water skiing. It's important to note that there's a 35-mph speed limit for water skiers on the lake.
Big Bear Lake is certainly one of the most unforgettable sights in the region. Not only does this large lake offer plenty of spots for fishing, swimming, and boating, but it's also surrounded by the iconic Sierra Nevada Mountains. In addition, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge offers you an exceptional opportunity to see the region's wildlife in captivity, and it's located within the city limits.
If you're headed to Big Bear Lake, you'll be able to choose from several campgrounds that are located in the region. Rancho Jurupa Park, Yucaipa Regional Park, and Mojave Narrows Regional Park are three of the best campgrounds to park your RV in the region.
Rancho Jurupa Park offers affordable RV parking. It also provides plenty of activities, beautiful scenery, hookups, and an accessible dump station.
Yucaipa Regional Park is known as one of the best campgrounds for RV travelers in California. Not only is located near Big Bear and the area's attractions, but it also offers affordable prices, dump station access, electric hookups, and water hookups.
Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers plenty of spots to enjoy the area's beautiful views. It also offers affordable pricing, a dump station, and convenient access to both water and electric hookups.
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 Big Bear, CA 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 Big Bear, CA?
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 Big Bear, CA, 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 Big Bear, CA?
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 Big Bear, CA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Big Bear, CA 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.
