The New River and the gorge it has carved through the Appalachian Mountains are the main attraction at the New River Gorge National Park. The park is located about a two-hour drive from Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The park's main attraction is whitewater rafting down the New River. The campground at New River Gorge National Park has 56 campsites with electric and water hookups for RVs. The closest national park to Big Stone Gap is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most visited national park, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls and abundant wildlife, is about a 3-hour drive from Big Stone Gap. Visitor can tour Cades Cove on a historic wagon ride or walk along trails to waterfalls and historic buildings. The park offers more than 800 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Mammoth Cave National Park is the largest known cave system in the world. It's estimated that some 400 miles of subterranean passages are still to be explored. The park has two campgrounds with a total of 137 campsites. The campgrounds offer a variety of amenities including full hookups for RVs.
Located just a few miles from Big Stone Gap, this park offers hiking trails, fishing, swimming, boating and more. David Crockett was born in what is now Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He would grow up to become one of the most famous figures in American history. Today, the David Crockett Birthplace State Park is a historic site that features the reconstructed cabin where he was born. Natural Tunnel State Park is one of Virginia’s most popular parks. Natural Tunnel is a large cave that was formed by the action of water on the limestone, creating a tunnel through which Big Stone Gap's U.S. Highway 23 passes. The park also has a campground with more than 200 campsites and 20 cabins available for rent. The park has many attractions such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and even an old railroad tunnel that has been carved out by nature.
The Cherokee National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, Daniel Boone National Forest, and Nantahala National Forest are all located within a few hours' drive of Big Stone Gap. These forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. About 650,000 acres in size, the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee is home to the well-known Ocoee River, which provides kayaking and whitewater rafting possibilities for tourists. The woodland is renowned for its beautiful driving and trekking routes. Around 500,000 acres make up the Pisgah National Forest, which is situated in western North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail and a number of other well-known hiking paths, like Linville Gorge and Looking Glass Rock, can be found there. The woodland is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, which include the well-known Sliding Rock. The Daniel Boone National Forest, which spans over 700,000 acres in eastern Kentucky, is renowned for its untamed landscape, soaring cliffs, and natural arches.  The Nantahala National Forest, which spans more than 530,000 acres in western North Carolina, is well-known for its rafting and kayaking options on the Nantahala River. The Appalachian Trail as well as the Bartram Trail are just a couple of the well-known hiking routes that pass through the woodland.
The Andrew Johnson National Cemetery is a must-see landmark near Big Stone Gap. This cemetery commemorates the life of Andrew Johnson, who was the 17th president of the United States. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is another important landmark nearby. This park commemorates the famous mountain pass that played an important role in American history. Visitors can explore the park's rich history, including the role it played in the westward expansion of the United States. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Bluestone National Scenic River are two beautiful natural areas to visit near Big Stone Gap. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, offering visitors breathtaking views and opportunities for camping and hiking. The Bluestone National Scenic River, located in West Virginia, offers visitors opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking, with stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Big Stone Gap is a popular area for RV camping in Virginia. The Warrior's Path State Park Campground, Rocky Top Campground and RV Park and the Bristol/Kingsport KOA campgrounds are some of the top choices. Some of these options offer electric hookups, as well as showers and laundry facilities.
There are four RV dump stations available in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and additional nearby options in the surrounding areas. You’ll find dump stations at German Bridge Camping Area, Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, KOA - Asheville East KOA Campground, and Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, for dump station addresses and details.
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 Stone Gap, VA 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 Stone Gap, VA?
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 Stone Gap, VA, 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 Stone Gap, VA?
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 Stone Gap, VA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Big Stone Gap, VA 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.
