New River Gorge National Park is located about 12 miles west of Charles Town, West Virginia. The park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the famous New River Trail. This national park also offers whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities on the New River. From Charles Town, West Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is about a 7-hour drive. The Skyline Drive, which stretches 105 miles along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It provides access to hiking trails and campgrounds. The campground at New River Gorge National Park has more than 150 sites with full hookups for RVs. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also located nearby and takes about an hour to reach from Charles Town. This park offers campgrounds as well as excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities on the Cuyahoga River. It features Skyline Drive, which winds for more than 100 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Gambrill State Park is a beautiful park in the heart of the Catoctin Mountains. It is located just a few miles from historic Charles Town, West Virginia. By day, enjoy all the activities at Gambrill State Park, including hiking, fishing and boating. In the evening, head to Charles Town for dinner and sightseeing. Cunningham Falls State Park is a popular tourist attraction in northern West Virginia. The park features hiking trails, a drive-in campground, cabins for rent, and an amphitheater that hosts outdoor plays during the summer months. It's also home to the oldest man-made swimming pool in West Virginia. Located in the Allegheny Mountains, Greenbrier State Park is a popular hiking spot for many. The park has more than 50 miles of trails and streams suitable for fishing. Visitors also enjoy horseback riding and camping. Shenandoah River State Park is located on the Potomac River and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and more. It's also home to a variety of bird species that make this park a must-see for birdwatchers.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Monongahela National Forest, Allegheny National Forest, and Finger Lakes National Forest are all located within a few hours' drive of Charles Town, West Virginia. These forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. One of the greatest sections of public land in the Eastern United States is comprised of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, an administrative entity that unites two National Forests. In the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky, there are 1.8 million acres of forests. In the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, USA, there is a national forest called the Monongahela National Forest. It covers parts of 10 counties and more than 921,000 acres of federally controlled land. The 16,259 acres of Seneca and Schuyler counties that make up the Finger Lakes National Forest are located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. A national forest located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, roughly hundred miles northeast of Pittsburgh, is called the Allegheny National Forest. There are 513,175 acres of forest. The Allegheny River is impounded by Kinzua Dam, which is located inside the forest, creating Allegheny Reservoir.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must-see landmark near Charles Town, West Virginia. The site of John Brown's famous raid during the Civil War, this monument commemorates one of the most important events in American history. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is another great place to visit near Charles Town. This national park interprets the canal that was built for transporting goods along the Potomac River. The Skyline Drive is a scenic byway that runs through Shenandoah National Park and offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park tells the story of two battlefields from the Civil War, including one of the largest battles in American history.
If you're looking for an RV park or campground near the Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, there are a few to choose from. Watermelon Park & Campground is one of them. Enjoy a visit to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, or take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, golfing and fishing.
There are three RV dump stations available in Charles Town, WV. You’ll find dump stations at Harpers Ferry Campground, KOA - Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Campground, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Charles Town, West 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 Charles Town, WV 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 Charles Town, WV?
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 Charles Town, WV, 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 Charles Town, WV?
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 Charles Town, WV particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Charles Town, WV 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.
