One of the most fascinating national parks in the United States, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located about an hour and a half north of Chico. The park is home to a variety of wonderful landscapes, including gorgeous forests and peaceful meadows. The park also boasts volcanoes, fumaroles, mud pots, and geysers. Visitors can explore the area's volcanic features or hike through fields of wildflowers. There are also options for fishing, hiking, and boating.
Redwood National Park is about four hours northwest of Chico. The park is home to the massive trees in its name, and visitors can explore old-growth forests. The park also covers rivers, meadows, and miles of coastline, however, so there are many areas for visitors to explore. Northern spotted owls and Steller's sea lions, both of which are endangered, call the park home, making the area a great choice for birdwatching, viewing wildlife, or taking nature photos.
Yosemite National Park is about four hours and 15 minutes southeast of Chico. This park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the state and attracts tourists from across the planet. Visitors can explore the area's three sequoia groves or take in the stunning sights of Yosemite Falls or the Half Dome. There are also dozens of options for hiking, camping, rafting, wildlife viewing, skiing, and even ice skating.
The Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is located only about 25 minutes north of Chico. The area is home to one of the last native riparian habitats in California and hundreds of native plant species. Visitors can camp, hike, or enjoy the views of Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, and the Trinity Alps.
The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is just less than an hour south of Chico. The park covers 63 acres, and visitors can take in the beautiful views of the river, boat, fish, or hike. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including raccoons, foxes, muskrats, deer, and many bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife photography.
Located about two hours southeast of Chico, Malakoff Diggins State Park is gorgeous in its own right, but the setting is also a historic one. Visitors can take in the beautiful scenery, hike, or spot wildlife. There are also opportunities at the visitor center to learn more about the history of the area and the part it played in the California Gold Rush.
One of the most beautiful local landmarks near Chico is the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This gorgeous natural area, located about an hour and a half northwest of Chico near Shasta, surrounds a lake and offers stunning views. There are many options for spotting wildlife.
The California National Historic Trail is also located near Chico. This trail covers parts of the Lassen, Yreka, Nobles, and Applegate trails and helps to celebrate pioneers who headed west during the California Gold Rush. The trail spans 5,000 miles, but visitors can stop at any of the sections near Chico.
A farther drive brings you to the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in Concord, California. This memorial was designated in remembrance of a tragic World War II accident. Visitors can learn more about the accident, honor those who died, or take a guided tour.
The Almond Tree RV Park in Chico is a great option for RV camping. This charming park offers 42 sites with full hookups. The park is pet-friendly, and there are showers, a laundry facility, and a camp store. The Parkway RV Resort & Campground in nearby Orland offers back-in and pull-through sites. This RV campground has a playground, wine-tasting events, and an ice cream shop. Another popular choice is Heritage RV Park in Corning, which offers 88 RV sites with full hookups. The beautiful park is well-maintained and has gorgeous gardens.
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 Chico, 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 Chico, 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 Chico, 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 Chico, 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 Chico, CA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Chico, 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.