Just east of Coachella lies Joshua Tree National Park. Formed out of the area between the Mojave and the Colorado deserts, this national park offers a range of surrealistic natural wonders to explore, including a vast array of native plants and wildlife. Be advised, however, that there are very few facilities within the park's approximately 800,000 acres, making it a true desert wilderness.
Those who enjoy the stark vastness of some of the most inhospitable places on Earth will definitely want to take a trip to Death Valley National Park, where temperatures can exceed 120° F. In fact, the world's highest recorded air temperature was logged in the park's aptly named Furnace Creek, which saw 134° back in 1913. This desert is a great place to hike, bike, ride on horseback, or birdwatch during the three cooler seasons of the year.
For a complete about-face from the desert experience, you can take a short drive to the coast of Ventura, where you will find Channel Islands National Park. Covering five of the area’s eight channel islands, this park offers nearly 250,000 acres of area to explore and countless outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, backcountry camping, and even scuba diving.
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area offers day-use parking lots, developed, undeveloped, and group campgrounds, picnic tables, hiking trails, and shoreline access to the water for recreational use. Available activities include biking, hiking, kayaking, wading, and wildlife watching. Restrooms and shower facilities are also available.
Mount San Jacinto State Park is a high-altitude wilderness area that offers both primitive campsites and developed areas that can accommodate trailers and mobile homes up to 24 feet long. The park's tallest peak, San Jacinto Peak, is 10,834 feet above sea level. The park offers spectacular views of majestic granite peaks and plenty of outdoor activities in its sub-alpine forests, high-country wilderness, and fern-bordered mountain meadows.
If you are headed to San Diego, don't forget to stop at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, which is located in the Laguna Mountains. This park offers close to 25,000 acres of woodland forests, which are home to bobcats, mountain lions, badgers, foxes, and amphibians. Avid birdwatchers will be excited by the more than 100 bird species that call this place home, including sparrows, northern flickers, and red-tailed hawks.
Palm Springs has become a sort of mini-Hollywood, hosting the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival every January and the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival (or ShortFest) each August at the historic Plaza Theatre. The Sand to Snow National Monument covers a total of 154,000 acres and stretches from an elevation of around 1,000 feet on the desert floor to over 11,000 feet high in the San Bernardino Mountains. Roughly 30 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail pass through the monument, which was made famous by Cheryl Strayed who wrote the book "Wild," which became a feature-length film starring Reese Witherspoon.
The Indian Waters RV Resort & Cottages offers two swimming pools, lighted pickleball courts, 50-amp hookups, and city sewer service to all sites. There is also a large clubhouse that includes a fitness room, billiard room, office area, dining area, and lounge area with a computer center. Located just outside of Indio, it is one of the best, affordable, five-star, state-of-the-art RV resorts in the area.
While many RV resorts in the area cater to the snowbird crowd, the Rancho 51 Festival Campgrounds are geared more towards younger festival-goers. If you want five-star luxury a little closer to the center of the valley, check out Outdoor Resort Palm Springs, located in Cathedral City. This RV park not only offers sweeping mountain views but also all of the amenities of a small city, including not just one but multiple golf courses on-site and a recently renovated owner's lounge.
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 Coachella, 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 Coachella, 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 Coachella, 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 Coachella, 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 Coachella, CA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Coachella, 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.
