Glacier National Park is currently home to 26 glaciers although that number is shrinking. The park is best known for its scenic 50-mile drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Wildlife viewing is abundant here; you can see moose, bear, bighorn sheep, elk, and the park’s official symbol, the mountain goat. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails where you can see 200 waterfalls and 700 lakes. The park’s 13 campgrounds are truly primitive with no access to sewer, water, or electric hookups.
Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872, is the world’s first national park. There are over 300 active geysers, including the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. Of the 67 mammal species that call this park home, two of them, the Canadian lynx and grizzly bear, are on the threatened species list. While active hikers come here to enjoy 900 miles of hiking trails, even the casual hiker can stroll the park's 15 miles of boardwalk. RVs are welcome at all 12 campgrounds inside the park, although some have size limitations.
Grand Teton National Park is home to eight mountain peaks that tower above 12,000 feet. The highest of these peaks, Grand Teton, is 13,770 above sea level. Wildlife here includes black bears, grizzlies, moose, antelope, and bison. RV camping is available at six campgrounds inside the park.
Just a 45-minute drive to the south, West Shore/Flathead Lake State Park is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating. There is a campground here with 24 RV sites in a mature forest overlooking Flathead Lake. A few of the sites have electrical hookups.
Salmon Lake State Park is the place to go fishing. You will find brook, brown, bull, and cutthroat, and rainbow trout here, as well as kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, white mountain whitefish, northern pike, and yellow perch. The campground here can accommodate RVs in 20 campsites with electrical hookups only.
Fishing, swimming, and boating are just some of the fun adventures waiting for you at Round Lake State Park. In the northern Idaho panhandle, this beautiful forested park surrounds a 58-acre lake. The campground offers 16 sites with water and electricity.
The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is 50 miles of the most beautiful scenery in the Rocky Mountains. Now listed as a National Historic Landmark, this scenic drive stretches from the east entrance of Glacier National Park to the west entrance. Vehicles traveling this narrow winding road cannot be over 21 feet long, or more than 8 feet wide, and must be under 10 feet tall.
The Great Northern Railway Buildings are one of the top landmarks in the area. These five building complexes are in Glacier National Park and the surrounding area. They were built in the style of a lovely Swiss chalet, to support tourism in the area. They are now listed as National Historic Landmarks.
Built on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake McDonald in 1913 sits one of Montana's top landmarks, the historic Lake McDonald Lodge. Stop by here for a meal and watch the famous vintage Red Bus Tours go by.
Rollins RV Park is a popular choice for RVers traveling in this area. The park’s full-hookup sites are in a forested campground along Flathead Lake. A top pick for families, Rocky Mountain Hi RV Park and Campground offers a large playground and frontier town for the kids. If you are looking for an RV Park with large sites, the Columbia Falls RV Park is a top choice that is right in the heart of Columbia Falls, with easy access to all that this mountain community has to offer.
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 Columbia Falls, MT 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 Columbia Falls, MT?
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 Columbia Falls, MT, 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 Columbia Falls, MT?
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 Columbia Falls, MT particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Columbia Falls, MT 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.
