While there are no national parks in Connecticut, interstates make it a convenient drive up the Atlantic seacoast to visit Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine. This park is home to the highest point along the Atlantic Ocean, and there are over 45 miles of carriage roads to explore, along with 16 stone bridges that make for amazing photo opportunities.
Taking the Park Loop Road allows you to visit Sieur de Monts, where you will want to explore the nature center, see the native plant gardens, and go hiking. Then, continue down the road until you come to Sand Beach on the east side of Mount Desert Island. You will want to grab your camera to photograph the stunning landscape at this beach where the rocky shoreline meets the mountains. As you continue forward, you will come to Otter Point, one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands north of Brazil.
In addition to the shoreline, you will want to explore Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast that is accessible by car. While you need to stay on the designated paths, you will want to see the rare plants at this location.
When you rent an RV, you also have the flexibility to visit the places that interest you the most. You'll want to be sure to check out some of the unique Connecticut landmarks:
The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford is where Mark Twain spent most of his adult life, and where he wrote "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and "The Prince and the Pauper," among others.
Dinosaur State Park near Rocky Hill is where over 2,000 dinosaur footprints were discovered accidentally, and you can see many native plants, including over 250 conifer tree species.
Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic is the largest maritime museum in the U.S., where you can wander through over 60 historic buildings and see vessels from throughout the 19th century.
Mystic Aquarium in Mystic is the only U.S. aquarium with a beluga whale and one of two that has Steller sea lions.
Gillette Castle State Park, partially in East Haddam and partially in Lyme, was the castle home of William Gillette, who is best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage. The state owns the Victorian and Greek Revival mansion, and it is open for tours.
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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut?
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 Connecticut particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Connecticut 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.