The Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park, located only an hour and a half north of Damascus, is one of the most scenic drives in the country. The park offers eight different campgrounds, including Big Meadows and Lewis Mountain. Five hundred miles of trails, consisting of 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, lead visitors to waterfalls, panoramic views, protected wilderness, and preserved human history in the Shenandoah valley. A park full of recreational opportunities for the entire family, Shenandoah is worth a repeat visit. New River Gorge National Park is located in the southwestern part of West Virginia, approximately 90 miles from Damascus, Maryland. The park offers visitors a chance to experience the New River Gorge, which runs through the gorge that gives the park its name. Tucked away in the mountains of West Virginia, the New River Gorge has largely been an underrated travel destination. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent.
Cunningham Falls State Park is a popular destination for campers in Damascus, Maryland. The park offers many activities, including fishing, hiking, and swimming. Patapsco Valley State Park is one of Maryland's most popular parks, covering over 6,900 acres. It has a variety of hiking trails, including the Billy Goat Trail and the 1.5-mile-long Grist Mill Trail, that lead to some of the park's most popular destinations. The park also has a large system of bridle trails that connect with several other state parks in the area. Gambrill State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park is located in the Catoctin Mountains range and has 500 acres. Patapsco Valley State Park is one of Maryland's most popular parks. It's well-known for its hiking trails but contains numerous other activities. This park has six campgrounds with more than 600 campsites available for rent. Pets are welcome here as long as they are leashed outside the campsites. You can also visit the nearby Hollofield Area; it is perfect for a family gathering or a quick picnic lunch.
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 Damascus, Maryland. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. The Monongahela National Forest is a great place to spend a night amidst nature. The best part is that dispersed camping is allowed in the park, and there is no fee for it. Remember that they do not offer facilities such as a bathroom, water, etc. Allegheny National Forest is well-known for its wildlife species. Here you will be able to see a white-tailed deer, black bear, grey fox, wild turkey, squirrel, chipmunk, red-backed salamander, wood frog, beaver, raccoon, ruffed grouse, and many more such animals. Finger Lakes National Forest has much to offer to its visitors, including outdoor activities, spotting different wildlife species, and seeing various beautiful waterfalls.
Steamtown National Historic Site is a railroad museum and heritage railroad located on 62.48 acres in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, at the site of the former Scranton yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad. Steamtown, U.S.A., was a steam locomotive museum that ran steam excursions out of North Walpole, New Hampshire, and Bellows Falls, Vermont, from the 1960s to 1983. Steamtown National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the history of steam engines in America. This site features a collection of historic steam engines and information on the people who used them. Millionaire seafood industrialist F. Nelson Blount founded the museum. The only National Park solely dedicated to the history of steam railroading and the people who made it happen. Steamtown NHS showcases steam locomotives, restored cabooses, freight cars, and passenger coaches dating from the early 20th century. The 52-acre site boasts an active Locomotive Repair Shop and Roundhouse with an operational turntable and a museum complex that includes a Visitor Center, History and Technology museums, and a 250-seat HD Surround-Sound theater.
The campgrounds listed here offer RV and tent camping. Some of the best campgrounds in the area include Little Bennett Campground, Ramblin Pines, Ramblin Pines and Ramblin’ Pines Campground. For a quieter setting, you may prefer to rent a cabin or yurt from Ramblin' Pines Campground. Many of these campgrounds offer spacious RV sites with electric hookups. Some campgrounds even have free Wi-Fi!
There are various dump stations in Damascus, but there are several more in the surrounding area. You can find dump stations at Little Bennett Regional Campground, Ramblin Pines Campground, Lake Fairfax Park - Campgrounds and Gambrill State Park. See RVshare's guide to RV dump stations in Damascus, Maryland, 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 Damascus, MD 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 Damascus, MD?
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 Damascus, MD, 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 Damascus, MD?
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 Damascus, MD particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Damascus, MD 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.
