Elk River is a short 32 miles from Voyageurs National Park. This park is a transitional area between land and aquatic ecosystems. You can find cliffs, wetlands, exposed rock ridges, lakes, streams, and forests in this park. At certain times throughout the year, you have an amazing front-row seat to the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis in this park. You can also enjoy guided tours, camping, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
A 150-mile drive and a ferry ride will get you to Isle Royale National Park. Visitors come to this rugged, isolated island park to escape. Encompassing over 400 separate islands, the park's largest island is 50 miles long and nine miles wide and sits in Lake Superior. While visiting, you can go hiking, backpacking, boating, paddling, and diving.
Driving 473 miles will take you to Indiana Dunes National Park. This national park fully surrounds the smaller Indiana Dunes State Park. While the park's environment, history, and ecology make it a special area, visitors come to experience clear, blue water, warm sand, and miles of hiking trails. While in the park, you can also enjoy swimming, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, and paddling.
Interstate State Park is located near Taylor Falls, Minnesota. It is known for being home to the world's deepest explored pothole. The Glacial Potholes area has a wide variety of potholes of all sizes.
Home to both the Willow River Gorge and Willow Falls, Willow River State Park is packed with gorgeous views. It also offers a large system of hiking trails, beautiful campgrounds, a lakeside picnic area, and a helpful nature center.
The best part of the Gooseberry Falls State Park near Two Harbors, Minnesota in Lake County is the scenic waterfalls and river gorge. However, the Lake Superior shoreline and Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures are also worth seeing.
One of Minnesota's top landmarks is the Kathio Site at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. At this site, you can find 19 identified archaeological sites, some of which are nearly 5,000 years old.
Another excellent landmark is the Mill City Museum in nearby Minneapolis, Minnesota. This National Historic Landmark allows visitors to experience the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is also a top landmark in Minnesota. This 11-acre park is a free outdoor exhibit with over 40 pieces of sculptural art to explore.
Minneapolis Southwest KOA is one of the top RV and campgrounds near Elk River. This RV campsite has excellent amenities, including a fantastic playground and a heated indoor pool.
Another great RV park is the Dakota County Fairgrounds in nearby Farmington, Minnesota. They offer level drive-thru sites with grass, electricity, and water.
Besides having showers and cell phone reception, Baker Campground in Maple Plain has a beautiful play area, hiking trails, sandy beaches, and much more. Choose from more than 200 sites.
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 Elk River, MN 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 Elk River, MN?
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 Elk River, MN, 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 Elk River, MN?
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 Elk River, MN particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Elk River, MN 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.
