Rocky Mountain National Park is near Erie, sitting just over 44 miles to the northwest of here. The dominating feature here is Longs Peak, one of the state's fourteeners that reaches 14,259 feet at its summit. The weather here can change quickly, so dress in layers, as it is not unheard of to see snow showers in June. Rocky Mountain National Park covers 265,461 acres of terrain, providing 300 miles of hiking trails of various ratings that will challenge any skill level. You can also explore the park in an RV by driving Trail Ridge Road as you enjoy the scenery and stop for photos at one of the overlooks. Driving south to central Colorado places you at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, providing access to over 100,000 acres of terrain that includes alpine lakes, forests of conifers, grasslands, tundra, and the tallest dunes in North America. The tallest dunes here reach 750 feet, and you can make your way down many of them using a sandboard or a sled. The park is wide open for exploration on foot, and you can find trails to walk in the surrounding preserve area. Nearby towns with amenities include Blanca, Gardner, Silver Cliff, and Westcliffe. You can take I-70 in Denver and travel west to reach the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 273 miles by road. Here you will see some of North America's oldest exposed rock, highlighted by the deep Black Canyon created by millennia of erosion by the Gunnison River. The 12-mile stretch of the canyon here offers climbing and hiking opportunities above the water and angling and kayaking adventures on the river. Drive your motorhome along Rim Drive to see the park from various overlooks before parking at one of two developed sites within the park. North Rim Campground can accommodate RVs up to 22 feet but lacks hookups. The South Rim Campground has electricity.
Boyd Lake State Park is the nearest facility, located 34 miles north of town, outside Loveland, Colorado. With 2,000 acres to explore, visitors can camp, bird watch, and hike. The top draw here is Boyd Reservoir, providing access to water activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. There are 140 RV sites with paved pads at this location. They have varied amenities, including electrical hookups. When you are not on the water trying for the trout or elusive tiger muskie, see if you can spot the bobcats, black bears, coyotes, deer, elk, mountain lions, or other small mammals that visit the area. Another location that is almost as close as Boyd Lake is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 35 miles southwest of town by road. You can orient yourself and learn about the park at the visitor center before exploring the 12,000 acres the park offers. There are over 100 campsites and picnic areas to use, and the park boasts 36 miles of hiking trails, 22 of those are multi-use and shared with bikes and horses. If you are adventurous, you can get some breathtaking rock climbing in, but you need to backcountry hike to the best locations. Wildlife is abundant here, providing chances to see Albert's squirrels, black bears, deer, elk, moose, and mountain lions. Anglers will explore the park's streams, and fishing is allowed at Dude's Fishing Hole, Forgotten Valley, Kriley, and the Ranch Ponds. Nearby Cherry Creek State Park is south of Erie, on the southern edge of the Denver Metro area. It is home to the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, a body of water used for angling, boating, and other water activities. Your four-legged travel companions will enjoy the 107-acre off-leash dog area, and everyone can enjoy the 35 miles of trails. The park has RV-friendly campsites with 20, 30, and 50-amp power hookups, with a dump station that only closes during the winter.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a nearby attraction south of Erie, offering you a chance to experience the pre-history of the state. There are impression fossils of 1,700 animals and plants on display, including 14-foot-wide sequoia trees. You can also meander the 1.1-mile Petrified Loop Trail and visit the ancient Lake Florissant. Head north into Nebraska, and you can check out Scotts Bluff National Monument, a 3,000-acre location showcasing 800-foot bluffs overlooking the North Platte River. A visitor center lets you explore the area's importance as a navigation landmark, and you can visit the top of the bluffs in your Erie, CO RV rental using Summit Road. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site sits south and east of town, near La Junta, CO. This recreation of the original Pueblo-style fort offers a short documentary and a self-guided tour of this trading outpost used by Native Americans, buffalo hunters, and soldiers until 1849. A 1.7-mile trail rated as easy explores the banks of the nearby Arkansas River.
Prospect RV Park is one of RVshare's Top Picks for campgrounds in nearby Wheat Ridge. It offers 70 back-in or pull-through sites providing full RV hookups, 30-amp power, laundry facilities, and showers for anything from a camper van to a Class A rig. One of the best locations for RV camping is Clear Creek RV Park in nearby Golden. It sits along Clear Creek, offering 30 sites with 30 or 50-amp power, cell reception, and shower facilities, all near Golden's historic downtown area. A popular facility within nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. The pet-friendly facility has several activities for kids, with jaw-dropping panoramic views at sites with full hookups and access to showers and hot tubs.
How does RVshare classify an affordable RV rental?
RVshare defines an affordable RV rental as any rental that is priced between $100-$250 per night. These rentals are perfect for travelers looking for an affordable way to see the country.
Can I rent an affordable RV in Erie, CO that still offers the amenities and features I desire for my trips, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or air conditioning?
Yes! RVshare has a wide variety of affordable RV rentals available in cities across the United States. These rentals often come equipped with amenities like a full kitchen, bathroom, and air conditioning, providing travelers with all the comforts of home while on the road.
Are there any additional fees or charges for renting an affordable RV in Erie, CO, such as cleaning or mileage fees?
The owner of the RV determines any additional fees or charges associated with the rental, such as cleaning or mileage fees. Any fees or charges will be clearly stated in the RV listing description on the RVshare website.
How do I properly maintain and care for an affordable RV rental during my trip, and are there any special considerations I should be aware of?
It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the RV’s owner for proper care of the rental during the trip. This includes keeping the RV clean and free of damage, and using the appropriate cleaning products for the materials in the RV. The RV owner is responsible for the regular maintenance of the RV.
Can I rent an affordable RV in Erie, CO for an extended period, and are any discounts or promotions available for longer rentals?
Yes! Many RV owners on RVshare offer affordable rental options for extended periods of time. Though RVshare does not offer discounts, owners may offer discounted rentals for extended time periods.
What fuel efficiency can I expect from an affordable RV rental, and how can I minimize fuel costs during my trip?
RVs are not known for their fuel efficiency, but renters can take steps to minimize fuel costs during their trip. This includes avoiding speeding and rapid acceleration, maintaining a consistent speed, and avoiding excessive idling. Also remember that the larger and heavier the vehicle, the lower the fuel efficiency.
Do I bring my bedding and linens to use in an affordable RV rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
The RV owner determines what is included with the rental, such as bedding and linens. Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information. Many RVs have storage options for personal items, including bedding and linens.
How do I properly level and stabilize my RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Leveling and stabilizing an RV rental is important for both safety and comfort. RV owners typically provide leveling blocks and stabilizing jacks to renters, along with instructions for proper use.
Do I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for an affordable RV rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information on what is included with the rental, such as entertainment equipment or appliances. Some RVs come equipped with a portable grill or music player, while others do not.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform in the RV during my rental period?
Renters are responsible for keeping the RV clean and free of damage during the rental period. Any other maintenance or upkeep is the responsibility of the RV’s owner. Renters should follow the guidelines provided by the owner for proper care and maintenance of the rental during the trip.
