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 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 Erie, CO 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 Erie, CO?
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 Erie, CO, 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 Erie, CO?
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 Erie, CO particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Erie, CO 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.
