Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park, is just 140 miles east of Eugene via Hwy. 58. The lake has no inlet and is only fed by rain and snow. It is the deepest lake in the U.S. and is known for its stunning beauty and intensely blue water. You can hike down a fairly steep trail to take a boat tour on the water. No pets, swimming, or personal watercraft are allowed. The area around the lake offers 90 miles of hiking trails. In the winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular.
For lush temperate rainforests, head about 200 miles south to Redwood National Park. This site is co-managed with the California state park system. The primeval forest offers cool temperatures year-round. Majestic redwoods tower over giant ferns. The park is home to Roosevelt Elk, bears, and bald eagles. It hosts numerous campgrounds and 200 miles of hiking trails open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
Mount Rainier National Park is 250 miles north of Eugene. This peak can be seen from hundreds of miles around. You'll find old-growth forests closer to the base of this volcano and glaciers near the top. You can walk along the Pacific Crest Trail or hike one of the many other trails in this park.
If waterfalls are your thing, Silver Falls State Park is a must-see. It's 77 miles north of Eugene and features hiking trails that take you to 10 waterfalls. You can walk behind four of these falls, but the jewel is the 177-foot South Falls.
For sand, salty air, and miles of coastline, head about 100 miles northwest of Eugene to Beverly Beach State Park, which is about 10 miles north of the town of Newport. Beachcombing and exploring tidepools are popular activities. You can also hike through the coastal forest. Wildlife viewing is focused mainly on sea creatures. This is a great spot for whale watching from June until mid-November. Beverly Beach State Park is just 8 miles from the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Another option for beach camping in your RV rental is South Beach State Park. It's less than 100 miles northwest of Eugene, just south of Newport. This is a popular place for beachcombing and riding horses beside the Pacific Ocean. You'll also find hiking trails, including the paved Jetty Trail. This is a great launching-off place for fishing and crabbing. The hardy thrill-seekers can don a wetsuit and surf.
The national forests surrounding Eugene are a perfect place for RV camping. To the east is the Willamette National Forest. The closest entrance is by the Middle Fork Ranger Station, about 40 miles from Eugene. Many of the campgrounds can accommodate small to medium-sized RVs, but they don't have hookups. You'll want to check with the ranger station to be sure a specific campground can handle your setup. The Willamette Forest is an excellent choice for both day-trippers and RV campers, and everything in between. It offers several scenic byways as well as hiking trails. The lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing, rafting, boating, and swimming.
Siuslaw National Forest stretches along the Oregon coast from Reedsport to Newport. You can get there by driving west from Eugene along OR-126, about 40 miles. Dozens of campgrounds in this national forest are paved and allow RVs, but they don't have any full hookups. Some offer electric hookups, and the length of RV allowed varies by campground. This park offers over 100 hiking trails. Many are short, from one to seven miles, but you'll find plenty of longer ones for the more hale and hardy.
The Umpqua National Forest stretches south and east from Eugene and includes the Crater Lake area. The campgrounds in this national forest welcome RVs of many sizes but do not have any hookups. Not all sites have turnarounds, and you'll want to check with the ranger station to be sure your trailer or RV will fit in a particular spot. The Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway is a popular route for taking in the beauty of this natural area. You can hike, bike, fish, or simply enjoy the quiet. Whitehorse Falls is an easy 0.1-mile walk from the parking lot and is a great spot for picnics.
While there are no national sites close to Eugene, there are some must-see spots in the region. The Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is an almost straight shot down I-5 about 188 miles from Eugene. While this is mostly easy driving, you can't drive trailers and larger RVs to the site. You can park your RV rental for free at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center in Cave Junction and take a personal vehicle to the caves, about 20 miles away. The highlight here is the cave tours, which dive deep into the earth where sunlight can't penetrate. The tour is physically demanding, and children under 42 inches tall may not go on the tour.
For history buffs, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Site is worth the drive. It's about 195 miles north of Eugene. The park encompasses several sites along the Colombia River and the coast. A highlight is the replica of Fort Clatsop with seasonal living history exhibits. The park has many hiking trails, and youth can participate in the Junior Ranger program. There is no camping inside the park, but you'll find plenty of RV camping locations nearby.
The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is 130 miles north of Eugene on the Oregon-Washington border. This site includes the Vancouver Barracks, which housed the Buffalo Soldiers. You'll find Black history exhibits at various spots in this national park. You will have to drive through Portland, and I-5 can get extremely congested during the weekday commute hours.
One of the closest RV campgrounds is at Armitage County Park, which is just 5 miles from downtown Eugene. This 57-acre park is situated on the McKenzie River. The campground has a nature trail, a tree-lined river path, a boat launch, and two off-leash dog parks. It features 37 RV spots with full hookups.
If you want all the amenities an RV campground can offer, go to Premier RV Resorts of Eugene, Oregon. It's just 13 miles to the north of Eugene. It is big-rig friendly and has long pull-through sites. Amenities include concierge service, a heated pool and spa, a gift shop, satellite TV, and a book and DVD library. It's also close to champion golf courses.
Pine Meadows Campground is 20 miles south of Eugene, on Cottage Grove Lake. It has 92 standard campsites. You can fish, swim, and boat here. Amenities include campfire programs, a pet area, a playground, and a dump station.
If you're staying at the Premier RV Resorts of Eugene, Oregon, the easiest thing is to take advantage of their on-site dump station. Pine Meadows Campground also has a dump station. If you're staying elsewhere, the Wastewater Treatment Plant in north Eugene has a free dump station and is available 24 hours a day.
Whether you're a solo wanderer or traveling in a pack, you can find an RV rental at RVshare to meet your needs. You can find camper vans, also known as Class B motorhomes, that can accommodate up to four people. These drive similarly to a car and are perfect for windy roads and other locations that full-size RVs dare not go. If you need or want a little more room, a Class C motorhome might fit the bill. Many of these can sleep six people and are able to tow a small vehicle. The largest RV is the Class A motorhome. These can be difficult to maneuver, so you may only want to choose this if your destination is relatively easy to reach.
If you have a truck or SUV that can pull a rig, you can rent fifth-wheels or travel trailers. You can set these up in a campground and drive your personal vehicle to whatever adventure you wish to take. For the budget-minded, you'll find a number of affordable RV rentals in or near Eugene.
Eugene is the perfect springboard for an outdoor adventure in Oregon, and an RV lets you immerse yourself in the natural beauty this state offers. You can be just steps away from the beach, mountain trails, or Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Eugene, OR?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Eugene, OR, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Eugene, OR?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.
