Fairfax encompasses a significant portion of Fairfax County and includes the Historic City of Fairfax. This independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia gets its name from Thomas Fairfax, the 6th Lord of Fairfax of Cameron. Fairfax is steeped in history, with its roots going back to the founding of the United States. Residents and visitors love the walkable downtown district, which is the ideal location to truly immerse yourself in the history and culture of this city. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Fairfax. Most people visit the historic buildings and neighborhoods to learn about Fairfax's storied past.
The Fairfax County Courthouse is the oldest building in the city. Looking at the structure's design, you might notice a few similarities to other courthouses in the commonwealth. This courthouse was a prototype for many similar buildings built between 1800 and 1850. The first public meeting in the building took place in 1800. During the Civil War, this courthouse was the headquarters of the Union Army. The Fairfax County Courthouse is still used as a Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court.
Another historic building to check out during your visit is Fairfax Elementary School. It is the oldest two-story building in the city. Throughout the years, this building was used for adult and special education classes. At one time, it was even a training center for police recruits. Visitors can tour the structure as it has reopened as the home of the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.
Finally, a stop to the city would not be complete without visiting Fairfax City Hall. Joseph Edward Willard commissioned the building to be built in 1900 as a gift to the residents. Since that time, it has become the social center of the city. This building is in the classical revival style and still contains most of the original woodwork. The Huddleston Library now calls the building home, along with the Fairfax Art League. The Fairfax City Hall is also a popular spot to rent for weddings, meetings, and other special events.
The Greenville Farms Campground is situated on a 200-acre farm. RVers and campers are invited to see the working farm's daily operations and animal life. There is plenty of room for campers to relax. The four ponds are stocked with channel cats, bass, and bluegill. This RV campsite offers plenty of amenities, including hot showers, bathhouses, laundry facilities, picnic tables, swimming pools, and a playground.
Prince William Forest RV Campground is an RV park providing RVers with full hookups. This campsite has close proximity to Washington, D.C. It features 29 full hookups, 43 water and electric hookups, and four fully electric sites. This campground also has laundry facilities, a pool, and pull-through campsites. There are even senior discounts for campers.
The campground at Bull Run Regional Park offers a variety of pull-in sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and grills. There are a few options for RV sites. You can choose a tent, an electric-only, or a full-service hookup site. Bull Run Regional Park campsites also provide access to the Old Dominion Trail.
The Smallwood State Park is a unique place near Marbury, Maryland. This 628-acre park was named after General William Smallwood, an officer in the Revolutionary War. The state park has boat launching ramps, a marina, nature trails, and a camping area. You can even tour the restored plantation house. For history fans, this is a can't-miss stop. The park holds military exhibitions, reenactments, and other special events throughout the year.
For a break from the busy Washington, D.C. metro area, you may want to head to Gambrill State Park. This park is located outside of Frederick, Maryland, and it is the ideal place to enjoy the beauty of nature. When the leaves start to change colors, it is a popular time for the park. During this time, the hills become alive with blazing shades of reds, yellows, and oranges. While the park can become a little busy during that time, there is plenty of space to enjoy a bit of solitude.
Patapsco Valley State Park was the first state park established in Maryland. At one time, the park was home to many factories and mills. The world's first submerged hydroelectric plant and the first freight railroad in the country were also located in this park. This state park has eight recreational areas, many of which include cascading waterfalls, babbling brooks, and verdant forests. As you can imagine, this is an ideal location to view the changing autumn colors. Many visitors come to admire the scenery by traveling down the 200 miles of trails. Also, the Patapsco River makes the perfect place to canoe, swim, or fish.
Virginia has many hiking and walking trails, including those in the development stages. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail will be 710 miles once it is completed. Eventually, the trail will travel through Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. While it has yet to be officially finished, you can hike or bike through the existing trail systems connecting these states. The trail contains several sections you can tour together or as a separate adventure.
Take time to visit the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland. Established in 1974, this historic site honors Clara Barton, who was well-known for her humanitarian work and founding of the American Red Cross. This national historic site includes her home and a former headquarters of the Red Cross. It is the first national historic site dedicated to the accomplishments of a woman and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The Arlington House and Robert E. Lee Memorial should be on your list of places to see, especially if you love history. While Lee was a Confederate General, the nation honors him for his role in promoting peace and reunion after the Civil War. When the states went to war, Lee stated he could not take arms against his home of Virginia and joined the Confederate side. This historic home and memorial examine some of the most difficult parts of American history, including a look at slavery in the states.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests cover over 1.8 million acres of the Appalachian Mountains. These two forests have operated as a single unit since the 1990s. You can enjoy plenty of natural beauty, including the dense pine and hardwood forests. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are home to 100 species of fish, 2,000 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and over 60 mammals. If you want to get a closer look, make sure to hike along the trail system.
Another national forest in the Appalachian Mountains is the Allegheny National Forest. This area is the only space in Pennsylvania designated as a national forest. There are several plateaus in the forest, reaching 2,300 feet above sea level. As you may have guessed, many recreational activities exist, including the opportunity to explore hundreds of miles of trails. If you like water sports, the Kinzua Reservoir and Allegheny River are ideal locations to canoe, kayak, or fish. For those winter sports enthusiasts, the forest does have a place to snowmobile or cross-country ski during the colder months.
The Monongahela National Forest is located across 10 counties in the highlands of West Virginia. If you want to see a diverse landscape, this national park is a place to visit. This national forest is home to eight endangered plant and animal species. Along with that, it has a vast network of trail systems and multi-use roads. Some popular recreational activities in the park include hiking, fishing, and hunting.
If you want to enjoy stunning mountain views, take a drive to the Shenandoah National Park. This national park offers some gorgeous views of Virginia. It covers around 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the home to many types of plants and wildlife. You will want to get out and hit the trails to see the waterfalls, mountain peaks, and dense forests. There are parts of the Appalachian Trail that wind throughout this national park. For those who want to stay in the vehicle, Skyline Drive is a scenic route that travels over 100 miles between the mountain crests. In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy other outdoor recreational opportunities, such as fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. There are also several ranger-led programs held throughout the year.
Some people have described the New River Gorge National Park as the Grand Canyon of the East. This gorge was carved out millions of years ago by the powerful flowing water of the New River. This whitewater river is considered one of the oldest in North America. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land, making it an excellent place to appreciate the natural history of West Virginia. Many visitors head to the national park to view the carved-out river canyon, stunning Appalachian greenery, and rolling hills. Today, this park is a great spot to enjoy a wide range of activities, including boating, hiking, biking, and boating.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over 500,000 acres, and it is considered the largest protected area in the eastern part of the United States. Visitors come to this park to view the diverse animal and plant life by driving or hiking through the area. You will see plenty of rushing streams, mature hardwood forests, and stunning mountain peaks. There are plenty of activities to enjoy during your visit, including bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Fairfax, VA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Fairfax, VA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Fairfax, VA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.