Located about two and a half hours from Fort Smith, Hot Springs National Park is Arkansas’s only national park. The park offers beautiful sights, nearby camping, and many options for wildlife viewing and hiking. Most visitors come to bathe in the many natural hot springs for which the park is named.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina is about 10 and a half hours from Fort Smith. This incredible park covers 500,000 acres, and it’s home to a diverse collection of plants and animals. Nature enthusiasts can view wildflowers, hike through meadows and forests, or spot wildlife such as bears, deer, birds, chipmunks, groundhogs, and bats. There are also many opportunities for rafting, paddling, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and camping.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is about 11 hours and 15 minutes from Fort Smith. The park is worth the drive, however, thanks to its stunning scenery and wide range of recreational activity options. Many people come to the park to scale Guadalupe Mountain, Texas’s highest peak, but there are also opportunities for more gentle hiking, photography, rock climbing, camping, and paddling.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is only about 40 minutes from Fort Smith itself. The park surrounds Lake Fort Smith, which is about 1,400 acres in size. Visitors to the park can camp, hike, boat, or fish. Swimming isn’t allowed in the lake, but there is a large swimming pool so visitors can cool off during the warm summer months.
Tenkiller State Park in Oklahoma is less than an hour’s drive from Fort Smith. The park spans 1,190 acres along Tenkiller Ferry Lake. Many people enjoy visiting the area during the spring and fall when the wildflower and foliage colors are at their peaks. Visitors can enjoy boating, tubing, and hiking throughout the warmer seasons, however, and there are many nearby camping options.
Located about an hour and 20 minutes from Fort Smith, Queen Wilhelmina State Park covers about 460 acres. This beautiful park is a wonderful place to spot wildlife or enjoy the area’s dramatic landscapes. Visitors can also stop at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge to relax or learn more about the history of the area.
One of the most amazing landmarks in Arkansas is the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a haven for abandoned and abused big cats, and it’s home to more than 100 animals on 450 acres. Visitors can see lions, tigers, and other animals while learning about wildlife conservation.
Christ of the Ozarks is another stunning monument in Arkansas. This 65-foot-tall statue was erected in the 1960s and is part of an outdoor drama performed seasonally in a 4,100-seat nearby amphitheater.
Mount Magazine is the tallest peak in Arkansas, and this incredible landmark is located inside Mount Magazine State Park. Visitors can enjoy the area’s stunning views, hike, or have a picnic on the mountain’s flat top.
The William O. Darby RV Community is a great option for RV camping. This community has 38 sites and offers daily rates starting at only $20. Full hookups are available, and there are showers, a laundry area, and picnic tables. Another option is the pet-friendly Park Ridge RV Campground, which offers full hookups, showers, and a dump station. Cloud Nine RV Park has 45 sites with either partial or full hookups. The sites are pull-through, and daily rates start at $33 for two people. There is also an exercise room and a laundry area.
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 Fort Smith, AR 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 Fort Smith, AR?
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 Fort Smith, AR, 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 Fort Smith, AR?
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 Fort Smith, AR particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Fort Smith, AR 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.
