One of the most unique national parks in the country, Mesa Verde National Park, lies about an hour and a half southwest of Telluride. You'll find ancient cliff dwellings, rock carvings, and archaeological sites. Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archaeological heritage of the Ancestral Puebloan people who called it home for over 700 years from 600 to 1300 CE. The sites left behind are some of the most notable and best-preserved in the United States. Grand Canyon National Park, in Northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rim. South Rim is open. Petrified Forest National Park is situated on the southern part of the Colorado Plateau.
Clayton Lake State Park is a stunning park that offers camping and fishing. Located on Clayton Lake, the park provides opportunities for water sports, boating, and swimming. The New Mexico State Park system encompasses a wide range of natural environments. Many parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is also located in New Mexico. This park preserves the remains of an early Puebloan culture that existed from the 8th to 12th centuries. The developed campground at Lyman Lake State Park has several campsites. The campgrounds have restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings available. Some sites also have electrical hookups. Pets are welcome at this park, but they must be leashed while outside of the campsite or vehicle. RVs are welcome in the park, but water is not available for filling up tanks within the campground area. Reservations are required for all campsites.
The Apache-Sitgreaves, Gila, San Juan, and Santa Fe National Forests are all located near Gallup, New Mexico. These forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has over two million acres filled with incredible experiences and natural wonders open to everyone! Visit dark sky parks, canyon catwalks, cave dwellings, and majestic mountain scenery while you plan your visit to Gila National Forest and experience the adventure you've been missing! San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses, and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores, and Pagosa Springs. The Santa Fe National Forest is 1.6 million acres of mountains, valleys, and mesas ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 feet in elevation. Visitors don’t have to travel far to find forested mountains slopes, colorful volcanic formations, deep river gorges and primitive wilderness. Thousands of cultural and archaeological sites reflect the Santa Fe National Forest's rich historical heritage and the many cultures that value this landscape.
El Morro National Monument is a wonderful monument to visit near Gallup, New Mexico. This site features a well-preserved cliff dwelling that is thought to have been built by the Ancient Pueblo people. It also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A national park in New Mexico, El Morro National Monument is a fascinating mixture of both human and natural history. Rising 200 feet above the valley floor, this massive sandstone bluff was a welcome landmark for weary travelers. The El Malpais National Monument also makes for an excellent trip. This monument commemorates the volcanic terrain in this part of New Mexico, as well as some important sites related to Native American history. The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore incredible geologic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, lava tube caves, and sandstone bluffs. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations. Come discover the land of fire and ice!
The Gallup area in New Mexico offers several options when looking for RV parks and campgrounds. A few include the USA RV Park, Mujeres Valley Campground, the Working Man’s RV Park, and Homestead RV Park. Make sure you know what amenities you want before making your selection. Some of these parks offer Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a laundry facility.
There are several dump stations near Gallup, New Mexico, and nearby cities. The most popular dump stations include RoadRunner Fuels, Giant Gas Station, Echo Basin Ranch, and Durango KOA Campground. See the RVshare guide to RV dump stations in Gallup, New Mexico for dump station addresses and details.
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 Gallup, NM 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 Gallup, NM?
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 Gallup, NM, 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 Gallup, NM?
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 Gallup, NM particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Gallup, NM 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.
