If you travel to Maine, which is seven hours and 40 minutes northeast of Hudson Valley, you will discover Acadia National Park. Inside its perimeter, Cadillac Mountain towers above, reaching up to 1,530 feet. Visitors should anticipate varied terrain, including lakes, ocean shorelines, and forestry. Over 3.3 million people visit the nation's oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, the extensive carriage road network ushers many equine enthusiasts here. If you are an avid hiker, hit the 3.5-mile Gorham Mountain Loop, circling the granite hillsides.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is seven hours and 25 minutes west of Hudson Valley in Ohio. Despite its relatively short history, the park's claim to fame is its plentiful waterfalls. Walkers will encounter lush forests, rolling hills, and narrow ravines once they enter the park's boundaries. Overall, the area's trail network encompasses more than 125 miles of blazed paths.
In Virginia, six hours southwest of Hudson Valley, Shenandoah National Park consists of more than 200,000 acres of protected lands that are home to songbirds, bears, and deer. You can go hiking on the park’s 500+ trails, biking on Skyline Drive and all paved areas, and fish in the park’s 90+ mountain streams.
Macedonia Brook State Park, which is in Connecticut, an hour and 10 minutes southeast of Mid-Hudson Valley, encircles 2,302 acres of pristine wilderness, forestland, and hillsides. Travelers will be enticed by natural water features, mountains, and woodsy environments. Inside the park, the Blue Trail is renowned for its fall foliage thanks to the radiant trees. Fishers can toss a lure into the lake and see what nibbles while wandering around the park.
An hour northeast of Mid-Hudson Valley, Taconic State Park contains more than 14,400 contiguous acres, making it one of the north's largest unfragmented forests. The Nature Conservancy designated it as one of the "Last Great Places" in the country. Wintertime voyagers will love blazing through snow-packed trails and walking on top of fresh powder.
Lake Taghkanic State Park, 42 minutes northeast of Mid-Hudson Valley, covers 1,569 acres, and its namesake lake comprises 168 miles of that. Visitors can relax, unwind and refresh at either the east or west beach. However, the park's western beach is the current reigning champion in terms of popularity. During the colder months, ice skating and ice fishing are popular local pastimes.
History lovers will want to travel to Pollepel Island off Mid-Hudson Valley and visit the remains of Bannerman Castle. The castle was built by a Northern Ireland emigrant to store munitions for the Spanish-American War. Now, it is mostly in ruins with only portions of the exterior walls still standing.
You may also want to visit the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site in Lower Hudson Valley. It is the site of one of the last Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies. Here, you will find the Stony Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1826 and is the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River. There is also a museum that contains exhibits on the lighthouse and the battle along with reenactments, musket and cannon firings, children’s activities, and cooking and blacksmith demonstrations.
Albany is home to the New York State Capitol building. It sits on top of State Street Hill and has been the seat of the New York government since the 1880s. It took 32 years to complete as it was built by hand from solid masonry. Tours are available Monday through Friday, and they take visitors through the Governor’s Reception room, Hall of Governors, the legislative chambers, and the Hall of New York.
Vacationers can park their RVs at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds near Catskill. The park's 160-acre wooded expanse entertains newcomers and old-timers all the same. Doherty's Mountain View Campground, in the Catskill Mountains in Mid-Hudson Valley, only charges guests $40 per night. The hookups are limited to 30-amp models only, so make sure your RV is compatible before registering. Devil's Tombstone Campground, which is in the Catskill Forest Preserve, has daily rates as low as $16, but there are only 22 designated spots. Additionally, there aren’t any hookups, but it is adjacent to the ever-popular Devil's Path Trail.
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 Hudson Valley, NY 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 Hudson Valley, NY?
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 Hudson Valley, NY, 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 Hudson Valley, NY?
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 Hudson Valley, NY particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Hudson Valley, NY 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.