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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Hudson Valley, NY without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Hudson Valley, NY?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Hudson Valley, NY?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Hudson Valley, NY, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Hudson Valley, NY?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.