Joshua Tree National Park spans over 1,200 miles of southern California and is named for the twisted, alien-looking plants that thrive there. Since the vast majority of the park is undeveloped, it offers true off-the-grid explorers an authentic wilderness experience. It is important for visitors to remember that you can legitimately get lost in Joshua Tree National Park.
Channel Islands National Park is just off the coast of one of the most densely-populated parts of America and covers five of the area's eight channel islands, spanning just under 250,000 acres. Some of the islands show signs of human habitation from as far back as 37,000 years ago.
Death Valley National Park straddles the California-Nevada border. Death Valley is one of the hottest, driest, and least hospitable places on Earth. In July of 1913, the park's Furnace Creek saw the world record high temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park's famous Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area is a true oasis in the desert. This park first opened in 1907 and is a huge favorite among kayakers. The high salinity of the water is the reason it is called a sea and not a lake, and the basin it is located in is one of the lowest points on Earth.
From 1864 to 1883, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot provided a lifeline of supplies to all of the military posts in the Southwest. Here, on the high ground above the Colorado River, the U.S. Army's warehouses held a six-month supply of clothing, food, ammunition, and other goods for forts in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas.
Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River and just a short distance from the Quartermaster's Depot, the notorious Yuma Territorial Prison is a must-see for history buffs. Built in 1876, Yuma Territorial Prison State Park remained in operation for over 33 years before the inmates were moved to a new facility in Florence, Arizona.
Located on the outer tip of the peninsula facing San Diego, The Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. The heroic statue of Cabrillo looking out over the bay was executed by sculptor Alvaro de Bree for the Portuguese Government in 1939, who then donated it to the United States. The sandstone monument is 14 feet tall and weighs 14,000 pounds.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, located in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, commemorates the early days of the city of San Diego and includes many historic buildings from the period between 1820 to 1870.
Palm Lane RV Park: Located just north of Imperial in the small town of Brawley, this RV park is just a short distance away from the Salton Sea. Palm Lane RV Park is mostly a home for full-time residents, which makes it a great place to stay if you'll be in the area for a while, but short-term guests are always welcome.
Desert Trails RV Park: Located just south of Imperial in El Centro, this park is directly off Interstate 8 and located right across the street from an In-N-Out Burger. As one of the biggest RV parks in Imperial County, it is loaded with amenities, including a nine-hole golf course on site.
Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort: Located to the west of El Centro near the town of Seeley, the Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort is filled with lush grass and features a nine-hole golf course that surrounds a manmade lake. Predominantly catering to seniors, organized activities are scheduled every day, and musicians frequently play at the park.
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 Imperial, CA 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 Imperial, CA?
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 Imperial, CA, 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 Imperial, CA?
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 Imperial, CA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Imperial, CA 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.
