Hot Springs National Park is about 320 miles south of Independence. This park opened in 1832 to protect the 47 thermal hot springs from Hot Springs Mountain. Bathhouse Row is a fantastic place to start exploring this park. Workers constructed it between 1892 and 1935 because of the popularity of bathing in mineral-rich waters. You can bathe, see the artwork, get a drink, and visit the museum when you explore these buildings. You will also want to head to Arlington Lawn to see the hot water cascade and the Stonebridge Area to see historical artifacts from the Fordyce-Ricks estate. Still, one view you will not want to miss is the view from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, where you can see over 140 square miles on a bright day. This park's Gulpha Gorge Campground is a terrific place to camp in a toy hauler and a popup camper because you are on all three of the park's largest hiking trails, giving you easy access to the park's many miles of interconnecting hiking trails.
Consider renting a motorhome and heading to Cross Timbers State Park, located in the Chautauqua Hills region. Once home to Osage Native Americans, you will love exploring the multi-use trails at this rugged park. Many of the courses continue into the adjacent Toronto Wildlife Area, where you may see deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits and raccoons in the forested flood plains. Be sure to follow the Ancient Trees of the Cross Timbers Trail, starting near the park's main entrance, to see some of the oldest trees in Kansas. Toronto Reservoir is a terrific place for a day of fishing and water fun. There's plenty of parking for your Independence, Kansas RV rental. Covering over 1,000 acres, Osage Hills State Park offers lush forests, rocky bluffs and serene waters, making it a terrific place for campers to explore. While the water in Lookout Lake and Sand Creek makes this a fun summer camping location, you will love visiting this Oklahoma state park in the fall when the leaves are putting on their glorious colors. Consider packing your bike in your toy hauler to enjoy them at a slower pace. Beautiful restrooms with showers in the campground make it a good place for camper van campers. Oklahoma's Honey Creek State Park is part of Grand Lake State Park. Anglers love catching bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie in Grand Lake, whether they use the Honey Creek boat ramp or fish from the shoreline. This area is terrific for a summer picnic as breezes off the lake will help you stay cooler. Visit this park in October during the Pelican Festival to ride the carnival rides, visit with artisans and eat food-truck treats.
Follow in the footsteps of the Peanut Man by visiting George Washington Carver National Monument. See where he raised his first garden that sparked his interest in agriculture as a child. The park-like setting of this monument is home to various festivals throughout the year, including storytelling, music, art and pioneer activities. Covering almost 11,000 acres in Kansas' Flint Hills, the Tallgrass National Preserve is one of the few remaining tallgrass prairies. Hike along old gravel ranch roads and mowed paths to see the growing grass that reaches its maximum height in the fall, when it grows up to 5 feet tall in the bottomland. See the three-story limestone barn built into a hillside while exploring historic Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch. This preserve's Fox Creek and small ponds are terrific places for catch-and-release fishing. Spot bison while biking along the 12-mile bike path at the preserve's north end or hiking along the Scenic Overlook Trail through the Windmill Pasture. Learn about the courage exhibited by common people by visiting the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. Strolling through the Topeka school, where the Topeka School Board denied Linda Brown entry to kindergarten, led to the filing of this case that eventually made it to the Supreme Court and the desegregation of schools. Play on the historic playground, as students did in the early 1950s. Hike or bike along the pet-friendly 38-mile-long Landon Nature Trail, the only trail connecting the Santa Fe and Oregon trails.
Primitive camping is available on Spring Creek's shores at Rockin K Farm near Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This may be the perfect option for popup campers because there is no room for larger travel trailers. Fish in the creek and hike across this farm. The countryside setting of Eagle View RV Park near Sand Springs, Oklahoma, makes this a fantastic place to unhook from a fifth-wheel trailer. Especially in the winter, eagles fly over this campground located about 15 minutes west of downtown Tulsa. Wide paved roads make this an awesome campground for Class A motorhomes
True Warrior RV Park in southeast Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an ideal place to camp in your toy hauler as it is close to Tulsa Raceway Park. Each site features full hookups and complimentary Wi-Fi. Easily reach this campground from I-44 and Highway 75.
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 Independence, KS 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 Independence, KS?
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 Independence, KS, 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 Independence, KS?
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 Independence, KS particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Independence, KS 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.
