Great Sand Dunes National Preserve encompasses more than 100,000 acres in Colorado. It's home to a 30-square-mile area with some of America's tallest dunes. Trek through the conifer forests and grasslands or splash around in Medano Creek. You're welcome to visit any time of year and sled or sandboard down the impressive dunes. You should also plan for some recreational time at the Castle Creek Picnic Area or to backpack along the Medano Pass Primitive Road. The campgrounds here can fill up fast in the summer, so reservations are a must. New Mexico's White Sands National Park boasts endless gypsum sand dunes that have impressed visitors for decades. This park covers 275 square miles of desert, making it the world's largest gypsum field of its kind. More than 600 invertebrate species call the dunes home. Researchers have found fossilized footprints left behind by mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. This park is pet-friendly and has two pet walking areas near the visitor center. While there are no on-site RV camping options, you can set your travel trailer up at a campground in nearby Las Cruces. Carlsbad Caverns National Park was first discovered in New Mexico in 1898 by an adventurous teenager. Underneath the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns contains more than 119 stunning limestone caves. Take your time touring the breathtaking caverns, or test your endurance by hiking through the Chihuahuan Desert. Over 400,000 people stop by annually to participate in the ranger-led star walks, moon hikes, and bat flight program.
Villanueva State Park is a great stop for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Feel free to spend your afternoon angling on the Pecos River or hanging out with your loved ones on the sandy beach. The 33-site campground is family-friendly and can accommodate all types of RVs, from fifth-wheel trailers to camper vans. Twelve of the campsites come with electrical hookups. The ideal time to visit is in the summer or fall to make the most of the pleasantly warm temperatures. The 340-acre Hyde Memorial State Park rests high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Waterfall Trail is a popular choice for easy-going hikers, while West Circle Trail challenges even the most experienced with its rocky terrain and steep inclines. Some of the park's countless wildlife species include sandhill cranes, porcupines, coyotes, hawks, and foxes. You can even visit in the winter to enjoy the exhilarating tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding opportunities. The convenient campground offers electrical hookups and can fit motorhomes up to 53 feet long. Many campers head to Santa Rosa Lake State Park to enjoy the 3,500-acre lake. Take your boat out on the calm waters where both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft are allowed. You can try catching walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. There are several paved walking paths to seek out woodpeckers, turkey vultures, and bald eagles. The 90-site campground provides a dump station and sizable spaces suitable for both popup campers and larger RVs. Feel free to bring your pet along as long as you keep them on a leash under 10 feet long.
The Fort Union National Monument preserves the remains of one of the many forts along the Santa Fe Trail. Back when New Mexico was newly admitted as a state, the military established outposts to survey the land. The Fort Union site protected the trail's Cimarron and Mountain branches. The fort was abandoned in 1891, but you can still take a walk around the building to learn more about the challenging life of a frontier soldier. Starting near the visitor center, the Fort Union Trail is the only maintained path that allows you to see the structure from various angles. The six-acre Pecos National Historical Park is home to several 19th-century ranches, ruins, and a Civil War battlefield. One of its most significant landmarks is the Pecos Pueblo. The Puebloans were a group of people that staged a short-lived revolt against Spanish forces. By 1893, they'd mostly abandoned the area due to disease, famine, and conflicts with the local indigenous groups. Many visitors hike the Ancestral Sites Trail to check out the mission church and enjoy the astounding views of the Glorieta Mesa. The Santa Fe National Historic Trail was a popular commercial highway used from 1821 to 1846 to travel between Missouri and Mexico. From 1846 to 1848, it was traversed by the Army of the West during the Mexican-American War. Today, it connects several important sites like the Pecos National Historical Park and Boone's Lick State Historic Site. If you're already in New Mexico, you can start your adventure near Santa Fe and move up toward Pueblo, Colorado, and then to Dodge City, Kansas.
Right off Interstate 25, the Black Mesa Casino in Santa Fe has 30 sites with electrical hookups and excellent cell reception. They provide free water and have an easily accessible dump station. The United States Forest Service runs Jack's Creek Campground in Pecos. While there may not be that many modern amenities, you're sure to love the mountain scenery and trout-rich lakes and streams. Additionally, don't forget to check out the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area, just 20 miles away from Santa Fe in Pena Blanca. This site sits on Cochiti Lake, where you can fish, swim, boat, and enjoy various water sports. The campground has 30-amp hookups and spacious pull-thru sites perfect for Class C and Class A rigs.
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 Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas, NM particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Las Vegas, 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.