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.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Las Vegas, NM?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Las Vegas, NM, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Las Vegas, NM?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.