Marion, Virginia, is located near several popular national parks, making it an ideal destination for RV travelers exploring the great outdoors. Here are some of the top national parks near Marion: Shenandoah National Park: Located just a short drive from Marion, Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and wildlife watching in the park. New River Gorge National Park: In neighboring West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park is known for its whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking trails. Visitors can also explore the park's historical sites, including old coal mines and ghost towns. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located a bit further away in Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Travelers can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing in the park and learn about the region's history and culture at the park's museums and historic sites.
New River State Park is a fantastic destination for RV enthusiasts. The park is located in the New River Gorge on the border of West Virginia and Virginia. This park offers a variety of activities, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Enjoy the great outdoors with your family or friends at this fun-filled campground. Grayson Highlands State Park is one of Virginia’s most popular parks for hiking and backpacking. It offers more than 50 miles of hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails. The park also contains a campground with 12 campsites, making it easy to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without worrying about setting up a tent or cooking meals. Hungry Mother State Park is named for its gorge, which resembles the mouth of a hungry mother bird. This state park has 20 campsites available with electrical hookups and restrooms. Pets are welcome in the campground but must be leashed at all times. Several hiking trails wind through the gorge and connect to a 35-mile trail system in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Marion, Virginia, is surrounded by several national forests, offering RV travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Here are some of the top national forests near Marion: Cherokee National Forest: In Tennessee and North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest covers over 650,000 acres and offers RV camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife seeing.  Pisgah National Forest: Located in western North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest offers over 500,000 acres of scenic beauty, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.  Monongahela National Forest: Located in West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest covers over 900,000 acres and offers RV camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the forest's scenic drives, waterfalls, and historic sites. Wayne National Forest: Located in Ohio, Wayne National Forest offers over 240,000 acres of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. RV travelers can easily incorporate a visit to one or more of these national forests into their travel itinerary and experience the region's natural beauty. With so many options nearby, Marion is a great starting point for exploring the Appalachian Mountains.
If you're looking for a dose of American history, there's no better place to go than Marion, Virginia. This small town is home to some of the country's most significant national sites and monuments. Here are a few of the must-see attractions in and around Marion. The Bluestone National Scenic River is a beautiful stretch of water flowing through Marion's heart. The river is lined with towering cliffs and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and swimming. Just a short drive from Marion is the Gauley River National Recreation Area. This recreation area is home to some of the best whitewater rapids in the country. It's a popular spot for rafting and kayaking, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. The Andrew Johnson National Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful spot in Marion. The cemetery is the final resting place for President Johnson, his wife, and many other notable figures. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. The Parkway winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains, and there are plenty of pull-offs along the way where you can take in the stunning views.
If you're looking for an RV park or campground near the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll find some interesting options in Marion, Virginia. Some popular choices include Raccoon Holler Campground, Doughton Park Campground, and Blue Bear Mountain. They are close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and other scenic spots. You can often find discounts online for these locations.
There are several RV dump stations in Marion, Virginia. The Blue Jay Camping Area, Camp Creek State Park, Twin Falls State Park, and Pipestem State Park are this area's main RV dump stations. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Marion, VA, for dump station addresses and details. All the details regarding the cost and facilities are also mentioned there.
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 Marion, VA 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 Marion, VA?
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 Marion, VA, 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 Marion, VA?
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 Marion, VA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Marion, VA 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.
