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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Marion, VA without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Marion, VA?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Marion, VA?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Marion, VA, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Marion, VA?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.
