Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just south of nearby Cleveland, Ohio, is a sprawling wildlife refuge teeming with Ohio and Erie Canal and Cuyahoga Valley Railroad history. During your visit, walk along the famed canal on the Towpath Trail, paddle the Cuyahoga River and its lock system, horseback ride, or hike some of the 125 miles of trails through wetlands and woodlands.
Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers 15,000 acres of rugged sand dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. The topographically diverse park has 15 miles of beach, six round-trip biking trails totaling 70 miles, canoeing and kayaking along multiple creeks and streams, 14 hiking trails covering 50 miles, and five historical houses dating to the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.
Accessible only by boat, secluded Isle Royale National Park north of Midland in the Upper Peninsula is a destination for true adventurers. The park sits on an archipelago in Lake Superior, offering overnight camping and boating by permit only. Take a rugged backpacking excursion through the dense forest, scuba dive the depths of Lake Superior, or canoe and portage across the many islands. It's a unique experience for day trippers or those looking for an extended backcountry experience.
Bay City State Park, less than 25 miles east of Midland, sits on Saginaw Bay. The park contains over 2,000 acres of wetland woods, cattail marshlands, and oak savannah prairies. There is a three-mile bike trail, 7 miles of hiking trails, and a fishing pier on Tobico Lagoon, which is home to pike, carp, bass, and panfish.
Rifle River State Recreation Area is 81 miles north of Midland via I-75. The park boasts 10 no-wake lakes and ponds for fishing, paddling, and swimming. You can enjoy the 14-mile multi-use trail and 3-D archery range with 10 different targets.
Sleepy Hollow State Park in nearby Laingsburg is a 2,600-acre park surrounding manmade Lake Ovid. Enjoy 16 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through prairie grassland, hardwood forest, and pine forest. There is a beach, and swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the 400-acre lake.
Dow Gardens in Midland is a 110-acre botanical garden and arboretum containing over 1,700 plant species. It offers guided and self-guided tours of the grounds.
The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in Midland is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. You can tour the home of one of the pioneers of mid-20-century modern architecture and enjoy the blend of design and natural integration.
The Tridge is the three-legged wooden footbridge that spans the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers. It features a 31-foot central pillar that links three 180-foot-long spokes. The bridge connects parks on each side of the rivers' confluence.
There are excellent camping options throughout Michigan, whether you prioritize privacy or top-end amenities. Four Seasons RV Park off Route 10 in Midland has back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups. Enjoy the onsite pool and hot tub, Wi-Fi, and cable service, and fish in the 3-acre fully stocked pond.
Just 28 miles west of downtown Midland, Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park in Mount Pleasant offers its own clubhouse, private walking trails, a sauna facility, and a water park. The campground has full hookup sites on concrete pads. There is a 45-acre lake with a beach and a nearby casino.
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 Midland, MI 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 Midland, MI?
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 Midland, MI, 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 Midland, MI?
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 Midland, MI particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Midland, MI 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.
