Located in the San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a great place to visit if you're interested in seeing sand dunes. The park offers two campgrounds with full hookups for RVs. Southwest Colorado is home to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Ancient Pueblo people, who inhabited the area for more than 700 years, have their history and culture preserved in the park. Along with enjoying camping, hiking, and ranger-led activities, tourists can visit the cliff dwellings and other ancient monuments. Anyone who is interested in country's history and culture should visit Mesa Verde. An hour and a half north of Telluride, you'll reach Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This steep, deep canyon carved by the Gunnison River provides breathtaking views of Painted Wall, Colorado's highest cliff. The South Rim Campground has 23 sites with hookups.
San Luis State Park is one of RVshare’s top picks for water sport enthusiasts. Canoe, kayak, or fish on the San Luis Lakes. During the winter, you can tryice fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Be sure to take the time to enjoy a quiet retreat near the mountains and wildlife as well. The park is located at an elevation of 7,000 feet and has a great view of the San Juan Mountains. Heron Lake State Park is located about 15 miles west of Monte Vista, Colorado. The park was established in 1968 and is open year round. It contains a boat ramp that allows visitors to fish, ski, paddleboard, canoe, kayak, and boat on Heron Lake. Visitors can also camp at the park. The trails at Heron Lake State Park are great for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Camping is available in the campground with electrical hookups. There are also restrooms and showers available to guests.
The Rio Grande National Forest, Carson National Forest, Gunnison, and Santa Fe National Forests are all within a few hours' drive of Monte Vista. These forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Southwest Colorado's nearly 1.8 million-acre Rio Grande National Forest offers visitors breath-taking landscape, including the Rio Grande River's headwaters. Many different wildlife species can be found in the forest. In northern New Mexico, the Carson National Forest spans over 1.5 million acres and features a varied panorama of mountains, grasslands, and woodlands. The highest point in New Mexico, the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, is located within the forest. Almost 1.6 million acres of breathtaking alpine landscape, including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, may be found in the Gunnison National Forest in western Colorado. Northern New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest spans approximately 1.5 million acres and has a varied terrain of woods, mountains, and grasslands. Seeing historic cultural monuments and a variety of species can both be done in the forest.
Monte Vista is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the history of the American West. The Capulin Volcano National Monument preserves an extinct volcano and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The Capulin Volcano National Monument is a fun place to learn about the volcano that inspired the song "America the Beautiful." Hiking the volcano's circumferential trails provides breathtaking views of the lowlands and mountains nearby. If you are interested in learning about the history of the fur trade, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is a must-see landmark. This site commemorates a fort founded by William Bent, one of the most successful traders in the early American West. It is a replica of a former trading post that served as a crossroads for trade and intercultural contact throughout the 19th century. Visitors to the site can get an insight into the lifestyles of the local traders, hunters, and Native Americans.
The city of Monte Vista contains many RV parks and campgrounds. Peacock Meadows Riverside RV Park, Chinook Cabins & RV Park, Alpine Trails RV Park, and Aspen Ridge RV Park are the most popular. They are near the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. This area is a great place to go camping if you're looking for wildlife to see while you're staying in your RV or tent. Some of these public campgrounds have powered sites with free Wi-Fi and cable TV hookups.
Monte Vista has several dump stations for travelers who want to stick close to town. 5 of the popular dump stations include the Visitor Center, Royal Gorge Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, KOA - Royal Gorge / Canyon City KOA Campground, and Mountain View RV Park. Most dump stations are near popular landmarks and have access to gas stations, restaurants and other services.
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 Monte Vista, CO 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 Monte Vista, CO?
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 Monte Vista, CO, 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 Monte Vista, CO?
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 Monte Vista, CO particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Monte Vista, CO 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.
