The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the country, with about 14 million visitors in the year 2020. And it's not hard to see why. The park offers more than 500,000 acres of lush forest and meadows with a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, wild turkeys, and raccoons. The nearby campground has 59 sites with full hookups for RVs. If you plan to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, do note that there is a permanent ban on campfires. Similarly, permits and reservations are required for all of the shelters and backcountry campsites. Another popular activity you can try here is fly fishing.
Florence Marina State Park is a great place to unwind after a day of work. It is located at the northern end of 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George and is a treat for water sports lovers. It has an accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, and boat slips. Guests can choose from an assortment of accommodations like small efficiency units, fully equipped cottages, and a modern campground for staying overnight. If you are looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, Chewacla State Park is also a great choice. The park is spread across 696 acres and offers multiple options for relaxing and recreation. You can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking trails. It is a must-see on your trip to Opelika. It is a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area. The park offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. You can also enjoy watersports at the park.
The Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, and Tuskegee National Forests are all located near Opelika, Alabama. Bankhead National Forest is located in northwest Alabama, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is named after John H. Bankhead Sr., a former United States Senator from Alabama. The forest covers over 603,000 acres (2,430 sq km) and is the largest National Forest in Alabama. It is also the second-oldest National Forest in the United States, being established in 1907. It is located 250 miles north of Florence Marina State Park. Tuskegee National Forest, Alabama, is a beautiful place to visit and hike. The forest offers many different trails to explore, each with its own unique scenery and views. Whether you're looking for a short or long hike, Tuskegee National Forest has something for everyone.
There are several national sites and monuments near Opelika, Alabama. These sites are easily accessible and close to the Florence Marina State Park. Some of the sites include the Auburn Players Theater, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Old Rotation, and the Pepperell Mill and Mill Village Historic District, to name a few. The Auburn Players Theater, also known as the Auburn University Chapel, was built in 1851 as a Presbyterian Church. It served as a Confederate hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Currently, it serves as an interdenominational, multipurpose building. The Old Rotation was established in 1896 by Professor J.F. Duggar as a soil fertility experiment. It is currently ongoing and is the oldest continuous cotton experiment in the world. It is carried out on a one-acre plot of land on the Auburn University campus.
The city of Opelika, Alabama offers a wide variety of campgrounds and RV parks. Some of the most popular RV parks and campgrounds include Baker’s Trailer Park and Campground, Lakeside RV Park, Spring Villa Park, and Spring Villa Campground. Many offer electric hookups and free dump stations. You can choose one based on your needs and budget.
There are a few dump stations in Opelika, Alabama, and additional nearby options in the surrounding areas. You'll find dump stations at Capital City RV Park, Fort Toulouse – Jackson Park, The Woods RV Park & Campground, and US Army Corps of Engineers – Gunter Hill Campground. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Opelika, Alabama, for complete details of dump stations.
If you're looking to explore the area around Opelika, Alabama, a great way to do so is with an RV rental. You can rent a toy hauler, travel trailer, a towable or driveable motorhome. RVshare has a variety of vehicles and price points waiting for you! Ready to book your next adventure?
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 Opelika, AL 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 Opelika, AL?
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 Opelika, AL, 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 Opelika, AL?
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 Opelika, AL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Opelika, AL 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.
