The closest national park to Orland, California, is Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's just an 80-mile drive away in your fifth-wheel trailer. The park is home to mud pots, small volcanoes, and fumaroles. There are also small mountain lakes, and you can swim in the cool water before a hot mud bath at the Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Before retiring to your Class A RV or camper van in the evening, take advantage of the stargazing in the park. Almost to the Oregon border, 230 miles north of Orland, you will find Redwood National Park. The park covers 139,000 acres and contains nearly half of the remaining coastal redwood trees in the world. Of course, the trees are the park's main draw, and some are nearly 400 feet tall. The park has three official hiking trails, none of which are extremely difficult. The toughest of the three is the Mill Creek Horse Loop trail, which makes an 8-mile circle across fairly rough terrain. The Simpson-Reed loop trail is just a mile long and is quite flat. It's also wheelchair-accessible. Crater Lake National Park is in Oregon and lies a bit more than 240 miles from Orland. The lake sits in the crater of a dormant volcano. If you have a combination toy hauler and popup camper, then you can bring all sorts of other equipment with you to enjoy the many activities you might not expect at a national park. These include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. The park has 90 miles of hiking trails and a single 33-mile-long bike trail. The temperature can drop to 40 F even during the summer, so bring warm clothes if you plan a summer trip.
After picking up your Orland, California, RV rental, take a drive to the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, which is just 18 miles away. The Sacramento River flows through the area, and the fishing there is famous. You can ride Jet Skis on the river, too, or swim along the sandy beach that is part of one of California's last truly pristine riparian areas. The park is home to more than 100 species of plants, and bald eagles regularly ride the updrafts in the area. The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is 47 miles south of Orland. As parks go, it's tiny at only 63 acres, but the land near the riverbank is just right for campers. Many wildlife species either make their home in the park or travel through it. These include muskrats, raccoons, deer, and foxes. There is also a 5-acre picnic and barbecue area for gatherings of family and friends. The fishing is great for big fish like king salmon and striped bass. Malakoff Diggins State Park is about a two-hour drive to the east. There is a famous gold mine at the park, and you can hike to the mine and through the chaparral to enjoy the unusual setting and the plants that grow in it. The hiking trails total 20 miles. As you hike through the area, you will see many relics from the days of the Gold Rush, such as sluices and former gold veins.
About 71 miles north of Orland, you will come to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The area is renowned for the fishing and boating on Whiskeytown Lake and the diverse hiking opportunities. For example, the Brandy Creek Falls Trail is a moderately difficult trail that is 2.9 miles long and has recently been revamped with rock steps and metal railings to improve safety. The Mill Creek Trail is 12.6 miles of difficult terrain, and the Crystal Creek Falls Trail is an easy 0.9 miles. The California Historic Trail isn't just one site; it's a collection of many sites along the trail that prospectors traveled after the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848. As the site is basically part of a giant hiking trail, the abundant hiking opportunities are easy, moderate, and difficult. There are also exhibits of original wagons and tools that date from the Gold Rush period. Large sections of the trail are wide enough for RVs of any size, so it's a terrific choice for anyone with a motorhome. The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is about 140 miles from Orland. The memorial is for the more than 300 people from the armed services who perished in an explosion of two ships on July 17, 1944. This event was important for racial progress in the United States, as the outcry after the explosion, which killed mostly Black Americans, was seminal in the process of desegregation in the United States. This memorial is an incredibly popular place to visit. If you'd like to take the free tours offered by the park service, you'll have to call at least two weeks ahead.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Orland, CA?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Orland, CA, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Orland, CA?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.