Parsons, West Virginia, has three popular national parks within a few hours' drive offering various outdoor activities and stunning natural landscapes. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located approximately 3.5 hours north of Parsons and is a unique destination that preserves the rural landscape of the Cuyahoga River Valley. This park is a popular spot for kayaking, biking, and hiking, and it also features several historic sites and cultural events. New River Gorge National Park, located about 2 hours east of Parsons, is well-known for its rugged Appalachian Mountains and the New River, one of North America's oldest rivers. The park is popular for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking and also offers scenic drives and overlooks. About 3 hours southeast of Parsons is Shenandoah National Park, a beautiful destination that includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River. This park is a favorite among hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike and offers a network of trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, camping, or hiking, each national park near Parsons offers a unique and unforgettable experience worth checking out.
Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the most popular parks in West Virginia and is located just across the border from Maryland. With a main lodge, cabins, and camping sites available, Blackwater Falls State Park provides a relaxing retreat for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is one of the most popular parks in West Virginia. This park is known for its unique sandstone formations, which the river has carved. The grasslands are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer. Canaan Valley Resort State Park features an 18-hole golf course and a variety of cabins and lodges for rent. Audra State Park is one of the most popular parks in West Virginia. The park features a lake for fishing and swimming. It also has a campground with RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins available. Other amenities include a boat launch and marina, picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Audra State Park is open year-round.
Here are four popular national forests near Parsons that are worth visiting: Monongahela National Forest: Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest covers over 900,000 acres of natural beauty. It features lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountain views, making it a popular destination. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests: These vast forests cover over 1.8 million acres and are about 3 hours south of Parsons. The forests offer diverse recreational activities, providing picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Wayne National Forest: Located about 3 hours west of Parsons, Wayne National Forest covers over 240,000 acres in southeastern Ohio, offers many outdoor activities. Camping is also allowed in this park for specific months; thus, check the guidelines before visiting.  Allegheny National Forest: Located about 3 hours north of Parsons, Allegheny National Forest is a massive area covering over 500,000 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania and provides many options for recreational activities.  These national forests near Parsons are great destinations for those exploring the great outdoors. Each offers a unique and unforgettable experience, and all are within a few hours' drive of the town. All these forests are famous for hiking, camping, and fishing and feature several scenic drives and overlooks where visitors can admire the breathtaking scenery.
Parsons, West Virginia, is great for anyone interested in American history. The first site is Friendship Hill National Historic Site. This site commemorates the life and work of American diplomat and statesman Albert Gallatin. Gallatin was born in Switzerland and came to America in 1780. He later served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Thomas Jefferson. Friendship Hill was Gallatin's home from 1813 until he died in 1849. Today, visitors can tour the restored house and grounds and learn about Gallatin's life and legacy. The second national site in Parsons is the Flight 93 National Memorial. This memorial honors the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, who were killed when the plane crashed into a field on September 11, 2001. The memorial is located at the crash site and includes a visitor's center with exhibits about the events of that day. Parsons's third and final national site is the James A. Garfield National Historic Site. This site commemorates the life of President James Garfield, who was born in Ohio in 1831. Garfield became a Republican politician and was elected president in 1880. He was assassinated four months into his term. Today, visitors can tour the Garfield home and learn about his life and Presidency.
You can choose many options if you're looking for an RV park or campground in Parsons, West Virginia. Some of the great choices near Parsons include the Pegasus Farm Campground and Tygart Lake State Park Most public RV parks and campgrounds have facilities like electric hookups, free showers, free Wi-Fi, and a dump station.
There are many RV dump stations in Parsons, West Virginia, and additional nearby options in the surrounding areasYou’ll find dump stations at Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort Park, Big Bear Lake Family Campgrounds, and Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Parsons, WV, for dump station addresses and details.
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 Parsons, WV 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 Parsons, WV?
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 Parsons, WV, 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 Parsons, WV?
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 Parsons, WV particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Parsons, WV 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.
