Acadia National Park is the closest national park to Providence, RI. It lies a little more than 300 miles to the northeast in Maine. With 3.3 million visitors annually, it's one of the busiest national parks in the entire country. Visitors are drawn to the park for its nearly 160 miles of hiking trails, striking flora and fauna, and proximity to the ocean. Acadia National Park is also a renowned destination for birding as more than 300 species of birds frequent the park. Every spring, too, the Acadia Birding Festival takes place at Acadia National Park.
If you want a longer road trip, then you can head 475 miles south to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The park covers 300 square miles in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the best locations for hiking and climbing in the country. There are 332 graded climbs in the park, including a baker's dozen that are rated 5.12a or higher. These are climbs for true experts in top physical condition. There are 274 combined miles of hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the park, and there are more than 90 mountain streams that contain more than 40 species of fish, so be sure to bring your rod and reel.
Drive further, 600 miles, and you will find Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. The main attraction at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a collection of more than 100 waterfalls within the park. The park has more than 125 miles of hiking trails, and many of these passes by one or more of those waterfalls. Within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there's also a 100-mile-long river that is great for fishing. Ohio fishing regulations are extensive, so it'd be a good idea to read them on the applicable national park website before fishing.
Lincoln Woods State Park is just six miles away. The park is popular for its dedicated bridle trails within the park's 627 acres. There are also multi-use trails that mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy. You can swim at or set forth in nonmotorized boats on the lake within the park. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
It's just 10 miles to the 1,000-acre Snake Den State Park. The park is intentionally underdeveloped, with only some hiking trails, along with a few administrative buildings. However, the flora and fauna are notable throughout the park, and you can photograph both wildflowers and wildlife therein.
Since 2014, Rocky Point State Park has been a passive-use park. You can fish from the beach, hike or bike the trails, and rollerblade on the boardwalk.
Rhode Island is one of 10 states that doesn't have a national forest. The closest national forest is White Mountain National Forest, which straddles the border of Maine and New Hampshire. As road trips go, it's not particularly long at 185 miles. White Mountain National Forest is well-known for its 575 well-marked hiking trails of all difficulty levels. You are allowed to fly drones within the forest for some terrific aerial photographs. Just pay close attention to the places where you're allowed to land or launch your drone because there are restrictions in place. The Appalachian Trail passes through, too, and the Hanover to Gorham section of the trail is one of the toughest climbs along its length.
The Touro Synagogue National Historic Site, which is only 34 miles from Providence, RI, was the first synagogue built in North America. It predates the Declaration of Independence by a dozen years. It's not only historically significant as a symbol of religious freedom but is a wonderful example of 18th-century architecture.
The Roger Williams National Memorial in the city is dedicated to the founder of Providence. Wander around the four-acre site, and learn about the English minister and his life and philosophy, including his strong belief in the separation of church and state. Parking at the site is free for two hours.
Travel five miles south of Providence to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park in Pawtucket. The site is a tribute to the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America. Sites within the park include the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Museum of Transportation and the Old Slater Mill.
Just a 15-mile trip from Providence, RI, you'll find the Holiday Acres Campground, which has full hookups at each of its 200 RV-specific campsites. Some of the campsites accommodate rigs up to 50 feet long. This campground has showers and restrooms in addition to playgrounds, sports fields, and through-the-year weekend activities.
Ashaway RV Resort is 41 miles from Providence, RI and has 260 RV campsites with full hookups. The campground also has a pool and a hot tub, not to mention showers and restrooms. This campground is unique for its racetrack of radio-controlled cars. During the right season, you can also take the family on hayrides around the area.
Wawaloam Campground is 27 miles from Providence, RI. This is a large RV resort that features 300 campsites with full hookups. The chief attraction at this campground is the water park and hot tub. Wawaloam Campground schedules activities throughout the year, mostly on weekends.
The Arlington RV Supercenter is 14 miles from Providence, RI. IT has a repair center as well as a dump station, which costs $10 to use.
It's 30 miles to the Melville Ponds Campground, which can accommodate RVs of any size. It is a great choice as a dumping station for large rigs. The cost is $20 for both visitors and registered guests.
At RVshare, you'll find the ideal RV rental for your adventure in Providence, RI. Exploring New England, especially Rhode Island, is fun with a rented RV. There are all types of RVs, from travel trailers to Class A motorhomes, for your trip through Rhode Island. Renting an RV is generally much less expensive than staying in a hotel, and some Class A motorhomes can fit eight adults comfortably.
If you have a smaller family, a campervan would be a good choice. Thor, Gulf Stream, and Forest River are three excellent RV brands that offer a wide variety of vehicles from which to choose. You could pick a motorhome, fifth-wheel trailer, or any other RV you like that'll fit your needs. One thing to consider each time you rent an RV is the maximum RV length permitted at the RV resorts or campgrounds you plan to visit.
When you visit Providence, RI, you will be near many places that make worthy road trips. It's only 50 miles to Boston, MA, for example. A trip to Newport, RI, which is steeped in sailing history, is just 34 miles. Then, to go to Mystic, CT, its 49 miles. A little more than 100 miles outside of Cape Cod, you'll come to Provincetown, MA.
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 Providence, RI 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 Providence, RI?
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 Providence, RI, 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 Providence, RI?
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 Providence, RI particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Providence, RI 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.
