Joshua Tree National Park is an hour and 13 minutes from Redlands. The best places for memorable sights and landmarks at the park include the Arch Rock Nature Trail, Cap Rock Nature Trail, Keys Ranch, Halls of Horror, and Cottonwood Spring Oasis. The Arch Rock Nature Trail leads to the Arch Rock, a long rock shaped somewhat like a leg and hip joint.
Death Valley National Park is three hours and 21 minutes from Redlands and is known for being the hottest place on Earth. Parts of the park are below sea level, and the salt flats are its most famous landmark. The salt flats are large, flattened areas where the ground is covered with salt. These flattened areas are often shallow and deep. Death Valley is also the driest, lowest, and hottest national park and is a land of extremes.
The Channel Islands National Park is two hours and seven minutes from Redlands and is made up of five ecologically rich islands off the Southern California coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa. These islands have never been connected to the mainland, and the animals and birds that live there are unique to the area.
California has around 270 state parks, the most in the country. Redlands itself is within two hours of several state parks, the best of which include Mount San Jacinto State Park, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, and Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. Mount San Jacinto State Park is an hour and 10 minutes from Redlands and is in the San Jacinto Mountains. It sits atop the second-tallest mountain range in Southern California, and the Desert View Trail overlooks the nearby Coachella Valley.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is 35 minutes from Redlands and encompasses 8,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, bicycling, fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, and visiting the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is 43 minutes from Redlands and within the San Bernardino National Forest. Visitors enjoy the warm waters of Silverwood Lake where they can hike, fish, swim, and paddle.
California’s landmarks, like the renowned Hollywood Sign, attract people from all over the world. The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is one to add to the to-do list while in Redlands. The outside of the building is quite beautiful, built from reinforced concrete covered in Indiana limestone. This monument has an extensive collection of Civil War and Lincoln books, memorabilia, and displays highlighting Civil War events. Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is a historic landmark and a three-story Victorian mansion designed in the Châteauesque style. Gardens surrounding the house show the Italian style favored by Victorian homeowners at the turn of the 20th century.
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 Redlands, CA 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 Redlands, CA?
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 Redlands, CA, 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 Redlands, CA?
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 Redlands, CA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Redlands, CA 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.