Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a significant landmark symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Standing 630 feet tall, the iconic Gateway Arch represents the gateway to the West. The area surrounding the arch has a rich indigenous history and was once home to Native American tribes such as the Osage and Missouri. Visitors can explore this history through exhibits and interpretive programs at the park.Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Gateway Arch National Park. Hiking, biking, and picnicking are popular activities in this scenic area. While camping is not available within the park itself, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to RV enthusiasts and campers. Klondike Park, just outside St. Louis, offers RV camping with full hookups and beautiful views of the Missouri River. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the largest known cave system in the world, spanning over 400 miles. The park offers various options for RV camping, including developed campgrounds with amenities like restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups.Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring over 80 miles of hiking trails that traverse diverse landscapes including forests, hills, and river valleys. Horseback riding is also available with designated trails and an overnight horse camp for visitors who bring their own horses.
Located near the town of Carlyle in Illinois, Eldon Hazlet State Park offers a scenic getaway on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in the state. With over 300 campsites available, including some with electric hookups, RV camping is a popular option here. Reservations can be made online or by phone. The park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. Situated on more than 900 acres of land in Illinois, Washington County State Park Recreation Area offers a serene location for RV enthusiasts. The park features a beautiful lake where visitors can go fishing, boating, and swimming. Hiking trails allow for exploration of the surrounding woodlands and wildlife observation. The campground provides spacious RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, restroom facilities, and a dump station. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting woodpeckers and herons among other bird species. The park also offers winter activities such as cross-country skiing and ice fishing.Just 20 miles west of St. Louis in Ballwin, Missouri lies Castlewood State Park offering stunning views of the Meramec River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking along scenic trails that wind through river valleys and woodlands or indulge their passion for mountain biking on challenging trails spanning over 13 miles including the popular River Scene Trail along the riverbank. Nestled in Nevada, Beaver Dam State Park provides a serene natural setting for RV camping. RV campsites offer electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities (reservations recommended). Hiking enthusiasts can explore scenic trails like the Beaver Dam Wash Trail which winds through riparian habitats and offers views of a picturesque reservoir.
Shiloh, Illinois is surrounded by several national forests that offer RV travelers a chance to explore nature and engage in outdoor activities.Shawnee National Forest is located in southern Illinois and spans over 280,000 acres. The forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It boasts unique geological formations like the Garden of the Gods, where massive sandstone rock formations create a stunning landscape. Campers can choose from various campgrounds within the forest, including Pine Hills and Johnson Creek campgrounds.Mark Twain National Forest is Missouri's largest public land, covering 1.5 million acres. It offers a variety of camping options and over 750 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife enthusiasts will find white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and numerous bird species. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy streams and rivers teeming with bass, trout, and catfish.Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky features beautiful lakes perfect for fishing and boating. Hikers can explore scenic trails while wildlife enthusiasts spot over 240 bird species. History buffs can visit Homeplace 1850s Working Farm to experience mid-19th-century farm life.Hoosier National Forest in Indiana covers over 200,000 acres and offers camping facilities for RV enthusiasts. Hiking trails provide scenic views while anglers can fish in lakes and streams within the forest.These national forests near Shiloh provide a range of recreational activities amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Explore the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in Missouri, a significant location showcasing the life and history of the 18th President of the United States. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ulysses S. Grant, a revered military figure and statesman who played a crucial role in the Civil War. Visit the historic White Haven estate, the former home of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Take a guided tour of the meticulously restored Grant's Farmhouse where he spent his childhood.Immerse yourself in the rich history of Abraham Lincoln by visiting the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois. Take a guided tour of the only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned and explore the neighborhood surrounding it. Learn about Lincoln's life and political career through exhibits at the visitor center.Discover Ozark National Scenic Riverways with its crystal-clear waters and scenic landscapes offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and camping opportunities with multiple campgrounds available for RVs.Explore George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana to learn about Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark's life and exploits. Be sure to take a guided tour and stroll along the Riverwalk for beautiful views of the Wabash River.
The Red Barn Rendezvous: This RV campground in Shiloh, Illinois offers 29 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups available for 30/50 Amp. You'll find showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, and bike trails here. Pets are welcome. Additional amenities include a dump station and wifi.Casino Queen RV Park: Located in East St. Louis near Shiloh, this RV park provides 132 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups for 30/50 Amp. Showers are available, and pets are allowed. There's also a convenience store on-site along with public transportation options to explore the nearby casino, dining options, and entertainment.Cahokia RV Parque: Just a short drive from Shiloh in East St. Louis, Cahokia RV Parque offers 45 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups available for 30/50 Amp. This pet-friendly park features a pool, showers, wifi access, and shuttles to attractions like private tours of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and downtown St. Louis.St. Louis NE/Granite City KOA: Situated in Granite City near Shiloh, this KOA campground has 74 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups for 30/50 Amp. Enjoy the pool and hot tub facilities as well as amenities like showers and a dog park. Additional services include wifi access, cable TV hookup, playgrounds for kids, horseshoe pits, and propane availability.
Shiloh, Illinois offers several convenient options for RV dumping.You can find dump stations at Military Park - Scott AFB FamCamp, Eddies Travel Center / Roady's, TA-Petro Stopping Center of Troy, and Pilot Flying J Travel Plazas #642.These dump stations provide facilities for dumping black water and gray water, as well as access to fresh water and a hose for flushing tanks.Additionally, most of these locations have an RV trash bin for easy waste disposal.
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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC?
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 Washington, DC, 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 Washington, DC?
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 Washington, DC particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Washington, DC 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.
