The entrance to Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about two hours and 15 minutes northwest of Wheeling. Ohio’s only national park is full of gorgeous waterfalls, vibrant forests, and 100 miles of the Cuyahoga River. Over 125 miles of trails take hikers, bikers, and horseback riders through woods, wetlands, ravines, and more. Other fantastic activities to do here include stargazing, golfing, kayaking, canoeing, and bird-watching.
New River Gorge National Park is roughly three and a half hours south of Wheeling. There are plenty of lovely places to hike and camp in this West Virginia park’s 70,000 acres. The New River itself is a premier destination for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Primitive RV campsites are available in the park; some of these are free. Don’t forget to check out the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the Western Hemisphere’s longest steel-span bridge. Other awesome places to visit in New River Gorge National Park include Sandstone Falls, Fayette Station Road, Nuttallburg, and Thurmond.
Three hours east of New River Gorge is Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This sizable portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to numerous streams, forests, peaks, and mountain vistas. Plenty of local plants and animals also call this 300-square-mile national park home. Whether you want to hike on the national park’s own trails or the famous Appalachian Trail, you’ll have numerous pathways at your disposal. Some of the park’s trails allow pets on them, so you’ll be able to take your four-legged friend on your trek if you choose the right path.
Barkcamp State Park is only 25 minutes west of Wheeling, so you won’t have to drive far into Ohio to reach this picturesque state park on Barkcamp Creek and Belmont Lake. The lake and creek provide a bevy of places to swim, fish, and boat; in the winter, they become excellent locations for ice fishing and ice skating. On dry land, plenty of hiking and biking trails wind through forests, hills, and rocky terrain. Fun wintertime activities you can do on the park’s trails and slopes include cross-country skiing and sledding. If you want to camp here, you can take advantage of one of the 150 RV sites that offer electric hookups.
You can reach Beaver Creek State Park by driving an hour north of Wheeling into Ohio. Little Beaver Creek is a fabulous place to go swimming, boating, and fishing. The Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center has multiple educational exhibits about local fauna. If you want to see a replica village from the pioneer days, then you should explore Pioneer Village. Multiple trails meander through this park’s more than 2,700 acres of lovely West Virginia countryside.
Another high-quality state park in Ohio is Salt Fork State Park, which is about 50 minutes west of Wheeling. More than 20,000 acres of land and water combine to form Ohio’s largest state park. Salt Fork Lake is a fantastic location for swimming, boating, and fishing. Several marinas and a sizable swimming beach provide numerous ways to enjoy Salt Fork Lake. Plenty of trails take hikers, bikers, and riders through some picturesque Ohio wilderness. The park also contains an 18-hole golf course, a nature center, and an archery range. Since this park boasts more than 170 RV campsites, it’s a great place to park your camper.
How do I correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Wheeling, WV without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Wheeling, WV?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Wheeling, WV?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Wheeling, WV, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Wheeling, WV?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.