Gulf Island National Park Reserve, in British Columbia, three hours and 15 minutes southwest of Custer, spans 15 islands, each offering unique attractions and landmarks. Enjoy the stunning landform of the picturesque Sidney Spit that extends out into the Salish Sea and is accessible by boat or ferry. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming and beachcombing on the spit, making it a favorite spot for families and solo travelers. The 1,320-foot Mount Warburton Pike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. RVers can choose from several hiking trails to reach the top and explore the summit to enjoy the stunning vistas. You can travel an hour and 45 minutes southeast of Custer with a toy hauler to reach the magnificent North Cascades National Park. The park boasts awe-inspiring mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers. The iconic Mount Shuksan in the area is often featured in photographs and paintings. Several beautiful lakes, including Lake Chelan, Ross Lake and Diablo Lake, are perfect for fishing, kayaking and other water sports. North Cascades National Park has several campgrounds that accommodate all RVs, including camper vans. Enjoy the park's ranger-led programs and educational tours, which can teach you more about the park's unique ecology and history.
Visit Olympic National Park, which is three hours and 40 minutes southwest of Custer, and explore Hurricane Ridge, which features gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. It is also an excellent spot for hiking, skiing and wildlife watching. RVers can access Hurricane Ridge via a scenic drive up a 17-mile road that is open year-round, weather permitting. The moss-covered Hoh Rainforest is filled with breathtaking waterfalls, old-growth trees and wildlife, making it one of the most popular destinations in the park. There also is the rugged coastline of Ruby Beach with its stunning sea stacks and driftwood-strewn beaches. Sol Duc Hot Springs is a developed area with a heated pool, soaking tubs and a rustic lodge. For a more primitive option, you can go to Olympic Hot Springs, which requires a short hike through the forest.
If you have a Class A or a Class C motorhome, Birch Bay State Park is an excellent camping spot with several benefits. The park, which is just 10 minutes southwest of Custer, has over 120 campgrounds designed explicitly for RVs with hookups for water and electricity. Birch Bay's incredible saltwater inlet provides access to diverse water activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, crabbing and clamming. You will love the park's oceanfront views and the stunning sunsets. Visit Drayton Harbor, which offers a haven for many migratory birds and marine life species. You can take an oyster harvesting excursion, capture the panoramic views of the San Juan Islands, or rent paddleboats and kayaks to explore the natural beauty. Nestled between the Chuckanut Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Salish Sea a mere half-hour south of Custer is Larrabee State Park. The Chuckanut Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for a relaxing hike and a thrilling mountain bike adventure. One of the park's most recognizable landmarks is Clayton Beach, which provides glorious views of the Olympic Mountains and the San Juan Islands. The beach also provides access to a mile-long trail that leads to the stunning Fragrance Lake. Visit Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden and the nearby Fairhaven Historic District, which offers various shopping and dining options. Moran State Park is a beautiful, natural paradise two hours and 45 minutes southwest of Custer. This state park has everything for nature lovers from hiking and biking to fishing and swimming. With over 38 miles of trails, visitors can enjoy the scenic views and natural beauty of Orcas Island. Mount Constitution offers breathtaking sights of the San Juan Islands and surrounding areas. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, Mount Constitution is the park's highest point, and visitors can access it by travel trailer, bike or foot.
Explore one of the two military camps from the Pig War era between the U.S. and the U.K. at San Juan Island National Historical Park, two hours and 50 minutes southwest of Custer. This site is perfect for history buffs as it showcases preserved barracks, officers' houses and parade grounds that transport visitors back in time. Visit the English Camp, which offers a glimpse into the past through numerous exhibits, including the restored historic buildings, garden, ceremony ring and mass grave of a British Royal Marine. Travel an hour and a half to the south in your Custer, Washington RV rental to explore Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. Discover the history of the first European settlers who arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and explore the dramatic bluffs, beaches and tide flats of Admiralty Inlet. The Bluff Trail provides a scenic hike with scenic vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visit the Ferry House, an iconic attraction that has been a fixture on the island since 1860. The reserve features a variety of recreational activities such as bird-watching, hiking and beachcombing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives along the reserve's winding roads. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is about an hour and a half south of Custer and features several historical attractions. This park tells the story of the thousands of gold miners who set off on their journey to Alaska in search of riches and adventure. Tour the historic buildings from the gold rush days, and watch historical film presentations at the Chilkoot Trail Center. Hike through the native Alaskan landscape, or take a boat tour of the Yukon River to see where miners once made their fortune.
Just 15 minutes southeast of Custer, Bellingham RV Park provides 56 sites with full hookups with a daily charge of $44. It is a pet-friendly campground with strong cell reception. You can also stay at Lighthouse by the Bay RV Resort just 10 minutes west of Custer. Daily rates start at $38, and there are showers and Wi-Fi. Beachside RV Park, only 10 minutes west of Custer, has weekly rates of $200 with 72 back-in and pull-through sites.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Custer, WA?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Custer, WA, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Custer, WA?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.