Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park — one of the most unique and historic national parks in America. The park's location in the Cascade Range in the southern part of the state makes it a mecca for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy views of Crater Lake from 30 overlooks, hike and bike on 90 miles of trails, and cruise around on historic Rim Drive, a 33-mile stretch that circles the lake. Notable places to explore in the park include Phantom Ship, Wizard Island, and Plaikni Falls.
Though Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park are located several hours to the north in Washington state, these breathtaking areas are chocked full of adventurous activities and diverse landscapes that are well worth experiencing.
Several scenic state parks are located within easy driving distance of Florence. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is a popular park that's known for its fantastic array of activities that include hiking, fishing, paddling, and picnicking. Visitors can visit the Umpqua River Lighthouse, which is just half a mile from the park. Salmon Harbor Marina is also nearby and is an excellent place for crabbing and fishing along the Oregon coast. The campground at this park features 12 full hookup sites, flush toilets, and showers. Reservations can be made six months in advance. Umpqua Lighthouse and Salmon Harbor are both less than 30 miles south of Florence.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is another favorite, and it's located just 3 miles south of Florence. The park is situated on Cleawox Lake, a great place to kayak, swim, and fish. Soft dunes blanket the area and are perfect for hiking. Camping is also available year-round. For more places to enjoy the beauty of Oregon's coast, South Beach State Park and Sunset Bay State Park are treasured spots.
The small coastal city of Florence has some memorable Oregon landmarks of its own. The Siuslaw River Bridge is one of the town's most impressive landmarks. Opened in 1936, the mechanical draw bridge features four Art Deco-style obelisks that once served as living quarters for the bridge operator and storage for mechanical equipment. You'll enjoy viewing its magnificent architecture and learning about the history of the area from the outdoor platform at the interpretive center below. Historic Old Town Florence is renowned for its antique stores, wine bars, museums, coffee shops, and restaurants that serve crab chowder year-round. The scenic boardwalk is lined with more historic buildings and landmarks that overlook the harbor, and it's home to Florence Farmers Market in the summer.
Great RV parks and campgrounds near Florence combine Oregon's beautiful scenery with excellent amenities. Located just a few miles outside of Eugene off Hwy 58, Black Canyon Campground has miles of trails for visitors to explore on foot, horseback, or bike. Each of the 75 sites at the campground contains a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Deerwood RV Park is another great location in Eugene that provides campers with a quiet place to relax in a lush, wooded setting. You'll enjoy private showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and full hookups at this big-rig-friendly park. Premier RV Resorts of Eugene Oregon, 13 miles northwest of downtown Eugene, is one of the few area campgrounds with a pool. It offers a rustic setting close to city conveniences. River trails, wineries, and championship golf courses are nearby.
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 Florence, OR 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 Florence, OR?
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 Florence, OR, 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 Florence, OR?
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 Florence, OR particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Florence, OR 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.
