Gateway Arch National Park is two hours and 40 minutes northwest of Paducah, so you won't have to travel far to reach this urban national park in St. Louis, Missouri. The iconic Gateway Arch itself is the main attraction, so you'll have plenty of chances to explore its wonders. When you're finished checking out this 630-foot marvel, you'll be able to explore the park's museums and historic buildings. If you visit at the right time, you might even be able to climb aboard a steamboat and cruise down the Mississippi River. Many interesting St. Louis attractions are nearby, so you can easily visit places like the St. Louis Aquarium and Busch Stadium after you've finished touring this Missouri national park.
If you drive two hours and 45 minutes northeast of Paducah, you'll reach Mammoth Cave National Park. This Kentucky national park is home to the world's longest cave system. Some of the cave system's 400 miles are open to the public, so you'll get to explore fascinating areas like the Rotunda, Gothic Avenue and Frozen Niagara. Visitors come to this park primarily for the caves, but hikers, anglers, bikers and riders also enjoy spending time on the rivers and trails above the earth's surface. The Green River is a great place to fish and boat while the several trails in the park take visitors along the river and to a sinkhole.
Roughly five hours and 20 minutes southeast of Paducah is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located in the eastern part of Tennessee and the western part of North Carolina. No other national park in America draws more visitors, but the park's 500,000 acres can accommodate all these people with classic Southern hospitality. No matter how many people are visiting this park when you go, you'll be able to find plenty of solitude on the park's 800 miles of trails and 2,100 miles of streams and rivers.
All you have to do to reach Fort Massac State Park is travel 20 minutes northwest of Paducah across the Ohio River into Illinois. Reconstructed Fort Massac is a faithful reproduction of the original fort that was built in 1802. Multiple living history reenactments are held throughout the year, so maybe you'll get to see one if the time is right. The Ohio River is a great place to boat and fish; it also has some lovely trails along its banks. If you like disc golf, you'll be able to play a round or two on this Illinois state park's course.
Dixon Springs State Park is just a half-hour north of Paducah. This Illinois state park features a giant, ancient sandstone block and a popular waterfall. Dixon Springs Creek and Dixon Springs Lake provide plenty of room for fishing, swimming and boating. The park's gorgeous canyons are ripe for exploration on foot or bike. Wildlife viewing and birding are also popular thanks to the abundance of local fauna in the park. RV camping is also possible here. The park's campground features electrical and water hookups, a dump station, and hot showers.
Kenlake State Park is 50 minutes southeast of Paducah and just a couple of minutes from Eggner's Ferry Bridge, which will take you across Kentucky Lake to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Boating and fishing are immensely popular in this 170,000-acre park. Birding is common as well thanks to the more than 150 species of birds that call this park home. Hikers and bikers often take advantage of the park's two nature trails, and there are also a couple of tennis courts in the park. If you visit at the right time, you'll be able to catch a show at the park's amphitheater.
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 Paducah, KY 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 Paducah, KY?
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 Paducah, KY, 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 Paducah, KY?
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 Paducah, KY particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Paducah, KY 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.