Although Pennsylvania doesn't have a national park, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Philadelphia. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west with two peaks, Hawksbill and Stony Man, reaching 4,000 feet. The different kinds of weather and topography create a mix of habitats in which tens of thousands of living creatures thrive.
The park has over 500 miles of trails for exploring, like Hightop Summit, which winds up a ridge to a 3,296-foot rocky viewpoint with moderate difficulty. It's a three-mile round trip hike that generally takes about three hours. The Whiteoak Falls is another great challenging hike to cascades and waterfalls. This moderate 4.6-mile round trip hike goes to the upper falls before returning. One of the most popular travel spots inside Shenandoah National Park is Skyline Drive, which runs over 100 miles through the park. Bears roam the hollows, and brook trout populate the tumbling streams just beyond Skyline Drive.
The Liberty Bell, once known as the State House Bell, rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House to assemble lawmakers to their meetings and signaled to the townspeople that it was time for the daily reading of the news. After some hard use, the Liberty Bell cracked, and attempts were made to repair it in 1846. Unfortunately, the bell was unable to be fixed. An inscription is written near the top of the bell about liberty and the bell's history.
The American Philosophical Society Hall was built in 1789 and provided a central meeting place for its members. Among those members was former president Thomas Jefferson, who encouraged the American Philosophical Society outfit to explore the American continent further. Today, there are journals to validate this expedition and other exhibits of history, science, art, and Philadelphia's earlier days.
The John Coltrane House is another great place to visit in Pennsylvania if you're interested in jazz. As you approach the house, the first thing you'll see is the wheat-paste mural of the legend holding a tenor saxophone.
Explore the historic Eastern State Penitentiary that held notorious lawbreakers, including Slick Willie Sutton and Al Capone. Day and night tours are offered that include the penitentiary's history and a look at death row, as well as award-winning exhibits about prison today and the root causes of mass incarceration.
Because it's one of the oldest states and played such a fundamental role in United States history, there are a ton of Pennsylvania landmarks that you will want to take in while you're RVing across the Keystone State.
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Pennsylvania 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.