Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is about 170 miles north of Santa Fe in Colorado. In addition to having North America's tallest dunes, this national park includes acres of forests, grasslands, tundra, and wetlands. Its pristine setting means it was designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing. During the day, go sand sledding, horseback riding, or hiking. There are campgrounds both within and outside the park.
To get to White Sands National Park, you'll head south for about 230 miles. It's worth the trek. You'll find 275 square miles of glittering white gypsum dunes - the largest dune field on Earth. You can drive to the heart of the dune field on Dunes Drive, which begins at the park's visitor center. There are five trails for hiking or biking. If camping is your thing, the park offers backcountry camping opportunities. Check the park for information before planning your trip, though; at times, the campgrounds are closed.
Mesa Verde National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site about 250 miles from Santa Fe. This Southwest Colorado park features hundreds of preserved cliff dwellings to explore. On 52,000 acres, it includes thousands of ancient Pueblo archaeological sites. There's a primitive campground in the park if you'd like to stay on the premises. You'll also find more RV parks and campgrounds within a few miles of Mesa Verde.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is unmatched for its scenery and wildlife. It sits at 8,000 feet in elevation with year-round fishing and boating, miles of trails to hike, and on-site camping. It's a bird watcher's paradise just 100 miles north of Santa Fe.
Nestled in the mountains near Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park lets you hike on well-maintained trails with spectacular wilderness views. There are multiple campsites, some with electric hookups, and a dump station. During the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
At Villanueva State Park, you can camp, fish, and hike in a canyon between distinctive sandstone bluffs. Take your kayak, raft, or canoe out on the Pecos River, but be careful. The river's icy, clear water is anything but placid. It can challenge even experienced boaters. This park sits about 50 miles from Santa Fe.
The Palace of the Governors is one of the iconic landmarks in Santa Fe. Built in the 1600s by Spanish colonizers, this adobe structure in the Santa Fe Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. It's now connected to the New Mexico History Museum. When visiting, check out the local vendors who sell their crafts in the plaza.
Bandelier National Monument sits on 33,000 acres near the Jemez Mountains. At 50 miles from Santa Fe, it's an easy day trip to explore ancient ruins, cave dwellings, pictographs, and petroglyphs. In addition to the historical and cultural sites, Bandelier is home to more than 50 types of mammals.
Georgia O'Keeffe's Home and Studio is a National Historic Landmark located about 50 miles north of Santa Fe. The traditional adobe structure was where the legendary artist Georgia O'Keeffe created some of her most famous works. In Santa Fe proper, you can visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum to see a comprehensive collection of her art.
The Rancheros De Santa Fe Campground provides RV renters with 125 RV-friendly sites, some with full hookups. The free internet, dog run, and gift store make it a good choice for those who want a full-service campground.
Taos Valley RV Park and Campground is about 60 miles north of Santa Fe. However, it has more than 60 sites that will accommodate RVs of all sizes, including big rigs.
Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers mail and package pickup for RVers who intend to stay awhile. All 98 sites have power and water hookups. There's free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
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 Santa Fe, NM 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 Santa Fe, NM?
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 Santa Fe, NM, 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 Santa Fe, NM?
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 Santa Fe, NM particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Santa Fe, NM 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.
