To take advantage of national parks, RV travelers must venture outside the state where three are within a day’s drive. The nearest, Acadia National Park, is located near Portland, ME, less than a four-hour drive from Rutland. Acadia has the distinction of being the oldest national park east of the Mississippi. Inside its borders, visitors find ocean beaches, peaks, forests, lakes, and rivers. Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet, is the highest peak on the East Coast of the United States, and six other mountains in the park stand over 1,000 feet. Most of the area is covered with dense hardwood forest that lights up the hillsides in the fall. Fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are the favorite activities that draw over three million visitors per year.
Shenandoah National Park is an eight-hour drive southwest of Rutland. It is one of the most visited parks in the national park system. The park protects over 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails lead visitors to some of the most astonishing views of forest-covered mountains, deep valleys, and big sky found in the United States.
An eight-hour drive due west from Rutland gets visitors to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Located south of Cleveland, OH, this park is one long gorge carved by the Cuyahoga River. The steep slopes hover above the river as it and its tributaries tumble down more than 100 waterfalls. Over 125 miles of hiking trails run through the valley, visiting the waterfalls, pools of water teeming with fish, and several whitewater rapids that lend their music to the breeze gently wafting through the trees overhead.
Amongst the top-ranking landmarks in Vermont, Mount Independence is the least disturbed major Revolutionary War structure in the nation. Built in 1776 to thwart an invasion of the American colonies from Canada, the fortifications still stand as a reminder of perilous times.
The Rock of Ages Quarry near Barre is the world's largest deep-hole dimension granite quarry. The granite from this site supplies the material for most of the gravestones and monuments in the United States. At over 600 feet deep, this quarry represents the efforts of granite workers since the discovery of the fine-grained granite rock in 1885.
Located 34 miles south of Rutland, Mount Equinox, with an elevation of over 3,000 feet, is one of the tallest mountains in Vermont. The views of the valley below from its peak are spectacular. A paved road, open from May through October, climbs the mountain at steep angles.
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 Vermont 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont, 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Vermont 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.