A Virginia Beach Springtime RV Vacation

Monty April 16, 2013
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Picture of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach

The East Coast of the U.S. is a wonderful place in the spring. The fresh air, the flowers blooming and the feel of a new start all make the eastern United States a unique place to vacation. Of all destinations along the eastern seaboard, Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the best. Not only can you experience the great outdoors but you will also find historical sites and ocean views that far outstrip many others. The sun just seems friendlier here! There is plenty of RV camping available too. Try North Shore Bay Campground for one spot where you can have it all – surfing, swimming and fishing.

On the cooler days you will love the hiking you’ll find in lovely False Cape State Park. The interior trails let you experience the beauty of the forest, while others take you through the marshes and along sandy shores. Back Bay offers kayaking or canoeing beyond compare. Of course, the climate is mild here year round. So you can go hiking anytime at all.

Visiting Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge gives you the opportunity to see some endangered species that many never see at all. Loggerhead sea turtles are a favorite and can be seen from May through August along the beaches. This entire refuge is along a strip of coastline that is home to many mammals and birds as well. Be sure to bring a camera so you can catch a shot of the sandpipers and sanderlings feeding along the shore.

Naturally the ocean holds a particular fascination to all visitors. Stroll along the Oceanfront Boardwalk for a party atmosphere and a lot of entertainment. Kids love the amusement rides available, and adults may want to see a show in the Cavalier Beach Club. Relax at any of the beaches and soak up the sun. The Atlantic Ocean seems to make sunrises so much better so you may want to get up early for one.

If you choose the North Shore Bay Campground for your home base, you will be right near the dunes at Sandbridge Beach. This is the perfect beach for the whole family to enjoy while in Virginia Beach. Chesapeake Bay Beach is another where locals and tourists flock to spread out a towel in the sand and catch some rays.

Of course, you may finally wish to add in some historical education while you are here. At the Cape Henry Memorial you’ll see where the first steps of the English colonists predicted our new free land. If you love lighthouses, you’ll love First Landing State Park where the lighthouse at Cape Henry is a must-see. Plenty of hiking trails in this park, if you haven’t yet tired of hiking.

Water activities are popular around Virginia Beach, with sailing, jet skiing, deep sea fishing and even treasure hunting. Lots of history, ocean views, entertainment and so much more exist right here. An RV adventure to this spot is bound to fill your years to come with wonderful memories to recall.

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Visiting Colonial Williamsburg on an RV Trip to Virginia

Monty July 30, 2012
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History comes alive on a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Getting an amazing education about our country’s fascinating past has never been easier than at the first permanent English settlement of the New World. If you are ready for a memorable time in Virginia, pack up your gear into an RV and head to Williamsburg and a view of the United States’ beginnings as you will see nowhere else.

Begin your adventure at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. This is the official welcoming center for visitors so shouldn’t be neglected. You will see the entire array of historic sites you can visit on your trip as well as beaches, museums and more nearby.

Go to where it all started – Historic Jamestowne! Stand by the James River and experience what it must have felt like as the settlers approached the shore. You will also have the opportunity to see a site where the remains of the original church in the town have now been discovered. This was where an English tobacco farmer married Pocahontas. Right next door you must see the Jamestown Settlement. See a film which tells the whole story. Board replicas of the ships that sailed from England.

When you have kids with you, you won’t be able to resist attending RevQuest: The Lion and the Unicorn. This is a unique opportunity to decide the fate of our nation in a special quest. You will be asked to protect the identity of one of the patriot spies during the Battle of Yorktown. Your child can save the Revolution!

The Revolutionary City experience fascinates young and old alike. This is a two-day adventure where you are part of the story. The city comes alive with the pre-Revolutionary War days and continues to unfold through the war time saga. In this way your family will truly get the flavor of the times, inspiring anew your dedication to freedom from oppression.

Tour some museums to see some distinctive collections of items from the 17th through the 19th centuries. At the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum enjoy the glass, paintings, furniture and prints from early days. Stop at the store to find souvenirs to take home with you for family and friends. In the same building you’ll find the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, with an extensive collection of arts and crafts.

Although you can certainly keep busy for days in Williamsburg, you can also take a short side trip to find some cooling summer fun. At Water Country USA you will find slides that will give you the adrenaline rush of your life. Try the speed slide for some fast-paced excitement. Find a true thrill at the skybox where you drop as the floor opens.

Thrills come a mile-a-minute at Busch Gardens! With the rides, shows and exhibits that this park is known for all over the U.S., you can spend wonderful hours for some jaw-dropping adventures. Be sure to go to Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve and visit with the exotic animals. You will get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures.

Enjoy your RV adventure at Colonial Williamsburg, VA and take in all there is to see for a vacation to remember.

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An RV Trip to Monticello and other Historic Virginia Sites

Monty July 16, 2012
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Picture of MonticelloVirginia offers amazing vacation adventures for those who love the history of our country and the men who made it great. Taking an RV vacation to Virginia and some of its most wonderful historic spots is a treat for those of any age. Pack your gear and come along for the education and fun.

Begin in Charlottesville, VA, because this is where all the action is. Not only has this city been voted one of the best places to live in the U.S., it has a wide array of attractions and outdoor fun available. Browse the art galleries, take in the history and enjoy some great food. You’ll find great RV camping in the area. You can try Misty Mountain Camp Resort for really nice amenities.

The main attraction for this trip will be beautiful Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Much of this home is of the original construction, and you will get the real flavor of living in early times. Take a tour of this mansion and explore the gardens. Don’t miss the museum shop where you may find a treasure to take home with you.

Need to get out and stretch your legs? It is easy to do so right here near Monticello. The Saunders-Monticello Trail is a popular path where you can walk, bicycle or jog a comfortable two-mile stretch. It’s a great place to get some space and enjoy Virginia’s fresh air.

More history awaits you at the home of James Monroe. At Ash Lawn-Highland you can see what a working plantation was like in the 1700s. Fascinating indeed to see the drawing room, the children’s room and the Monroes’ bedchamber! Step back in time here and feel as if a horse and carriage will draw up to take you away. Then on to the Historic Michie Tavern and more historic amazement. This tavern was built along the side of Buck Mountain in the late 1700s to serve travelers who desperately needed a drink before traveling on.

Montpelier was where James Madison was raised and lived for his entire life, with time out for his stay in Washington during his presidency. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is a spot where you will not only get a taste of what President Madison’s life was really like, but you can take part in various activities and enjoy the gardens and outbuildings. Take a trip over to the University of Virginia next to see the school that was founded and designed by Thomas Jefferson. Explore the Rotunda, the gardens and the art museum.

Within Charlottesville, you will find another spot where you can get out and enjoy the sun. At Riverview Park take the Rivanna Trail for some hiking fun. This park is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail so you will certainly get some bird watching in while you are here.

Now that you have seen the sights around Charlottesville, your trip doesn’t have to be over. You can head west to Shenandoah National Park for some outdoor recreation and scenic drives. This will be the icing on the cake of your Virginia excursion in an RV.

Picture credits: The picture of Monticello is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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An RV Adventure Along Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley

Monty July 13, 2012
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Picture of a Sunset View From Skyline Drive

Sunset From Skyline Drive

Shenandoah Valley’s Skyline Drive is 105 miles of pure beauty. Motorhome vacations on this scenic byway offer spectacular views, healthy outdoor recreation and interesting historic sites.

Let’s start in Front Royal, Virginia. From this lovely town, you will access the northern entrance of Shenandoah National Park to start your scenic journey.

However, before you actually enter the park, Front Royal deserves some attention. This gateway town is surrounded by some fine wineries. Take time for a short country-road detour along a wine trail to enjoy a delicious wine tasting experience. Stop in historic downtown with your RV rental parked only briefly while you browse the quaint shops.

Now you are ready to embark on the main objective of your RV vacation – seeing one of the most scenic drives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive is a two-lane road that twists along through the long and narrow Shenandoah National Park. From one end to the other, you won’t have a lack of things to do and see.

With numerous overlooks along the route, this scenic trip is a dramatic nature experience, with wildlife standing quietly on far-off hillsides, birds flitting from tree to tree, bubbling streams and unspoiled landscapes. The flowing Shenandoah River sparkles on your right, peaceful forested hills lie to your left.

Those who explore the park on their RV vacations find camping is a pleasure. No matter if your motorhome rental is large or small, there are three campgrounds that have pull-through sites. These are:

  • Mathews Arm Campground – at Mile 22.1
  • Big Meadows Campground – at Mile 51.2
  • Loft Mountain Campground – at Mile 79.5

When you reach Mile 31 on your trip south, you will go through the only tunnel on this National Scenic Byway – Mary’s Rock Tunnel. The height of this tunnel is 12 feet 8 inches, so ensure you plan for this when you pick up your RV rental at the start of the trip. Also at Mile 31, you have the opportunity for a great side-trip to Sperryville, 7 miles to the east on US 211. While visiting this friendly town, you will find many arts and crafts shops and so have a multitude of choices for souvenirs to take home to family and friends.

Outdoor lovers never fail to find the hiking trails immediately. Skyline Drive offers many choices, from easy to the most challenging. The Skyland area (PDF) has the best trails, among them the difficult Whiteoak Canyon Falls Trail. Plan on this steep trek taking three to four hours. Having the opportunity to view seven different waterfalls make this trip completely worthwhile.

An RV vacation along Skyline Drive offers so much in the way of natural beauty, and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. If you get the opportunity to enjoy this scenic drive, don’t pass it up.

Picture credits: The picture of the sunset is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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An Unforgettable Virginia Beach RV Excursion

Monty April 23, 2012
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Picture of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach

You’ll be making memories to last a lifetime with an RV vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Outdoor adventures are abundant, and the ocean is inviting for enjoying many water sports and days filled with sun and fun. No matter your preference for recreation, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for in Virginia Beach. You also have the opportunity to soak up some American history.

Start your unforgettable RV excursion by finding a spot to park your RV. With many RV parks and campgrounds with RV hook-ups nearby, you’ll find the ideal spot for a home base. Folks love to socialize, and you can sit and swap stories of your adventures at the end of the day.

Of course, the beaches are a big attraction here. The Atlantic Ocean to the east and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to the north with small bays all around, you will indulge your every whim for beachside relaxation. Watch the sunset while you stroll along Chesapeake Bay Beach or spread out a towel along the sand dunes at Sandbridge Beach and try and name the species of seabirds keeping you company.

One popular focal point of Virginia Beach is its Oceanfront Boardwalk, a three-mile long walkway along the ocean. An RV excursion wouldn’t be complete without making your way to the boardwalk and taking in this marvelous carnival-like atmosphere. Great bands of yesteryear used to play on the bandstand and entertain those who walked casually along the oceanfront promenade. You can still visit the Cavalier Beach Club to see some fabulous shows. If you have kids along, they will love to experience all the exciting amusement rides.

Naturally, a motorhome trip to Virginia Beach will require visiting some of the nearby state parks and wildlife preserves. The unique False Cape State Park offers numerous trails for hiking. Make your way across pristine sands and through lovely marshes, with interior trails taking you into the forest. Another aspect to the adventure may be taking a boat or a canoe down the Back Bay. It’s all there waiting for you!

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has more than 9,200 acres on a thin strip of coastline, where you can see all kinds of mammals and birds. You can experience all types of terrain, while you take photos of some of the endangered species living here, such as the peregrine falcons or the loggerhead sea turtles.

To get the ultimate taste of Virginia history, close your eyes for a moment and imagine approaching the shores in a ship captained by Christopher Newport. The coast would be bare of hotels, shops and people, truly a New World to be explored. Historic First Landing State Park provides a link with the past when you tour the lighthouse at Cape Henry or visit the Cape Henry Memorial where the English colonists first stepped foot.

Many RV vacations have the sole objective of finding and enjoying water activities, particularly around Virginia Beach. And there is no denying that you’ll discover superb outdoor recreation around this exciting city. Sailing and other adventures take on new meaning along these shores. Jet ski with the dolphins, hire a yacht and take to the high seas, even adventure onto a pirate ship and search for treasure. There is no end to the pleasures you will find on an RV excursion to Virginia Beach.

If you have had dreams of fishing on the Eastern seaboard, now is certainly your chance. Sport fishing offshore can be one of the top experiences of a lifetime. Simply fishing in the Bay will net you some flounder, sea bass, striper and more. You’ll find guided fishing tours for both ocean and Chesapeake Bay fishing. For a new and different activity (perhaps), kayaking is a great way to spend a day. Travel the rivers, bays and lakes to really absorb the beauty of Virginia’s miles of waterways. Become one with nature as you move through untouched landscapes and listen to the calls of birds and the splash of a fish jumping.

RV vacations allow you to shed those workaday world woes, relaxing the mind and soul. By taking your RV on an exciting vacation to Virginia Beach, you don’t have to rough it. You can be comfortable and cozy when not out there having the time of your life. Motorhome camping does something special for a vacation. Plan your unforgettable Virginia Beach RV excursion now, including at least some, if not all, of the vacation tips above

You’ll be making memories to last a lifetime with an RV vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Picture credits: The picture of Virginia Beach is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Five Tips for Seeing Sterling, Virginia by RV

Monty February 28, 2012
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Close enough to Washington, DC to allow easy day trips and right in the center of historic and natural attractions, Sterling, Virginia is a great place to visit by RV. As you plan your Virginia RV vacation, follow these five tips for seeing Sterling, VA by RV.

  1. Enjoy the flavors of the region surrounding Sterling along the Loudon County Wine Trail. More than a dozen wineries populate the countryside within an hour’s drive of Sterling, and many are open for touring and wine tasting. Northeast Loudon County is home to Tarara Winery on Shadow Lake, Corcoran Vineyard near the village of Hillsboro and a nice collection of neighboring vineyards waiting to offer RVers their luscious products. Call ahead for wine tasting and special event schedules.
  2. Civil War history fans RV camping near Sterling, Virginia will soon discover an area steeped in battlefields and historic sites related to the War Between the States. The Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park and National Cemetery offer trails and informative markers throughout the site of the area’s largest Civil War battlefield.
  3. For an even greater understanding of the role this region played during the Civil War, walk the heritage trail and explore the exhibits at Manassas National Battlefield. Only thirty minutes from Sterling, the story Manassas tells is one you won’t soon forget. Excellent day trip for families with school-aged RVers.
  4. Paddle the Potomac, play a challenging round of golf or hike a wonderfully scenic riverfront trail right in Sterling at Algonkian Regional Park. The popular 18-hole, par-72 public golf course is a great place to spend a morning while RV camping in Sterling, Virginia. The park is also the perfect launch point for a paddling tour of the Islands of the Potomac. In addition, active RVers will find the park’s section of the Potomac Heritage Trail (PDF) filled with natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
  5. And we’d steer you wrong if we steered Sterling, VA RV campers away from Washington, DC attractions. Whether you’re visiting the nation’s capitol for the first time or it’s one of your favorite destinations, RV camping near Sterling gives you easy access to all DC has to offer. The Smithsonian, the monuments and the seat of US government will fill you with wonder, so don’t miss them while in Sterling.

Base your next RV camping trip in Sterling, Virginia to find a whole new world of adventure. With so much history, culture and nature to experience here, isn’t it time you turned your RV toward Sterling?

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RV Camping Along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail

Monty February 3, 2012
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You may know that the wooded hills around Richmond, Virginia are splendidly scenic and overflowing with historic treasures. But did you know, RV campers, that they’re also the birthplace of numerous notable wines, just waiting to tempt your taste buds?

Here’s a great trip idea – combine the luxury and comfort of Virginia RV camping with the luscious flavors to be found along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail. Intrigued? We thought you might be, and so we’ve gathered great information for making this your best RV camping trip yet. Here’s just a sip of the pleasures that await on your camping trip along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail…

Wonderful wineries populate the area within an hour’s drive northwest of Richmond. Start your tour at James River Cellars, between Richmond and Ashland on Route 1. This picturesque oasis offers more than a dozen vintages, including specially-bottled ‘Civil War Wines.’ They also host the April Fools Wine Festival, where all four Heart of Virginia Wine Trail wineries are celebrated the first weekend of April each year.

Having then spent the night in one of the region’s highly-rated RV campgrounds, move on the next day toward Lake Anna Winery in Spotsylvania. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Richmond and a beautiful way to spend a morning. With gently rolling hills all around, this small vineyard offers both red and white wines handcrafted to delight oenophiles of all kinds.

You’ll also have the chance to cruise the shoreline at Lake Anna, a bright blue recreational haven in the heart of the state. There’s a campground here if you’re ready to call it a day, or you can keep moving toward our next destination.

Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, VA is an excellent spot to enjoy tasting and purchasing such delights as their Viognier 2010 in elegant new tasting rooms. Award-winning vintages and beautiful surroundings make this a favorite stop for RV travelers who appreciate fine wines.

We’re coming to the end of our RV wine-tasting journey in the heart of Virginia, but not before we make a stop at Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring, VA. Gorgeously scenic, this vineyard has been in operation for nearly thirty years. An impressive selection of estate-grown wines can be savored by travelers shopping for just the right vintage to take home.

If you enjoy fine wine and RV camping is your preferred mode of travel, central Virginia is the place for your next camping vacation. And it’s more affordable than you might imagine to visit these vineyards by RV.

First, click here to purchase the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail Passport that gives you access to tours and tastings at all four wineries. Next, contact us to find out how easily you can secure an economical Virginia RV rental. Finally, visit VirginiaRVCampgrounds.com to select the places you’d like to call home along the way.

Richmond, Virginia’s excellent accommodations for campers combine with the rich wine growing heritage of the surrounding region to make RV camping along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail a deliciously good time. Isn’t it time to start making your reservations?

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Top 10 Things to See, Do and Enjoy in Roanoke, VA

Monty May 18, 2011
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RV camping in Roanoke, Virginia opens up a whole world of enjoyable experiences. No matter whether your family loves to play outdoors, learn local history or soak up Blue Ridge Mountain culture, there’s a fun place to do it in Roanoke.

If you’re ready for a Virginia RV camping vacation, here are ten tips for having fun in Roanoke:

  1. Appalachian Trail – Just twelve miles from Roanoke, the Daleville Trailhead on the Appalachian Trail is your starting point for extraordinary views from overlooks like McAfee Knob. Use these official Appalachian Trail Maps to plan your hike.
  2. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs alongside Roanoke and for four hundred seventy miles through scenery that will keep your cameras clicking. We suggest picking a section to travel by RV on your trip to Roanoke; keep in mind the 45mph speed limit as you plan.
  3. Bottoms Creek Gorge is ready and waiting to give active campers a three-and-a-half mile treat. Hardwood forests, a two-hundred foot waterfall and the chance to hike along a mountain stream make this trail a favorite with our readers.
  4. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, the second largest urban park in America, encompasses a lake for boating and fishing, miles of trails where you can hike, bike or ride your horses and thousands of acres filled with wildlife and birds to photograph.
  5. Dixie Caverns in nearby Salem, VA give RV campers the chance to camp on-site while visiting an underground wonderland, shopping at the antiques mall and buying souvenirs at the gift shop, rock shop and Dixie Caverns Pottery.
  6. Mill Mountain Park and Discovery Center at the top of Roanoke’s urban mountain offers RV camping families plenty of room to burn off steam. Hike the forest trails, take part in Discovery Center nature activities and be sure to visit the Mill Mountain Star by night—eight stories of softly glowing man-made beauty on a mountain top!
  7. Mill Mountain Zoo – This mountain top zoo gets high marks from visiting RVers. Take the family a day spent learning about snow leopards, red pandas and Andean condors as well as familiar favorites.
  8. Natural Bridge and Natural Bridge Caverns are just forty minutes from Roanoke and more than worth the drive. Be prepared to be amazed by the natural stone arch that has played a big role in Blue Ridge history. The Natural Bridge Caverns take visitors more than thirty stories into the earth to reveal fantastic natural formations. Special ticket offers allow you to visit both attractions, so be sure to check online before you go.
  9. Roanoke City Market delights visitors looking for the chance to buy locally grown food in a festive outdoor setting. Shop for fruit and vegetables, plants and artisan-made items at this historic outdoor venue.
  10. Virginia Museum of Transportation is another great place to spend time on your Roanoke RV camping vacation. Your kids will be fascinated with the four-decker model train exhibit, steam locomotives and exhibits covering the history of auto, bus and aviation travel in America.

Before you go to Roanoke on vacation, check out our Roanoke RV rentals at El Monte RV. We’re here to help Monty’s Musings readers have a great vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

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RV Road Trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Monty April 27, 2011
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Picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Grandfather Mountain, NC

Blue Ridge Parkway Near Grandfather Mountain, NC

All across America, RV camping fans are gearing up for scenic drives and outdoor adventures. The Blue Ridge Parkway ranks near the top of routes RV travelers should make time to discover. Connecting two national parks, two states and an amazing array of attractions on its four hundred seventy mile length, this scenic drive never disappoints. As you’re packing your RV gear for this year’s travels, consider these highlights on the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway.

  • Shenandoah National Park – Virginia: The Blue Ridge Parkway’s northern terminus is in the tree-lined Appalachians of Shenandoah National Park. Take time to travel the park’s famed Skyline Drive before making your way to Rockfish Gap, where the beautiful Blue Ridge begins. Plan to slow things down and take in the scenery; the average speed on the Parkway is forty-five miles per hour!
  • Peaks of Otter – Virginia (Milepost 86): Views of Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill can furnish a scrapbook full of photos. The Peaks of Otter Campground is close to miles of hiking trails, a living history farm and great fishing on Abbott Lake. Camp here before moving on toward Roanoke; the scenery’s spectacular!
  • Roanoke River Gorge – Virginia (Milepost 120): After stopping to admire the view at overlooks like Purgatory, get out and stretch your legs at Roanoke River Gorge. Near the city of Roanoke, this picturesque river gorge is adjacent to Roanoke Mountain campground. You’ll find a nice collection of hiking trails in the Roanoke Valley, so break out your walking shoes and treat yourself to some off-Parkway views.
  • Smart View and Rocky Knob – Virginia (Mileposts 154-174): Pull off to enjoy Smart View overlook before moving on to Rocky Knob, where a campground, fascinating trails and nearby Mabry Mill offer a break that’s filled with great lodging and superlative scenery.
  • Blue Ridge Music Center – Virginia (Milepost 213): Here’s the chance to continuing enjoying the Parkway’s breathtaking vistas while listening to great mountain music. The Blue Ridge Music Center near the North Carolina border celebrates the music that makes this region such a cultural treasure.
  • Doughton Park – North Carolina (Milepost 239): Another well-run campground welcomes visitors to Doughton Park, where scenic hiking trails and the 1880s Brinegar Cabin are well worth a visit.
  • Julian Price Memorial Park – North Carolina (Milepost 295): Continue south over Bluff Mountain with stops at Northwest Trading Post, The Lump and Cascades Falls at EB Jeffress Park before camping at Julian Price Memorial Park. The park’s proximity to Moses Cone Memorial Park and the Parkway Craft Center make this a don’t miss on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Crabtree Meadows – North Carolina – (Milepost 339): By the time you’ve stopped to hike, learn about and experience all the wonders in the next 45 miles, you’re going to be ready to camp at Crabtree Meadows! Mosey south around Grandfather Mountain to Linn Cove Viaduct. Further south, Beacon Heights and Flat Rock offer amazing views of Pisgah National Forest. At Linville Falls Visitors Center, old growth trees, heritage stone fences and a breathtaking view of Linville Gorge make hiking the trail worthwhile. When you’ve looked your fill, meander through the mountains to the Museum of North Carolina Minerals. RV Traveler Tip: Dash over to Little Switzerland for a quick side trip to a wonderful alpine community before coming to rest at Crabtree Meadows campground.

South to the Parkway’s Southern Terminus
If you’re only going to see a short section of the Parkway, jump on at Crabtree Meadows and journey south. In between Crabtree Meadows and the Parkway’s southern terminus is some of the most magnificent mountain roadway in America. Not only is this the highest elevation section, there are so many attractions you’ll wish you’d planned more time!

Here are some time-tested favorites of RV campers:

  1. Mount Mitchell State Park – Milepost 355 – highest point east of the Mississippi River.
  2. Craggy Gardens – Milepost 365 – outstanding Appalachian Mountain wildflowers all summer.
  3. Folk Art Center – Milepost 382 – learn about the art and music of the Southern Appalachians at this Center just north of Asheville, NC. A trip into Asheville will charm your RV traveling crew, as well.
  4. Pisgah National Forest – Milepost 408 – the views, the wildlife and the campground in the Parkway’s highest developed area are only three reasons to spend at least one night here.
  5. Oconaluftee Visitors Center – Southern End of Parkway – From Mount Pisgah, it’s a wild ride south through a twisting, turning length of Blue Ridge Parkway. Build time into your agenda to enjoy spots along the way like Looking Glass Rock Overlook, Beech Gap and Richland Balsam. You’ll also love the view of the Great Smokies from the overlook at Waterrock Knob.

Here’s where you’ll have to do some planning to enjoy the rest of the drive south. Tunnels on the snakelike road just south of Waterrock Knob are under twelve feet high, so depending on what you’re driving, you may have to use a towed vehicle to complete the Parkway. Venture onto the Cherokee Indian Reservation within magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park to find the southern-most end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For an extraordinary experience, spend a leisurely RV camping trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. See here for more information on the Parkway’s nine campgrounds (all $20 or less per night!) and get in touch with El Monte RV in Roanoke, VA for RV rentals. A timeless taste of beauty, history and outdoor adventure is waiting for you on the Parkway.

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Visiting Great Falls of the Potomac by RV

Monty March 23, 2011
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Planning an RV trip to the Washington, DC area this summer? There’s a place just a few minutes away that will thrill the heart of any nature lover. That scenic spot is the Great Falls of the Potomac, one of the most popular attractions along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Formed by granite outcroppings in the Potomac River, the Great Falls provide outstanding views and recreation opportunities.

The Potomac River is the boundary between Northern Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. Thanks to the foresight of the National Park Service, it’s easy to view the falls and explore the Great Falls area. On the Virginia side of the Falls you’ll find Great Falls Park, complete with three scenic overlooks and a visitor center. All three overlooks are a short walk from the visitor center and two of them are equipped for wheelchair access.

A system of trails helps hikers explore the historic Potomac Canal and view the Falls from unique vantage points. If you’re pulling a horse trailer behind that RV, you’ll appreciate that a section of the trails is open to horseback riding enthusiasts. You can also ride your bike five miles along the swiftly-flowing Potomac, and bird watching fans can spy dozens of species near the Great Falls.

Fishermen will find great sport in the Great Falls area, but please note that no one is allowed to wade or swim in the Potomac River due to dangerous currents. Experienced paddlers may want to test their skills in the Class VI rapids that lure the best kayakers in the country each year.

RV travelers may be wondering where to camp when visiting the Great Falls of the Potomac. There are no campgrounds within Great Falls Park, but plenty of campsites are available nearby. One family-friendly option is Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia, just fifteen minutes from the Falls. This park offers full-service campsites plus The Water Mine water park, great lake fishing and picturesque picnic areas.

Another nearby RV camping option is across the Potomac from Great Falls Park at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Three campgrounds there allow RV camping and this fascinating historical park gives visitors another chance to learn about the Great Falls region.

Not yet persuaded to visit Great Falls Park in Virginia? Here are three ways RV campers can enjoy the park even more:

  1. Ranger-led Falls Walks and Ranger Rendezvous events allow visitors to explore this scenic region with a well-trained guide.
  2. A section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, an epic collection of DC-area trails and byways, runs through Great Falls Park.
  3. The remains of the Potomac Canal system, first planned by George Washington, are within the national park boundaries, giving a glimpse into commerce after the Revolutionary War.

Nature-loving RV travelers should definitely plan time to visit the Great Falls of the Potomac while in Northern Virginia. The beauty of the area and the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities promise to keep your campers completely engaged.

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