Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland and the county seat of Anne Arundel County. The city's history dates back to the mid-17th century when it was originally founded as a city called Providence by Puritan exiles. The new settlement went through several names, but in 1694, it was named the capital of the Providence of Maryland and renamed Annapolis. Annapolis was officially incorporated as a city in 1708. Although the settlement started as a humble village, Annapolis grew rapidly in population throughout the 18th century. In 1783, the city became the temporary capital of the United States after the Treaty of Paris was signed to end the Revolutionary War. On December 23, 1783, George Washington resigned as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army while in Annapolis.
Annapolis has a population of about 41,500 as of 2023. In addition to its fascinating history, the city is primarily known as the home of the United States Naval Academy. If you want to learn about the academy, spend a few hours exploring the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. While you're in town, you should also walk through the Annapolis Historic District, which contains many historically significant homes and buildings. There are many other landmarks worth seeing around Annapolis, including the Maryland State House, the historic Hammond-Harwood House, the William Paca House and Garden, and the Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial.
Annapolis also provides many wonderful areas for outdoor recreation. If the sun is shining, you could spend a day picnicking and birdwatching at Sandy Point State Park. You could also hike along the lush, serene trails of Quiet Waters Park or even head out on a Chesapeake Bay Sailing Excursion. If you're up for learning something new, you could stop by the Fort Meade NSA Cryptologic Museum or the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The city also offers many exceptional restaurants; a few of the very best are Osteria 777, the Boatyard Bar & Grill, and Iron Rooster.
Annapolis boasts many quality campgrounds, and one great option is Camp Meade RV Park. The campground is exclusively for active military members and their guests. You can rent a full-hookup RV campsite and enjoy the park's peaceful atmosphere. There are several convenient amenities provided, including ball fields, boat rentals, and hobby shops.
Anyone who enjoys water-based recreation should consider staying at Bayshore Campgrounds. The campground, which is known for its helpful staff, provides convenient access to activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and crabbing. Additionally, there are quite a few shops and restaurants located near the park. During your stay, you'll have access to a variety of basic amenities, including showers and Wi-Fi.
Another excellent campground in the Annapolis area is Cherry Hill Park, which has 500 full-hookup RV campsites available for $73-$93 per night. The family-owned campground has a long history and a reputation for being very accommodating to guests. While you're there, you'll be able to utilize the swimming pool, hot tub, and campground cafe. Plus, there's a bus that regularly stops by the campground to take guests to nearby attractions.
Patapsco Valley State Park lies along the Patapsco River to the west of Baltimore, MD. The park, which was originally founded in 1907, is home to some of the earliest mills and factories in the state, as well as the first freight railroad in the United States. The area also contains the first submerged hydroelectric plant on the planet. While visiting the park, you can stop by some of these fascinating historical sites and enjoy various forms of outdoor recreation. While surrounded by forests, babbling brooks, and waterfalls, you can partake in hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and canoeing.
Encompassing just under 4,000 acres on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, Tuckahoe State Park is a tranquil waterfront park that's popular for both land and water-based recreation. The park features 12 miles of unique hiking trails, which take visitors through marshy woodland areas. During your visit, you can also enjoy fishing and boating on the park's placid waters. One large section of the park is dedicated to the Adkins Arboretum, which protects over 600 endangered species of native plants.
Another lovely waterfront park to check out is Martinak State Park, which is surrounded by the Choptank River and Watts Creek. The park offers lots of great features, including a modern campground, peaceful picnic areas, a playground, a nature center, shelters, and several miles of hiking trails to explore. The 107-acre park, which is inhabited by unique flora and fauna, is known as an excellent destination for fishing and boating. Plus, the park hosts awesome activities for visitors, including yoga gatherings, workshop events, and junior ranger programs for kids.
If you're a U.S. history buff, you will love exploring the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The site is famous as the location where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September 1814. After watching Fort McHenry be bombarded by the British, he saw in the morning that the American flag was still flying, which inspired him to write the song that would become our country's national anthem. During your visit, you can walk around the historic fort and imagine what it was like over two centuries ago when it was being attacked.
Another wonderful historic landmark is the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. The famous trail extends 290 miles from Virginia to Maryland and teaches visitors about the War of 1812. While navigating the trail, visitors can stop by forts, museums, and the remnants of towns that were burned or raided by British troops during the war. There are also opportunities for outdoor recreation around the trail; you can partake in hiking, biking, and boating in the area.
The Baltimore-Washington Parkway is a 29-mile traffic system that connects Baltimore and Washington, DC. The four-lane system originally opened in 1954 to allow free-flowing traffic between the two cities. There are many towns, landmarks, and recreational opportunities along the traffic route. While exploring the area, you'll find several beautiful parks with hiking trails, fish-filled lakes, and fascinating museums. A few destinations worth checking out are the Savage Historic Mill Trail, the Walking Tour of Monuments and Memorials, and Greenbelt Park.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests encompass a total of 1.8 million acres across Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The beautiful forests cover the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains and feature more than 40 species of trees as well as over 2,000 species of plants. The vast natural area is also home to many wildlife species, including more than 60 mammals and 200 types of birds. Visitors to the forests will find many excellent fishing spots in addition to scenic hiking routes like the Henley Hollow Trail and the Dickey Knob Trail.
Comprising 919,000 acres in the highlands of West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest is known for its diverse elevations and ecosystems. One side of the forest receives roughly twice as much rain as the other, resulting in very different habitats for plants and wildlife. A large network of serene nature trails runs through the forest, including exceptional hiking routes like the North Fork Mountain Trail and Hoye Crest. While exploring the area, keep an eye out for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, black bears, and over 200 avian species.
If you head to upstate New York, you can visit the picturesque natural haven of Finger Lakes National Forest. The forest is one of the smallest national forests in the country, but it offers plenty of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. In addition to enjoying activities like hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and geocaching, visitors can see the breathtaking gorges and waterfalls up close. Because there's very little light pollution in the area, the forest also provides wonderful stargazing opportunities.
Comprising approximately 300 square miles of towering peaks, majestic waterfalls, and tranquil forests, Shenandoah National Park is a picturesque retreat situated among the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. In addition to its stunning vistas, the park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as its excellent recreational opportunities. While soaking in the beautiful scenery, visitors can partake in activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. For those who enjoy water-based fun, there are also multiple mountain streams that are great for fishing. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy an impressive perspective of the park, you could cruise along the popular Skyline Drive, which spans 100 miles through the area.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is situated in northern Ohio, is known for its diverse ecosystems, lush scenery, and amazing collection of waterfalls. Ohio's lone national park boasts 100 different waterfalls, with the most impressive being the 65-foot Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in northern Ohio. Located along the mighty Cuyahoga River, the scenic natural area comprises wetlands, ravines, rolling hills, and forests. During your visit, you can check out some of the 125 miles of wonderful hiking trails while observing the many unique birds that inhabit the area. You could also go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in the Cuyahoga River or utilize the beautiful dark skies for stargazing.
Another gorgeous nature area worth visiting is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is one of the most popular national parks in the country. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, it'll be difficult to find a more beautiful setting for it. Visitors can explore the many miles of scenic hiking trails, most of which offer a number of tremendous vistas. Quite a few of the routes are also great choices for mountain biking and horseback riding. Other frequent activities include fishing in the mountain streams, observing the cool plants and wildlife, and auto touring through the 500,000-acre park.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Annapolis, MD, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Annapolis?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Annapolis from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Annapolis?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.