Every week, we receive fantastic questions from The RV Atlas community, and this week, we’re tackling three trending topics: RVing to Boston and Washington DC, budget-friendly camping in Acadia National Park, and renting a motorhome for the first time. Whether you’re planning an urban RV adventure, looking for affordable ways to explore a national park, or thinking about renting an RV, we’ve got you covered with advice from members of The RV Atlas private Facebook group, and our own personal experiences.
Thank you to Bill Sferrazza for the featured image of Spacious Skies Minuteman!
RVing to Boston and Washington DC: Best Campgrounds and Transportation Tips
One of our community members, Tina, wrote in with the following question:
“Last year, we took a long weekend trip to DC and camped at Cherry Hill RV Park near the University of Maryland. It was a great base to explore the city since the train was nearby. This year, we’d love to do something similar in Boston. Can anyone recommend a good RV campground near Boston?”
Cherry Hill RV Park is widely regarded as one of the best urban RV parks in the country, offering easy access to Washington DC’s public transit system, great amenities, and a well-maintained property. Fortunately, Boston has a couple of great RV-friendly options that offer a similar experience:
1. Normandy Farms Campground
- Location: Foxborough, MA (between Boston and Providence, RI)
- Why We Love It: One of the oldest and most well-established RV resorts in the country, Normandy Farms offers high-end amenities, including multiple pools, a fitness center, and planned activities. It’s not directly in Boston, but its location allows access to both Boston and Cape Cod.
- Public Transit Access: Normandy Farms is about 30 miles from Boston, so you’ll need to drive or use public transportation from a nearby commuter rail station.
2. Spacious Skies Minuteman Campground
photo by Bill Sferrazza
- Location: Littleton, MA (north of Boston)
- Why We Love It: Spacious Skies Minuteman Campground is a budget-friendly alternative with wooded campsites, a pool, a playground, and a game room. It’s also close to Walden Pond, making it a great option for nature lovers.
- Public Transit Access: A commuter rail station nearby provides easy transport into downtown Boston.
- Exclusive Discount: Use code RVATLAS for 10% off your stay at Spacious Skies Minuteman!
Both options have been highly recommended by our RV Atlas community, offering a mix of affordability and access to Boston’s historic sites, dining, and attractions.
Budget-Friendly Camping in Acadia National Park
Taylor Riley asked the following:
“Can anyone help me plan a budget-friendly trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park? We have three young kids and want to do all the affordable and fun activities we can. This will be a 3-4 day trip.”
Acadia National Park is a spectacular destination, but it can be pricey, especially during peak season. Here are our best budget-friendly camping and activity tips:
Affordable Campground Options
- Hadley’s Point Campground – A family-friendly private campground with reasonable rates, located just outside the park.
- Seawall Campground, Blackwoods Campground, and Schoodic Woods Campground – National Park campgrounds with great locations. If your RV fits within size restrictions, these are affordable choices inside Acadia National Park.
Budget-Friendly Activities in Acadia
- Free & Cheap Attractions:
- Thunder Hole and Sand Beach on Park Loop Road – Must see fun stops in the park.
- Echo Lake – A great free swimming spot inside the park.
- Hike to Bar Island – Walk the land bridge at low tide, but don’t get stranded!
- Island Explorer Bus – A free shuttle that takes you around Mount Desert Island.
- Affordable Dining Alternatives:
- Instead of the Jordan Pond House, check out Common Good Soup Kitchen, which serves affordable popovers and supports the community.
- Buy fresh seafood and cook at your campsite instead of splurging at an expensive lobster shack.
- Kid-Friendly Budget Attractions:
- Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show – A fun and affordable show ($12 kids, $16 adults).
- Ranger programs – Educational, interactive, and included in your park admission.
With smart campground choices and free activities, you can enjoy Acadia without breaking the bank!
Renting a Motorhome: Tips for First-Timers
- Lee Siewert sent in three key questions about renting an RV:
“What are your thoughts on using RVshare to rent an RV? How long should I expect the owner walkthrough to take? And where should we stop for gas with a 34-foot RV?”
Using RVshare to Rent an RV
RVshare is a peer-to-peer RV rental service that allows renters to book privately owned RVs. It’s a great option for people looking to rent a specific type of RV without going through a commercial rental company.
Pros:
- A wide variety of RV types, from small teardrops to luxury Class A motorhomes.
- Often lower price points than traditional rental companies.
- Local rentals may be available close to home.
Cons:
- Quality varies since the RVs are individually owned.
- Communication with the owner is key—ask questions about features and maintenance history.
How Long Should the Walkthrough Take?
When picking up your rental RV, the owner should provide a walkthrough explaining:
- Hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- How to use the slides, awning, and generator
- Driving and safety features
A good walkthrough should take at least 30-60 minutes—don’t rush it! Record it on your phone so you can refer back to it later.
Where to Stop for Gas in a 34-Foot RV
Avoid tight gas stations! Instead, look for truck stops or larger fueling stations:
- Many Pilot / Flying J Travel Centers have RV-friendly lanes and easy access. Check in their apps for specific locations.
- Loves Travel Stops offer large, RV-friendly fueling areas.
- Interstate rest stops with fueling stations found on interstates are usually easier to navigate.
If possible, don’t pull off an exit and go into a small gas station—it’s best to stick to places designed for larger vehicles. When looking for a gas station, aim for fueling lanes that are parallel to the road, not perpendicular. These will allow for easier entry and exit.
Have More RV Questions? Join the Conversation!
We love answering questions from The RV Atlas community and sharing real-world camping advice. If you have your own RV-related question, be sure to join our Facebook group, where thousands of friendly RVers share advice daily.
For more in-depth discussion, listen to the full episode of The RV Atlas podcast, and stay tuned for more Q&A episodes this season!
