There’s nothing like a fun-filled weekend road trip with the family! And there’s just no better place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors than Shenandoah National Park. Just a short drive from Richmond, VA, Shenandoah is the absolutely perfect destination for a quick getaway. Pack your friends and family into a large 15 passenger van rental in Richmond from Greenvans for a fun weekend adventure.
Here’s what you need to know to help you plan the ultimate weekend road trip.
Planning the Road Trip
The first step to any successful road trip is planning. You’ll want to map out your route and be sure you have all of your bases covered before you hit the open road. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip:
How long do you want to be on the road?
If you’re tight on time, you may want to consider driving straight through to Shenandoah. But if you have more flexibility, take your time and enjoy some scenic detours along the way.
What’s your budget?
Be sure to factor in gas, food, lodging, and any entrance fees for Shenandoah National Park. Budgets make or break a trip, no matter how big or small.
You can make your reservation for your Richmond passenger van rental from Greenvans through our website, but it’s always best to give us a call at 833-640-8267 to see if we’re offering any seasonal discounts.
How many people are going?
This will determine what type of vehicle you’ll need to rent. For a large group, a 15 passenger van is the way to go. You’ll have plenty of space for everyone and all of your gear.
Don’t need to use up all of those 15 seats? We can remove the back row of seats for you to make it an 11 passenger van with plenty of space in the back for luggage.
Are you turning your road trip into more of a camping adventure? We can remove the back two rows of seats to make it an 8 passenger van with a ton of room for all the camping gear you need.
Are you going to camp or stay in a hotel?
There are plenty of camping options available in Shenandoah National Park. But if you’d prefer the comfort of a hotel, several lodging options are available near the park.
What’s your game plan for activities in Shenandoah?
Hiking is always a popular choice, but there are plenty of other options for enjoying the great outdoors. Consider what sounds most appealing to you and plan accordingly.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect trip.
Driving your rental van to Shenandoah National Park
Now that you’ve planned your trip, it’s time to hit the open road! The drive from Richmond, VA to Shenandoah National Park is around 3 hours. Depending on traffic and which route you take, it could be closer to 4 hours.
Here are a few different route options to consider:
I-81 North: Take I-81 North towards Strasburg, VA. This route will take you right into Shenandoah National Park.
US 29 South: Take US 29 South towards Charlottesville, VA. You’ll have the option of taking Skyline Drive through the park or taking Route 211 East into the park from this route.
Both are beautiful drives with plenty of scenic views along the way! The best thing about the new Ford Medium Roof Transit Vans that Greenvans offers in our Richmond van rental fleet is the windows. The vans themselves are almost 9 feet tall and the windows are huge. This means everybody in the van will be able to see the great views.
Once you’ve made it into the park, there are a few different directions you can go exploring. Depending on where you’re staying and what activities you have planned, here are a few ideas for driving routes through Shenandoah National Park:
Central District: Take Skyline Drive south from Front Royal toward Madison, VA. This 34-mile stretch will take you past some of the most popular hiking trails and attractions in the park, including Hawksbill Mountain, Bearfence Mountain, and Big Meadows.
South District: Head north on Skyline Drive from Rockfish Gap toward Swift Run Gap. On this 35-mile journey, you’ll pass by Dark Hollow Falls, Lewis Falls, and Whiteoak Canyon.
West District: From Thorpe Monitoring Station, travel west on Skyline Drive until it dead ends at mile 99. This short 8-mile drive will take through Massanutten Mountain and pass by the Elkwallow Picnic Area.
No matter which route you choose, you’re sure to enjoy stunning views of Virginia’s mountains and rivers!
The Best 15 Passenger Van Rental for Your Shenandoah National Park Trip
Now that you know how to get to Shenandoah National Park and what routes to take once you’re there, it’s time to choose the perfect vehicle for your trip!
For a group of 7 or more, a 15 passenger van is the way to go.
Large passenger vans have more space than any other type of vehicle. This means that you’ll be able to fit everyone in your group comfortably and all your gear and luggage.
15 passenger van rentals are also more fuel-efficient than you might expect, especially when you consider you’re only using one vehicle instead of several. This is important because it means that you’ll save money on gas over the course of your trip. Which also means you’ll have more money for your trip.
Greenvans also only rents the Ford Transit vans with the EcoBoost 3.5L Turbo engines. This is one of the most fuel efficient passenger van rental options, getting about 18mpg on the highway.
Finally, passenger vans are great for road trips because they’re comfortable and easy to drive.
If you’re planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park with seven or more people, then a 15 passenger van rental from Richmond is the best choice for transportation. Passenger vans have plenty of space for people and gear, and they’re fuel-efficient and comfortable for long road trips.
Bottom Line
There’s no better way to enjoy Virginia’s mountains and rivers than by taking a weekend road trip up to Shenandoah National Park! Just a short drive from Richmond, this family-friendly destination offers something for everyone – from hiking and picnicking to fishing and horseback riding.
With so many different ways to explore the park, there’s something new waiting around every bend in the road!Start planning your trip today! Contact Greenvans to book your 15 seater rental van in Richmond today.
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