Archive for July, 2011

Where do bikers sleep? Motorcycle-friendly lodging destinations

July 6, 2011

It’s summertime! The open road calls. Why not extend that ride a day or two by bunking up at a place that’s just the right fit for motorcyclists.  Spend the day touring some of the most scenic parts of the country, and then rest yourself and your two-wheeled companion somewhere that has the motorcyclist in mind.  These accommodations are located close to some of the nation’s best riding areas and allow you to catch some zzzz’s, a meal, and some fun before heading out the next day for the best part yet, the riding!  From tents, teepees, cabins, and even an ambulance – you will find a little bit of everything on the list below:

Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Cruso, NC – Once you cross the bridge into this campground, its motorcycles only, baby!  All cars, trailers, trucks, or any 4-wheel vehicles are not allowed past that point.   Lodging choices are either two person cabins or tent camping sites.  There is beautiful scenery in these parts that overlooks the smoky mountains.  Food looks plentiful here with a kitchen in the pavilion serving up breakfast and dinner.  http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/#

Rider’s Rest Motel, Eureka Springs, AR – After a breathtaking bike tour of the Ozark Mountains, you can take a rest for the night in one of 10 motorcycle themed rooms, and your bike can take a rest for the night in covered parking.  An outdoor bar, fire pit, and horseshoes, but remember to BYOB.  And hey, they also perform small weddings here for registered guests.  http://www.ridersrestmotel.com/

Steel Steeds Motorcycle Campground, Milton, PA – One of the nice features of this motorcycle campground is that not only does it offer tent sites, but also RV sites with full hook ups. They also have RVs, cabins and tents for rent that come with towels, pillows and blankets – allowing the camping experience for those that just want to ride in without hauling all the gear.  There’s fishing and boating on the river. Lots of great riding in this area and their website outlines some fabulous suggestions from a covered bridges tour, to a ride through Amish country.  http://www.steelsteedscamp.com/

Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Campground, Stecoah, NC – If you stay here, then you are within minutes to Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and the Cherohala Skyway.  Lodging options here include full cabins, cabin rooms, a bunkhouse, and tent or RV sites.  After a day of riding, enjoy home-cooked meals served in the pavilion and a group campfire.  There is even a biker church service on Sunday mornings.  http://www.ironhorsenc.com/

Thompson’s Eagle’s Claw Motorcycle Park, Tok, AK – Riding in Alaska? Then here is a unique stop.  There are some really interesting lodging options here. But be aware that the amenities aren’t quite like home at this primitive motorcycle park.  There’s no electricity in this ‘off the grid’ part of Alaska.  But if you want a roof over your head, or perhaps a teepee or ambulance over your head then check this place out (yes they have a converted ambulance built for two to sleep in).  Other services they offer are a steam bath, a cleanup station and a workshop for your bike.  http://www.thompsonseaglesclaw.com/

Sparkplugs Motorcycle Camp, O’Brien, OR – This place pretty much caters to motorcyclists only, with only limited parking for chase vehicles.  They offer tent sites, teepees, an outdoor kitchen, and even a swimming hole.  Relax to the trickling sound of the river that runs through this 15+ acre campground.  http://www.wediditforlove.com/sparkplugs.html

D’Rose Inn and Cabins, Leakey, TX – This place is for motorcyclists and bicyclists only!!  You can either ride in or trailer in.  Choose from either 4 rooms in the inn or 10 cabins.  There’s a pool, covered pavilion and BBQ pits.  But what makes this place really great, besides the fact that it’s for cyclists only, is that it’s in Texas Hill Country.  It’s riding that offers great views, rolling terrain, wildlife sightings, and interesting places to visit along the way.  While staying at D’Rose, we recommend riding “The Three Sisters” (RR335, RR336, & RR337).  http://www.droseinn.com/

And as always, we save our hometown favorites tied for #1 …

Blue Highway Motorcycle Lodge, Hillsboro, WI – In the summer, it’s motorcyclists only at the cottages here.  Check out the list of amenities that each knotty pine cottage comes with:  covered parking for your motorcycle, a hose to clean off your bike, full kitchen, gas fireplace, whirlpool tub, screened in back-porch, gas grill, and an outdoor fire pit.  Sounds like the perfect combination of up-scale amenities mixed with the Wisconsin outdoors. And of course, don’t forget the motorcycling……enjoy some of the best touring roads in the Midwest.  In the winter, this place opens up to snowmobilers and skiers. Year round fun to be had here! http://www.bluehighwaymotorcyclelodge.net/

The Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, WI – This hotel, situated on the southwest side of the state and close to Lake Michigan, is one of our favorites. It’s the first upscale hotel geared for motorcycle enthusiasts and business travelers. Recognized in many publications as a top hotel to visit and just steps away from the Harley-Davidson Museum, The Iron Horse caters to motorcyclists with on-site parking for bikes and room entryways containing tile entrances with hooks for leathers and a bench for removing gear, all in an extremely gorgeous environment. Check out their great restaurants, outdoor pavilion and don’t forget you’re in walking distance to all the entertainment that Milwaukee has to offer. And as a guest of the hotel, you get exclusive shipping rates from HaulBikes. Get a group together, take your wife on a vacation or maybe head over for the Milwaukee Rally in September.  http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/


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