Chicago is famous for its culture, food, and sports, so it’s a great place to visit in a rental RV. Lake Michigan, the Chicago and Illinois rivers, and multiple parks and museums await you in the Windy City. Whether you only have two days to spend in this iconic American city or plan to stay a little longer, our guide will help you find fun and fascinating activities here.
If you don’t want to stay at a hotel in town, you could rent an RV and stay at a nearby campground. This would give you the ability to experience a bit of laid-back tranquility after long days of exploring the city. During the day, you could explore this diverse, vibrant city; at night, you could retire to your peaceful rental RV.
Search RV rentals in the Chicago area.
Preparing for Your Chicago RV Trip
Plenty of motorhomes are available for rent in the Chicago area, and RVshare has easy-to-search listings. Class A is the largest and usually most luxurious, but you might need a special license in some areas. Class C can still sleep several people, and they often have tip-outs for more room, while a Class B campervan is a cozy accommodation for one or two. You can also rent a travel trailer if you’d prefer to tow your RV behind your vehicle.
For more information on the RV rental process, you can check out these articles:
• Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an RV
• Choose the Best RV Size
• First-Time RV Packing Tips
Finding the perfect campground in the Chicago region means you’ll have to travel roughly an hour from the downtown area. One great campground is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Chicago, which is an hour away in Newark, IL. A pool, showers, and full hookups are featured here. You could also camp at Kankakee South KOA, which is about an hour from Chicago in Chebanese, IL. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available here.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Chicago.
Day 1: Hit the Water
Morning: Take an Architecture River Boat Tour
One of the best ways to see the wonders of Chicago is to go on an Architecture River Boat Tour. This 75-minute tour up the Chicago River’s three branches will give you unique views of famous landmarks like the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and Marina City. Boats depart from Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier, but we suggest using Navy Pier.
Lunch: Grab a Cheezborger
Once you return to Navy Pier, you can head over to the Billy Goat Tavern & Grill. This classic American tavern sells its famous “hamborgers” and “cheezborgers” as well as hot sandwiches and egg sandwiches.
Afternoon: Explore Navy Pier
When you visit Navy Pier, you’ll understand why it’s referred to as the “People’s Pier.” One of the most popular attractions here is the Centennial Wheel, which is a Ferris wheel that towers roughly 200 feet high. Other rides include the Carousel, the Drop Tower, and the Wave Swinger. You can also shop at a variety of art, clothing, and novelty stores that call this attraction home.
Setting Up Camp
Once you’re ready to set up camp at your Chicago campsite, you’ll need to first check into your campground. Then you’ll need to park your RV in your spot, complete any necessary hookups, and make sure your vehicle is properly secured. If you don’t want to bother with the setup, you could always rent an RV that comes with a delivery and setup option, so you won’t have to do anything more strenuous than show up.
Dinner: Chill at Camp or Eat Delicious Pizza
Should you decide to stay at your campsite, you’ll likely be able to have a cookout at your site. If you’re craving a slice or three of fabulous Chicago pizza, however, then you may want to head back to Navy Pier and order a pie at Giordano’s. These handcrafted deep-dish pies that Giordano’s serves have been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1974; salads, sandwiches, and classic Italian dishes are also served here.
Day 2: Explore Parks, Pubs, and More
Morning: Check Out Millennium Park
Another fantastic part of Chicago to explore is Millennium Park, which is just a mile from Navy Pier. When you visit this urban oasis, you can stroll through Lurie Garden, take selfies near the park’s iconic “Bean” sculpture, and catch a show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Lunch: Dine in an Irish Pub
After exploring Millennium Park, you can eat lunch at Emerald Loop, which is just a third of a mile outside the park. This Irish bar and grill sells burgers, salads, sandwiches, and multiple types of mac and cheese. If you don’t have to drive later, you could take advantage of this pub’s stellar alcohol selection.
Afternoon: Take in the Views of Willis Tower
The Willis Tower is only a mile from Emerald Loop, so you can easily visit this iconic Chicago attraction after lunch. This skyscraper is one of the world’s tallest buildings, and it has a section called the SkyDeck that provides visitors with unparalleled views of the city. If you’re feeling bold, you can step onto The Ledge, which is a glass balcony that’s suspended more than 1,300 feet above Chicago.
Evening: Make Your Dinner or Dine at a Popular Restaurant
If all of your exploring has worn you out, then you might want to cook a meal in your RV’s kitchen area and relax at your campsite. Should you decide that you’re more in the mood for a fine-dining experience, then you could check out The Gage, which serves “refined, rustic cuisine” to its customers.
Day 3 and Beyond in Chicago
Chicago contains many other interesting venues you can visit on your trip. Here are some places to add to your Chicago itinerary if you’re going to be in town longer than two days.
• The Art Institute of Chicago is home to almost 300,000 pieces of art from all around the world. This award-winning attraction offers daily gallery tours that showcase iconic masterpieces like Vincent van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait” and Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”
• The Chicago Theatre is a renowned theater that was constructed in the French Baroque style in 1921. Today, you can watch concerts, theatrical performances, comedy shows, and more here.
Seasonal Activities
If you’re visiting Chicago during the spring or summer, you might be able to watch the Chicago Cubs play a baseball game at lovely Wrigley Field. You can take guided tours of Wrigley Field out of season, but attending a game here is an experience unlike any other.
If you’d rather watch a professional football game, then you can take in a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field if you visit from September through January.
Indoor Activities
The Shedd Aquarium is an indoor aquarium that’s located on Lake Michigan. It’s home to 32,000 animals, which makes it the Western Hemisphere’s third-largest aquarium.
A third of a mile from Shedd Aquarium is the Field Museum. This science and innovation museum contains the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In Chicago, IL, you’ll have no shortage of exciting attractions to explore. So, pack up your rental RV, hit the open road, and make your way to the Windy City.
