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Road Trip with RVshare Chicago to Myrtle Beach

Your Trip At a Glance

  • Trip Length: approximately 14 hours and 33 minutes
  • Mileage: 921 miles
  • Fun fact: You can enjoy an amazing helicopter ride over Myrtle Beach.

A Chicago to Myrtle Beach road trip will offer you a wide array of fun activities along the way. The Chicago to Myrtle Beach Road Trip Itinerary includes several fun spots, such as the Smokey Mountains, shops and diners in Pigeon Forge, and outdoor family activities in Gatlinburg. You can stop at the Triple XXX Family Restaurant in Indianapolis and enjoy quality American cuisines with your family. Further along the way, you can make a stop at Winchell's Restaurant & Bar in Lexington and enjoy amazing dine-in options. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

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Indianapolis

During your road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach, you will pass through the state capital of Indiana, Indianapolis. This city is home to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Zoo. This is perfect for families on a road trip with their kids, as it will offer you ample opportunities to cool down and take your kids to fun places before you reach your destination. Caboose Lake Campground offers a dumping station for RVs and also offers 20 acres of lush trees and gorgeous sites for your family. You can rest up in this campground, dump your waste, refuel the RV, and resume your road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach while enjoying amazing outdoor activities with your family.

Louisville

You will find Louisville in the middle of your Chicago to Myrtle Beach Road Trip Itinerary. It is Kentucky's largest city and is home to the Ohio River. You can explore Churchill Downs, the world-famous racetrack, or take your family to the Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay. You can also take your family to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and learn the history of baseball. Louisville South KOA Holiday is an excellent RV park and campground in this city that will offer you a dumping station and electricity hookup for your RV. The check-in process is quite simple for this campground, and you can also enjoy free Wi-Fi here.

Columbia

This city will be among the last ones you visit before reaching your destination on your Chicago to Myrtle Beach RV road trip. You can stay at the Inn at USC Wyndham Garden and learn about the origins of the city, or take your family to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for quality family time. Barnyard RV Park will serve as the perfect stopping station with a dumping station and a place to stay for a few hours. This campground also hosts a flea market every weekend and offers security for families at night.

Top RV Rentals Near Chicago, Illinois

National Parks

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Are you looking for amazing national parks along the way that you can enjoy with your family? Lucky for you, the road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach offers you amazing options. There is an excellent collection of some of the best national parks between these two cities. You can enjoy biking, swimming, hiking, and boating in these parks while learning about the history of the local area.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is among the first few national parks you will encounter during your Chicago to Myrtle Beach RV Trip. It is 383 miles from Chicago, and you will find it during your trip to Myrtle Beach. This park is located in central Kentucky and is spread over an area of 52,830 acres along the famous Green River. You can either enjoy a gothic tour of the caves or a historical tour. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, or kayaking with your family. If you are in the mood for fishing, you can take a guided tour and catch bass bluegill, catfish, crappie, and other fish. This park can be found on I-65 and is open for all seasons. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ideal for you if you and your family want to relax and enjoy the beautiful night sky during your Chicago to Myrtle Beach road trip. Spread on 500,000 acres, this park can be found on Interstate 65 in Gatlinburg. As America's most visited national park, this park offers you the opportunity to witness more than 17,000 different animals in their habitat. You can enjoy a guided tour to view wild plant life and wildlife from afar. You can also enjoy swimming or fishing in the breathtaking streams, rivers, and waterfalls that are found abundantly in this national park. 

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royal National Park is yet another exacting and amazing national park that you will encounter during your Road Trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. This park is ideal for you if you want to experience superior backpacking and boating tours. This park is home to natural beauty, serene environments, and rugged terrain. You can go scuba diving in icy waters and look for a shipwreck, or you can go backpacking with your family.

Nearby State Parks

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If you want to enjoy state parks during your Chicago to Myrtle Beach Road Trip, you can find amazing state parks on your way. 

Giant City State Park

Giant City State Park is spread on 4000 acres and offers lush landscapes with over 75 different species of trees. You and your family can enjoy camping, hunting, picnicking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and much more during your Road Trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. This park is located in Shawnee National Forest that is famous for its giant sandstone structures formed 12,000 years ago. This state park is rich in terms of geological history. You can enjoy ferns, moss, large flowering mints, and tons of wildflower species in this park.

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located only 100 miles from the big city of Chicago and offers 13 miles of trails for amazing outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and much more in this state park. There are over 18 canyons in this park, and 14 of them have beautiful waterfalls that can offer a place for taking memorable pictures with your family. You can also go hunting and fishing, cross country skiing, and ice climbing here to make your trip as special as possible.

Rock Cut State Park

Rock Cut State Park is located in Winnebago County, and is spread on an area of 3,092 acres. During your Chicago to Myrtle Beach Road Trip, you can enjoy wildlife viewing in this state park and observe waterfowl, deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck, and many more animals in their natural habitats. There are also two lakes in this park, Pierce Lake and Olson Lake. Therefore, you can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating with your family during your trip.

Along the Way

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Millennium Park

Are you interested in enjoying modern architecture and technological advancements? You can check out the millennium park in the loop community area of Chicago during your road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. This park covers 24.5-acres of northwestern Grant Park and is home to contemporary art pieces, modern architecture, and music festivals throughout the year. 

Navy Pier

This is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan that offers some of the best activities for families with kids. This pier offers over 50 acres of parks, shops, restaurants, and family attractions that you will definitely want to enjoy during your trip. You can also take a lake tour or get a guided boat ride around the pier and learn more about the history of the US Navy. Kids can ride the Ferris wheel, and adults can enjoy a wide array of amazing cuisines.

 Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

If you are into fish exhibits and giant aquariums, Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach will be the ideal place for your family. Kids can roam around in giant underwater hallways and explore hundreds of different fish species. Adults can enjoy meals in the cafeteria. Moreover, you can also buy custom t-shirts to make your road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach a memorable one.

One-Way Rentals

Start in Chicago, End in Myrtle Beach, No Return Drive

Book a one‑way RV rental from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. Explore the open road, avoid the return drive. Comfortable, well‑equipped motorhomes and camper vans ready now

If you taking a trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach, you should definitely prepare an itinerary in advance. It will help you enjoy all the spots along the way and make your trip even better. You can rent an RV from us to help ensure you have a memorable and luxurious trip with your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach?

To plan an RV road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Chicago to Myrtle Beach without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!