Road Trip with RVshare Chicago to New York

Since something exciting is always happening in New York City, consider going on a road trip from Chicago to New York for your next vacation. It's easy to incorporate stops at Indiana Dunes and Cuyahoga Valley into your trip. Include some terrific stops at state parks in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York before you reach the east coast. You can hike, bike, fish, and play on the water at many of these locations. Bring your children along as they will have fun visiting some neat science attractions.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

South Bend, Indiana

Many South Bend campgrounds offer easy access to Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a campground with lots of great activities for children, consider Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Barton Lake or South Bend/Elkhart KOA. You can find South Bend RV dump stations at Twin Mills Camping Resort and Spencer Park. 

Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Zoo offers a lot of innovative programs, including a music series. Your children are sure to love Imagination Station. Top Toledo campground choices include Big Sandy Campground and Twin Acres Campground. Wilderness Campground and Harborview RV Resort are great choices when looking for RV dump stations in the Toledo area or consider other Ohio locations. 

Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown is the halfway point of your Chicago to New York RV road trip. There are many great Youngstown campgrounds, including Chestnut Ridge Park & Campground, along with Chapparal Family Campground. You can find RV dump stations at Paradise Cove Campground and Paradise Lakes Family Campground.

National Parks

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park covers more than 15,000 acres on Lake Michigan's southern shore near Porter, Indiana. This park offers many different beaches spread across its 15 miles of shoreline. Once there, you can go swimming, fly a kite or go for a sunset stroll. The 37-mile long interconnected bike trail system makes this a great place to explore on two wheels. Over 50 miles of hiking trails wind their way through oak-filled savannahs, across wetlands, and over bogs. Glenwood Dunes Trail is a great place to go horseback riding. Rangers lead over 400 walks and interpretative programs annually. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Follow the pathway of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal by stopping at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are over 150 miles of hiking trails, with some requiring you to walk across shallow streams by stepping on rocks or walk across log bridges. The primary route through this park is a great place to go on a family bike ride. The east side of the park offers a great place to go mountain biking. The Cuyahoga River is a terrific place to go trout fishing, while this park's many small ponds offer anglers fantastic places to fish for over 65 species of fish. If you love to see wildlife, then grab a seat on the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train. Look for the unique quest boxes located throughout this park. Answer the question, collect the stamp, and sign the logbook so that others will know about your visit.

Nearby State Parks

East Harbor State Park

You will want to incorporate a stop at East Harbor State Park on Lake Erie's shores into your road trip itinerary from Chicago to New York. This 1,831-acre state park near Marblehead, Ohio, offers various water-based activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. More than 10 miles of hiking trails are available, and they run through woodlands and close to the water. You are likely to see hundreds of birds from these trails during the spring and fall migration seasons. Challenge a friend to a game of disc golf. The seven blinds on the east side of this park are so popular with duck hunters that the state holds a lottery to see who is going to get lucky enough to hunt from there.

West Branch State Park

Launch your vessel to enjoy water activities at Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. If you did not bring your boat, then rent one at the marina at this Ravenna, Ohio, park. There are also two great swimming areas. Follow miles of trails through numerous bogs and the beech-maple woodlands. If you brought your dog along, let them explore the dog park. Work on your game on the disc golf course at this Ohio state park.

Ravensburg State Park

Ravensburg State Park, located in a gorge in the Nippenose Mountains near Jersey Shores, Pennsylvania, is a great spot to stop on a Chicago to New York road trip. You will especially love strolling through the hardwood forest at the bottom of the gorge during the fall when the trees put on their autumn colors. This park is also a delightful place to visit after spring rainfalls when you can see several waterfalls. Spring is also the time when the abundant mountain laurel is in bloom at this Pennsylvania state park. The rock-covered slopes with many oak trees offer a terrific way to escape the summertime heat. There are several picnic shelters near streams, so plan on eating a picnic lunch or grilling at this location. You may also want to consider other Pennsylvania state parks to stop at on this or future trips. 

Tuscarora State Park

One of the prettiest Pennsylvania state parks is Tuscarora State Park near Barnesville. The lake where you can go swimming, boating, and fishing, sits at the bottom of the Locust Mountain, and it adds to this park's immense beauty. Rangers and volunteers often host environmental education programs at this location. Stroll along the hiking trails through old-growth hemlock and rhododendron stands, and you may see many species of prey. About 1,100 acres at this park are open seasonally to hunt deer, pheasant, turkeys, deer, and many small animals. 

Hacklebarney State Park

Feel the power of the Black River and its two major tributaries as soon as you stop at Hacklebarney State Park on your Chicago to New York road trip. Go trout fishing at this park near Long Valley, New Jersey. Enjoy the views of the river from the hiking paths at the north end of this park. The trails through the uplands and wetlands are a great place to see birds, especially during migration periods. Over 600 acres of this New Jersey state park is set aside for seasonal hunting.

Along the Way

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Stop at the National Museum of the Great Lakes near Toledo, Ohio, to see the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum ship. When christened in 1911, this vessel was the most elegant and largest ship on the Great Lakes and soon earned many records for carrying the most cargo. In addition to climbing on this vessel for a tour, you can see many other hands-on exhibits, photographs, and artifacts telling the story of the people who have called the Great Lakes region home. 

Great Lakes Science Center

Stop and see a wind turbine up close at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Then, tour the 1925 William G. Mather steamship that was instrumental in hauling the materials used to build many early Cleveland businesses. A vast array of science activities encourages young people to engage with science. One of only 11 NASA visitor centers in the United States is located here. 

The Ward Beecher Planetarium

Take a break in Youngstown, Ohio, to visit The Ward Beecher Planetarium when you are cruising down the highway on your road trip from Chicago to New York. You can explore many locations in the universe in real-time at this facility on the campus of Youngtown State University. They often feature special holiday shows. 

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park

The Penn's Cave tour is the only all-water cave tour in America. After your cave tour, explore the farm, where you can see various animals, including Texas longhorn cattle and mountain lions. You can try to find your way out of a 4,800-square-foot labyrinth and go gold mining. This location is located about six miles northeast of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, so it is less than 23 miles off Interstate 80.

Whippany Railway Museum

Stroll through a historic village with numerous structures related to the railroad at the turn of the twentieth century by stopping at the Whippany Railway Museum. This museum often hosts unique train rides with holiday themes throughout the year, such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. This attraction is located about 22 miles northwest of Newark.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Chicago to New York, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Chicago or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Chicago to New York?

To plan an RV road trip from Chicago to New York, 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 New York 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 New York. 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!