Road Trip with RVshare Denver to Chicago

Planning any type of trip is always fun, and when you are taking a Denver to Chicago RV road trip, there is the added excitement of knowing you have endless opportunities to see many different sites along the way. Denver is the Mile High City of the West, and you can spend some time enjoying the city before you begin your trip. As you travel eastward to Chicago, you will pass through the states of Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Each state has its own unique character. Driving straight through with minimal stops will take a couple of days, and if you have time for any side trips, you can plan on a week or two on the road. Driving an RV allows you to stay at campgrounds while you tour the areas, and there are many beautiful national and state parks that offer RV camping in the parks.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

North Platte, NE

North Platte is located in southwest Nebraska on the confluence of the North Platte and South Platte rivers. Besides all the water-based fun you can have, the city also features historic railways, freight trains, and museums. There are a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and parks you can visit while in the area as well. The Holiday RV Park & Campground is a quiet and comfortable location from which to venture into the city of North Platte. There are numerous dump stations in North Platte and the surrounding areas.

Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and the state's most populous city. The city hall and several other buildings in the downtown area are surviving examples of circa 1900-1910 architecture. Des Moines is a vibrant city with many attractions, like the Principal Riverwalk, which has a 1.2-mile trail that connects the east and west sides of downtown Des Moines with two pedestrian bridges. Other trail sections connect various plazas and city areas. The Des Moines West KOA Holiday campground, located a little west of Des Moines, features a communal kitchen, a snack bar, rental bikes, and fishing opportunities. There are several locations for dump stations in the Des Moines area.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa. It is commonly referred to as the "City of Five Seasons," the fifth season which allows all to enjoy the other four seasons. The city has a Tree of Five Seasons downtown along the north riverbank of the Cedar River. While in Cedar Rapids, you can visit a number of cultural venues, such as various art museums and theaters, and participate in various water-based activities. The Lazy Acres RV Park is just north of Cedar Rapids and has kid-friendly fun such as volleyball and miniature golf. The RV sites are large and have lots of space between them. You can also find dump stations in this area.

National Parks

Your road trip from Denver to Chicago will take you through the Midwestern states, and there are many beautiful areas of the country to see on your drive. There are two national parks that are near your starting and ending points: Rocky Mountain National Park near Denver and Indiana Sand Dunes National Park near Chicago.

Rocky Mountain National Park

There is no better way to experience the Rocky Mountains of the Western U.S. than by visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The park comprises the Front Range of the Rockies and is located between the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park. The Continental Divide bisects the park center, and the Colorado River runs through the northwestern section of the park. The park was created in 1915 and remains one of the most visited national parks. Visitors will want to traverse the popular Trail Ridge Road, which has a top elevation of 12,000 feet and multiple overlooks to view the alpine and subalpine biomes. This large park contains varied habitats of wildflowers, tundra, alpine lakes, forests, and rocky formations and many species of wildlife, including mountain goats. Inside the park, there are over 350 miles of hiking trails that accommodate both the beginner and the adventurous hiker. 

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

Indiana Sand Dunes is a recently promoted national park, named as such in 2019 from its previous National Lakeshore designation. The park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and has 15 miles of shoreline, 50 miles of nature trails, and a diverse ecosystem of white pines, bog plants, ferns, flowers, prairie grasses, algae, and the towering dunes. While in the park, you can walk on dune trails, like the Marquette and Calumet, or hike along other trails like the Cowles Bog Trail that runs through marshes, ponds, the beach, and a stand of white cedars. Depending on the season, visitors can ice fish, snowshoe, snow ski, swim, boat, fish, bird-watch, hike, and bike. Lake Michigan is 300 miles long, and you can participate in any and all types of boating on the lake. The park is unusual among national parks in that it contains 15 parcels of non-contiguous lands. 

Nearby State Parks

You will be driving through four states on your Denver to Chicago road trip. Each of these states has numerous state parks, and you can make as many stops as you have time for at any of these parks.

Jackson Lake State Park

Often referred to as an "Oasis in the Plains," Jackson Lake State Park in Colorado is a great destination for boating, swimming, fishing, and water skiing. The beaches along the shoreline are ranked as some of the top park beaches in the country. The park is located along the Central Flyway for migratory birds, and bird-watchers and hunters alike visit the park in high numbers during these seasonal flights. Some bird species you may encounter are northern harriers, hawks, curlews, whooping cranes, buntings, and more. If you are visiting in the winter, you can see many species of land-based wildlife throughout the park. Other activities include OHV riding along designated OHV tracks. 

Mahoney State Park

Mahoney State Park is situated midway between Lincoln and Omaha and is a nice, modern state park that your whole family will enjoy. This resort-like park contains the Peter Kiewit Lodge with 40 guest rooms, many of which offer great views of the Platte River valley below. Popular activities include visiting the aquatic center, playing on the playgrounds, trying out the rope course, rock climbing, ice skating, sledding, and more. You will enjoy dining at Caddy's Parkside Grill and using the arts and crafts center.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park is located alongside the Mississippi River and is just north of Davenport, Iowa. This unique area on the Mississippi is composed of river cliffs, caves, and limestone sinkholes. There are unusual rock formations, like Indian Head with its aquiline features, and the Twin Sisters, which resemble a pair of human-like figures on the bluff tops. Visitors will love walking through wooded ravines of white birch and meadows of bluebell, shooting star, trillium, yellow ladies' slipper, and lobelia. Some of the animals you may see are gray squirrels, muskrats, weasels, deer, minks, red and gray foxes, and badgers.

Along the Way

As you travel, you may have time to stop at some of the many interesting attractions along your route. 

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, located in Denver, has more than four dozen aircraft and space vehicles that are spread out over 150,000 square feet. These exhibits include a B-18A Bolo, an Alexander Eaglerock, an RF-84K Thunderflash Parasite, and even a Star Wars X-Wing fighter. Many exhibits are interactive, and the guides are helpful and knowledgeable. 

The National World War I Museum

The National World War I Museum is ranked as one of the best museums of its kind. Located in Kansas City, this museum resides in a sleek building that has a glass walkway over a field of red poppies, meant to remind us of the combat in the trenches of World War I. You will appreciate the many informative displays and collections of weapons and uniforms. Make sure you visit the Liberty Memorial in the museum for a great view of Kansas City

Worlds of Fun

The Worlds of Fun theme park in Kansas City has 235 acres of fast-moving fun for all. You will enjoy the thrill of the Mamba roller coaster, which is one of the fastest and most intense roller coasters in the world. Your entire family will be entertained by the Dinosaurs Alive attraction, with its life-size dinosaurs. 

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park covers 4 acres of grassy lawns in Kansas City and is a large and quirky group of sculptures donated from the private collection of John and Mary Pappajohn. This unique collection is definitely worth viewing, and you either tour the park yourself or take a guided tour.

There are boundless opportunities for fun along your road trip from Denver to Chicago. Not only will you be visiting both Denver and Chicago, two large urban cities, but driving in a rental RV from RVshare is the ideal way to have the freedom to stop wherever you desire along the way. Good times and good memories await as soon as you turn your RV onto the highway. Looking for more? Check out this road trip from Chicago to Colorado!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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