Road Trip with RVshare Detroit to Evansville

Regardless of your interests, you can find great places to explore on a Detroit to Evansville road trip. There are plenty of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and numerous state parks on your route. You will want to take time to explore Indianapolis' White River State Park with its fascinating entertainment venues and museums. There's a fantastic variety of things to do along the way, including visiting Indiana University. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Toledo, Ohio

Toledo is a great city to explore, with over 200 acres of riverfront property. It has a top-notch zoo and art museum. If your group likes to play, consider staying at Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey with its shuffleboard, cornhole, and other family games or Twin Acres Campground featuring a volleyball court, baseball field, and other game facilities. After you stay in a Toledo campground, consider using the RV dump stations at Maumee Campground, Camping World, or other Toledo locations. 

Fort Wayne, Indiana

The historic Embassy Theater is a great place to watch a live performance in Fort Wayne or consider strolling through Lakeside Park and Rose Garden. Give yourself plenty of time to do both by camping in Fort Wayne campgrounds like Johnny Appleseed Park, Fireside RV Resort RV Park, or Indian Springs Campground. All have scenic settings that you will adore. Finish your trip by using Fort Wayne dump stations at Love's Travel Stop, Berning Trailer Sales, or Hickory Grove Lake Campground. 

Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington, Indiana, is home to the University of Indiana, and you can find a lot of things to do on this college campus. For example, over 1,000 free musical concerts usually happen there annually. African American Arts Institute, Black Film Center, and the Sage Collection at Indiana University are exciting places to explore. There are lovely campgrounds in Bloomington like Lake Monroe Village, Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe, and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Prepare to finish your trip by using RV dump stations in Bloomington at Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground and Brown County State Park.

National Parks

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

If you love nature, then be sure to stop at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Brecksville, Ohio, on your Detroit to Evansville RV road trip. Start with a scenic train ride through this park. The 180-minute trip leaves from the Rockside Station, Peninsula Depot, or Akron Northside Station. You can reach this park by following Ohio's Buckeye Hiking Trail or explore woodlands, wetlands, and old fields on 125 miles of trails in the park. You will find numerous ponds along the trail, which are excellent places to go fishing, or you can fish in the Cuyahoga River. The river is a great place to go on a paddling adventure, especially during the autumn when the leaves change color. Go on a family bike ride on the multi-purpose trail or bring your mountain bike to explore the East Rim Trail System. Watch for signs in the park asking questions, answer them correctly to get clues to the next one's location.

Nearby State Parks

East Harbor State Park

Head east from Toledo about an hour to explore East Harbor State Park near Marblehead, Ohio. This park is a fantastic place for water sports because it is on a peninsula extending into Lake Eerie. This park has a marina where you can launch your boat, or you can launch from this park's two campgrounds. Anglers love coming here to fish on the lake, the two fishing piers, or in the fishing pond. The 1,500-foot beach is a great place to go swimming and build sandcastles. Hiking along the 10 miles of trails in this park is an exciting way to explore the Great Black Swamp's remnants. The 18-hole disc golf course is a fantastic place for a family-friendly game. 

Harrison Lake State Park

Head west from Toledo about an hour through the gently rolling farmland to reach Harrison Lake State Park near Fayette, Ohio. The 105-acre lake is a great place to go boating and has a swimming beach where you can take a refreshing dip in the water. Many anglers report great luck bass fishing in this pond and reportedly an excellent place to go waterfowl hunting in season. Your furry friends will love playing on the dog beach at this state park. Rent a bike to explore this park's trails. A disc golf course, basketball court, and volleyball court are available. 

Independence Dam State Park

Independence Dam State Park near Defiance, Ohio, is another fantastic place to stop and play. Launch your vessel from the four-lane boat ramp for boating fun on the Maumee River. The river is a fabulous place to go Northern pike fishing. Go on a hike through the dense hardwood forest to see remnants from Ohio's canal era. Enjoy a scenic bike ride under the tall shade trees along this park's main road. 

Chain O’ Lakes State Park

You will not want to miss the opportunity to visit Chain O' Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana, on your road trip from Detroit to Evansville. Go on a paddling adventure on the nine connected kettle lakes. Explore the forested hills on 23 miles of hiking trails. This park is home to the one-room Stanley Schoolhouse, where special events often invite you to imagine attending this school. 

White River State Park

While most state parks are in remote scenic areas, White River State Park is along the riverfront in Indianapolis, Indiana. Check the calendar as regional and national entertainers often perform at the amphitheater. Explore exhibits from the Ice Age to the 21st century at the Indiana State Museum, which has an IMAX theater. View the Native American and Western art collections at the Eiteljorg Museum. You can enjoy seeing works of art by Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Frederic Remington, among many others. Victory Field is a great place to catch a Triple-A ballgame in the summer. The retro gym at the NCAA Hall of Champions is a great place to play 24 sports on simulators.

Along the Way

Providence Metropark  

A stop that you will want to include in your road trip itinerary from Detroit to Evansville is Toledo's Providence Metropark. Take a ride on the canal boat pulled by mules along an original section of the Miami and Erie Canal while listening to costumed interpreters tell you about the area during the early 1800s. The tour includes the chance to see Lock 44, which is the only remaining working lock from the Ohio and Erie Canal. The meadows are a great place to go walking, especially in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. You can go fishing at this park and it's an ideal place for a picnic. Your children will love the spacious playground. 

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Explore over 300 artifacts telling the Great Lakes region's story during different eras, including its days as a fur trading area and how rum runners used the lake during prohibition. Understand the role it played during the Underground Railroad era and explore how it became a favorite spot with sailors. 

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

See over 72 species of cactus and 430 other species of plants at Fort Wayne's Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Since its construction in 1933, this 25,000-square-foot conservatory has regularly hosted seasonal flower shows. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is on the infield where the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 run. The museum displays about 75 winning racing cars at any one time, along with housing pace cars from the big races and passenger cars made in Indiana. The 1911 Marmon Wasp, the first winning car of the Indianapolis 500, is often on display. The museum also contains a collection of other related memorabilia, including the Borg-Warner Trophy, which is presented to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 annually.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Detroit to Evansville, 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 Detroit or Evansville.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Evansville?

To plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Evansville, 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 Detroit to Evansville 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 Detroit to Evansville. 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!