One of the oldest and most famous national parks in the country, Mammoth Cave National Park is situated four to five hours southeast of Bethalto. This park is home to the longest-known cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave. So, if you want to tour this mysterious and unique cave, the site offers guided tours to various underground parts. Filled with more than 50 miles of scenic trails within sand dunes, woodlands, and even lush wetlands, Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is great fun if you are a hiking enthusiast. Over the years, this 15,000-acre park has developed with some interesting landforms as well as a plethora of bird and animal species. Located northeast of Bethalto, this is a great place to visit with your rental RV! Much closer to the city, Gateway Arch National Park was built to commemorate the beautiful Gateway Ark in St. Louis. Housing this 630 feet monument, the park is a significant historical site and while it may be quite small, is one of the premier attractions in the city!
About 30 miles west of Bethalto, Illinois and you'll find yourself at Pere Marquette State Park. This state park sits along Bundy Lake and offers great fishing, boating, and swimming. The campground also has a large wooded area developed for camping with tens of campsites that can support RVs. So, you can enjoy the lake without any trouble! Beaver Dam State Park is a 750-acre park located in Macoupin County. The park is primarily known for its enjoyable fishing in the artificial reservoir, Beaver Dam Lake. Here you can find largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, and more. Castlewood State Park offers many different recreational opportunities. If you’re looking for a place to hike, bike, or horseback ride, this is the park for you. Castlewood has over 17 miles of trails and is a great place to test your mountain biking ability. Its proximity to the Meramec River makes it an ideal place for fishing and boating, too!
Located near Bethalto, Illinois are two beautiful national forests that many tourists visit each year. These are the Shawnee National Forest and the Mark Twain National Forest. The Shawnee National Forests spans an impressive 289,000 acres and is located in Southern Illinois. Sitting near the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, you can find a wide range of landforms, flora, and fauna within this park. For example, the park is home to many endangered species such as the Indiana Bat which are being protected here! If you decide to take your RV here, Shawnee National Forest has campgrounds with camping loops and electric sites that allow RVs up to 40 feet. The Mark Twain National Forest offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors, including mountain biking, camping, fishing, and more. This national forest has some of the best hiking trails and scenic byways that adventurers will enjoy. Furthermore, the park has a variety of campgrounds with specialised RV camping sites, so you can bring your rental RV here with ease!
Only a short drive from Bethalto, the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a fascinating destination for anybody interested in American history. This national site features a tour of Ulysses S. Grant's home as well as exhibits about the famous Civil War general and president. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site commemorates the home where Abraham Lincoln resided as a child and later as an adult. The home, which has largely been preserved in the same state as it was during Lincoln's time there, is open to visitors for tours. Although it is a little further from Lemay, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is unquestionably worthwhile for a historic trip. This is a wonderful monument to behold, with stunning artwork and architecture commemorating historical events. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which offers beautiful scenery along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, is one of Missouri's most beautiful natural areas. Located in the southern end of the state, this area offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities as well as various campgrounds near the rivers. Moreover, you can check out the many caves such as the Devils Well Sink located throughout the region.
Many Americans love the idea of getting out into nature and enjoying the great outdoors. Thanks to this, renting and camping in RVs is growing in popularity across the nation. Thanks to this, there are multiple campgrounds, RV parks and RV resorts near Bethalto, Illinois where you can park your RV and relax. Many of these even have a range of facilities nearby such as dump stations, showers, and more.
There are 5 dump stations available in Bethalto, Illinois, and additional nearby options in the surrounding areas. You’ll find dump stations at Pilot Flying J Travel Plazas #645, MGM Lakeside Campground, Love's - Travel Stops & Country Stores, and TA-Petro Stopping Center of Troy. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Bethalto Illinois, for dump station addresses and details.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Bethalto, IL?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Bethalto, IL, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Bethalto, IL?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.
