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.
If I want to rent a towable RV, how do I tell if my vehicle can handle the tow?
Before renting a towable RV, it is essential to ensure that your vehicle can handle the weight and hitch type of the trailer. You can find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual. You will also need to check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer, which can usually be found on a sticker located on the trailer. It is recommended that you do not exceed 80% of your vehicle's maximum tow rating and make sure you have the proper hitch, brake controller, and sway control device.
Are there any limitations on the types of roads or terrain I can navigate with a towable RV rental in Bethalto, IL?
Yes, there are limitations on the types of roads and terrain that you can navigate with a towable RV rental. It is important to check the RVshare rental agreement to see what types of roads and terrain are permitted. In general, most towable RVs are suitable for paved roads and well-maintained campgrounds. However, some rentals may be equipped with off-road tires, making them suitable for moderate off-road terrain.
Are there any additional insurance considerations or requirements when towing a rental RV, and how can I ensure I am adequately covered?
When renting a towable RV, there are three insurance options in case of an accident or damage. RVshare offers different types of insurance coverage, including liability, collision, and comprehensive. It is recommended that you choose the coverage that best suits your needs.
Do I use a sway control device when towing a RV, and does RVshare provide it, or do I need to bring my own?
A sway control device is highly recommended when towing a RV, especially on highways or in windy conditions. Discuss with the RV owner if this is something you will need. RVshare does not provide sway control devices, but the individual owner might.
What kind of braking system do I need for a towable RV rental, and how do I ensure it is properly installed and functional?
All towable RV rentals require a functioning braking system. There are two types of braking systems: electric and surge. Electric brake systems require a brake controller to be installed in the towing vehicle, while surge braking systems are built into the trailer's hitch. It is important to ensure that the braking system is properly installed and functional before towing. RVshare recommends having a professional mechanic inspect the brakes before renting.
Are any unique features or amenities available in towable RV rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Bethalto, IL?
The features and amenities available in towable RV rentals vary depending on the unit and the owner's preferences. Some common features found in towable RVs include full kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. Unique features may include outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and spacious living areas. It is recommended that you browse RVshare's inventory to find a rental unit that meets your specific needs.
How do I properly load and distribute weight within a towable RV rental to ensure safe and stable towing?
Proper weight distribution is crucial when towing a RV. It is recommended that you load heavier items towards the front of the trailer and distribute weight evenly from side to side. You should also avoid overloading the trailer and keep the weight under the GVWR. It is recommended that you use a weight distribution hitch, which can help balance the weight and provide more stability when towing.
What are the fuel efficiency considerations when towing a rental RV, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Towing a rental RV can have a significant impact on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. It is recommended that you use a towing vehicle with a fuel-efficient engine and avoid driving at high speeds. Additionally, removing any unnecessary weight from your vehicle and trailer can help maximize fuel efficiency. It is also recommended that you maintain a consistent speed and avoid sudden stops and starts.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on a towable RV rental during my rental period, and what kind of supplies or tools do I need to have on hand for this?
During your rental period you are not responsible for maintenance. Treat the RV with care and maintain cleanliness during your trip.
