Indiana Dunes National Park is found in northern Indiana, situated on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. The park features beautiful lakefront land as well as sprawling countryside, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and water sports. While you're visiting, you can explore the area's lush forests, rugged dunes, wetlands, and prairies.
If you head into the beautiful city of St. Louis, Missouri, you can visit the unique Gateway Arch National Park. The park, which was previously called Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is home to the towering arch that marks the beginning location of Lewis and Clark's famous journey. While you're there, you can explore some of the 91-acre park's historical buildings, tour the Old St. Louis Courthouse, and take a trolley ride up to the top of the arch, where you'll enjoy a spectacular view.
Mammoth Cave National Park is an incredible natural wonder found beneath Kentucky's rolling green hills. The park contains more than 400 miles of explored caverns, making it the world's longest known cave system. While you can't explore the caves on your own, there are guided tours available that will take you through all of the coolest areas, including the Frozen Niagara area, the Rotunda chamber, and the Gothic Avenue tunnel. Many recreational opportunities are available outside of the caverns as well, including hiking, horseback riding, biking, boating, and fishing.
Shabbona Lake State Park is a picturesque natural haven located on the shores of Shabbona Lake. The man-made lake is a popular fishing destination, and there are also rowboats and motorboats available for rent at the park. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on land, you can hike through the mystic nature trails or grab a bite at Pokanoka’s Cafe.
Another gorgeous waterfront park is Wisconsin's Big Foot Beach State Park, nestled onto the shores of Lake Geneva. Visitors can relax on the beach, go swimming, fishing, or boating in the lake, or explore the scenic hiking trails. The park is a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing as well, inhabited by coyotes, foxes, white-tailed deer, and other cool creatures.
Kankakee River State Park comprises 4,000 acres of lush natural space, including an 11-mile stretch of the Kankakee River. The park is a popular destination for all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and canoeing.
You'll find lots of unique monuments and landmarks around Illinois, and one awesome one to check out is Chicago's spectacular Willis Tower. The tower stands an incredible 1,729 feet over the bustling city, and from 1973 to 1988, it was the tallest building in the world. If you head up to the Skydeck, you can stare down through a glass floor and enjoy the unbelievable views.
Another iconic Chicago landmark is Millennium Park, which is home to the amazing Cloud Gate sculpture. The park covers 24.5 acres right in the heart of downtown Chicago, and while you're there, you can take advantage of a fantastic photo opportunity in front of the unique sculpture.
If you head down to the greater Peoria, Illinois area, you can visit the Wildlife Prairie Park. The park is sort of like a zoo without any cages, comprising over 1,800 acres and housing more than 150 animals and 60 different species. You can walk, hike, or mountain bike through the park and observe the amazing creatures.
One top-notch camping area near Carol Stream is the Paul Wolff Campground, which offers 89 RV full-hookup campsites for $35 per night. Guests at the campground have access to water and fire rings, and there are local opportunities for activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
Another affordable, well-maintained campground is the Big Rock Campground, where you can rent one of the 109 RV sites for $35 per night. Full hookups are available, and during your stay, you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. You can also have a pleasant picnic in the on-site shelter.
You could also enjoy a serene stay at the Grass Lake Marina and RV Park. The campground is home to 123 RV campsites, which are available for $50 per night. The campsites are nice and spacious, and the park features a swimming pond and an on-site restaurant.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Carol Stream, IL without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Carol Stream, IL?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Carol Stream, IL, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Carol Stream, IL?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Carol Stream, IL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Carol Stream, IL that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
