The Chicago area was once occupied by a host of Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Miami, and Mesquakie tribes. In 1790, a free black man by the name of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable became the first non-native to settle the land. In 1795, a group of Native Americans surrendered the land to the United States, as a result of the Northwest Indian War. A few decades later, in 1830, James Thompson performed an official survey of the area. During this time, the population was less than 100 residents. A plat was filed on August 4, 1830, and the city was officially recognized as Chicago. Today, Chicago is the third most populated city in the United States, with a population of over 2.7 million residents.
Begin your journey around Chicago with a visit to the Navy Pier. The 3,300 pier runs along the shore of Lake Michigan. The area includes a plethora of parks, shops, gardens, and restaurants. Explore the outstanding Art Institute of Chicago. Known as one of the largest museums in the world, this historic building boasts nearly 300,000 works of art.
If you want to try an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, check out one of Lou Malnati’s 56 Chicagoland locations. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, pay a visit to Oriole. Menu options include everything from egg noodles and curry to rib eye and salmon. The Loyalist is the perfect destination for specialty meals. Menu items include steak tartare, French fries with Choron sauce, and rum baba.
The Chicago Blues Festival – Held during the month of June, this entertaining festival features three days of live performances.
The Chicago Air & Water Show – This August event takes place along Lake Michigan. The free event includes jet flyers, daredevil pilots, and skiing demonstrations.
Thanksgiving Parade – This popular parade takes place during the month of November. The parade showcases more than 100 units, including floats, inflatables, and marching bands.
You can find a wide range of nearby RV storage facilities in Chicago, Aurora, and Joliet. CubeSmart Self Storage is a secure facility with outdoor parking options. Plainfield RV Storage is a guarded facility that offers indoor storage units. A1 Will County Self Storage is a locally-owned storage facility with video surveillance, outdoor parking, and indoor parking. Prices start at $70 monthly.
There are lots of pet-friendly RV rentals available for camping near Chicago! You can find these rentals on RVshare by using the platform's search feature. Once you've made sure you have an RV that allows pets, you'll want to make sure the campgrounds where you stay allow them as well.
If you're going to travel with your pet, be sure to bring along their bedding and toys so they have some things they're familiar with in a strange environment. You may want to make sure there is air conditioning in your RV if you're trveling in the summer - especially if you have to leave your pet in the RV unattended for a period of time. Be sure the temperature in the interior is at a safe and comfortable level for them while you're gone. Finally, be sure to enjoy the outdoors with your pet if they are able to be outside! There are lots of walks near Lake Michigan, dog parks, and other venues where you can exercise your pet and where you - and they - will have a great time together.
Chicago is a cultural hub with numerous reputable museums and theaters, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History. Situated on the Museum Campus in the heart of Chicago and 0.6 miles from downtown, the Art Institute of Chicago is recognized for the size of its art collection. It has more than 3,000 pieces, including photos, impressionist and post-impressionist pieces, sculptures and other types of art.
Located 1.3 miles from downtown Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History first opened in 1893 to display items from the World Colombian Expedition. Among the zoologic, astronomic and anthropological exhibits, you will find the most complete T. Rex skeleton in the world at the museum.
Another popular attraction is the famous Navy Pier, which is 1.9 miles from the heart of Chicago. Here, you can find restaurants, shops, a Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, an IMAX theater, the Crystal Gardens botanical garden and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. If your RV trip to Chicago takes place in August, drop by the famous Chicago Festival for live music and dozens of vendors.
Indiana Dunes National Park is 38 miles southeast of Chicago and boasts a 15-mile shoreline along Lake Michigan. This location makes the park a popular spot for swimming, boating, fishing and surfing. In addition to these recreational opportunities, the park attracts more than a million visitors annually with its diverse landscapes. It is appropriately named for its dunes, which comprise the vastest system of its kind in the United States. In addition to the dunes, the landscape includes forests and wetlands. You can park your RV at the South Shore campground, which is located adjacent to the lake. It provides full RV hookups and a dump station.
Indiana Dunes State Park is 50 miles from Chicago. It fronts Lake Michigan and borders Indiana Dunes National Park. This state park is most well-known for its Dunes Nature Preserve, featuring 1,530 acres of sand dunes. Along the lake, you can enjoy a 2-mile swimming beach as well as a beachfront concession stand. If you ascend to the top of Mt. Tom, you can spot Chicago from the observation deck. Other activities include hiking, bird-watching and naturalist programs.
Starved Rock State Park, which is 93 miles from Chicago, is recognized for its gorgeous rock formations, including a 125-foot butte. The 13-mile trail system takes you through the sandstone canyons and near stunning waterfalls. In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy picnicking, rafting and kayaking.
Approximately 59 miles south of Chicago, Kankakee River State Park covers 4,000 acres along the banks of the Kankakee River. The landscape includes four islands in the middle of the river. The extensive trail system in the state park is popular for hiking, cross-country skiing and biking. A dedicated equestrian trail runs for 12 miles and is open seasonally. The Kankakee River is a popular fishing spot with species like bluegill, bass and trout.
One of several landmarks near Chicago is the Pullman National Historic Monument. This venue is located 16 miles from the downtown area. It preserves what remains of the first planned industrial community. At this location in 1894, the Pullman Company’s workers went on strike, which was a highly publicized and bloody event. Numerous historic homes, a hotel and the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum are located here.
The 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail is 103 miles north of Chicago, and it runs across sections of Wisconsin and Minnesota. This trail marks the southernmost point of glacial activity during the last Ice Age. Along the trail, you will find numerous state parks, municipal parks and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Hiking and snowshoeing are popular activities on the trail.
Roughly 200 miles west of Chicago in Springfield, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the home where Abraham Lincoln lived for 17 years leading up to his presidency. The home has been restored to preserve its historical significance. Additional structures on the property are a visitors’ center, the Lyon House, the Arnold House and the Dean House. Guided tours are available.
Kankakee South KOA is one of several RV parks and campgrounds in the area, and it is 66 miles south of Chicago. This campground is in Chebanse and offers campsites that accommodate 75-foot RVs. Additional amenities are Wi-Fi, a dog park, a swimming pool and a propane station.
Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground is in Peotone, approximately 47 miles south of Chicago, and has large RV sites with full hookups. This pet-friendly campground offers a playground, a group pavilion, a laundry room and firewood sales.
Thousand Trails Pine Country is 72 miles northwest of Chicago in Belvidere, and it has 236 campsites, including numerous full-hookup sites. Amenities at this RV park are RV storage, shuffleboard, fishing, a store, a laundry room, nature trails, Wi-Fi, a pool and sporting areas.
Numerous RV dump stations are located in and near Chicago for your convenience. Love’s Travel Stop #417 in Gary is 30 miles from Chicago and has gas, snacks and restrooms. Martin Campground in Joliet is 45 miles from Chicago. It provides you with campsites with hookups, a restroom with showers and propane refills. Novak’s 83RV in Mundelein is 40 miles from Chicago, and it offers RV services on-site.
RVshare has RV rentals to accommodate your vacation plans in Chicago, including campervans, toy haulers and others. An RV rental is the perfect home away from home when you explore the big city or venture out to the gorgeous natural areas nearby, including Indiana Dunes State Park, Kankakee River State Park and others. In the city, you can spend your days exploring popular destinations like the Museum of Science and Industry or the Pullman National Monument.
RVshare offers spacious Class A motorhomes. Many of these rentals accommodate up to eight people and are outfitted with all of the comforts of home, such as a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. Class B RVs typically accommodate four people, and their smaller size makes them easier to drive than Class A motorhomes. Class C RVs are available that balance spaciousness and comfort. If you are bringing recreational vehicles with you, toy haulers are also available.
Numerous campsites in the Chicago area accommodate RVs and campers. Some of your options are Thousand Trails Pine Country, Martin’s Camping Ground, Navy Gateways RV Park and Race View Farms. While specific amenities at these campgrounds vary, you could enjoy creature comforts like a laundry room, restrooms, recreational activities and wireless internet access.
When renting an RV in Chicago, Illinois, you can expect to pay $230 a night for motorhomes and $130 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Chicago, IL RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What are the driving laws for RVs in Chicago, IL?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Chicago, IL RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
