An RV vacation to Chicago, IL is an exciting way to spend a trip and make new memories! You’ll love having your own space - after a day of exploring the area, you can come back to your own home each night, with your own comfortable bed and things you enjoy. You can also travel on your own timeline - if you’re somewhere that you’d like to spend more time, you can stay longer. If you’re ready to move on...well, you can! Traveling by RV gives you a flexibility that you can’t find on just any trip.
You also don’t need to own your own motorhome to enjoy an RV vacation. Rent an RV with RVshare, and you’ll have all the perks of RV ownership without any of the problems. If you’re interested in buying an RV, it’s still a good idea to rent one with RVshare first to see if you enjoy it and if it’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle. If you’re brand-new to RVing, renting with RVshare is also a good idea, because their 24-hour roadside assistance means someone is on-hand all the time to answer any questions you may have.
RVshare also lets you choose from a variety of vehicles so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Traveling with a large group or with people who want bathrooms and showers? You likely want a Class A motorhome for your journey. If you’re willing to forgo a few perks and are traveling with a very small group, a Class B campervan may be all you need. Finally, a Class C camper is a good mix of both other options - it’s not as large as a Class A motorhome, but it has more amenities than a Class B camper. RVshare also has A-frame trailers, 5th wheels, teardrop trailers, and a host of other options for camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Keep in mind that while you’re budgeting for your trip, many owners also offer discounts the longer you rent. So a per-night fee is going to be higher for one night than it will if you rent it for a week, or for a month. You can see the discount by clicking on the vehicle you’re interested in renting, then scrolling down to the breakdown that shows you the price for renting for a week or for a full month.
With over 700 RV Rentals in Chicago, IL, you can narrow your search for an RV by searching by area, or price, size, type of vehicle, or even the year the camper was built. They have a function to search for pet-friendly RVs, or for RVs to rent for a one-way journey or a round-trip.
As you plan your vacation, be sure to check out the activities and other suggestions we linked to on this page. We’ve researched the closest national and state parks, the best campgrounds in the area, and the fun things to do while you’re staying there. We’ve rounded up the events going on while you’re in town, and entertainment options for you all over the city. We also share practical tips like where to find dump stations, or how to plan a road trip leaving fromChicago, IL so you can enjoy the surrounding area as well.
Whatever your interests, we’re sure you’ll find something on this page to keep you busy!
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 do I need to know before renting an RV in Chicago, IL?Chicago has several major freeways, so it's easy to get around in an RV. You may find parking downtown to be a challenge, however. The city is on Lake Michigan, so you can enjoy a stroll downtown and head to the waterfront for beautiful lake views. Be sure to make time to visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the Navy Pier on your trip.
What are the RV rental requirements in Chicago, IL?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites if you are unsure about traveling there. and any regulations they may have.
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Chicago, IL?Renting an RV in Chicago, Illinois puts you in one of the biggest cities in the U.S., with amazing architecture and impressive skyscrapers. Parking an RV downtown can be a challenge, and if you have a tow vehicle, you may want to use that for a trip in to the city. There are lots of campground options outside the city, including many along the lake. The best time to visit the city is in late spring or early fall, after the summer crowds have gone and when the weather is still warm.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Chicago, IL?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
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!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Chicago, IL?RVshare.com has many pet-friendly RVs available. When searching for your RV, choose the 'Allows Pets' filter to narrow down results to RVs that welcome your furry friends on board.
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.
Are there one way rental options from Chicago, IL?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
