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.
While there are not any national forests close to Chicago, you could travel 333 miles southwest near the state’s border with Missouri to reach Shawnee National Forest for an amazing RV trip. You'll find that most of the roads in the forest are very RV-friendly and can accommodate vehicles of various sizes. Numerous campgrounds are available for RVs up to 40 feet long, including Tower Rock, Oak Point, Pounds Hollow and a few others. This massive protected area spans 289,000 miles of rolling hills and is home to many hiking trails. The Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area is a geological wonderland that attracts visitors for hiking and climbing. There are six other designated wilderness areas in the Shawnee National Forest. Other points of interest are the Whoopie Cat Mountain Research Natural Area as well as the Cave Hill and Stone Face research areas.
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.
How do I correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Chicago, IL without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Chicago, IL?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Chicago, IL?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Chicago, IL, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Chicago, IL?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.
