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 load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in Chicago, IL?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Chicago, IL?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.
