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.
If I want to rent a travel trailer RV in Chicago, IL, how can I tell if my vehicle can tow the trailer?
To determine if your vehicle can tow a travel trailer RV, you will need to check its towing capacity. This information can usually be found in the owner's manual or by contacting the vehicle manufacturer. It's essential to ensure that your vehicle's towing capacity meets or exceeds the weight of the travel trailer you intend to rent.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a travel trailer RV rental in Chicago, IL?
When towing a travel trailer RV rental, it's crucial to be aware of its increased length and weight. Take wider turns, allow for extra braking distance, and maintain a safe and steady speed. Be cautious when changing lanes, as the trailer may affect your vehicle's stability. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and any specific regulations regarding towing trailers in your area.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a travel trailer RV rental, and how do they compare to other towable RV rentals in Chicago, IL?
Travel trailer RV rentals typically offer a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable experience. These can include a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and sink. Bathroom facilities such as a toilet and shower are also common. Other amenities may include air conditioning, heating, cozy sleeping areas, dining spaces, and entertainment options. Comparatively, travel trailers often provide ample space and amenities when compared to other towable RV rentals.
Do I bring my bedding and linens to use in the travel trailer RV rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Be sure to check the RV listing to find if bedding is included with the rental. Not all owners provide these items, so it's advisable to check with them beforehand. As for storage options, travel trailers offer various compartments and cabinets where you can neatly store your belongings throughout your rental period.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a travel trailer RV rental during my rental period?
During your rental period, you are not expected to perform maintenance. You should however keep the RV clean and tidy up after use. Keep the exterior free from dirt and debris and clean up spills or messes promptly.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a travel trailer RV rental in Chicago, IL, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
Parking or storing a travel trailer RV rental may be subject to local regulations, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association rules. It's important to research and understand any limitations or restrictions that may apply in your specific area. This will help you find suitable parking or storage options for the duration of your rental.
Can I use a generator to power the travel trailer RV's electrical systems, or must I connect to a power source at a campground or RV park?
Travel trailer RV rentals generally have electrical systems that can be powered by either a generator or by connecting to a power source at a campground or RV park. Some rentals may include a generator, while others may require you to provide your own. It's important to discuss this with the RVshare owner to determine the specifics for your rental.
How do I properly level and stabilize a travel trailer RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss any leveling and stabilizing needs with the owner ahead of your trip. Sharing the details of where you plan to camp will allow them to provide the best guidance.
Are any unique features or amenities available in travel trailer RV rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Chicago, IL?
Travel trailer RV rentals often come with a range of unique features and amenities. Some trailers may offer slide-out sections that expand the living space when parked. You can expect amenities such as outdoor awnings, entertainment systems, outdoor kitchens, and additional storage compartments. These features enhance the overall comfort and convenience of your travel trailer rental experience.
