Indiana Dunes National Park, located just miles from Elkhart, is home to 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Once considered a national lakeshore, this relatively new national park is also home to on-site campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails among its famous dunes.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio features nearly 100 waterfalls and hiking and biking trails for many miles. Famous for its lush forest and rolling hills, this park is also known for once being home to over 500 generations of Native Americans. Today, visitors can fish, kayak, and canoe in the park's many running streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Mammoth Cave National Park, in Kentucky, is home to the world's most extensive known underground cavern system. This system is made up of over 400 miles of cave trails, all of which visitors can explore with a park ranger or tour guide. You can even experience some tours of the cave system on bikes. Some hot spots to check out include the Frozen Niagara, an area of flowstone formations, and Gothic Avenue, a section of cave covered in signatures from the 1800s.
Across the Indiana and Michigan border sits Van Buren State Park, a 400-acre park named after United States president Martin Van Buren. This park along Lake Michigan features sandy beachfront, walking trails, and woodland.
Potato Creek State Park is located near South Bend in Indiana and offers access to 327-acre Worster Lake. This park is known for its fishing opportunities, but it also has plenty of multi-use trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies.
Close to Winamac, Indiana, Tippecanoe River State Park is a 2,761-acre state park encompassing the Tippecanoe River. This river is designated one of the top 10 rivers in the U.S. for preservation — it supports over 50 endangered species. It's perhaps easiest to fish the river on the park grounds. Other activities at this park include hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and camping.
The Ruthmere campus is a historic mansion in Elkhart, with daily guided tours of the house and museum. Live music is often performed at this historic house, and a gift shop and cafe are on-site.
The Beardsley Fountain is located in downtown Elkhart and includes a statue and plaque commemorating a founder of the city. The fountain is surrounded by homes that are listed on the National Historic Register.
One quirky local artifact is the Elkhart Tooth Brick, a brick made from cement and the pulled teeth of a local dentist's patients. The brick is on display inside an antique shop on North Ward Street.
There are plenty of campgrounds in Elkhart for you to check out while you're in town. One popular option is Elkhart Campground, a 25-acre campground with full hookups for all RV types. Another great choice is the South Bend/Elkhart KOA, a campground with 61 full-hookup campsites and a pool.
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 Elkhart, IN 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 Elkhart, IN?
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 Elkhart, IN?
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 Elkhart, IN, 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 Elkhart, IN?
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.