Indiana Dunes National Park is located only a short drive northeast of Homer Glen on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. The park, which has long been considered a sacred site by both modern residents and Native Americans of the past, features a diverse landscape. In addition to 15 miles of beautiful lakefront, the area contains rugged dunes, rivers, forests, prairies, and wetlands. The park is a perfect destination to enjoy activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and watersports.
Located in the heart of St. Louis, Gateway Arch National Park is an iconic urban park featuring one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. The park's famous 630-foot arch commemorates the beginning of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition of the early 19th century. During your visit, you can journey to the top of the arch to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime view. Before you leave, it's also worth exploring the Old St. Louis Courthouse and a few of the park's other historical buildings.
If you're interested in underground wonders, you should visit Mammoth Cave National Park, which is located in central Kentucky. The park's namesake cave is the longest known cave system in the world, boasting over 400 miles of incredible caverns. If you take a guided tour of the caves, you can check out famous chambers like the Rotunda, Gothic Avenue, and the Frozen Niagara area. There's fun to be had outside the caves as well, with nearby opportunities for activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating.
Kankakee River State Park is located in northeastern Illinois near the town of Bourbonnais, IL. Situated along the Kankakee River, the park comprises 4,000 acres and is known as a wonderful spot for fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking, and biking.
Indiana Dunes State Park is a unique natural haven boasting towering sand dunes, hardwood forests, marshes, and swamps in northern Indiana. The area features 16.5 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails and offers top-notch opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Additionally, nearby Lake Michigan is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and sunbathing on the beach.
Located on the southern bank of the Illinois River, Illini State Park covers 510 acres of picturesque nature. Many visitors make their way to the park every year to enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating in a beautiful setting.
Everywhere you turn in Chicago, you see Willis Tower, one of the many monuments and landmarks around Illinois. The building towers 1,729 feet above the beautiful city and was at one point the tallest building in the world. If you head to the famous Skydeck, you can see four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Another popular Chicago landmark is the Navy Pier, which was constructed and opened over 100 years ago and offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities. The pier features green spaces, restaurants, carnival attractions, gardens, a Ferris wheel, and much more.
If you find yourself in the Peoria area, you should definitely check out Wildlife Prairie Park. The unique park is basically a zoo without cages, covering 1,800 acres and featuring over 150 fascinating animals. You can hike or mountain bike through the park to get a firsthand look at the 60+ species inhabiting the area.
There are many excellent campgrounds in the greater Homer Glen area. One perfect example is the Hollywood Casino Joliet RV Park, which has 80 RV campsites available. In addition to the on-site casino, guests can enjoy the garden, bar, restaurant, and other amenities.
Another lovely place to stay is the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, where you can rent one of the 409 RV campsites for between $48 and $71 per night. There are full-hookup sites available, and the park offers activities like arts and crafts, dancing, volleyball, and special-themed weekends.
For something more affordable, you could go with Camp Bullfrog Lake. There, you can stay at one of the 26 RV campsites for as little as $25 per night. Some sites offer electrical hookups, and the nearby lake is perfect for fishing and boating.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Homer Glen, IL without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Homer Glen, IL?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Homer Glen, IL, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Homer Glen, IL?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Homer Glen, IL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Homer Glen, IL that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.