Illinois is one of the most RV-friendly states in the Midwest — flat terrain, good highways, and a well-developed state parks system make it accessible for first-timers and experienced renters alike. The average rental runs about $115/night, with travel trailers starting around $80/night and Class A motorhomes typically running $175/night or more.
What to look for:
Length restrictions matter at Starved Rock and the northern parks. Several of Illinois's most popular state park campgrounds have site length limits of 40–45 feet. Confirm your unit's total length — including tow vehicle — before booking. Starved Rock's main campground fills fast and has limited pull-through availability.
Tow vehicles are a practical choice for Chicago-area trips. If your itinerary includes Chicago, parking a large motorhome near the city is genuinely difficult. A truck camper or travel trailer lets you unhitch and use the tow vehicle for city driving.
Generator rules vary significantly by park. Illinois state park campgrounds have inconsistent generator policies. Some restrict hours to 8am–10pm; others prohibit them at premium campsites. Confirm before you arrive.
A Class C or smaller wins on Shawnee National Forest roads. The southern Illinois forest roads and Garden of the Gods loop are paved but narrow. A 40-foot Class A is manageable but makes turns awkward. A mid-size Class C handles the route comfortably.
Illinois is straightforward to navigate by RV, with a few metro-area logistics worth planning around.
Starved Rock State Park fills very fast for fall weekends. October is peak season — foliage and waterfall flows peak simultaneously. Campsites book through the Illinois DNR reservation system and open months ahead. Set a reminder.
I-90 and I-80 through Chicago area have low clearances on some older routes. Know your vehicle's height. Most state highways are fine, but some inner-city expressway underpasses run as low as 14 feet. Plan your route around Chicago if you're in a tall Class A.
Illinois Beach State Park is the only campground on Lake Michigan in the state. It books fast for summer and has a strict reservation window. Electric hookups are available but fill before the general sites.
Most Illinois state park campgrounds allow pets. Leash requirements apply at all sites. Some premium cabins are pet-restricted — confirm if traveling with dogs.
Sycamore RV Resort is one of the top campgrounds in Illinois for those who love the water. An on-site store offers all of the equipment and supplies that you need for camping or watersports. The RV park has around 30 acres of lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing. Archway RV Park in Mt. Vernon has its own fishing pond for anglers who want to stay close to their RVs. This campground will make your pets feel as welcome as you do.
When visiting northern Illinois, consider Kankakee South KOA, which is just a short drive from Chicago. This park is close to the training camp used by the Bears during their off-season and has full hookups. It is also close to the state park of the same name and can help you rent a canoe or another boat for the day.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Newark is a favorite among families heading to Chicago. Named for the iconic cartoon character, this RV park has a horseshoe pit and volleyball court next to a playground and miniature golf course. It also has a game room with arcade games and a pool table along with planned activities during the busy season.
There are multiple Illinois dump stations located around Joliet and other popular destinations. At the Auburn Travel Center, a 24/7 dump station sits right outside of the travel plaza, which offers fast food and souvenirs along with fuel and camping supplies. The Martin Campground in Joliet is open during standard business hours six days a week. You need to pay a fee to use the dump station if you aren't a campground guest. There's also a dump station at the Carl Spindler Marina and Campground in East Peoria. You can use the dump station for free as a guest of the campground, which is open from March through December.
Though Illinois does not have any national parks of its own, there are several nearby, including Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. Located in Chesterton, Indiana, it's just a short drive from the Illinois border and an hour away from Chicago. The beautiful sand dunes create the perfect beach environment and a nice place to relax or swim. You can also explore Lake Michigan by boat or check out some of the hiking trails, including the Mount Baldy Trail and Paul H. Douglas Trail. There is also a Diana of the Dunes trail that teaches you about the park's resident ghost.
Isle Royale National Park in Michigan is another national park that you might visit. This park is on an island in the middle of Lake Superior and has a ferry that takes you to and from it. As the temperature can drop quickly, it's helpful to bring an extra jacket or wear a few layers. There are hiking trails on both the southern and northern areas of the island, including the 3.6-mile Grace Creek Overlook and the 3.8-mile Suzy's Cave Trail.
On average expect to pay $177 per night in Illinois.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Illinois?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Illinois from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Illinois?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Illinois?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Illinois.
