You can't fully explore our beautiful country without venturing underground into the caves. Where better to do that than at Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest cave system? Pick from a variety of cave tours, including crawling cave tours, river cave tours, and historic cave tours. Everyone can find a tour for their comfort level and mobility limitations! You can also enjoy the hiking, fishing, and horseback riding offered on the grounds.
Take a trip back to a crucial yet dark time in American history by visiting Shiloh National Park in Tennessee, where you'll get the chance to walk Civil War sites, such as the battlefield of Shiloh and the battlefield of Corinth. You can also pay your respects to the fallen soldiers at the National Cemetary.
Stand in awe of the majesty of the Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While at the park, you can tour the rivers that flow through the mountains and hike the trails to arrive at waterfalls and the beautiful scenery of the mountains. Brave visitors can hike to the peak of the mountains or try their hand at rock climbing.
Less than 15 miles away, Ferne Clyffe State Park offers 2,430 acres of camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking, making it the perfect state park for people who enjoy field sports.
Dixon State Park in Golconda, Illinois offers stunning natural features. While walking the hiking trails, you'll encounter scenic waterfalls and canyons — the park was developed on a massive 315 million-year-old sandstone block.
Named for the 55-foot limestone cave naturally created by water erosion over the years, Cave in Rock State Park has numerous hiking trails, a pond for fishing, and a marina.
For an elegant change of pace, visit Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda. You can explore the vineyard and learn about how wine gets made, taste the wine, and enjoy gourmet appetizers at the cafe. RV parking is allowed in the parking lot.
A fort built in 1720 by the French occupants of the area, Fort de Chartres is the oldest building in Illinois. After you take a self-guided tour of the area, you can camp in one of the on-site campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis. This attraction is in Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois.
If you feel the itch to gamble, stop by the Harrah's Casino in Metropolis, Illinois to enjoy video slots, video poker, table card games, and roulette. Don't forget to take a picture with the giant Superman Statue downtown before you leave. RVs are allowed in the parking lot.
Park at one of the following nearby RV parks or campsites:
Marion Campground & RV Park in Marion, Illinois - 38 sites at $40/night
Arrowhead Lake Campground in Johnston City, Illinois - 66 spaces starting at $18/night
Four Seasons Campground in Herrin, Illinois - 42 sites at $30/night
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 Marion, 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 Marion, 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 Marion, 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 Marion, 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 Marion, IL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Marion, 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.
