Mammoth Cave National Park, located about 4 hours south of Mattoon, is home to the world's longest-known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored underground passageways. One popular trail for hiking and exploring is the Green River Bluffs Trail. While there are no RV hookups within the park, visitors can find numerous options for RV camping and hookups just outside the park.Indiana Dunes National Park lies about 2 hours northeast of Mattoon and boasts 15 miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan. The park also includes diverse habitats like wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Deep River Waterpark and Mount Baldy. There are several RV campgrounds with full hookups available near the park.Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, was established in February 2018 and covers an area of 91 acres around the Gateway Arch monument. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for stunning city views or explore museums on-site. Although there are no RV campsites within the park, there are many options for nearby RV camping with full hookups.Whether you're interested in exploring underground caves or relaxing on sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, these national parks near Mattoon offer something for everyone.When exploring these places, RV travel can make the experience more enjoyable. Rent a budget-friendly RV with RVshare, and have all the perks of RV ownership without owning an RV.
Wolf Creek State Park is a serene park in the heart of Shelby County, Illinois. This park is an excellent choice for RVers looking to experience nature at its finest. It offers 10 full hookup campsites, including electric, water, and sewer hookups. The campground also has restrooms and showers available for guests to use. In addition to camping, Wolf Creek State Park provides visitors with opportunities to fish and boat on Lake Shelbyville.Walnut Point State Park is a picturesque destination in Douglas County, Illinois. This park features a beautiful lake that RVers can admire while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Ths famous spot offers 34 campsites with electric hookups and access to restrooms and showers.Fox Ridge State Park is a hidden gem in Coles County, Illinois. RVers who love hiking will enjoy exploring the park's trails that wind through the lush forested areas of the park. This state park campground has six campsites with electrical hookups, restrooms, and showers.Lincoln Trail State Park is another great option for outdoor adventures near Mattoon. This park boasts over 1,000 acres of land with plenty of hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The campground at Lincoln Trail has 240 sites available with electrical hookups, restrooms, and shower facilities.No matter which state park you choose near Mattoon, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring the natural beauty of Illinois in your RV rental.
Hoosier National Forest and Shawnee National Forest are great options for exploring nature near Mattoon, Illinois. The Hoosier National Forest is located in Indiana, just a few hours' drive from Mattoon, and spans over 202,814 acres. Established in October 1961, the forest offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and more. Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark, Paoli Peaks, and Patoka Lake are popular attractions in the area that you can visit during your stay.The Shawnee National Forest is located within Illinois' boundaries, spanning over 265,616 acres, and was established in August 1933. This forest offers various activities, including stargazing, geocaching, sightseeing, and more. With its stunning sandstone rock formations, Giant City State Park is a must-see attraction in the region, along with Garden of the Gods and Ferne Clyffe State Park.Both forests offer ample opportunities for RV travelers to explore nature's beauty while enjoying outdoor recreational activities.
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a fascinating landmark near Mattoon. Located in St. Louis, MO, this site covers 9.9 acres and features the historic White Haven estate, where Grant lived for several years with his family. Visitors can take a guided tour of the property and learn about the life of the Civil War general who became the 18th President of the United States. Another must-see destination for history buffs is Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, located in Lincoln City, IN. Covering an area of 200 acres and built in 1816, this site is managed by the National Park Service and commemorates the early life of Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can explore exhibits at the visitor center or opt for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, or fishing at nearby attractions like Lincoln State Park or Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.These sites offer a unique perspective on American history that RV travelers will surely appreciate!
Sullivan Marina & Campground is a popular RV park near Mattoon, Illinois, offering 232 sites with full hookups. Back-in and pull-through sites are available. The campground features a pool, restrooms, showers, a dump station, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Cell reception is strong throughout the area. Plus, this site allows your furry friends to enter, however they should be on leash. Another option for RV camping in Mattoon is Fox Ridge State Park which offers 43 sites with 30/50 Amp electric service. The park has back-in sites only and provides showers, hunting, fishing opportunities, and nature trails. Pets are allowed on the premises, and cell reception is strong throughout the area. Daily/Weekly/Monthly rates can be viewed online upon making reservations.
Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort provides an RV dump station for travelers passing through Mattoon, Illinois. Ouabache (Wabash) Trails Park is another option for dumping the black and grey water and refilling your fresh water tank. Pilot Travel Center also offers a dump station, a hose for flushing tanks, and a trash bin for waste disposal. Auburn Travel Center is another convenient location to access a dump station in the Mattoon area.
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 Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, IL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Mattoon, 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.
