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 navigate and park a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Mattoon, IL?
When navigating and parking a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces, it's important to take your time and plan your route beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the motorhome and the height and width restrictions of the roads you'll be traveling on. When it comes to parking, look for designated spots or parking garages that can accommodate the size of your RV. Always pay attention to signage and be aware of any towing restrictions in the area.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Mattoon, IL?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight and height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Mattoon, IL. Many bridges and overpasses have low clearance levels that may not accommodate the height of your RV. Additionally, be mindful of the weight of your vehicle and ensure that you're not exceeding any weight limits on the roads you're traveling.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class C RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if any leveling equipment is necessary. If so, they will walk you through how to set it up safely.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class C motorhome rental during my rental period?
During your rental period you are not responsible for maintenance. Treat the RV with care and maintain cleanliness during your trip.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental. Many RVs have storage compartments or racks that can be used to store bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear. Check with the RV owner to see what storage options are available and how much weight they can accommodate.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class C motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class C motorhome rentals are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles, so it's important to be mindful of your fuel usage. To minimize fuel costs, try to stick to slower speeds and avoid idling or rapid acceleration. Planning out your route ahead of time can also help you save fuel by avoiding unnecessary detours or backtracking.
Can I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class C motorhome rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Yes, you can bring your own entertainment equipment or appliances to use with the Class C motorhome rental. However, be sure to check with the RV owner beforehand to ensure that the RV is equipped with the necessary outlets or connections to use your equipment. Additionally, be aware of any safety hazards, such as using portable grills near the RV, and take appropriate precautions.
Are any particular features or amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Mattoon, IL?
The features and amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals can vary depending on the make and model of the RV. Some common features that may be available in Class C motorhome rentals include kitchenettes, bathrooms with showers, and additional sleeping areas. Check with the RV owner to see what features and amenities are included in their particular rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class C motorhome rental, and do I need to know any specific maintenance or cleaning considerations?
The RV owner will familiarize you with how to use the facilities. Take note of where the water and electrical hookups are located, and make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the RV owner. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, be sure to follow proper procedures for disposing of waste and using cleaning products that won't damage the RV's plumbing or fixtures.
