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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Mattoon, IL without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Mattoon, IL?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Mattoon, IL?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Mattoon, IL, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Mattoon, IL?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.
