Situated along the Ohio River, Metropolis is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Massac County. This city is home to 6,000 people and is great for RV trips thanks to its vicinity to national parks such as the Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. The Gateway Arch National Park is located in downtown St. Louis, about 2.5 hours from Metropolis. The 630-foot-tall monument was built to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States. In addition to this, the park also houses the Museum at the Gateway Arch which showcases many artifacts and exhibitions on the westward expansion of America. Travel a few hours east from Metropolis and you'll reach Mammoth Cave National Park. This is the world's largest cave system, with more than 400 miles of explored passages. The park is open year-round with tours available throughout the year. These tours are guided by either ranger-led or self-guided walking tours with many unique routes and sights to see within the massive cave.
Located just over two hours from Metropolis, Lincoln State Park is a peaceful retreat with plenty of space for RV camping. The park offers campgrounds with cabins and cottages for all sorts of trips. Moreover, two lakes offer beautiful views within the 1,700-acre park. Situated in the southern tip of Illinois, Dixon Springs State Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. The park has an outdoor pool and moss-covered boulders which provide a great view for swimming or just relaxing. Fort Massac State Park is a historic site. It was once an important military outpost on the Mississippi River. Now, it's become a large 1,450-acre park that is popular for camping, fishing, and hiking. Harmonie State Park is nestled along the Wabash River and has plenty of fun things to do. Most notably, the park is known for its nature center which has unique animal exhibits inside. That being said, renting an RV to get here is ideal as it's a 2-hour trip from Metropolis. Located in Johnson County, Ferne Clyffe State Park is a scenic park with 12 miles of trails that were once used by Native Americans and early settlers. It is also one of the closest to the Metropolis!
The Shawnee National Forest, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Hoosier National Forest, and Mark Twain National Forest are all located within a few hours' drive of Metropolis, Illinois. These forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. The largest of these national forests is Mark Twain National Forest with over 1.4 million acres of area. This massive park was created in 1976 and has become a premier location to visit in the region. It is home to a plethora of activities such as kayaking in the St. Francis River, biking along the motorized trail systems, camping in the many campsites, and more. Similarly, the second largest in this list is the Shawnee National Forest which has an area of 289,000 acres. While being much smaller, this national forest is filled with unique landforms such as forests, canyons, and even sharp ridges. All in all, if you are in or near Metropolis, these parks are the perfect RV trip destinations!
Metropolis is a great place to see some of the most important landmarks in American history. The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial commemorates the early years of President Abraham Lincoln, who lived in the area for much of his childhood. The site includes many historical establishments such as the farm site where the president lived with his family. The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park tells the story of General George Rogers Clark, a famous American hero. The primary memorial building is filled with beautiful murals and architecture that are a must-see! The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a beautiful spot for canoeing and kayaking. It has an area of 80,000 acres which is great for exploring the caves, trails, and even animals that are filled in the region. Finally, visitors to Metropolis can learn about Ulysses S. Grant at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. The site has preserved five structures from the 1800s that emanate American history.
Metropolis, Illinois is a great place to RV as there are many Campgrounds, RV Parks, and RV Resorts near Metropolis. Each has its unique features and amenities with most being in close vicinity to facilities such as petrol stations, washrooms, showers, etc. So, you can stock up while you dump your RV's tank.
Being a great stop for RV trips, there are many RV dump stations available in Metropolis, Illinois. You’ll find dump stations at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Love's Travel Stop, Archway RV Park, and TA-Petro Stopping Center of Mt. Vernon. See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Metropolis, Illinois, for dump station addresses and details.
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 Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, IL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Metropolis, 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.
