Less than an hour away from South Bend, Indiana Dunes National Park brings the fun of the beach to the Midwest. Visitors get to enjoy 15 miles of beach alongside Lake Michigan. The sand dunes are great for exercising or just having fun, depending on how you tackle them. The beauty of the beach and the boats on the lake is only amplified by the Chicago skyline on the other side of the water.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park takes visitors back in time to hike or bike the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which was established well before settlers arrived in the area. You'll see beautiful marshes, waterfalls, and meadows. You'll also see various wildlife in their natural habitat. Stop by one of the visitor centers to learn more about the history of the location and how you can help preserve this seemingly otherworldly natural phenomenon.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky takes people below the surface to explore the mysteries of one of the largest underground cave systems in the country. Tours range from beginner to expert so that everybody can find a tour suited to them. Once visitors come back above ground, there are numerous hiking trails and additional recreational activities to enjoy.
Potato Creek State Park is less than 30 minutes away from South Bend, making it a great place to start your journey. The park centers around Worster Lake. There are multiple boat docks and fishing piers. Of course, you can walk the hiking trails if you prefer to keep your feet on dry land. If you don't have a bike or boat with you, you can always rent one for the duration of your stay at Potato Creek State Park.
Starved Rock State Park in Illinois offers bounties when it comes to beautiful rock formations, canyons, waterfalls, and rivers. Walk the 13 miles of hiking trails or rent a boat to tour the park from the river.
Devil's Head Mountain at Devil's Head State Park in Wisconsin owns its reputation for rock climbers in the summer and skiers in the winter. Climbers can free climb up the rugged mountainside made up of boulders. Alternatively, they can take the hiking trail. In the winter, advanced skiers can glide down a steep 500 feet on one of the 10 black diamond slopes. Beginners and intermediate skiers can take on the other 20 slopes on the mountain. With all of the possibilities brought on by the mountain, it's hard to remember the aquatic adventures the lake offers, too.
Tour Notre Dame University to watch a Fighting Irish game and see the campus. You can't visit without touring the majestic Basilica of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, modeled after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with intricate, gothic architecture and beautiful artwork.
The Pioneer Log Cabin Museum allows visitors to experience the modestly beautiful accommodations of people in the past. Originally built around 100 years ago, the cabin is larger than most log cabins, making it the perfect place to display artifacts from pioneer days. The cabin looks over the nearby Stone Lake. Roughly 25 minutes away, you can visit the Pears Mill while you're in the area.
Race to the Indianapolis Speedway to watch some of the fastest vehicles available circle the track to victory. While many people are familiar with the annual Indy 500 race, there are races throughout most of the year. You may even get the opportunity to meet one of your favorite racers or sit in the passenger seat of a racecar yourself.
Utilize one of the 120 sites at South Bend / Elkhart KOA RV park in northern South Bend. The sites come with access to Wi-Fi, a pool, a hot tub, laundry facilities, showers, power, and water.
Lakeside RV Resort in nearby New Carlisle, Indiana, offers similar accommodations. For a more intimate experience, try Cassidy Motel & RV Park in LaPorte, IN.
Maple Ridge Campground in nearby Lakeside has both tent and RV sites, clean restroom facilities and friendly staff.
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 South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN?
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 South Bend, IN, 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 South Bend, IN?
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 South Bend, IN particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in South Bend, IN 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.