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 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 South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN?
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 South Bend, IN?
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 South Bend, IN, 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 South Bend, IN?
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.