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 load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in South Bend, IN?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in South Bend, IN?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.