Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is not only where you'll find the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch but also multiple underground museums full of exhibits on American westward expansion. At this national park, you can take a tour to the top of the arch or stretch your legs on the 91 acres of park area along the riverfront.
Just an hour's drive outside of Chicago sits Indiana Dunes National Park, which is home to 15 miles of Lake Michigan beaches. Aside from swimming, fishing, and boating at this park, you can take a hike or bike ride through its 20 square miles of countryside where endless trails await.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is where you can explore the world's largest known cavern system. Although you'll need a tour guide to see the cave for yourself, you can take a stroll through historic underground areas, like Gothic Avenue, where the walls are covered in signatures of visitors from the 19th century.
For access to Illinois's popular Lake Shelbyville, check out Wolf Creek State Park, which covers 250 miles of the lake shoreline. Here, you can fish for species like largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, walleye, or bullhead, or you can enjoy a picnic at the designated picnic sites away from the water.
Weldon Springs State Park is where you can find one of America's most highly-rated RV campgrounds. This campground overlooks a wide lake and provides easy access to the park's many hiking and biking trails. Also at the park are options for winter recreational activities like tobogganing, skiing, and ice fishing.
Beaver Dam State Park is a 237-acre park that's also home to a nearly 60-acre lake. At the campground, you can find an on-site campground that has no water but does feature electrical hookups and access to a free dump station.
The only home ever owned by President Abraham Lincoln is at Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois. This house, which has been restored to its original style from 1860, was where the former president lived with his family for 17 years before his presidency.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in Missouri is where the Union Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant lived with his family before the Civil War began. At this historic site, visitors can see what a typical home from the early 1800s looked like and explore a museum about this general's family history.
In Vincennes, Indiana, you can find George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, which is the site of a major British surrender to American troops in 1779. At the park, you can discover the history detailing how Indiana became a part of the United States.
When you'd like to stop at a campground near Taylorville, consider heading to one of the RV campgrounds near Decatur. You can stay at Sullivan Marina and Campground for full hookups plus access to boating docks in Sullivan, or you can stay at Double J Campground for full hookups plus access to a large dog walking area. You may also like staying at the Springfield KOA for hookups plus amenities like Wi-Fi, badminton sites, cornhole sites, and a jumping pad site.
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 Taylorville, 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 Taylorville, 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 Taylorville, 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 Taylorville, 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 Taylorville, IL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Taylorville, 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.