Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a significant landmark symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Standing 630 feet tall, the iconic Gateway Arch represents the gateway to the West. The area surrounding the arch has a rich indigenous history and was once home to Native American tribes such as the Osage and Missouri. Visitors can explore this history through exhibits and interpretive programs at the park.Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Gateway Arch National Park. Hiking, biking, and picnicking are popular activities in this scenic area. While camping is not available within the park itself, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to RV enthusiasts and campers. Klondike Park, just outside St. Louis, offers RV camping with full hookups and beautiful views of the Missouri River. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the largest known cave system in the world, spanning over 400 miles. The park offers various options for RV camping, including developed campgrounds with amenities like restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups.Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring over 80 miles of hiking trails that traverse diverse landscapes including forests, hills, and river valleys. Horseback riding is also available with designated trails and an overnight horse camp for visitors who bring their own horses.
Located near the town of Carlyle in Illinois, Eldon Hazlet State Park offers a scenic getaway on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in the state. With over 300 campsites available, including some with electric hookups, RV camping is a popular option here. Reservations can be made online or by phone. The park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. Situated on more than 900 acres of land in Illinois, Washington County State Park Recreation Area offers a serene location for RV enthusiasts. The park features a beautiful lake where visitors can go fishing, boating, and swimming. Hiking trails allow for exploration of the surrounding woodlands and wildlife observation. The campground provides spacious RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, restroom facilities, and a dump station. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting woodpeckers and herons among other bird species. The park also offers winter activities such as cross-country skiing and ice fishing.Just 20 miles west of St. Louis in Ballwin, Missouri lies Castlewood State Park offering stunning views of the Meramec River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking along scenic trails that wind through river valleys and woodlands or indulge their passion for mountain biking on challenging trails spanning over 13 miles including the popular River Scene Trail along the riverbank. Nestled in Nevada, Beaver Dam State Park provides a serene natural setting for RV camping. RV campsites offer electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities (reservations recommended). Hiking enthusiasts can explore scenic trails like the Beaver Dam Wash Trail which winds through riparian habitats and offers views of a picturesque reservoir.
Shiloh, Illinois is surrounded by several national forests that offer RV travelers a chance to explore nature and engage in outdoor activities.Shawnee National Forest is located in southern Illinois and spans over 280,000 acres. The forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It boasts unique geological formations like the Garden of the Gods, where massive sandstone rock formations create a stunning landscape. Campers can choose from various campgrounds within the forest, including Pine Hills and Johnson Creek campgrounds.Mark Twain National Forest is Missouri's largest public land, covering 1.5 million acres. It offers a variety of camping options and over 750 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife enthusiasts will find white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and numerous bird species. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy streams and rivers teeming with bass, trout, and catfish.Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky features beautiful lakes perfect for fishing and boating. Hikers can explore scenic trails while wildlife enthusiasts spot over 240 bird species. History buffs can visit Homeplace 1850s Working Farm to experience mid-19th-century farm life.Hoosier National Forest in Indiana covers over 200,000 acres and offers camping facilities for RV enthusiasts. Hiking trails provide scenic views while anglers can fish in lakes and streams within the forest.These national forests near Shiloh provide a range of recreational activities amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Explore the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in Missouri, a significant location showcasing the life and history of the 18th President of the United States. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ulysses S. Grant, a revered military figure and statesman who played a crucial role in the Civil War. Visit the historic White Haven estate, the former home of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Take a guided tour of the meticulously restored Grant's Farmhouse where he spent his childhood.Immerse yourself in the rich history of Abraham Lincoln by visiting the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois. Take a guided tour of the only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned and explore the neighborhood surrounding it. Learn about Lincoln's life and political career through exhibits at the visitor center.Discover Ozark National Scenic Riverways with its crystal-clear waters and scenic landscapes offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and camping opportunities with multiple campgrounds available for RVs.Explore George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana to learn about Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark's life and exploits. Be sure to take a guided tour and stroll along the Riverwalk for beautiful views of the Wabash River.
The Red Barn Rendezvous: This RV campground in Shiloh, Illinois offers 29 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups available for 30/50 Amp. You'll find showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, and bike trails here. Pets are welcome. Additional amenities include a dump station and wifi.Casino Queen RV Park: Located in East St. Louis near Shiloh, this RV park provides 132 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups for 30/50 Amp. Showers are available, and pets are allowed. There's also a convenience store on-site along with public transportation options to explore the nearby casino, dining options, and entertainment.Cahokia RV Parque: Just a short drive from Shiloh in East St. Louis, Cahokia RV Parque offers 45 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups available for 30/50 Amp. This pet-friendly park features a pool, showers, wifi access, and shuttles to attractions like private tours of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and downtown St. Louis.St. Louis NE/Granite City KOA: Situated in Granite City near Shiloh, this KOA campground has 74 back-in/pull-through sites with full hookups for 30/50 Amp. Enjoy the pool and hot tub facilities as well as amenities like showers and a dog park. Additional services include wifi access, cable TV hookup, playgrounds for kids, horseshoe pits, and propane availability.
Shiloh, Illinois offers several convenient options for RV dumping.You can find dump stations at Military Park - Scott AFB FamCamp, Eddies Travel Center / Roady's, TA-Petro Stopping Center of Troy, and Pilot Flying J Travel Plazas #642.These dump stations provide facilities for dumping black water and gray water, as well as access to fresh water and a hose for flushing tanks.Additionally, most of these locations have an RV trash bin for easy waste disposal.
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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC?
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 Washington, DC?
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 Washington, DC, 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 Washington, DC?
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.
