RV Rental Janesville, WI

RVshare's Top Vacation Destinations near Janesville, Wisconsin, No Matter the Duration

Madison, Wisconsin is located about an hour northwest of Janesville. Madison is the capital of the state of Wisconsin and features bustling contemporary culture alongside historical buildings. Be sure to leave time for a stroll down State Street, which is full of interesting shops and restaurants and ends at the state capital building and capital square. 

If you're looking for adventure, try a Milwaukee to Indianapolis road trip. This urban-centered adventure takes you through Chicago and past Indiana Dunes National Park. This road trip only takes about five hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore. 

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is located one and a half hours northwest of Janesville. Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area, known as "The Dells," are chock-full of attractions. The Dells host everything from stunning hikes and amphibious boat rides to go-karts and roller coasters. The Dells are an RV hotspot, and there are dozens of camping options to choose from. 

Explore Janesville, Wisconsin in an RVshare RV Rental

Janesville, Wisconsin sits west of Beloit, a Milwaukee suburb that is southeast of Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. The area that would become Janesville was originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk people until European settlement began. The Treaty of Prairie Du Chien, signed in 1825, originally ceded the Janesville area to the Ho-Chunk people, but that treaty was rescinded following the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830. 

A settler named Henry F. Janes arrived in the area in 1835. Janes was instrumental in the city's founding, and, eventually, Janesville came to bear his name. Janes recruited settlers from New England, and in its early days, Janesville mostly comprised settlers from New York. Most of these settlers established farms in the area, and Janesville became known as an agricultural community. 

Industry found Janesville after the United States Civil War. Janesville agriculture continued to expand, and the demand for new farming technology grew. Several foundries were established around Janesville to manufacture farm equipment. In 1919, Janesville's industry would take a huge leap forward with the opening of a General Motors manufacturing plant. Janesville was also home to the Parker Pen Company, a large pen factory that was in operation until the 1980s. 

Janesville's population grew rapidly after the completion of the Milwaukee Road Railroad and Chicago/Northwestern Railroad in the early 20th century. Today, like most rust belt cities, Janesville's manufacturing industry has declined. The city is still vibrant, and the city's dedication to constructing parks and green spaces has given Janesville the reputation as "Wisconsin's park place." 

Events Near Janesville, Wisconsin

• Janesville Renaissance Faire – The Renaissance Faire takes place each May in Janesville and features authentic recreations of dress, food, drink, and entertainment from the Renaissance Era. 

• Orton Park Festival – Each year in August, Orton Park in Madison, Wisconsin hosts a music festival featuring indie vibes and quirky local artists. 

• Paddle and Portage – The Paddle and Portage Race takes place each June in Madison, Wisconsin. Contestants compete to be the first to traverse a route across Lake Mendota, the Yahara River, and Lake Monona. 

RVshare's Top Picks for Nearby Parks and Campgrounds

A top pick for RV camping near Janesville is the Blackhawk Camping Resort. Blackhawk sits on over 100 acres of woods, providing shaded, secluded campsites. If you're looking for family-friendly fun and many amenities, Milton KOA regularly hosts activities throughout the summer. Lakeland RV Campground also offers scheduled activities along a mile of lakefront beauty. 

Best Dump Stations Near Janesville, Wisconsin

The Milton KOA offers public access to its dump station for $10 per use. Other dump stations near Janesville include the City of Waukesha Clean Water Plant, which offers free dumping, and the Pilot Flying J Travel Center near Rockford, Illinois, which charges $10 per use.