Great value rentals the United States’ most trusted RV hire providers
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the most visited cities in the United States and it is not hard to see why. Home to an array of beaches with a vibrant nightlife, amazing skyscrapers, and plenty of world-class museums, there is no shortage of things to do here. Rent an RV in with VroomVroomVroom to start exploring the famous city and the surrounding attractions in Illinois.
The “Windy City” is the third-largest in the United States and it provides plenty of entertainment, adventure, culture and tourist attractions. Visit the Willis Tower’s Skydeck, watch a comedy show at the Cadillac Theatre, dive into the depths of Shedd Aquarium or learn more about the city’s past at the Chicago History Museum. If you’re looking for top scenic drives and road trip ideas from the big city, click here.
Some of our favorite things to do year-round in Chicago are:
Summer (June, July, August): Catch some rays, get a tan and enjoy the waters of Lake Michigan all summer long. Take a trip to North Avenue Beach, one of Chicago’s most popular beaches, which is only a 12-minute drive from the city via US-41 N/S Lake Shore Drive. Other favorite beaches that are worth visiting include the Oak Street Beach, Montrose Avenue Beach, Foster Avenue Beach, and Rainbow Beach. If you want to learn how to dance, check out the largest annual outdoor dancing series in the USA known as Chicago Summerdance.
Fall (September, October, November): The beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden plays host to a variety of events, such as the Illinois Gourd Society Show & Sale, the Midwest Regional Dahlia Society Show, Farmers’ Markets, and Autumn Brews: Seasonal Beer Tasting. Just half an hour drive from Chicago via I-94 W, carve out some time for the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival located right in downtown Highwood. Of course, the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade can’t be missed!
Winter (December, January, February): For endless winter fun and action in the city, go ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Rink in Millennium Park, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, grab a cup of hot cocoa in Bucktown, take a stroll down Michigan Avenue or book a Magnificent Mile tour for the ultimate shopping experience in Chicago. The marvelous ZooLights display that lights up the Lincoln Park Zoo through early January is a sight to behold.
Spring (March, April, May): If you want to experience a wee bit o’ fun, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Grant Park is simply one of kind. Enjoy live music performances, dancing, food, drinks, and a craft fair. You can also head to Navy Pier, where the annual Chicago Flower & Garden is celebrated. Known as the "People’s Pier," the rides and attractions at Navy Pier, including the iconic Centennial Wheel and speedboat ride are worth checking out.
Year-Round: For some of the best free things to do in Chicago, visit the Garfield Park Conservatory, Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago Children’s Museum, and Harold Washington Library Center. Other favorite highlights in the city include the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago Riverwalk, The Loop, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Hailed as the new beer capital of America, no visit to Chicago is complete without a trip to a local bar for a locally-brewed cold beer.
Chicago Northwest KOA is just an hour drive from the city via I-90 W and is located in the city of Union on South Union Road. Power hookup RV sites and great amenities, including a pavilion and a laundry facility are waiting for your next camping trip. The park also features miniature golf, a swimming pool, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and a playground.
O’Connell’s Yogi Bear RV Resort has several activities and events perfect for a weekend retreat. Located in Amboy on Green Wing Road, this RV park is less than a 90-minute drive from Chicago following I-88 W and US-30 W. It also features plenty of amenities and spectacular things to do including swimming pools, spas, beaches, waterslides, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, and wagon rides.
Sugar Shores RV Resort and Campground which is located in Durand on West Winslow Road provides over 44 acres of parking spaces along the Sugar River. Just a 2-hour drive from Chicago via I-90 W, the campground offers a restroom/shower facility, wooded sites, water, sewer, and full hookups. This park also features a heated swimming pool, a game room, gated entry, two playgrounds, a shuffleboard court, and horseshoe pits.
The Museum of Science and Industry is located on 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. It provides interactive fun with tours, memorable exhibits, and demonstrations. Experience a genuine U-505 submarine and find out what it is like to experience tornadoes and avalanches, see streamlined passenger trains, explore life in space and check out a coal mine. Your family will also be entertained with several dining venues inside the museum.
Skydeck sits at the top of Willis Tower and offers an unforgettable view of Chicago. You can learn more about the city from the observation deck, and enjoy the view from glass ledges extending four feet from the building. You will find the entrance to Skydeck on South Wacker Drive.
Loyola Park which can be found on West Greenleaf Avenue in the East Rogers Park offers a fantastic park experience with over 21 acres of land. The park has two gyms and outdoor athletic fields and courts, as well as a lakefront walking trail. It also hosts multiple annual special events such as the Halloween Party, Black History Month Celebration, Family Valentine Dance, Earth Day Park Clean-up, and Easter Egg Hunt.
On hiring an RV in Chicago
Unlike when hiring a rental car, people tend to book an RV a bit further in advance, and there are a few reasons for this.
When you’re hiring an RV, you’re not simply hiring something with four wheels to buzz around a city for a few days, instead you’re hiring a vehicle that you could well be living in for days, weeks, or even months. As such, people tend to have far more specific needs — some may require a certain number of berths, perhaps an onboard kitchen, or more comfortable living space. All this means that doing your research to find the right RV for you can pay off handsomely — but it also means that supply is more limited. When supply is limited, it is a good idea to book as far in advance as possible so that you know that the RV you need will be waiting for you when you arrive.
With this in mind, while it isn’t unusual for people to book a hire car the day before they need it, with RVs, people often book their vehicle months in advance. So our advice to you is if you’re planning to rent an RV, start researching today, and when you find the right RV for you, book it!
One more point, another way RV rentals differ from regular cars, is that bookings are not instant. Once you make an RV booking it will need to be approved by the provider. Yet another reason not to leave your RV rental until you’re sitting in the airport boarding lounge.
If you’re new to RVs and not sure where to start, please give our RV rental information page a read as it explains many of the basics you’ll need to know to make an informed decision.
We could start off by telling you that a typical customer hiring an RV in Chicago tends to look at RVs with two or four berths (including a toilet and shower). This isn’t really all that helpful though, as they type of RV you should hire in Chicago depends very much on the type of RV you — rather than a typical customer — needs. Consider the following questions:
How big is your travel group? What is your budget? What facilities do you need — or not need? Where are you planning to go? How long for? Knowing the answers to these questions — and plenty more — is the best way to make sure the RV you hire in Chicago is the right one for you.
Solo travellers or couples might find a compact RV to be more than enough, while families — especially those with young kids — or larger groups might prefer a more spacious motorhome with multiple sleeping areas.
Next, consider the facilities you need and the facilities you want. These might sound the same, but they are very different! Basic RVs often include a bed and simple cooking gear, while more luxurious options feature kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. For example, if you’re planning on camping, perhaps paying the extra for comfortable beds isn’t really necessary, but if you’re not even packing a tent, then the extra expense required to get more comfortable beds might be a smart choice.
Where you’re going also matters. If you’re planning to just potter around Chicago and its immediate surrounds, then you could probably get away with a standard RV. That said, if you’re planning to drive from Chicago to Los Angeles — or New York City — something more spacious would be a sound investment.
Think about your budget, as RVs vary in cost depending on size, amenities, and rental duration, and while shortening the length of your trip might bring different options within your budget, spending more to get a bigger van may mean you’ll spend even less on hotels. Either way, do the math!
In conclusion, when you’re booking an RV for pickup from Chicago, it pays to be honest when considering what you need versus what you want, along with what fits with your budget and overall travel plans. It’s the best way to maximise your chance of getting the perfect RV for you.
For most rental RV providers, the minimum age to rent an RV is the same as for car rentals — 21 years of age. Depending on the RV rental supplier, those under 21 may only be able to rent certain vehicles. Double check with the RV rental provider to see what their specific requirements are.
In most cases, you won’t need to present a special type of licence to rent an RV — you’ll only be asked to present your standard and valid full driving licence. Keep in mind that a probationary, learner permit, or provisional licence are not accepted for RV hire. If your licence is in a language other than English, you’ll need to provide an International Driving Permit in conjunction with your valid licence. If you’re unsure as to whether your licence will be accepted, you should contact your prospective RV provider prior to booking.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
