Top 10 National Parks for a Thanksgiving RV Trip in and around Illinois



November 14th, 2024


For families near Oglesby, Illinois, Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to escape the city and savor a holiday meal surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re seeking forest trails, mountain views, or riverside retreats, these national parks and scenic destinations are within a drivable distance and offer ideal settings for a unique Thanksgiving. Bon Voyage Storage in Oglesby, Illinois makes storing and accessing your RV a snap, with secure storage and easy access so you can focus on what matters – making memories on the road.
1. Shawnee National Forest, Illinois Distance: ~5 hours from Oglesby
Known for its rugged cliffs, wooded trails, and beautiful Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest is a perfect Thanksgiving destination. With RV camping available, you can enjoy your holiday feast surrounded by Illinois’ most stunning natural landscapes.
2. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Distance: ~1.5 hours from Oglesby
Indiana Dunes offers a unique blend of sand dunes, beaches, and scenic woodlands. Camp with your RV and enjoy Thanksgiving by the lake, surrounded by beautiful views and plenty of hiking and bird-watching opportunities.
3. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois Distance: ~30 minutes from Oglesby
Just a stone’s throw from Bon Voyage Storage, Starved Rock features canyons, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Enjoy Thanksgiving in a cozy RV campsite after exploring the park’s many trails and beautiful rock formations – perfect for a close-to-home holiday adventure.
4. Mississippi Palisades State Park, Illinois Distance: ~2.5 hours from Oglesby
With towering cliffs and river views, Mississippi Palisades offers picturesque scenery perfect for an autumn holiday. RV camping spots near the Mississippi River make for a peaceful and scenic Thanksgiving retreat.
5. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota Distance: ~8.5 hours from Oglesby
For families looking for a longer journey, Voyageurs National Park offers a unique, water-based experience with lakes, forests, and islands to explore. The park offers RV-friendly campgrounds where you can set up for a tranquil Thanksgiving surrounded by water and wildlife.
6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan Distance: ~5 hours from Oglesby
Known for its sandy dunes, crystal-clear waters, and stunning vistas, Sleeping Bear Dunes is an idyllic Thanksgiving setting. Several RV-friendly campgrounds provide easy access to the dunes and breathtaking Lake Michigan views.
7. Turkey Run State Park, Indiana Distance: ~2.5 hours from Oglesby
With sandstone ravines, rugged trails, and gorgeous fall foliage, Turkey Run State Park is perfect for an autumn adventure. The park’s RV camping areas offer the chance to enjoy Thanksgiving surrounded by scenic canyons and woodlands.
8. Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois Distance: ~3 hours from Oglesby
Located along the Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park boasts scenic views, bluffs, and forested trails. The RV-friendly campgrounds provide a great spot for a Thanksgiving picnic with views of the river and nearby trails.
9. Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan
Distance: ~5.5 hours from Oglesby
A combination of dense woodlands, rivers, and clear lakes make Huron-Manistee National Forests an inviting Thanksgiving destination. RV camping sites near the lake provide a serene atmosphere perfect for a holiday getaway.
10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Distance: ~6.5 hours from Oglesby
Located near Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers rolling hills, waterfalls, and scenic train rides. With RV-friendly camping available nearby, it’s an ideal Thanksgiving spot for families looking to explore trails and historic sites.
With Bon Voyage Storage as your go-to base in Oglesby, Illinois, you can load up your RV and hit the road in no time. Our secure, convenient storage offers peace of mind, so when you’re ready to travel, everything is ready to go. Whether you’re heading to Starved Rock for a quick getaway or exploring the stunning dunes of Michigan, Bon Voyage Storage makes it easy to start your Thanksgiving adventure.
This Thanksgiving, make memories with your loved ones by exploring one of these beautiful destinations. With the comfort of your RV and the convenience of Bon Voyage Storage, you’ll be ready for a holiday unlike any other. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy travels!


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