Lena KOA

When you camp in a motorhome near Lena, one of the closest nature parks is Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park. This park consists mainly of woodlands surrounding a 40-acre lake and is a favorite location for water sports, with boating, fishing, and swimming all possible, thanks to a small beach. Anglers commonly catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bullhead. If you want to go on a hike, there are over eight and a half miles of trails available for use. Dogs are allowed on these trails as long as they're on a leash, so make sure to bring your pup along with you. Lake Le-Aqua-Na also has plenty of picnic tables, so you can pack a lunch and enjoy views across this peaceful lake.

Or, you might be looking to explore a park near Rockford during your RV rental excursion. Rock Cut State Park is located just outside the city and consists of plains and woodlands surrounding the Pierce and Olson Lakes. This park is ideal for nature watchers wanting to learn about Illinois' fauna and flora, with raccoons, beavers, and kingfishers all inhabiting the park. There are also hundreds of wildflowers, so make sure to bring a camera for some colorful pictures. Hikers will love the 40 miles of trails which lead around the park, and water sports are possible on either lake, with boating, swimming, and fishing all popular options. Catches include bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike.

One of the best reasons to rent a camper near Lena is its proximity to the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Palisades State Park is one of the best and most historic parks along the Mississippi River and covers over 2,500 acres of rocky terrain, cliffs, and forests. Hikers will love following the trails as they trek the same route the Native Americans took while traversing this tricky landscape. As well as the 15 miles of trails, adventurous visitors can try their hand at rock climbing, with specific areas that let visitors attempt to scale these rocky outcrops. If you'd prefer to explore the waterways, boating and fishing are possible, and catches include carp, catfish, and bass.

Renting an RV near Lena provides the perfect base to explore some bigger cities. Rockford is one of the biggest cities in the region and has lots of fun excursions. Six Flags Magic Waters is great fun for the whole family. With thrilling rides, including a 75-foot slide with a vertical drop and a rafting ride over 230 feet long, there's plenty for thrill-seekers to enjoy. There are kids' rides too, including splash zones and a wave pool, as well as a lazy river that the whole family can enjoy.

If you're looking for something that's both educational and fun for the whole family, consider visiting the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford. This interactive learning museum has tons of wacky exhibits that kids will love and learn from, such as an exhibit on the power of electricity, wild weather, and much more. This museum also runs events and class, so it's worth checking what's on the calendar before you visit.

If you'd rather hop across the Mississippi River into Iowa, you can visit Dubuque, which is about an hour's drive from Lena. The Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is one of the best ways to learn about one of America's most famous rivers. This riverside museum contains a variety of amazing animals that live in the river, including American alligators, North American otters, and paddlefish. There's also a plethora of exhibits detailing the history of the area. Highlights include information about the area's cave systems, the history of Native Americans along the river, and a traditional blacksmith's shop.