RV route planner free trail from Chicago to Philadelphia USA Road trip

This trip passes in the following countries: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania
RV route planner free trail from Chicago to Philadelphia USA Road trip
  • Amusement Park 1
  • Aquarium 1
  • Art Gallery 1
  • Bike Rental 1
  • Botanical garden 1
  • Canoe / Kayak / Rafting 1
  • Cruise Terminal / Sailing 1
  • Day Tour 1
  • Extreme Activity 1
  • Heritage 3
  • hiking area 1
  • Local Industry 1
  • Museum 1
  • Natural Feature 2
  • Park 2
  • Picnic Area 1
  • Point Of Interest 1
  • Science Site 1
  • Swimming 1
  • Tourist Attraction 2
  • Traditional Market 1
  • Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining 1
  • Traditional Visit 1
  • Zoo 1

🇺🇸 Great Lakes to Liberty Bell: A 15-Day RV Road Trip from Chicago to Philadelphia

Our family’s road trip from Chicago to Philadelphia wasn’t just a vacation—it was a rolling classroom, a culinary tour, and a nature-filled adventure all packed into 15 unforgettable days. From the glittering shores of Lake Michigan to the bustling streets of Philly, we drove through Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and New Jersey, soaking in culture, landscapes, and more history than our kids expected to enjoy.

We mapped our route using a trusted camper route planner, carefully balancing iconic attractions with quieter moments in nature. That’s one of the biggest benefits of road trip planning in a motorhome—you’re not tied to hotel check-ins or strict timelines. With our RV fully stocked and the GPS locked in, we hit the road from Chicago, where stops at Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier reminded us how fun cities can be when approached like tourists in our own country.

Crossing into Indiana and Michigan, the scenery shifted to green forests and small towns. At Trading Post Outfitters, we rented kayaks for a slow paddle, and in Dearborn, the kids were fascinated by the past and future of American innovation at the Henry Ford Museum. An afternoon at the Toledo Zoo gave us animal encounters and a perfect picnic spot—one of many perks of traveling in a campervan with your own fridge and fold-out table.

If you’re wondering how to plan a motorhome trip in USA from Chicago to Philadelphia, here’s one tip: mix cultural sites with fresh-air fun. After checking out Fort Meigs and zipping through the trees at Go Ape Zipline Park, we cooled off at Wendy Park and sampled pierogies in Cleveland’s West Side Market, a culinary landmark.

As we followed the Great Lakes and crossed into Pennsylvania, we spent two nights at Sara Coyne Campground, a perfect base for exploring Presque Isle State Park. Lake Erie’s sunsets are second to none. Then it was time to climb east into Niagara Falls—and wow, what a rush! From the roaring power of Cave of the Winds to the misty views at Journey Behind the Falls and the soaring Niagara Falls Observation Tower, this was a highlight for everyone in the RV.

With a short drive, we reached Six Flags Darien Lake for some theme park thrills before easing into the tranquility of the Finger Lakes region. This was our favorite scenic stretch of the trip. At Sonnenberg Gardens, we wandered formal flower beds and a Gilded Age mansion. Later, we cruised with Seneca Lake Reel Tours and hiked to a waterfall at Robert H. Treman State Park. Having a motorhome meant we could wake up with lake views and grill breakfast with a view—pure magic.

History came alive again at Roberson Museum in Binghamton and the powerful Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, where we went underground into Pennsylvania’s industrial past. A surprising stop for the kids was Wild West City in New Jersey—a full cowboy town with shows, saloons, and gold panning. It felt like a Western movie had come to life.

As we neared New York City, we boarded a Statue Cruises ferry to see Lady Liberty and stopped at Thomas Edison National Historical Park to meet the mind behind the lightbulb. Urban RV parking takes some planning, but with the right route planner, you’ll find good options just outside the city with easy transit access.

Finally, we rolled into Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and a Philly cheesesteak wrapped up our journey perfectly. A stroll through Independence National Historical Park reminded us why this country—and its roads—are so worth exploring. A quick stop at Springfield Mall gave the kids their final souvenir fix.

 Tips on How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in USA from Chicago to Philadelphia

  • Use a camper route planner to identify RV-friendly roads, campgrounds, and attractions—especially in cities like Cleveland, Niagara, and Philadelphia.

  • For food lovers, this route has incredible regional eats—from Michigan apple pies to New York Rieslings and Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzels.

  • Book Niagara Falls tickets and popular campgrounds in advance—especially in summer.

  • Consider mixing RV parks with public campgrounds to balance comfort and scenery.

This Chicago to Philadelphia RV journey is a road trip made for families who want to experience both America’s natural beauty and its incredible cultural landmarks. With the right plan, your campervan or motorhome becomes more than transportation—it becomes a front-row seat to the country’s most unforgettable stories.