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| Total Days | 13 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,829 mi |
| Start / End | Chicago, IL to Salt Lake City, UT |
| States Crossed | Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Ideal For | Families, History Buffs, Nature Enthusiasts |
Embarking on a 13-day RV journey from the bustling streets of Chicago to the stunning mountain backdrops of Salt Lake City is an incredible way to experience the heartland of America. Following the historic Mormon Trail, this route provides a seamless transition from midwestern river valleys to the sweeping Great Plains, culminating in the rugged terrain of the American West.
RV travel is uniquely suited for this path. Covering 1,829 mi over nearly two weeks encourages a philosophy of slow travel. Instead of rushing from city to city, you have the freedom to pull over for a paleontology talk, spend a full afternoon at a world-class zoo, or set up camp near a historic pioneer landmark. The wide, open highways of Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming are highly accommodating for RVs of all sizes, making for an approachable and deeply rewarding drive.
To truly appreciate this cross-country expedition, we recommend breaking the journey into four distinct regional stages. This overarching rhythm ensures you balance driving days with ample time for exploration. For the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary and campground recommendations, be sure to check the full plan inside RV PLAN.
This route is packed with diverse attractions. Whether you are traveling with energetic children or looking to immerse yourself in American history, there is something for everyone along the way.
History comes alive on this route. Early in the trip, the Carthage Jail offers a sobering look into the pivotal moments of early Mormon history. As you push further west, the Fort Laramie Visitor Center and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center provide incredible context for the trials and triumphs of the pioneers who traveled these exact routes. For a different kind of history, the Golden Spike Tower gives you a breathtaking bird's-eye view of a sprawling, historically significant rail yard.
The transition of landscapes is a highlight of this drive. Begin your nature exploration at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center in Illinois, known for its beautiful sandstone canyons and waterfalls. In the heart of the Midwest, find a bright and calm place for relaxing at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Finally, as you near the end of your trip, the Fossil Butte National Monument draws crowds with its fascinating paleontology and geology talks, alongside excellent hiking areas.
If you are traveling with family, this route does not disappoint. Do not miss Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, an absolutely fantastic destination that can easily fill an entire day. When it is time to cool off and burn some energy, hit the slides at the Island Oasis Water Park. For those seeking outdoor adventure, Dusty Trails, LLC will be your best destination for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting along the region's scenic waterways.
We highly recommend dedicating at least 13 days to this trip. Covering 1,829 mi is a substantial undertaking, and spreading it over two weeks allows you to average a comfortable amount of driving each day while leaving plenty of time to explore state parks, museums, and local attractions.
Absolutely. It is a brilliant mix of education, natural beauty, and family entertainment. Watching the landscape transform from the green valleys of Illinois to the high deserts of Wyoming and Utah is an unforgettable experience.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. It is perfect for families due to the zoos and water parks, but equally fascinating for history buffs retracing the Mormon Trail and the broader story of western expansion.
Late spring through early fall is ideal. Summer offers the best weather for water parks and kayaking, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures for hiking at Fossil Butte or Starved Rock. Winter travel is not recommended due to potential snow and ice in Wyoming and Utah.
Because this is a point-to-point journey starting in Chicago and ending in Salt Lake City, you will be booking a one-way RV rental. When budgeting for your trip, keep in mind that rental fleets typically charge a one-way drop fee to cover the logistics of returning the vehicle.
Your base driving distance is 1,829 mi. Be sure to select a mileage package that comfortably covers this distance, plus a generous buffer for scenic detours and campground commutes. Your daily expenses will primarily consist of fuel, campground reservations (a mix of private RV resorts and state parks is ideal), groceries, and attraction tickets. For exact, real-time pricing on RV rentals for your specific dates, use the RV PLANET search tools provided below.
Tracing the historic Mormon Trail in a modern motorhome is the ultimate way to experience the vast beauty and rich history of the American West. When you are ready to secure your vehicle and dive into the full day-by-day itinerary, head over to RV PLANET to book your RV and start planning the adventure of a lifetime.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Chicago (ORD area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Chicago (ORD area)), El Monte-2026-E (Chicago (ORD area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $600–$800 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $500–$750 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$400 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $700–$950 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C RV averaging 10 mpg at $3.50/gal, a 12-night mix of state park and private campground stays, and summer travel rates. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Transitioning from the bustling city of Chicago into the scenic river valleys and rich history of Illinois and Iowa.
A relaxed stretch across the heartland featuring vibrant botanical gardens, world-class zoos, and refreshing water parks.
Tracing the historic wagon ruts through western Nebraska and Wyoming, balancing interpretive centers with outdoor recreation.
Ascending into the rugged landscapes of the West, exploring paleontology sites before descending into Utah.
Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,829 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Chicago → Salt Lake City pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Chicago pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Chicago → Salt Lake City route.
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