Chicago to New York Roadtrip Guide
Take on an unforgettable American road trip from the Midwest to the East Coast. With Imoova’s RV relocation deals, you can journey from Chicago to New York for just $1 per day, and get gas costs reimbursed on select deals. It’s one of the most budget-friendly and scenic ways to cross the country.
Carl W
Relocation Specialist
The Route
Start: Chicago, Illinois
End: New York City, New York
Duration: 9 nights
Distance: Approx. 1,300 miles / 2,100 km
Cost: From $1/day with Imoova (plus fuel & campsite costs)
Day 1: Chicago to South Bend, Indiana
Leave the Windy City and head for South Bend, home to Notre Dame and charming parks.
Top things to do:
University of Notre Dame
Studebaker National Museum
Campsite: South Bend/Elkhart North KOA – Full hookups, playground, dog park (koa.com)
Day 2: South Bend to Toledo, Ohio
Drive through northern Indiana to reach the glass city of Toledo on Lake Erie.
Top things to do:
Toledo Museum of Art
Toledo Zoo
Campsite: Toledo East/Stony Ridge KOA – Pull-through sites, full hookups, fishing pond (koa.com)
Day 3: Toledo to Cleveland
A short drive brings you to Cleveland, a city with rock & roll flair and a vibrant lakefront.
Top things to do:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
West Side Market
Campsite: American Wilderness Campground – Wooded sites, electric/water hookups, lake swimming (americanwildernesscampground.com)
Day 4: Cleveland to Erie, Pennsylvania
Follow the Lake Erie shoreline into Pennsylvania, stopping in the lakeside city of Erie.
Top things to do:
Presque Isle State Park
Erie Maritime Museum
Campsite: Erie KOA Holiday – Pool, cabins, tent sites, full RV hookups (koa.com)
Day 5: Erie to Buffalo, New York
Travel to Buffalo, a city with art, architecture, and easy access to Niagara Falls.
Top things to do:
Canalside Buffalo
Niagara Falls day trip
Campsite: Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort – Full amenities, nature trails, near the falls (branchesofniagara.com)
Day 6: Buffalo to Ithaca
Head through the scenic Finger Lakes region to the college town of Ithaca.
Top things to do:
Ithaca Falls
Cornell University Botanic Gardens
Campsite: Robert H. Treman State Park – Electric sites, hiking trails, waterfall swimming (parks.ny.gov)
Day 7: Ithaca to Scranton, Pennsylvania
Make your way south into Pennsylvania’s Lackawanna Valley, filled with rail history and local charm.
Top things to do:
Steamtown National Historic Site
Nay Aug Park
Campsite: Highland Campgrounds – Electric hookups, peaceful forest setting (highlandcampgrounds.com)
Day 8: Scranton to New Jersey
Spend a relaxing day exploring the natural and historical gems of New Jersey.
Top things to do:
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Downtown Montclair for cafes and boutiques
Campsite: Panther Lake Camping Resort (Andover, NJ) – Scenic lakefront sites, full hookups, family-friendly activities (pantherlakecampingresort.com)
Day 9: Explore New York City
Spend your final day enjoying everything NYC has to offer—from Times Square and Central Park to Broadway and Brooklyn.
Top things to do:
Statue of Liberty
Empire State Building
Central Park
Return your RV as per Imoova’s instructions and submit your fuel receipts to claim your gas reimbursement if required.
Final Tips
Reserve Early: RV parks near NYC fill up quickly.
Track Your Fuel: Keep all receipts for reimbursement.
Take Your Time: Enjoy detours and roadside attractions.
Plan Transit: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, you can be in Manhattan in 15 minutes.
Why Choose Imoova?
With Imoova, the open road is more accessible than ever. Relocate an RV from Chicago to New York for just $1 per day. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, this trip offers unforgettable scenery, city highlights, and the freedom of the road at a fraction of the cost.
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