Community Forums

jerry davis · 06-29-2013, 05:06 PM

Looking for suggestions for a spot to park the coach where we could explore Chicago. Doesn't seem to be anything near the city.

Jim A · 06-29-2013, 05:59 PM

When we stopped in Chicago on a trip 3 years ago, we stayed at the Chicago Northwest KOA. We are not usually fans of KOA, but it suited the purpose. It was a 50-60 mile drive into Chicago. The guy at the desk suggested we take the nearby train into Chicago, but we chose to take the car anyway. Not a bad drive into Chicago on a Saturday. We found parking at the Navy Pier, which is where we wanted to go. (For the car, not the RV!)

We approached from Iowa taking I-80 to I-88. We found a "scenic drive" marked on the AAA map that started around Rock Falls to Rockford to avoid the toll road. Great drive, EXCEPT in one town, maybe Oregon, there was an 11' railway bridge. We made a quick left, and found another underpass that was marked 10'6". The next one over was marked 14' with an arch, so we went through that one down the middle of the road. We still have air conditioners on the roof, so it worked. But be aware if you take Highway 2.

gjstacy · 06-30-2013, 04:02 PM

We've stayed a couple of times at Windy City RV, which is south of Chicago. It's near the 55 expressway, so also not a bad drive into the city. Probably a train somewhere nearby as well, though I'm not sure. I agree with Jim that the best place to park and start your exploration is at Navy Pier. From there you can walk along the lake front, walk into the Loop (main downtown area), take a boat ride along the Chicago River (there is an interesting one about achitecture), visit the museums and planetarium (one of my favorites from when I was a kid). A lot of walking would be involved to see all of these things, but of course, you could take the car to the museums and planetarium if you are interested.

Hope you enjoy your visit. It's a great city, even though I'm glad I don't live there anymore.

gatorcq · 07-01-2013, 02:46 PM

In the town of Sandwich, Il is a state fair ground. Water and electric on site with access to a dump station. $15 per night. From Sandwich, you can drive to Aurora and catch the MTA into town. Phone 815-530-6168 and ask for James, tell him Susan and Dale say Hi.

Satellite good. Large area, clean and new. Walk into town.

J Birder · 07-01-2013, 03:09 PM

There are none close to the city. Up north, the Fish Lake Beach camp ground is nice. There is a Metra station about a 5 minute drive away where you can catch a train into the city. There is free parking at the station. http://http://fishlakebeach.com/camping/

Joel

ImagineIF · 07-01-2013, 03:17 PM

We stayed in the same KoA. Some sites were a bit tight, but we were able to get our 45-footer in and out. The western place next door had pretty good food. This is in he town of Union.