RV Campgrounds in the Chicago Area?

[tom2500]

Originally Posted by rk911

beyond the McCormick Place suggestion there isn't much close in to Chicago. we live in the western burbs and if it were me I wouldn't spend the night at McCormick Place. McCormick is a great place to see the auto show, RV/Boat Show even a show at the Drury Lane Playhouse inside McCormick Place at night provided you don't linger and go straight to your car with the crowd but I would not want to be down there overnight. but then we don't go to night games at Wrigley either and I would suggest you restrict yourself to day games. in my opinion there is just too much violence in the city at night.

There are several very nice parks NW of the city along I-90 (toll road) and a nice state park CG north of the city (Illinois Beach SP). The Union Pacific North Line has a station in Zion which is close to the park. There are also some parks SW near Joliet. All of those will require a drive into Chicago or a train ride and then either a cab or Uber/Lyft from Union Station to Wrigley. again if it were me that's where I'd be looking. so based on that I'd look at:

- Paul Wolff campground (county park) off I-90 at Randall Road exit (South Elgin) but far enough away to not hear the road noise. we camp there quite a bit. there is a commuter train station (Milwaukee District West Line...www.metrarail.com) a short drive from the park.

- Lehman's Lakeside Resort also right off I-90. this is a bit farther out in Marengo and KOA in Union, IL a bit north of Lehman's. the Chicago Metra system map doesn't show a commuter line our that far but it's not all that far from those parks to a station in Elgin.

good luck and I'm happy to answer questions.

I thought I had already posted this question...but can't find it...so apologies if this is a dupe.

I am traveling to the Chicago area from Forest City Iowa (Winnebago rally) for a few days of sight seeing. I am looking for a good place to park the motorhome. Based on my research and the comments here I think the Yogi Bear facility might work best. Comments or other suggestions? TIA.

[JimmyB2]

WOW, Lived in the Chicago area all my 70 years and did not know about RV camping "in the woods". Thanks for the info and website.

BTW, stay in the Camp Sullivan Oak Forest, IL site and an Uber would probably cost you $40 to $50. Cost us $60 to get to O'Hare from here.

[GREGORYJ]

We like staying at Indiana Dunes State Park and take the South Shore Line into Downtown Chicago. It has a stop right next to the state park.

http://www.mysouthshoreline.com/

https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

[tom2500]

Originally Posted by GREGORYJ

We like staying at Indiana Dunes State Park and take the South Shore Line into Downtown Chicago. It has a stop right next to the state park.

http://www.mysouthshoreline.com/

https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

Great info!! thanks. Just made reservations at Indiana Dunes. Any suggestions for "must see" items in Chicago? I have 2 full days/ 3 nights.

[JimmyB2]

tom2500 - A must see would be take the Wendella boat tour

Go down the Chicago river to view our great architecture and then onto Lake Michigan to see the skyline. You could also go to Navy Pier and then get on one of their tour boats to head out on Lake Michigan directly.

[baraff]

Originally Posted by Shawn E

We've stayed at the Hollywood Casino in Joliet a few times. It's no frills but full hookups, clean and patrolled by Casino staff. Only downside it's still about an hour into the city by car or train

They do not offer sewer hookup, but they have a dump station. Free shuttle to the casino.

[MapleKing]

I saw a couple of mention of using Uber to get around and I thought I would mention Via which also operates in Chicago:

https://ridewithvia.com/

It's a "shared" ride service but if you're with a group of people you'll most likely get the ride to yourself. I've found it cheaper and just as convenient as Uber or Lyft. The only drawback is that it only works in New York, Washington and Chicago.

[Ranger John]

We stayed at McCormick Place and found it extremely convenient and safe. There is security on site and security will also watch security cameras between the Convention Center and your RV if you make the request at the security entrance desk. So convenient to the City and public transportation. Can't wait to return