Need a winter camp near Ashton, IL

[Damdifino]

Sometime between January-March 2015 I need a place to park near Ashton, IL. for a few weeks while I'm in the area on family business. Ashton is about 40 miles west of DeKalb, for reference. Full hookups would be best. Shabbona State Park might be a possibility. I'm not looking for a transcendent experience--just a safe place to live temporarily. Any suggestions? (I realize it'll be super cold that time of year, BTW. Being from South Texas that'll be a new experience for me.)

[kknowlton]

I agree - an extended-stay motel would probably be your best bet. Very, VERY few CGs stay open in the winter. Not sure any in that area stay open year-round. Illinois winters are not to be taken lightly.

We stayed in our TT in late March one year - temps below freezing at night, snowing one day - and went through 2 30-lb tanks and 1 20-lb tank of propane during that 10-day period. And this was a TT with enclosed belly and under-floor ducting. We also used (and still do, during shoulder seasons) a small electric space heater to supplement the furnace.

Just a quick check of Dixon and Rochelle (both about 20 miles from tiny Ashton) show several chains - Comfort & Quality Inns, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8, etc. - in those towns, plus others probably available in DeKalb (farther east than Rochelle). Some of these may have "efficiency" or suite-type accommodations with a fridge & microwave, as well as longterm rates.

If Illinois state parks are open for camping during this timeframe, there will be no water, either as a hookup (they don't have those anyway) or even in the bathhouse. Likely the only "facilities" will be pit toilets.

[rockhillmanor]

What they all said.

Almost all the CG's in the midwest close October 1st.

If you find one that is open but without water you will still have the problem of staying warm in an RV during that time of year where 32 or even below is common. And trust me been there tried that, you won't be able to.

All the chain motels now have extended stay rates. I'd park the MH in the motel lot and stay in a warm comfy motel room with electric, running water and heat! :C

[dverstra]

edsland wrote:
No full hookups for sure, last year we got as cold as -20. I would rather find a cheap motel with running water.

X2 Find a nice warm comfy motel. Negotiate an extended stay.

[edsland]

No full hookups for sure, last year we got as cold as -20. I would rather find a cheap motel with running water.

[BurbMan]

Pineview is a private CG you might talk them into staying open.

MAP

[doxiemom11]

You have no idea how cold you will be or how much propane you will go thru trying to stay warm. Are you sure you don't want to stay in a motel? Some will depend on the type of winter they get, but anything under 40 is cold. You may want to take an electric heater along to supplement the furnace. Most parks will also have the water shut off to the camp sites, so you will need to think about that too. Main building/showers may have water. Go to google maps and in the search box type rv parks and campgrounds near Ashton IL. The map will then have pinpoints and a list will be on the left with a connection to more info or a web page if they have one. Good Luck