Camping in Chicago

[Aligator1]

We will be visiting our son in Chicago in September. We are looking for the closest place to park our 25 foot trailer. It looks like the closest RV parks are about 50 miles out. Any suggestions or help is appreciated. Thanks, Kathy

[mm047]

mitch5252 wrote:
I've been looking for a decent campground in the far west Chicago suburbs since I moved away in 2004. Based on this thread, I just now happened upon this - a new forest preserve campground in Big Rock!

http://kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=3

I'm very excited!

I spent a week at Paul Wolf last year. Nice and also about a mile from the train stop on Big Timber Rd. only goofy thing I recall about is that the electric hookups are way back. I did not have an extension cord with me, so a couple of nice sites were out of reach.

[RAS43]

There is Liesure Lake Resort in Joliet. It is a Good Sam park. Stayed there a few years ago and it was okay. It is sourronded by interstates though.

[xzyHollyxyz]

I've been looking for a decent campground in the far west Chicago suburbs since I moved away in 2004. Based on this thread, I just now happened upon this - a new forest preserve campground in Big Rock!

http://kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=3

I'm very excited!

[Dick_B]

Search this Forum for `Chicago' in the RV Parks section. It is discussed frequently with no really good answers including mine.

[VoodooMedicineM]

Campgrounds close to Chicago

Hollywood Casino - Joliet

or

Blackwell Forest Preserve

also

Martins Campground - Joliet

[ReadyToGo]

We stayed at the KOA in Union. Although kind of pricey, there was easy access from the freeway or highway. There is no rush hour on Chicago highways, it is always rush hour. About 1 1/2 hour drive to downtown Chicago so you can adjust from that. If possible, get the EZPass device for you vehicle. Saves time and money. In the end it doesn't cost you anything as you get your money that is unspent back. Ask you son about it.

[rockhillmanor]

Dreamer88 wrote:
Don't know the reasoning, but it's been that way for years!

No Trucks, No Pick up's!! Ask me how I know! (*)

If you happen to have a Ford Rancharo, or Chevy El Cameno can't drive them either!

(*)In addition to the restrictions on LSD, trucks can not drive on other streets. Can't remember if it's Avenues, or Boulevards.

Have a family member that lives on Brookfield. Same restrictions. Have a one ton box truck, class D commercial plate, and I have to be very careful when I drive over there.AL

Me Too! And I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Just never owned a truck until the day I bought a one ton pick up truck and tried to go downtown with it.

I didn't see no stinkin signs that said I couldn't. Well the cop said, 'here's your sign a nice fat pink ticket. Gotta love Chicago.

For those not familiar with Chicago you CAN drive trucks on the interstates going THRU Chicago, kinda a given.

Then I bought a van and tried parking it in a parking lot next to the hospital.......well it's 20 bucks to park for the day....EXCEPT if you own a van.....then it's $100 bucks a day!:E

[Dreamer88]

Don't know the reasoning, but it's been that way for years!

No Trucks, No Pick up's!! Ask me how I know! (*)

If you happen to have a Ford Rancharo, or Chevy El Cameno can't drive them either!

(*)In addition to the restrictions on LSD, trucks can not drive on other streets. Can't remember if it's Avenues, or Boulevards.

Have a family member that lives on Brookfield. Same restrictions. Have a one ton box truck, class D commercial plate, and I have to be very careful when I drive over there.

AL

[campigloo]

BEWARE that you can NOT drive a truck downtown Chicago or on Lake Shore Drive. There are many streets downtown if not all that do not allow pick up trucks.

Seriously?? That's a new to me.
What is the reasoning behind that?

[rockhillmanor]

Aligator1 wrote:
We will be visiting our son in Chicago in September. We are looking for the closest place to park our 25 foot trailer. It looks like the closest RV parks are about 50 miles out. Any suggestions or help is appreciated. Thanks, Kathy

Camping in Chicago?

Surely you jest! :B

Illinois Beach State Park is the ONLY close one.Just on the outskirts of Chicago in zion is the closest CG. It's a Short ride to downtown Chicago on 294 to Kennedy. Or take the train in at the station that is close by.
http://www.stateparks.com/illinois_beach.html

If you have a truck as a tow vehicle for your trailer?
BEWARE that you can NOT drive a truck downtown Chicago or on Lake Shore Drive. There are many streets downtown if not all that do not allow pick up trucks.

[xaugievike]

There's not a lot, I can't lie.

Indiana dunes SP would get my nod. It's a small haul to the city from there though.

I also know of a place called Martin campground. A haul to the city, but it is close to the trains if you want to use those. But it is also VERY close to busy interstate.