We're thinking about heading to the Chicago area for a few days in the summer. I've been checking out rv parks in the area and there really doesn't seem to be much...or at least, nothing that has good reviews. Any recommendations? We don't mind travelling 45 min. to an hour to get into the city. Ideally would like full-hook-up for a 35 ft fifth wheel. Thanks!

That will be tough. Another option is to give up on the RV entirely and park it at the McCormack Place Marshalling Yard; cost is about $30/day. Then stay in a hotel. I understand you can possibly boondock in the yard, but am not sure. There are zero hookups.

If there are any decent parks within that distance of Chicago I am not aware of them, and I have looked (I have a daughter who lives in Chicago). Best-looking option I found (haven't been) was the casino in Joliet, but it doesn't have sewer -- guess they want you to come in and play the slots when you need to "go."

The best answer will come from Jerry S. as he lives near by. He will see this post soon and answer.

Also look at Hollywood Casino with an RV park in Joliet southwest of Chicago. You have five train stations or stops in Joliet. We have used the train service in our past years and they work very well. You park at one of the stations, hop on the train and it takes you to the heart of Chicago. The station is like a large city inside with everything in it. Out of the station buses and cabs will take you anyplace you wish to go. You could spent a year in that city and miss items. I spent over 25 years in and out of the city on business and fun as well. We will plan a return trip soon.

Take a look at Sycamore RV Resort.it is west on north ave/rt 64 a bit far but we used it when we needed to do family business in Warrenville and Glenn Ellen.It was a few years ago but check it out.
Good Luck!
T

John: Thanks for the pressure!

Over the decades, I have been to about half a dozen local RV parks as first or last night stops on my trips. Of the parks (Lehman's Lakeside in Marengo, Chicago Northwest KOA in Union, Holiday Acres in Garden Prairie, and Sycamore RV Park in Sycamore) northwest of the city, I think Sycamore is probably the best if all you want is a FHU site as a base camp for going into the city. I was just there in September - see my review. In the southwest, there are 3 parks near Joliet. I have been to the Hollywood Casino park numerous times but, as John noted, there are no sewer hookups at the sites. There is a fairly convenient dump station but that can sometimes have a backup line as people leave the park in the morning. There are 2 other RV parks (Martin Camper Park and Leisure Lake Membership Resort) near Joliet. Check the reviews for those parks.

I think the parks in Joliet are more convenient for traveling to and from downtown Chicago. I believe they are closer mileage-wise than the northwest parks by about 10 miles and the route to downtown is more direct (easy access to I55 or I57) than the NW parks. Also, the two interstates (I90 and I88) northwest are tollways. From either direction, the travel time you are facing is subject to time (rush hours) and traffic (accidents, construction) constraints. If you can do the speed limit all the way from Joliet to downtown, the trip is about an hour. Any problems, and that can double or triple. During rush hours (7-9AM and 4-7PM) I would allow 2 hours on any weekday. Taking he train John mentioned is probably your best bet or going to and from downtown.

Jerry S,

Good job Jerry and thanks. I will print a copy of this information and keep it in our motorhome to plan our trip to see the city again, a great place to tour. If a person takes a car downtown you will need a parking garage if you can find one that has space and pay a high rate to park. If you use the street to park on good luck with the tow trucks. So you end up driving and parking all day and you will have no time to see anything. The train is very fast, safe, and has no parking problems.

Thanks everyone for your help.....especially John and Jerry (you did well under pressure, Jerry!) !!! I'm looking forward to getting on the road again - even if it's not for several months! I was checking out the Hollywood Casino park, however, you have to be 21 to stay there because of the casino, and my youngest son will only be 18. We would prefer to just take the train in - is it best to do that from the Joliet area?

campinggirl,

I would call the casino and see if this is to keep the under 18 out of the casino only. The person checking in the RV park or hotel over 18 can have kids with them. We see kids in casino RV parks all the time. The casinos do not wish to see under age 18 taken up space or rooms as they cannot play the machines.

Don`t forget about Burnridge forest preserve/Paul Wolf. it is located in Elgin very close to I90. Yes there aren`t very many campgrounds in the area. the closest is in Sycamore along with the others mentioned. there is also a Jellystone in Amboy IL.