Chicago Area Campgrounds?

[RivetED]

We're coming to the Chicago area for a few days business and pleasure and need an RV park near west Chicago, specifically Melrose Park, The Schilke Musical Instruments Co. What suggestions do you have for this area?

[3streams]

We came through there once and stayed at a Casino- great facility. Perfectly level sites with great lawn in between each. I think it was a Harrahs but can't remember for sure. I have no idea what area of Chicago it was near.

[Silvertwinkie]

Hey RivetEd....

I sent you a PM. Have a great time when yer here!

[BIGED52]

Slivertwinkie, I too would need any info on campgrounds/state park sites in Chicago area. I willl be working near I-57 and I-80 in July. Any info would be great. Thanks, Ed

[Lothlorian]

This might help you. You would be about 45 minutes from west Chicago.
I hear the RV park is really nice. The area is where I grew up. Outside of the RV park you have nothing but factories, Power plants, cornfields, and and the Illinois River. Argosy Casino
The RV park restraunt and casio is about it.

SIU Bound

Brian

[Lothlorian]

Big Ed.

The Empress Casino, Hotel and RV park is exactly 30 minutes from I-57 and Interstate 80. You are about 1 minute from I-80. That is my old stomping grounds where I was grew up.

SIU Bound

Brian

[Silvertwinkie]

That's interesting. I had no idea that the casino had an RV park.

I knew of the windy city campground in Tinley Park, but that was recently sold to developers.

For RivetEd, my thought was Chain O Lakes State Park about 45 miles north of Melrose Park. Joliet, where Empress is located is still about 42 miles from Melrose Park.

In your case BigEd, I'd have to agree with SIU Bound, Empress is much closer to 57 and 80. I have not been to the Empress RV park, though I have been to the casino once...not that I'm much of a gambler, it was a nice place and far closer than Spring Grove, where Chain O Lakes State Park is located.

Also as a word of caution to all, 94, north of the City is pure gridlock due to lane restrictions and construction. It is highly suggested that you consider 294, but I will also warn you (and I just realized this) is that just northwest of the city, 294 is all torn up too. My only advice is that you try to travel through these areas when rush hour is not in full swing. Rush hour starts around 6:30am until about 9:30ish, then returns at about 3pm and last until about 6:45ish.

You might find this link useful as well:

Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor

[RivetED]

Just got back from the Empress Casino web-site, who knew it was RV friendly. That might be what we are looking for since we're going mostly for 'business' and then heading to New England. Most of our time in Chicago will be at the Schilke factory and possibly a run to Rush St. for some live jazz?. not sure if that's still the place. Must see Wrigley, esp. since it now has lights. ...let me see, '77 if I can recall... P.S. I'm not OLD, just a Boomer

[bredlo]

Casino RV parks: Come for the pull-through sites... stay for the slim chance to win some gas money!

[BIGED52]

Thanks for all the good info!!! I have been to the Empress before also but guess I never thought about Rv Park there. Thanks and Happy Trails, Ed

[crazylev]

RivetEd

You obviously must be real serious about playing the horn! Joan was one of my clients years ago when they were on S. Wabash in Chicago. Amazing to see how a trumpet was made. I didn't even play, but I wanted one. Let me know if they need more photography.

Best wishes.

JL

Originally Posted by RivetED

We're coming to the Chicago area for a few days business and pleasure and need an RV park near west Chicago, specifically Melrose Park, The Schilke Musical Instruments Co. What suggestions do you have for this area?

[RivetED]

Originally Posted by crazylev

RivetEd

You obviously must be real serious about playing the horn! Joan was one of my clients years ago when they were on S. Wabash in Chicago. Amazing to see how a trumpet was made. I didn't even play, but I wanted one. Let me know if they need more photography.

Best wishes.

JL

It's a second life thing. I'll be completing my degree in music this fall, still some core stuff to clean up. I plan to play and/or teach. Trumpet is my main instrument and the U.S., specifically Chicago and the mid-west, have the world's leading manufacturing facilities. We're still #1 there! I had a custom trumpet made during my first year in school and now I'm going up to have it "tweeked" a little. The people at Schilke are great and very customer service friendly. A lot of American Co.'s could learn from them.