RV Parks and Reststops along Interstate 80/90

[J Goertzen]

Can anyone recommend some RV Parks along or near the toll freeways I 80 and 90 from Chicago to Cleveland Ohio? Has anyone spent the night in their AS at one the nice rest stops along this route? I am concerned if I spend the night at one there would be a lot of traffic noise and headlight blare keeping me awake, thanks all, Jim

[tjdonahoe]

. Spent several nights in rest areas, even when it says no overnite, I am old and need my rest so there....

[glcmranger]

One Word: DANGEROUS! Stay at a Walmart -- they have security personnel and cameras.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by glcmranger

One Word: DANGEROUS! Stay at a Walmart -- they have security personnel and cameras.

I will second that. I've thought about staying at Interstate rest stops but where I've traveled it's not legal. I've talked with enough truckers to know that it's dangerous anyway and better to spend $35 for an RV park. I've stayed at Walmarts and Cracker Barrel too. Pick a spot and then Google that location for comments from other travelers. I found a nice place in Virginia, lots of restaurants, cheap gas, wide road and other travelers to sit among. I just figured that area is where I wanted to stop for the night, found the Walmart and Googled it. I found a lot of good information.

I've also found information about other places where it'd be better to stop before or after a given location. So figure out your general stopping area, look for a Walmart or Cracker Barrel and then Google the address with something like 'overnight at Walmart [address] safe? or good spot?' and see what comes back. Be sure to look at the date of the post, some are pretty old.

[Lily&Me]

They are noisy, but they are convenient and there are earplugs.

If you must, park at one that has 24 hour security.


Maggie

[AWCHIEF]

Tried getting a nap at a commercial truck stop one time. Lasted a couple of hours before the noise and fumes ran me off. Pulled off at the next highway rest stop. Parked on the back side away from most of the big rigs close to a couple of other TTs and got a comfortable 3 hour nap until the sun came up and hit the road. Sign said security was on site but never saw any.

[VT Wanderer]

Almost every year we travel from VT to the Rockies via the Ohio Turnpike. Their service areas on the Ohio T-pike are amazing. There are special parking areas for just RVs. This year the cost was $20, but you can hook-up to the electric 30 or 50 amp. Most of these areas also have dump stations and potable water outlets. The service areas are kept spotless inside. We wish every state had the same kinds of facilities. Ohio seems to be the only state like this.

[Foiled Again]

There is a KOA right off of I-80 in Laramie. It's a parking lot in the desert. Nothing special and not inexpensive BUT the people there took fantastic care of me. My T-Mobile service was down and I got a flat tire AND it was July 4. They helped me find roadside assistance to change the truck tire (I could have done it myself but it was HOT and I'm old and lazy... and they found me a great place to get the tire professionally repaired at a reasonable cost, recommended a good local restaurant, etc.

NICE people who care about their jobs and their customers - what a concept!

There was a LONG dry haul to get to Laramie coming from the west. And two campgrounds that I wish I'd googled in advance - passed both by upon physical inspection. Advice - even Verizon or AT&T coverage is spotty along I-80 so pre-inspect a bunch of them before you even leave on the trip. The two I gave up on were basically permanent residents - one step above homeless shelters.

Paula

[loudruff]

Stop in for a visit. Courtesy parking with full hookups here! Just sw of Cleveland. When are you traveling thru?

[amckibbe]

From Chicago to Cleveland, there are a couple of RV resorts and state park right off 80 at 69 in angola ind. we stayed the weekend at manapogo, there is a jellystone(pricey) and Pokagon state park(no water or sewer but dump station) SP is the cheapest.

[idroba]

Both Indiana and Ohio have RV specific stops (power, water, dump stations) on the Indiana tollway and the Ohio Turnpike. They are fine places to stop. Might be a bit noisy as anything near the interstate could be, but close the windows and turn on the AC if needed. I have found them very convenient when traveling in the crowded east when I don't know the area. And you don't even have to get off the toll road.

I am sure you can google the two agencies to know in advance which rest plazas have them.

[66streamer]

Try Maumee Bay State Park near Toledo. About 15-20 minutes from exit 5 on the Ohio Turnpike, off I-280. Very nice facility. Has only electric on site. But does have dump station & good water. Have stayed there many times. Is one of the Ohio premier parks with lodge & golf course too.

[loudruff]

Originally Posted by J Goertzen

Can anyone recommend some RV Parks along or near the toll freeways I 80 and 90 from Chicago to Cleveland Ohio? Has anyone spent the night in their AS at one the nice rest stops along this route? I am concerned if I spend the night at one there would be a lot of traffic noise and headlight blare keeping me awake, thanks all, Jim

We are the closest free campsite near the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park!! There are many great things to see and do in our area.

[Wingeezer]

Never tried rest stops / walmarts / cracker barrels, but have used Flying J truck stops regularly every winter for the last 15 years or so when headed to the south each winter.

Car park lights can be bright, and sometimes you get a truck running next to you (not often though as you are parked away from the 18 wheelers).

Generally we are tired enough that we sleep quickly and soundly and so there is no issue.

I was a bit worried at first about security, but so far - touch wood - we have not encountered any issues. I rather like the fact that the place is brightly lit and there is some degree of activity around all night.

I would be ok with trying a wamart or cracker barrel, but would be more nervous about an interstate rest stop unless brightly lit and with security present.


Brian.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by glcmranger

One Word: DANGEROUS! Stay at a Walmart -- they have security personnel and cameras.

Yes it could be dangerous, I have a very large bore pistol by my bed, never had any problems, truck stops, wallmarts or roadside rest areas.......