Chicagoland camping recommendations

[ZoominC6]

We'd like to travel up to Chicago in a couple of weeks to see a fine young friend graduate from seminary. Do any of you have a favorite spot to camp around the Chicago area? We'd appreciate any good recommendations. Thank you very much.
HAPPY TRAILS

[jojoair]

I was just at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois. The problem with Chicago is the traffic. If your friend is graduating on a Saturday the ride back to the city will be about an hour. If they are graduating on a Friday....you are looking at at least two and half hours.

Good Luck

[ZoominC6]

Thanks JoJo. We know the Chicago traffic and thankfully this will be on a Sunday. We'll check out the state park as we've had good luck with them elsewhere. Thanks again.

[Silvertwinkie]

I've lived in this area all my life. I've camped in 2 campgrounds.

One was Illinois Beach State Park (right next to the mothballed Zion Nuclear Generating Facility). Somewhat conv, but the campground is not all that great. Has gone WAY down over the years. Lots of lower class campers and urban riff raff.

I recently went directly west from Illinois Beach State Park, to the Chain O Lakes State Park. Night and day difference. I would suggest that park every day of the week and 2x on Sunday compared to IBSP (IL Beach St Pk). It's might be slightly further, but not a lot and either way, from either two parks, it's a good 45 to 60 minutes to downtown in moderate traffic. Light traffic it can be done in 30-45 minutes or less if you are liberal with the right foot.

The only cool thing about IBSP is the fact that you can get a campsite sometimes that backs up to Lake Michigan, which can be cool, cause the lake effect kicks in, but the rushing waves can really put you to sleep....that is if the subwoofers that go by don't awaken you.....

[Silvertwinkie]

Oh, and BTW, try to stay away from 90/94 (The Dan Ryan Expressway). In year 2 of a 2 year overhaul. MAJOR delays at many times. Try to bypass it if you can coming from the southeast and take the toll road 294. Might not be excellent, but will be better than the Ryan. Tolls will be costly paying cash, but if it were me, it'd be worth it.

[ZoominC6]

That's what we need to hear. Thanks Twink. We really appreciate it.

[Becky B.]

What part of Chicago is the seminary graduation taking place? If you don't mind traveling about 1 hour East of Chicago, the Indiana National Dunes are in Chesterton, Indiana. The campground was just refurbished a year or two ago and is very nice. It's located within a short walking distance to the beach. The drive to Chicago isn't too bad if you take the Skyway from Indiana. Congratulations on your friend graduating from seminary. What a blessing to have more people willing to dedicate their lives to spreading the word of God to the nations!

[William Ales]

Since you didn't say on which side of Chicago you needed a Campground let me give you one that's on the south side and really is the only one that serves both the south and western suburbs. "Windy City Campground" located in Tinley Park just off of I-80 at exit 148A.

I have stayed there many a time when visiting relatives on the south side. It's a Good Sam park, full hookups, 30 amp and even a lake with a beach!

Phone # 708-720-0030 If your going to be on the south or west than this I believe you will like. Have fun!!!

[dwightdi]

There is also Buffale park camp in Algonquin on Highway 31 five miles north of Expressway 90. It is a county park on the Fox river. It is a closer to major highways into town than Chain of Lakes State park which is just north of Fox Lake about 4 miles from my house. Chain of Lakes has 3000 acres and is very nice.

[ZoominC6]

Thanks to each of you for your contributions to our query. We'll be coming in through Indiana and the seminary is right in the midst of the city near Lincoln Park. We'll check out all or your recommendations and appreciate them very much.

[redeagle313]

On the north side of the city (far northwest, actually) there are two Kane county parks that have campgrounds and are fairly convenient to the north side.

Paul Wolff is only 10 to 15 minutes from Woodfield.


Kane Co., IL:* Kane County Forest Preserve District - Burnidge / Paul Wolff Forest Preserve


Randi

[ZoominC6]

You guys are the greatest! We love this forum and the ready participants therein. All of you have been so helpful and as relative newcomers, we've learned so much over the past couple of years of Airstream ownership. THANKS!
PS Those forest preserves around Chicago are wonderful.
HAPPY TRAILS !