Overnite site recommendation east of Chicago

[Auretrvr]

We are taking Ernestine to P&S for her spa treatment soon. The route takes us from Iowa City east on I-80. We do not want to drive it in one day and would like to get east of Chicago before stopping. Is there a campground anyone can recomend? I think there may be something with Lake Michigan so near, but we aren't familiar with the area and don't want to stray too awfully far from our path.

[Amsterdamer]

There is a KOA just off of I-80 at Middlebury. It's nothing special, but easy, though it might be farther than you want to go.

The Indiana Dunes State Park is near where I-80 splits off of I-94 at Lake Michigan. I haven't stayed there, but I'm not a fan of the Calumet/Gary area as it is extremely industrial.

Warren Dunes, which is the first state park as you drive into Michigan is nice, but a bit north of your route.

[thecatsandi]

Whatever you do avoid I-80/90 south of Chicago. The traffic is really bad.

[Auretrvr]

Wish there were a little county park w/in an hour of the interstate. Still, the KOA would give us place to light.

Cats...over the past 25 years we have traveled the "chute" several times and it has always been a mess! We have jsut come to expect it. At least we will be there in April and no the camping high season!

We appreciate your responses!

[Amsterdamer]

Another option is the PokagonState Park. It is just south of the I-80 / I-69 junction. This is of course even farther east. I have stayed there and it is a nice park. There aren’t too many exits on the I-80 toll road, so I’m recommending locations that are near the ramps.

If you do stay at the Middlebury KOA, I recommend the Essen House restaurant, just a couple of miles south. It is a family style Amish oriented establishment and very good. The flea market at Shipshewana is also quite the spectacle.

BTW, what is P&S?