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drmox · 05-27-2021, 08:55 AM

As far as routing, don't listen to your GPS if is says any of the following words:
Chicago Skyway
Dan Ryan Expressway
Bishop Ford freeway
Eisenhower Expressway
Kennedy Expressway
Take I-65 north to I-80, go due west, the signs will say Iowa. Go to I-355 north to I-90, and then let your GPS recalculate and take over. You'll pay tolls, but anyway you go you'll be greeted by the finest toll collection agency in the nation.

panamerican · 05-27-2021, 08:57 AM

You really DON'T want to stay in a parking area near McCormick place. Not now, not ever. In fact, you want to say way clear of the south and west sides of the city. The areas around McCormick Place are vastly different at night than during the daytime and even daytime there have been problems when there isn't a convention going.

In terms of campgrounds, there is one I just found out about near Wheaton called Blackwell Family Campground. They do take reservations. It is a good 45-60 mins from the city depending on traffic.

Next is Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. Not sure if they take reservations.

Neither have all hookups, but both for sure have 30a.

If it's just for a night or two, I can prob squeeze you onto my patio near my Airstream and set you up with 15a power and water....and grey water dump (not black). PM me offline if interested. I'm 20 miles north from downtown where you can still leave your house unlocked without coming home to an empty house (at least for now).

SpinWhite · 05-27-2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgBullet

If you are military/retired, the Naval Training Center (Great Lakes) has a small campground you could keep your rig at...we did this three years ago while attending our niece's wedding in the city. Obviously very safe, but you will need a reservation with Navy Inns at Great Lakes.

I am a veteran but the DW is not a veteran. We tried to stay at the Naval training Center (Great Lakes) last summer. I was told by the visitor center that I could stay in the RV park but DW could not stay overnight. And she could only get a one daytime pass. The lady that took reservation at the RV Park did not know about the rule. Each base commander makes the rules I guess.

Wayne&Sam · 05-27-2021, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgBullet

My apologies, my response was abrupt, and a little on the snarky side. Shouldn't have done that, sorry.

No problem.

guskmg · 05-27-2021, 09:43 PM

Post #23. That is the first time I have ever heard that a spouse could not stay over nite with qualified member. I think some one is not reading the requirements correctly, or is miss-quoting the directive. Pass and ID at the main entrance could probably issue the desired length of stay pass, especially for a spouse. I am a retired member, but I know the facilities have been opened up to veterans with proper military ID. The rub may be the suppose not having any military ID.
guskmg

greghoro · 05-28-2021, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panamerican

In terms of campgrounds, there is one I just found out about near Wheaton called Blackwell Family Campground. They do take reservations. It is a good 45-60 mins from the city depending on traffic.

Blackwell is a nice campground but other than July 4 and Labor Day weeks, it is weekend only (Fri & Sat nites).

The Chicago commuter train station in Winfield is just a few miles away.

Greg

DebH · 05-30-2021, 01:11 PM

There's a wonderful forest preserve campground near Elgin. You could take the train in, not far from it. It's quite a lovely place to camp.

knunut · 05-30-2021, 02:28 PM

Cook County Forest Preserves Camping. They have 5 campgrounds in chgo. area. I think "Camp Reinberg" would be a good option close to downtown train. Rest.Shops. etc. Located in Palatine,Il. $60 nite ? Only 5 Sites . try to get site 3,4,or 5. closer to shower bldg. Hiking and Biking trails nxt to park. Wooded area. Phone 855.YES.CAMP . fpdcc.com/camping

janicemd · 05-30-2021, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knunut

Cook County Forest Preserves Camping. They have 5 campgrounds in chgo. area. I think "Camp Reinberg" would be a good option close to downtown train. Rest.Shops. etc. Located in Palatine,Il. $60 nite ? Only 5 Sites . try to get site 3,4,or 5. closer to shower bldg. Hiking and Biking trails nxt to park. Wooded area. Phone 855.YES.CAMP . fpdcc.com/camping

That is what I was going to suggest! We have not stayed there recently but if I recall, they do not have water hook ups but they do have sewer. Strange. But you can use their hose to fill up if you are close enough, or haul water. Less than 3 miles to the Palatine train station, exit at the Irving Park station. See metrarail.com.