Chicago may appear unfriendly to RVs due to its cramped streets and limited parking, leaving many wondering where to park an RV in Chicago. But don't worry!
This guide is your key to discovering many great RV spots near top attractions, making it easy to find a place for a few hours or even several weeks.
We cover designated RV parking in various locations: downtown Chicago areas, major venues, private and public campgrounds, and even locations in Indiana.
Since RVs over 20 feet are banned from most Chicago streets, use our tips to find ideal basecamps for exploring Chicago's museums and lakefront. Let's start exploring where to easily park your RV for an amazing trip to the Windy City!
RV Parking Near Chicago At A Glance
Can I Park An RV On a Street in Chicago?
Chicago streets have RV parking rules based on the vehicle size and street type. RVs longer than 22 feet can't park on residential streets unless for loading, unloading, conducting business, or using designated bus stands.
Additionally, vehicles taller than 6 feet cannot park within 20 feet of crosswalks, alleys, driveways, or fire lanes. Breaking these parking rules may lead to tickets, vehicle immobilization, impoundment without notice, and fines.
It's not legal to park an RV on the street in most areas of Chicago, so check regulations before parking overnight. For official details, see Section 9-64-170 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
Parking Options In the City
#1: Adler Planetarium Lot
Location: 1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
RV parking in Chicago can be found at places like the Adler Planetarium Lot near Soldier Field. Parking costs $25-$50 on non-event days, depending on the duration.
Event days will cost more. It is only open during the day. (Overnight parking is not allowed.) It is recommended to reserve a parking spot, especially for events.
Reviews from Trustpilot describe making a reservation as fast and easy, enjoying the convenience of knowing you have a parking space saved for your day.
Attractions Near Adler Lot
- Adler Planetarium - the first planetarium in the US
- 12th Street Beach on Lake Michigan
- The Field Museum - natural history and science
- Shedd Aquarium - one of the world's largest aquariums
#2: McCormick Place
Location: 3050 S Moe Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Oversized vehicle parking in Chicago can be found at McCormick Place in two lots - 18th Street and 31st Street (Lot B). The lot on 18th Street is located to the north and is the least used lot.
If an event is happening at Soldier Field, RVs in the 18th Street lot must move to the 31st Street lot. The 31st Street lot is south, near the convention center and harbor.
It's busier with more truck and train traffic, but the security office there is staffed 24/7. These are dry camping sites without hookups. The nearest dump station is about 35 miles away.
Advance reservations are recommended, especially for major events when lots can fill up. Parking costs $30 per night - a $22 daily rate plus an $8 reservation fee.
Attractions Near McCormick Place
- Nature trails and bike path to Lake Shore Drive
- Arie Crown Theater - Chicago's largest theater
- Margaret T. Burroughs Beach & Park on Lake Michigan
Private Campgrounds
#3 Chicagoland Speedway Campgrounds
Location: 500 Speedway Blvd., Joliet, IL 60433
If you're wondering, "Where can I park an RV in Chicago?" consider private RV parks like the Chicagoland Speedway Campground in Joliet. Located about 46 miles from downtown Chicago, it has over 1800 sites.
The campground offers amenities like electric hookups (30/20/15 Amp) and Wi-Fi, meeting the basic needs of RV campers. Rates vary greatly depending on events. Contact them directly for more information.
Attractions Near Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds
- Naper Settlement
- Rialto Square Theatre
- Hammel Woods
#4: Martin's Campground
Location: 725 Cherry Hill Rd., Joliet, IL 60433
Martin's Campground is about 44 miles from downtown Chicago. It's a good option for RV campers exploring the city. Google reviewer Mike M. calls this a "fantastic location for all of the Chicago area."
This campground offers full RV hookups, including electricity, with the added convenience of propane refills available on-site. The rental rates range from $25.00 to $35.00 daily, weekly, or monthly.
Attractions Near Martin's Campground
- Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
- Joliet Area Historical Museum
#5: Emerald Trails Campground
Location: 3132 E Goodenow Rd, Crete, IL 60417
Overnight parking in the Chicago Loop is prohibited, so RVs will need to look for options outside that area. Emerald Trails Campground is under an hour from Chicago. It has 75 full hookup sites for RVs with many amenities.
Visitors can enjoy paddle boating, fishing, or exploring the nature trails. The daily rates are between $20.00 and $35.00. Call ahead to confirm rates and availability for a smooth camping experience.
Attractions Near Emerald Trails Campground
- Balmoral Woods Public Golf Course
- Tuckaway Woods Public Golf Course
- Plum Creek Nature Center
#6: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Location: 8574 Millbrook Rd, Millbrook, IL 60536
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is about an hour from Chicago. It ranks among the nation's top ten parks of its kind. The park offers many on-site amenities, nearby activities, and weekend festivities. It's a great choice for RV enthusiasts.
Cost for RV camping begins at around $30 per night during the off-season, peaking at $50 per night for a premium RV site.
Attractions Near Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
- Silver Springs
- Horseback Riding
#7: Kankakee South KOA
Location: 425 E 6000s Rd, Chebanse, IL, 60922
RV parking Chicago options include the Kankakee South KOA, about 66.5 miles away from downtown Chicago. It takes around an hour to drive to and from Chicago. However, traffic might affect the travel time.
Once at the campground, guests can enjoy a range of amenities. Guests can swim in the pool from Memorial Day to Labor Day or play at the playground, basketball court, and Gaga ball area.
Attractions Near Kankakee South KOA
- Kankakee River State Park
- Chicagoland/Route 66 Speedways
- Children's Exploration Statio
- Friday Night Stock Car Races
- Ice Skating and Hockey
#8: Chicago Northwest KOA
Location: 8404 S Union Rd, Union, IL, 60180
There are a few places to park an RV in Chicago, such as the Chicago Northwest KOA, about 55 miles from downtown Chicago.
The park blends nature and modern comforts. Guests can use free Wi-Fi everywhere. So they stay connected in the quiet setting. There's a large playground, minigolf, a pool, gem mining, a jump pad and GaGaball.
Attractions Near Chicago Northwest KOA
- Illinois Railway Museum
- Santa's Village Amoosment Park
- Golf Courses
- Bike Trails
- Glo-Bowl Fun Center and Trio Grille
#9: The Island On The Chain RV Park
Location: 38600 N Lakeside Pl, Antioch, IL, 60002
The Island On The Chain RV Park is about an hour's drive from Chicago. It has 79 RV sites, each with a waterfront view and a private pier, making it a good choice for RV campers who enjoy nature.
The park offers various amenities for enjoying the nearby water. Guests can also go swimming, kayaking, and boating.
Attractions Near The Island On The Chain RV Park
- Raven Glen Forest Preserve
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Six Flags Great America
#10: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Location: 32223 N. US Highway 12, Volo, IL, 60073
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort is 34 miles from downtown Chicago. It offers 640 RV sites for visitors. The resort provides various water activities like beach and lake swimming, fishing, or boating on the 80-acre lake.
There's a heated pool, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub for guests, along with a playground for children. A leash-free dog park is available for canine companions.
Attractions Near Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
- Six Flags Great America
- Volo Auto Museum
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Metra Train Station
#11 Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground
Location: 11018 W Wilmington Rd, Peotone, IL, 60468
Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground is 46 miles from downtown Chicago. It hosts over 40 RV sites for visitors. The campground offers a peaceful retreat with the convenience of city adventures nearby.
The campground provides essential amenities, including electric hookups (30/50 Amp), water, sewer facilities, and pet-friendly sites. Prices range from $45 per night to $775 per month.
Attractions Near Enchanted Shores
- Kankakee River Boating & Fishing
- Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
County Campgrounds
#12: Camp Bullfrog Lake
Location: 9600 Wolf Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480
Camp Bullfrog Lake is a Cook County-operated campground about 40 minutes from the lively atmosphere of Chicago. Its location and amenities make it a suitable choice for RVs.
Pre-booking is essential to secure one of the 26 RV sites available, as popularity can lead to quick fill-ups. The camping costs range from $27.00 to $50.00 per night, depending on the season and Cook County residency.
Neil B. on TripAdvisor says, "Finding an RV park near Chicago is always hard, but for an option on the southern side of the city, I would recommend Camp Bullfrog Lake."
Attractions Near Camp Bullfrog Lake
- Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
- Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
- Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
- Swallow Cliff Stairs is a park that features two sets of stairs on a cliff.
- Brookfield Zoo
#13: Camp Sullivan
Location: 14630 Oak Park Ave. Oak Forest, IL 60452
There are no accommodations for RV overnight parking at Chicago airports, but nearby campgrounds are an option. Among the five campgrounds operated by Cook County, Camp Sullivan emerges as a viable choice for RV campers.
Roughly 26 miles away from downtown Chicago, this park costs between $27-61 per night. Reservations are essential to secure a spot. The sites have water and 30 to 50-amp electrical hookups, catering to various RV requirements.
Attractions Near Camp Sullivan
- Silver Lake Country Club offers golf to the public on a 45-hole course
- In the Game Hollywood Park Family Fun Center
- Swap O Rama is a nearby flea market that has hundreds of vendors
#14: Camp Reinberg
Location: 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine, IL 60074
Camp Reinberg is about 39 miles from downtown Chicago and features 5 RV sites. The camp has parking and basic amenities.
Additionally, there are showers available, an on-site store, and meals in the dining hall. Trails can be used for hiking and biking. Dogs are allowed on leashes. In winter, skiing is available.
Attractions Near Camp Reinberg
- Deer Grove & Deer Grove Trails
- Crabtree Nature Center
State Parks
#15: Illinois Beach State Park
Location: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099
Illinois Beach State Park is about an hour's drive from Chicago. It has 244 full hookup sites, including water and dump station services.
The park, on the shore of Lake Michigan, offers activities like beach access, swimming, and fishing. The camping cost reportedly ranges from $8.00 to $35.00, but prices are known to start from $20 per night.
Attractions Near Camp Reinberg
- Hurricane Harbor Chicago
- North Dunes Nature Preserve
- Russell Military Museum
Parking in Indiana
Indiana is closer to Chicago than you might think. Many people live in Indiana and work in Chicago and vice versa. The places listed here are free to park and welcome recreational vehicles.
In addition to these, there are many options within this area, including state parks and private campgrounds.
#16: Flying J Travel Center
Location: 1401 Ripley St, Lake Station, IN. 46405
Flying J Travel Center is very welcoming to RVs. Additionally, it offers an RV Plus Membership card that provides discounts and other perks to cardholders.
The travel center features on-site restaurants, gift shops, and RV amenities like dump stations, propane refills, and free overnight parking. If you want to stay longer than one night, we recommend talking to a manager.
However, the center lacks water or electric hookups, and not all locations permit overnight stays for recreational vehicles. Flying J offers a downloadable list of sites and their amenities on their website.
Attractions Near Flying J Travel Plaza
- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
- Gummy Bear Tour at the Albanese Candy Factory
- Michael Jackson's Birthplace
#17: Cabela's
Location: 7700 Cabela Dr, Hammond, IN 46324
Cabela's is an extensive chain of sporting goods stores that offers free overnight parking and amenities at most of their locations, as well as a wide range of things to do right there in the store.
In addition to the restaurant and ice cream parlor, they also have fish feedings at their aquarium. Also, there is an archery range, shooting gallery, mountain exhibit, a general store, and a bait shop.
On the topic of RV parking overnight, Levi on ParkAdvisor says, "Called and was told yes but park to the left and be sure to not block the employees parking area."
Attractions near Cabela's
- Welcome to Indiana Sign and the Welcome to Illinois Sign
- Indiana Welcome Center
- Riverside Dog Park
- Hessville Splash Park
- Wicker Memorial Public Golf Course
Can You Live in An RV in Chicago?
There is no way to legally live in a recreational vehicle in the city of Chicago. For the most part, by law, an RV has to be under 22 feet long to park on the street, and a permit is required.
The time the vehicle is allowed to park is regulated as well. Here are some of the best RVs to live in from another one of our informative articles.
Can I Park an RV at Wrigley Field?
No. Currently, there are no available parking areas at Wrigley Field for recreational vehicles. The closest and best option is McCormick Place, which is 21 minutes away and RV-accessible.
Parking at Retail Locations
While in the past, Wal-Mart has been an RV-friendly location, they have changed their policies towards overnight parking in their lots. Some of them are still available, but it is advised that you call ahead and speak to the store manager.
The same applies to other retail locations such as Costco, Sam's Club, Home Depot, Lowes, and Cracker Barrell. Call and ask the store manager if it's okay because you don't want to get towed away in the middle of the night.
Tips for Parking Your RV in Chicago
If you plan to visit Chicago in your recreational vehicle, keep these tips in mind:
- Reserve spots at private campgrounds or public parks early, especially for popular times. Competition for sites can be fierce.
- Carefully check dimensions, clearance, and hookups when booking a site to ensure your RV fits. Measure if unsure.
- For city street parking, verify regulations on length, permit requirements, and parking duration to avoid tickets.
- Contact parking facilities directly to confirm policies, restrictions, fees, and availability for RVs. Published info may be outdated.
- Have backup options in mind in case your desired parking spot is full. Scout alternative locations in advance.
- Allow plenty of time to get to attractions from your parking spot. Rush hour and events impact drive times.
- Load up on supplies you need before parking since accessing stores may be harder with an RV.
With preparation and research, you can find the perfect parking spot for your RV adventure in Chicago. Enjoy the city sights and attractions from the comfort of your own motorhome.
