RV campgrounds near Chicago Heights, Illinois remain open through various seasons with most facilities closing for winter from October through April. The area sits in the Chicago metropolitan region at approximately 660 feet above sea level with relatively flat terrain. Driving distances between campgrounds range from 20-40 miles, creating a network of options for travelers seeking proximity to both Chicago and Indiana attractions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides access to a small private beach on the lake with canoes, kayaks, and life jackets available for guests. "There's a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly," notes Christopher G.
River exploration: Lake Alexander RV Park sits on 120 acres of natural beauty along the Kankakee River. "The wooded habitat abounds with fish, wildlife, and native plants, and they offer many amenities for recreation and relaxation," explains Iris A. The river is accessible via a short walk from campsites, providing swimming opportunities during summer months.
Outdoor recreation: Oak Lake RV Resort offers family-friendly activities throughout their season. "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories," writes a recent visitor who extended their stay significantly due to the amenities.
What campers like
Convenient location: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort offers strategic positioning near both Chicago and major highways. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," mentions David N., while another camper appreciates amenities like "free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning."
Security features: Love's RV Stop-Demotte provides gated camping with modern facilities. "Found this on Dyrt and stopped for one night. Easy on and off I 65 yet barely any traffic noise. It just opened and it is well designed," shares one visitor. Another notes it's "clean, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer adequate spacing between sites despite their proximity to urban areas. "We decided to go here because we wanted to go camping with a friend in IN and meet halfway... This campground was clean and spacious," writes a Lake Alexander visitor, mentioning the well-maintained bathroom facilities.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Water quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Some parks like Love's RV Stop feature new infrastructure while others may have issues. One camper recommends installing "EPM devices" to protect against electrical issues at Love's.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation infrastructure. At Hollywood Casino, "Rail yard behind the row of trees. I believe they were humbling train all night long," reports James B. Similar transportation noise exists at some locations due to proximity to highways.
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Chicago Heights operate seasonally from April through October. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV requires minimum two-night stays and has specific seasonal policies. "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum," advises Ann S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Oak Lake RV Resort offers family-focused amenities with immediate playground access at select sites. "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp," shares Sadie H.
Swimming options: Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground provides nearby access to water recreation. "I felt welcome and left well rested at this RV park. It's the prettiest campground in the Chicagoland area," reports Renee S.
Staff support: Several campgrounds feature staff who assist with family camping needs. At Oak Lake, "staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup," explains a camper who stayed nearly two weeks, while another mentions "Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Electric hookups vary across campgrounds, with some offering both 30-amp and 50-amp service. "Great stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court... The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit," notes Steven C. at Love's RV Stop.
Ease of access: Many parks accommodate various RV sizes, though some have limited pull-through availability. "The check in online is very easy. I will definitely check out other Loves RV locations when traveling. Good value and secure," reports a visitor to Love's RV Stop.
Site conditions: Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859 offers convenient overnight parking with modern facilities. "If you would like something more substantial to eat, just head back west on I80 to the next exit... there's 2 amazing places I would recommend that you won't soon forget: Hank's and Lone Buffalo," advises Stuart K. who rated the location a 4 out of 5 for convenience.