Several RV campgrounds near Olympia Fields, Illinois operate between April and October, with a few offering year-round access. Most sites require advance reservations, especially during summer months when Chicago-area campers seek weekend getaways. The terrain consists primarily of flat, partially wooded areas near lakes and rivers, with temperatures ranging from 50-85°F during the camping season.
What to do
Fishing at Cedar Lake: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides access to Cedar Lake with space for dogs to run in open fields. A camper noted, "There was a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
River swimming: Lake Alexander RV Park sits on 120 acres along the Kankakee River with swimming access. One visitor shared, "There's a river that's a 5 min walk from the campground that we swam in and it kept us cool from the heat."
Water activities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers a swimming pond with an obstacle course that appeals to families. A camper mentioned, "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort maintains well-kept shower facilities. A reviewer commented, "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" Another noted, "Free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning."
Helpful management: Lake Alexander RV Park staff receive consistent praise for customer service. A camper explained, "Chris, the owner, was the highlight! From booking the reservation to the whole stay, she was friendly and welcoming."
Quiet atmosphere: Travelers appreciate the peaceful environment at several campgrounds. One Love's RV Stop visitor mentioned, "Easy on and off I 65 yet barely any traffic noise. It just opened and it is well designed."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds report issues with water quality and smell. At Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground, a visitor described water problems: "The stinkest water we've ever smelled, horrible!!! Our sewer connection was nearly buried."
Site configurations: Many campgrounds feature back-to-back parking arrangements with limited space between units. A reviewer described Enchanted Shores: "Most sites you're back to back to your neighbor. Your door faces your other neighbor's door, it's like you shared a site."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or industrial facilities. A visitor to Enchanted Shores noted: "Located right on US45-US52. Lots of truck traffic stopping at the intersection makes lots of noise at night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fox Bluff CottageS & RV offers family-friendly facilities including play areas. A reviewer highlighted, "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful."
Budget alternatives: For families visiting Chicago on a budget, camping provides significant savings. One camper at Enchanted Shores explained, "$20. Yes, it's an hour from the city, but I'd take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel."
Security features: Several campgrounds offer enhanced security measures for families. Love's RV Stop includes a gated entrance, while Oak Lake RV Resort has staff that "are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup."
Tips from RVers
Electrical service: Power options vary significantly between parks. At Love's RV Stop, one camper cautioned, "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."
Site navigation: Tameling Campground and RV Park offers a quieter setting with wooded sites. A visitor mentioned, "I enjoy the secluded area and found the people to be friendly and helpful."
Overnight convenience: For those traveling through the Chicago area, Love's locations provide convenient stopover options. A reviewer explained, "Fueled up here and realized it was a loves rv overnight. Easy in and out with all the basics plus a nice convenient store and fuel."