RV camping options surround Tinley Park, Illinois, with locations ranging from city-adjacent parks to rural retreats along the I-80 corridor. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though water systems at some parks like Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort operate seasonally. The area features a mix of commercial RV parks and travel center overnight stops with varying site sizes and surface types.
What to do
Fishing access: The Kankakee River provides recreation opportunities near Lake Alexander RV Park, located about 30 miles south of Tinley Park. "Lake Alexander RV Park is a quiet, spacious, family owned and operated campground located near Momence, Illinois, within a 1-hour drive of Chicago. The camp is 120 acres of natural beauty on the banks of the Kankakee River."
Swimming options: Several parks offer water recreation during summer months. "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails" at Fox Bluff Cottages & RV, while Lake Alexander visitors note "a river that's a 5 min walk from the campground that we swam in and it kept us cool from the heat."
Hiking trails: State parks near Marseilles provide trail access from Glenwood RV Resort. "If you come to this area to do some hiking, you're in great luck as there are quite a number of really great state parks nearby to check out, including Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Illini." The I&M Canal corridor offers "great long flat and scenic trails" for cycling enthusiasts.
What campers like
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate options like Enchanted Shores. "$20. Yes, it's an hour from the city, but I'd take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There's an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. At Hollywood Casino, campers note "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" Similarly, Lake Alexander visitors report the "bathroom and shower facility was well maintained."
Convenient overnight stops: Love's RV Hookup locations provide easy access for travelers. "Great stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids. Plenty of space and Convenient."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary by location. Lake Alexander RV Park is "open from April 15 to October 15" with rates between $32-$42 depending on hookup requirements. Some parks offer limited services in colder months: "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive" though "No water before 4/15" at Hollywood Casino.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to highways. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground is "Located right on US45-US52. Lots of truck traffic stopping at the intersection makes lots of noise at night."
Site conditions: Surface types vary widely. Glenwood RV Resort has "powdery gravel sites (muddy when wet) that were not very level, and the long road in is very rough." Campers should prepare for potentially uneven terrain at many locations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several parks offer swimming facilities for children. Fox Bluff Cottages & RV provides "great family facilities! The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful."
Recreational amenities: Glenwood RV Resort offers extensive activities: "horseshoe pits, catch & release pond, covered pavilions, kitchen, telephone area, shower/restroom facilities, game room, 2 kid's playground, trading post, swimming lake, in-ground pool and kid's pool with outdoor deck, tennis court, baseball diamond, volleyball and basketball court."
Special events: Tameling Campground and RV Park and surrounding campgrounds host seasonal activities. Glenwood "does an extremely large Halloween event Columbus Day weekend. Jam packed for this event. Awards for site decoration. Campsites set up haunted houses, candy for kids, drinks for adults."
Tips from RVers
Reservation requirements: Plan ahead when booking certain Tinley Park area RV parks. Fox Bluff "requires a 2 night stay minimum" according to recent visitors. Online reservation systems vary by location.
Utility connections: Check electrical systems when setting up. At Love's RV Stop-Demotte, one camper noted: "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 but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs."
Propane availability: While limited at some smaller parks, propane services can be found at travel centers near major highways or standalone refill stations throughout the region.