While we are sure never to fully know, I am quite positive that if the great Norwegian scientist Thor Heyerdahl, who masterminded the concept behind Kon-Tiki, would have shuttered in sheer horror at the name of this otherwise quite lame roadside RV despot being confused with his inaugural expedition to navigate the currents of the mighty Pacific Ocean from its western coast of South America’s birth to its ultimate destination to the Polynesian island of Tahiti. Whatever the reason behind the name of this roadside eye sore, let’s be clear that this experience won’t end with a beautiful sunset or savory cocktail with one of those colorful toothpick handled umbrellas.
Located in north central Illinois, and literally just a stone’s throw (or car honk away) from the very busy 4-lane highway of Interstate 80, you will discover the fairly dilapidated state of Tiki RV Park, where letters are clearly missing from the sign upon entry, followed by the paint chipping away at the decrepit two-story white front office building along with the earthquake-like cracks that exist in the single stretch of pavement that you will need to navigate before arriving to the war-torn, pot-hole riddled single lane that forms the small loop circumnavigating this otherwise gutted, quite abrasive-looking RV wasteland. And sure, while you can park your RV or 5th wheel here, where there are just the very basic of amenities including all of the traditional hookups (30 / 50 amp electric and water), the real question is, why would you?
While I could wax on about all of the amazing experiences you will be able to access while being in these parts - like boating on the Illinois River of hiking in Mattheissen SP, grabbing the world's best fried chicken at nearby Rip's in Ladd or rappelling at Starved Rock State Park - I won’t as I sincerely hope that you read this review and choose to stay somewhere – anywhere else – where the place is actually not falling apart, where you won’t hear the white noise of speeding traffic and where you can step out of your mobile camping carriage and actually breath in fresh air, embrace nature and experience what a glorious patch of earth this special part of the Midwest has to offer.
Insider’s tips? Just one … mosey on from this very sad location and find somewhere else to drop anchor for the night.
Happy Camping!
