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36 campgrounds and RV Parks near Blue Island, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
36 campgrounds
6238 campsites
107 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near Blue Island, IL
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (18 miles away)
Emerald Trails Campground
Crete, IL (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+7
Martin Campground
Joliet, IL (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+3
Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds
Joliet, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+2
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Portage, IN (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(926 sites)
+8
Enchanted Shores
Peotone, IL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+6
Hollywood Casino Hotel and RV Resort
Joliet, IL (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+2
Leisure Lake Membership Resort
Joliet, IL (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+11
Indiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, IN (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+6
Potowatomi - Kankakee River State Park
Bourbonnais, IL (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Dump station Tables Grills Playground Firewood Toilets Laundry RV storage
Campgrounds near Blue Island, Illinois
Blue Island sits in Chicago's south suburbs, about 15 miles from the Loop and roughly 45 miles from the Indiana state line. There are no campgrounds inside Blue Island itself, so RV travelers base themselves at private parks in the surrounding Cook County suburbs and across the border in Lake County, Indiana, then drive in for city attractions.
The closest options include Pingala RV Resort and Emerald Trails Campground on the Illinois side, along with Martin Campground for a more rural feel. A short drive southeast into Indiana opens up Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park and the neighboring Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park, both on Cedar Lake. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park is open year-round and sits about 45 miles south of downtown Chicago in Northwest Indiana, with lake access, wooded trails, and easy access to local attractions.
Most sites in the area offer standard 30/50-amp service, and larger rigs should call ahead to confirm length limits and pull-through availability.
Things to do near Blue Island
Blue Island's location makes it a practical base for both city and outdoor days. From camp, downtown Chicago is reachable by car or by Metra Electric commuter rail, putting Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Wrigley Field within reach without moving the RV.
Closer to the campgrounds, the Cook County Forest Preserves offer paved trails, picnic groves, and fishing lakes. The Cal-Sag Trail runs through the south suburbs for cycling. Families staying at the Cedar Lake properties can use lake access on site. Free kayak rentals are available at Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, the shower house is ADA-accessible, outdoor tennis courts are on-site, the campground offers beach access with beach volleyball, and most sites include a picnic table and firepit.
Day trips east to the Indiana Dunes National Park add Lake Michigan beaches and dune hikes within roughly an hour's drive.
Camping spots and RV parks near Blue Island, IL
When to visit: seasons around Blue Island
- spring
March - May
59° / 41°F 85 mmMild with wide temperature swings; severe storms possible
- summer
June - August
82° / 65°F 100 mmPeak season; humid with afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
62° / 46°F 75 mmCool with October foliage; bookings ease after Labor Day
- winter
December - February
34° / 21°F 50 mmCold and snowy; most private parks closed or limited
The Chicago area has four distinct seasons, and camping demand tracks the warm months closely. The climate is classified as hot-summer humid continental with hot humid summers and cold, occasionally snowy winters, and all four seasons are distinctly represented. Summer is peak season for private RV parks in the region, so booking well ahead of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day is advisable.
Spring and fall offer milder days and thinner crowds, though weather swings can be sharp. Wildflowers appear along forest-preserve trails in April and May, and fall color in the oak woodlands typically peaks in mid to late October. Annual precipitation in Chicago is moderate and relatively evenly distributed, with the driest months being January and February and the wettest July and August.
Winter camping options are limited; several private parks close or restrict services from November through March, while a handful, including Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, operate year-round.
Top Hosts near Blue Island, IL
Michael43 trips - Joined May 2022 - Superhost
All good
Linda L. - Sep 2024
It’s value for money. Owner is really helpful and good communication
Robinson V. - Sep 2024
AR
Arthur11 trips - Joined Feb 2022
My RV Was great thank you
Anthony R. - Sep 2026
The cleanest Rv I've ever rented. It has everything you need and the beds are comfortable. Arthur gos above and beyond to help you. I would definitely rent this trailer from Arthur again.
Thomas A. - Jul 2025
How to book campgrounds near Blue Island
Private parks around Blue Island, including Pingala RV Resort, Emerald Trails Campground, and Martin Campground, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Peak summer weekends and holiday weekends fill first, so lock in dates as early as possible and confirm rig length, slide clearance, and hookup type before arrival.
For Illinois state park sites elsewhere in the region, reservations run through the state's official platform. Online reservations for all Illinois Department of Natural Resources-hosted camping, cabins, group camps, and shelters can be made through the ExploreMoreIL website using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, and IDNR reservations are no longer taken through the mail or over the phone. Reservations can be placed 6 months to 4 days prior to the planned arrival date, and cannot be made more than 6 months in advance. Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights within a 30-day period, and Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends require a two-night minimum.
What to expect on the ground
Expect a suburban and light-industrial setting rather than backcountry. Roads to the parks are paved, big-box grocery stores and fuel are close by, and cell service is strong throughout the area. Traffic on I-294, I-80, and I-57 can be heavy on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, so plan arrivals and departures outside those windows when possible.
Sites tend to be level with gravel or grass pads and standard water, electric, and sewer hookups. At Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, for example, sites feature concrete pads with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer, and the bathhouse uses keypad entry. Freight-train noise is common on the Illinois side given Blue Island's rail-hub history, so light sleepers may want earplugs.
Mosquitoes and biting flies are active from late May through August near wooded and lakeside sites; pack repellent and check for ticks after hikes.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Blue Island, IL
How much does an RV rental in Blue Island cost?
RV rental in Blue Island typically runs between $95 and $300 per night, depending on the size and age of the RV. Compact campervans and small travel trailers sit at the budget end, while spacious Class A motorhomes and family-sized Class C rigs land near the top. You can score a cheap RV rental in Blue Island by booking midweek, traveling in shoulder season (April or October), and choosing a travel trailer if you already have a tow vehicle. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book on RVezy and sort by price to spot the best deals near the south suburbs of Chicago fast.
enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv-parks-in-illinois/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Blue Island, IL?
Good news: for the vast majority of RVs on RVezy, your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Blue Island. Illinois uses weight-based classes, and a standard Class D license covers any non-commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or less, which includes campervans, travel trailers, and most Class C motorhomes you will find on the platform. Visiting from out of state or abroad? Illinois recognizes your home license, and international guests can pair theirs with an International Driving Permit. All RVezy renters must generally be 25 or older with a valid license, and ID is verified right inside the platform.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs the RV protected if something happens during my trip?
Yes, every booking on RVezy in Blue Island includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit I-57 or the Tri-State Tollway with real peace of mind. You choose your level of coverage during checkout (not the host), so you can match it to your comfort level, and the plan helps cover most damage to the RV during your rental. While it is not traditional auto insurance, it removes the financial worry that keeps a lot of first-timers from booking. Pro tip: review the coverage options carefully at checkout, then focus on the fun part of your Blue Island RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Blue Island RV rental?
Booking with confidence is the whole point: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and every reservation includes a money-back grace period right after you book so you can change plans if something comes up. Refund amounts after that window depend on how close you are to your trip start date and whether unusual circumstances apply. Because it is a platform-wide RVezy process, you will not see different policies on different listings. Pro tip: message the host with any final questions before you book so you can lock in your Chicago-area dates and start planning your campground stops.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Blue Island RV rental?
Absolutely, plenty of hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Blue Island, and your pup will love this corner of Illinois. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to instantly narrow your search, then message the host to share your dog's size and breed. Once you're rolling, the Cal-Sag Trail along the Calumet Sag Channel is right in town for leashed walks, and the Cook County Forest Preserves (Dan Ryan Woods and Whistler Woods are minutes away) have miles of dog-friendly paths. Heading further out, Starved Rock State Park welcomes leashed dogs on most trails. Pro tip: ask the host about a small pet fee or cleaning add-on when you book so there are no surprises at pickup.
fpdcc.com/Can the RV be delivered to my campground or home in Blue Island?
Yes, RV delivery in Blue Island is one of the best perks on RVezy, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many hosts will drive the RV to your driveway, a nearby campground, or even Midway and O'Hare-adjacent staging spots, then level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system. That means zero stress about driving a big rig through Western Avenue or Cicero Avenue traffic. Use the Delivery filter when searching listings near Blue Island to see who offers it and how far they'll travel. Pro tip: delivery fees usually scale with distance, so book a host based in the south suburbs to keep costs down.
enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv-parks-in-illinois/How far can I drive on an RV rental from Blue Island?
You can go just about anywhere the Midwest has to offer on an RV road trip from Blue Island. Hosts set their own mileage policies, but many offer generous daily allowances, and some listings even feature RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for a longer loop. Popular drives include Starved Rock State Park (about 90 miles southwest), Indiana Dunes National Park (about 50 miles east), Galena and the Mississippi River (about 165 miles west), Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (about 90 miles north), and Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois (about 320 miles south). Pro tip: filter for unlimited mileage or higher daily caps if you're planning a multi-state Midwest loop.
nps.gov/indu/index.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Blue Island, IL?
You're surrounded by solid options for RV camping in Blue Island. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs is the closest full-hookup option in the Cook County Forest Preserves (about 15 miles away) with electric sites right next to a fishing lake. Windy City Campground and RV Park in Plainfield (around 35 miles southwest) has full hookups and easy I-55 access. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground (about 55 miles east) puts you steps from Lake Michigan beaches. For a classic Illinois trip, Starved Rock State Park Campground in Utica offers 129 Class A electric sites about 90 miles southwest. Pro tip: Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds open seasonally from May through October and book up fast.
fpdcc.com/places/campgrounds/When is the best time of year for a Blue Island RV trip?
Late May through early October is prime time for RV camping in Blue Island, with average highs from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and warm Lake Michigan breezes. June and September are the sweet spots, comfortable temps in the 70s, fewer biting bugs, and lighter crowds at Cook County Forest Preserves. July brings the warmest weather (highs around 81F) and peak festival season in Chicago. October delivers spectacular fall color along the Cal-Sag and at Starved Rock, while winters dip into the teens and 20s with regular snow. Pro tip: book your motorhome rental in Blue Island for mid-September if you want the best mix of weather, availability, and value.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be able to handle it?
You've got this, and you won't be left to figure it out alone. Every RVezy host gives a full orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, hookups, the generator, the awning, the toilet, and dump station basics. First-time renters near Blue Island often choose a Class C motorhome or travel trailer because they drive similarly to a large van or pickup truck. You can also message the host before booking with any questions, big or small. Pro tip: for your first night, book a campground with full hookups like Camp Bullfrog Lake or Windy City Campground so you can practice the systems somewhere easy before heading deeper into your Illinois RV trip.
enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv-parks-in-illinois/What if the RV breaks down during my trip?
You are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so whether you get a flat on I-294 or a dead battery at Indiana Dunes, help is one phone call away. Your host is also your first line of support and usually knows the RV's quirks better than anyone, so a quick message often resolves small things on the spot. RVezy's customer support team is available before, during, and after your trip too. Pro tip: snap photos of the RV at pickup and save the roadside assistance number to your phone's favorites before you leave Blue Island so it is instantly available if you need it.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, cross-state travel is totally normal, and Blue Island's location 20 minutes from the Indiana border makes it a launching pad for Midwest road trips. Most hosts welcome travel through Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and beyond, ideal for a Lake Michigan circle tour or a run up to Door County. Cross-border travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the specific host and their insurance, so just message them from the listing page before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not allowed on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage doesn't extend there. Pro tip: confirm your route with the host in writing through RVezy messaging so everyone's aligned before you leave.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat kind of fuel mileage should I expect, and how do I budget for gas?
Plan on realistic numbers and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes get 8 to 14 MPG, and Class A motorhomes typically run 6 to 10 MPG. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Gas prices in the Blue Island area tend to sit slightly above the national average thanks to Illinois fuel taxes, so it's often cheaper to fill up just over the Indiana border at exits along I-80/94. For a weekend trip to Starved Rock (180 miles round trip) in a Class C, budget around $60 to $80 in fuel. Pro tip: download GasBuddy before you leave to find the cheapest stations along your route.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground from Blue Island?
Book sooner than you think, especially for summer weekends. Illinois state parks like Starved Rock open reservations 6 months in advance through the ExploreMoreIL system, and weekends from May through October fill almost immediately. Indiana Dunes State Park also books 6 months ahead via the Indiana State Parks reservation site. Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds (Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Reinberg) open reservations each spring and sell out fast for holiday weekends. Pro tip: while you're searching for an RV rental in Blue Island on RVezy, open a second tab and lock in your campsite first, then build your trip around those dates for a stress-free booking experience.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What's it like driving an RV around Blue Island and the Chicago area?
Honestly, it's easier than you'd expect if you plan smart. Blue Island sits at the south edge of metro Chicago, so you can hop on I-57, I-294, or I-80 within minutes and skip downtown entirely. Avoid Lake Shore Drive (it has height and commercial vehicle restrictions) and watch low-clearance railroad viaducts on Western and Vincennes Avenues. Rush hour (6 to 9 AM and 3 to 7 PM) on the Dan Ryan and Tri-State Tollway is best avoided in a big rig. Winters bring snow and ice from November through March. Pro tip: choose delivery from your host if you're nervous about the first drive, or pick up early Saturday morning when traffic is light.
idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/road-conditions.htmlWhat amenities do campgrounds near Blue Island offer?
Expect a great range. Starved Rock State Park has 129 electric sites (30 and 50 amp), a dump station, water hydrants, shower houses, and a seasonal camp store. Indiana Dunes State Park offers full-service sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station. Camp Bullfrog Lake in the Cook County Forest Preserves features electric hookups, modern restrooms, and lakefront sites. Private parks like Windy City Campground in Plainfield include full hookups (water, electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, and propane refill. Most public Illinois parks are electric-only, so you'll dump and fill water at the central station. Pro tip: ask your host to top off fresh water before you leave so you've got plenty for the first day or two on the road.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.starvedrock.htmlWhat's actually inside an RV rental from Blue Island?
Most rentals come ready to camp. You can expect comfortable sleeping for 2 to 8 people depending on size, a kitchen with a fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with a toilet and shower (in most Class B, C, and A models), seatbelts for passengers, climate control, and often a TV with DVD or streaming setup. Many hosts include a generator, solar package, leveling blocks, and outdoor chairs. Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss, so plan for cellular hotspotting if you need to stay connected. Pro tip: check the listing's amenities list carefully and message the host to confirm specifics like a backup camera or dual AC unit, which make summer trips around hot Chicago days much more enjoyable.
gorving.com/tips-inspiration/rv-basics/types-of-rvsWhat add-ons can I get with my RV rental, and how do pickup and drop-off work?
You can customize your trip easily. Popular add-ons from Blue Island hosts include bedding and linen packages ($30 to $75), kitchen kits, camp chairs, generators, bike racks, propane refills, and extra mileage packages. Some hosts offer delivery (priced per mile), late checkout, or even pre-stocked groceries. Pickup is typically at the host's location in the south suburbs (think Alsip, Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, or Orland Park) with a thorough walkthrough and inspection. Drop-off mirrors pickup: return the RV at the agreed time with the fuel and tanks per the listing's policy. Pro tip: book add-ons at the same time you reserve the RV rental in Blue Island so they're locked in before peak weekends.
enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv-parks-in-illinois/How does payment and the security deposit work?
It is all handled securely through RVezy, no awkward cash exchanges with the host. You pay through the platform with a credit or debit card when you book, and the host receives funds only after your trip starts. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment at the start of your trip and released after a successful return inspection, typically within a few days. To avoid any deposit issues, do a thorough walkaround with photos and video at pickup and drop-off. Pro tip: keep all communication with your host inside the RVezy app so there is a clear written record covering your Blue Island RV trip from booking to return.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksHow do I prep an RV rental for cold weather in Blue Island?
Winter RV trips around Blue Island are absolutely doable, and they are a magical way to see Starved Rock's frozen canyons or watch bald eagles along the Illinois River from December through February. Look for listings that mention four-season insulation, heated holding tanks, an enclosed underbelly, and a reliable propane furnace, then filter for shore-power capability. Many Cook County and Illinois state park campgrounds close their water lines from November through March, but Starved Rock State Park keeps electric sites open year round. Pro tip: ask your host directly whether the RV is winter-ready, pack extra propane, and book a site with 30 or 50 amp service so you can run a space heater alongside the furnace.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.htmlNearby cities with campgrounds
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