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38 campgrounds and RV Parks near Harwood Heights, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
38 campgrounds
7046 campsites
105 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Harwood Heights, IL
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (6 miles away)
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Volo, IL (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(635 sites)
+9
Illinois Beach State Park
Zion, IL (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(241 sites)
+7
Martin Campground
Joliet, IL (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds
Joliet, IL (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+2
Grass Lake Marina and RV Park
Antioch, IL (38 miles away)
(200 sites)
Hollywood Casino Hotel and RV Resort
Joliet, IL (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+2
Fox Bluff RV Resort
Yorkville, IL (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(650 sites)
+7
Turner Lake South - Chain O Lakes State Park
Spring Grove, IL (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+4
Leisure Lake Membership Resort
Joliet, IL (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+11
Fox River Recreation
Antioch, IL (40 miles away)
(28 sites)
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Portage, IN (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(926 sites)
+8
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Pet friendly Grills Dump station Firewood Playground Toilets Laundry Pool
Campgrounds near Harwood Heights
Harwood Heights sits in northwest Cook County, adjacent to Chicago's O'Hare corridor and about a dozen miles from the Loop. RV renters based here work with the same campground inventory that serves the broader Chicago metro: a small number of private RV parks close to the city, plus state park and lakeside options in the collar counties.
Closest to town, Pingala RV Resort in nearby Oak Park offers paved sites for travelers who want to stage near the metro area. Farther out, Martin Campground in Joliet sits directly off I-80 with full hookups and pull-through sites suitable for big rigs, and Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds provides RV sites on the speedway property tied to event weekends.
For a beach-and-lake trip, Illinois Beach State Park lies along Lake Michigan near the Wisconsin border, and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo, about 45 minutes north, sits on the shore of an 80-acre lake with full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and a heated pool.
Things to do near Harwood Heights
Most RV renters staging near Harwood Heights leave the rig at the campground and ride Metra in for downtown attractions. The city itself carries the day-trip list: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the lakefront trail. Bridge clearances on Lake Shore Drive and limited downtown parking make driving a large rig into the Loop impractical.
Outdoor options ring the metro area. Indiana Dunes National Park sits about an hour east with Lake Michigan beaches and dune hikes. Starved Rock State Park, roughly ninety minutes southwest, has waterfall canyons and trails along the Illinois River. Illinois Beach State Park offers 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, swimming, hiking, and diverse wildlife habitats.
Closer in, the Cook County Forest Preserves and the Fox River Trail provide paved bike paths and picnic areas within a short drive.
Camping spots and RV parks near Harwood Heights, IL
When to visit Harwood Heights
- spring
March - May
59° / 41°F 90 mmParks reopen; wet, variable weather; lighter crowds
- summer
June - August
82° / 64°F 105 mmPeak season; humid; weekends fill weeks out
- fall
September - November
63° / 45°F 80 mmStable weather, fall color, cool nights
- winter
December - February
34° / 21°F 54 mmCold and often snowy; most private parks closed
Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Warm, humid weather, long daylight, and school breaks push private RV parks and public campgrounds to fill weekends well in advance. Illinois Beach State Park in particular sees heavy use on summer weekends, and reservations are recommended.
The camping season at Illinois Beach State Park runs May 1 through September 30, with mild temperatures and lighter traffic in early May and late September. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort runs its overnight season May 1 through October 15, and Martin Campground typically operates from mid-March through early November.
September and October usually deliver the most stable weather of the year, with cool nights and turning hardwoods. Winter camping is limited: many private parks close or reduce services from November through March, and RV renters traveling in this window should confirm water availability and heated bathhouse access before booking.
Top Hosts near Harwood Heights, 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 near Harwood Heights
Illinois state park camping, including Illinois Beach State Park, is booked through the ExploreMoreIL reservation system. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance and must be booked at least three days before arrival. A non-refundable reservation fee applies in addition to nightly camping and utility fees.
Private parks like Pingala RV Resort, Martin Campground, Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, and Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds are booked directly through each park's website or phone line. Chicagoland Speedway camping is tied to event weekends and should be booked as soon as tickets and camping packages become available.
For summer weekends, plan to book two to three months out for private parks and up to six months out for Illinois Beach State Park sites.
What to expect near Harwood Heights
Private RV parks in the Chicago metro tend to run full hookup, 30/50 amp, with pull-throughs sized for big rigs. Martin Campground has 30- and 50-amp service with full hookups, a dump station, showers, and WiFi, though sites are set close together and highway noise from I-80 is common. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers full-hookup sites, a heated pool, hot tub, dog park, and lake access.
State park sites are more basic. Illinois Beach State Park's South Unit campground offers 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity, shower buildings, and a dump station, but individual water and sewer hookups are not available at every site.
Expect summer humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes near lake and marsh areas. Cell service is reliable across the metro.
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 Harwood Heights, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Harwood Heights, IL?
RV rental in Harwood Heights is more affordable than most people expect, especially when you skip a hotel and bring your lodging with you. Motorhome rentals in the greater Chicago area average around $200 per night, while travel trailers and towables typically run about $125 per night, and many hosts offer 10 to 20 percent discounts on weekly or monthly bookings. To find a cheap RV rental in Harwood Heights, book mid-week, travel in the shoulder season (April or October), and sort by price on RVezy. Pro tip: bundling delivery with a longer stay often costs less than daily pickups plus mileage fees, so price out both options before you book.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Harwood%20Heights%2C%20IllinoisDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Harwood Heights?
Good news for first-time renters: your regular driver's license is all you need for virtually every RV you can rent on RVezy in Harwood Heights. To be an approved driver on RVezy you must be 25 or older and upload a photo of your valid driver's license through the platform. Illinois recognizes your home-state license classification for visiting renters, so most motorhomes and travel trailers can be driven on a standard Class D license. International visitors should pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home auto association before flying in. The process is simpler than most travelers expect.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection and roadside assistance comes with my RV rental?
Every RV rental in Harwood Heights booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you're covered from the moment you pull away. During checkout you choose your protection level (not the host), and each plan covers eligible damage to the RV with different coverage limits and deductibles. Roadside assistance handles flat tires, lockouts, jump starts, and towing whether you're navigating I-294 in Chicagoland or camping a few states away. Pro tip: review the protection options carefully at booking and pick the level that matches your comfort, because the plan you choose at checkout is what applies to your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Harwood Heights RV rental?
Booking an RV rental in Illinois through RVezy is low-risk because RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, which includes a full-refund grace period right after booking. After that window, refund amounts depend on how far out you are from your trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or helps you rebook so you're not left stranded. You can review your specific terms in your booking confirmation and through the RVezy Help Center. Pro tip: lock in your dates early for popular Chicago-area summer weekends, knowing you have a safety net if plans change.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Harwood Heights RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental Harwood Heights options are plentiful on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching and you'll see hosts who welcome dogs (some even leave treats and bowls in the rig). For local adventures, the Forest Preserves of Cook County operate leashed dog-friendly trails right in Harwood Heights' backyard, and the off-leash dog areas at Caldwell Woods and Bunker Hill in nearby Forest Glen are favorites. Illinois Beach State Park, about an hour north, allows leashed dogs in campgrounds and on most trails (just not on the swimming beach). Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fees or breed notes so check-in is a tail-wag, not a surprise.
fpdcc.com/places/locations/caldwell-woods/Can the RV be delivered to me in Harwood Heights?
Yes, and RV delivery in Harwood Heights is one of the smartest moves for first-time renters or anyone who doesn't want to drive a 30-foot motorhome through Chicagoland traffic. Many RVezy hosts will deliver and set up the RV at your campground or driveway, then walk you through every system before they leave. Popular delivery destinations include Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake, Chicago Northwest KOA in Union, and Illinois Beach State Park up in Zion. Delivery fees are set per host and usually scale with mileage, so a closer drop-off costs less than one out to Starved Rock. Pro tip: filter listings by Delivery on RVezy and message a couple of hosts to compare quotes before booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Harwood%20Heights%2C%20IllinoisHow far can I drive on an RV rental from Harwood Heights?
You can roam as far as you want on an RV road trip from Harwood Heights. Hosts set their own mileage policies, with many offering 100 to 150 free miles per night and some listing RV rental with unlimited mileage for cross-country adventures. Popular nearby destinations include Starved Rock State Park (about 95 miles southwest), Indiana Dunes National Park (about 50 miles east), Wisconsin Dells (about 190 miles north), and the Mississippi River town of Galena (about 165 miles west). Pro tip: estimate your total miles before booking, then sort listings by mileage policy so you don't get hit with overage fees on a longer Midwest loop.
nps.gov/indu/index.htmWhere can I camp with my RV near Harwood Heights?
Harwood Heights sits inside a great cluster of campgrounds, and the best campgrounds near Harwood Heights cover every style. Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday in Union (about 55 miles northwest) has full hookups, a pool, and family activities. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park (about 50 miles north) offers 240+ Class A Premium electric sites right on Lake Michigan, open April 1 through November 15. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs is the closest Cook County Forest Preserves campground at roughly 25 minutes south. For the fancy end, Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort up in Volo has waterfront sites and beach access. Pro tip: Illinois Beach books up fast, so reserve early.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.adelinejaygeo-karisillinoisbeach.htmlWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Harwood Heights?
The sweet spot for RV camping Harwood Heights is mid-May through early October, with late May through September delivering the most reliable warm weather. Summer highs in Chicagoland sit in the upper 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, while September brings 70-degree days, fewer mosquitoes, and stunning fall color along the Fox River and at Starved Rock. Spring (April) and fall (October) shoulder seasons mean lower rental rates and quieter campgrounds, though pack layers since lows can dip into the 40s. Most Illinois state park campgrounds, including Illinois Beach, run April 1 to November 15. Pro tip: book the second or third week of September for the best balance of weather, prices, and availability.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be able to figure it out?
Yes, and you're in great company. First time renting an RV is one of the most common bookings on RVezy, and every host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup (or at delivery) where they walk you through the slides, generator, water systems, hookups, and driving quirks. You can also message your host before booking with any question, big or small. For your first RV rental in Harwood Heights, consider a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer; they drive much more like a large van than a bus and fit easily on Cook County roads. Pro tip: ask your host to record a quick video orientation you can rewatch at the campground when you're hooking up.
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmvdrivinginwinterWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on I-90 outside Rockford, a dead battery at Starved Rock, or a lockout at Indiana Dunes is one phone call away from being handled. Your host is also typically reachable by message or phone for any RV-specific quirks, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after every trip. Pro tip: before you pull out of Harwood Heights, save the roadside assistance number and your host's contact in your phone, and snap photos of where the spare tire, fuses, and breaker panel live. That five-minute prep makes any hiccup a non-event.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take the RV to Wisconsin, Indiana, or out west?
Yes, interstate travel within the United States is welcomed on most RVezy rentals from Harwood Heights, so a Wisconsin Dells weekend or a Black Hills loop is fair game. The protection and insurance coverage applies across the U.S., but travel into Mexico is not permitted because coverage doesn't extend there. Travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and insurance terms, so message the host directly before booking if your itinerary heads north. Popular routes from Harwood Heights include the Lake Michigan circle tour through Wisconsin and Michigan, Door County (about 240 miles north), and the Great River Road down to the Quad Cities. Pro tip: confirm any out-of-state plans in your booking message so it's all on record.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Harwood Heights RV trip?
Fuel is the biggest variable cost, but it's easy to plan for. Most Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class B campervans average 18 to 22 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (usually 10 to 14 MPG). Illinois gas prices in the Chicago area tend to run 20 to 40 cents higher than just across the Wisconsin or Indiana borders, so a quick fill-up in Hammond, IN or Kenosha, WI on the way out can save real money. For a 300-mile round trip in a Class C, budget roughly $120 to $160 in fuel. Pro tip: use GasBuddy on your route and avoid topping up inside the Chicago city limits or near O'Hare where prices spike.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground?
For summer weekends in the Chicago region, reserve your campsite as soon as you've locked in your RV. Illinois State Parks open reservations six months in advance through the ExploreMore IL system, and high-demand spots like Illinois Beach State Park and Starved Rock fill within hours for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Private parks like Chicago Northwest KOA and Fish Lake Beach often book up 60 to 90 days out for prime weekends. Mid-week stays and shoulder season (April, May, late September) are much easier to snag last minute. Pro tip: book your campground first, then book your RVezy rental for the exact same dates so you're not scrambling if a host's calendar shifts.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What's it like driving an RV around Harwood Heights and Chicago?
Harwood Heights itself is suburban-friendly, with wide streets and easy access to I-90, I-294, and the Kennedy Expressway, so getting an RV in and out is straightforward. The trick is avoiding low clearances and tight downtown streets in Chicago proper: Lower Wacker Drive, the Lake Shore Drive S-curve, and many city parkways have height or commercial-vehicle restrictions you don't want to discover the hard way. Stick to the interstates and avoid driving an RV downtown unless you've planned a specific RV-legal route. Pro tip: if you want to spend a day in the Loop, park the RV at the campground or use delivery and hop the CTA Blue Line from Cumberland or Jefferson Park into the city.
idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/permits-and-approvals/oversize-overweight-permits.htmlWhat amenities will I find at campgrounds near Harwood Heights?
Expect a wide range, which is great news for planning. Full-hookup parks like Chicago Northwest KOA and Fish Lake Beach offer 30/50-amp electric, water, sewer, Wi-Fi, pools, laundry, and camp stores. Illinois Beach State Park provides electric-only sites with shared water hydrants, modern shower buildings, and a dump station at the campground entrance. Cook County Forest Preserves campgrounds (Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Sullivan) lean more rustic with electric hookups and shared bathhouses. For dumping and water fills on the road, most Pilot/Flying J and Love's truck stops along I-80 and I-90 in Illinois offer RV dump stations for around $10 to $20. Pro tip: confirm hookup amps with your host so you bring the right adapter.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.adelinejaygeo-karisillinoisbeach.htmlWhat's actually inside the RV I'll be renting?
More than you'd think. Most RVs on RVezy in Harwood Heights come fully equipped with a queen or king bed plus convertible dinette and bunk beds, a kitchen with fridge, stovetop, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control (AC and furnace), a TV, and often built-in Bluetooth speakers. Class A and Class C motorhomes seat the whole family with seatbelts for travel, while many newer rigs include generators, solar, and 4G/Wi-Fi boosters that work surprisingly well even at remote Illinois state parks. Pro tip: check the listing's photos and amenities list carefully, and message the host to confirm specifics like linens, cookware, and outdoor chairs are included before booking.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehiclesWhat add-ons can I get and how does pickup work?
Hosts in Harwood Heights commonly offer helpful add-ons like generator usage, propane refills, bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, outdoor furniture, bike racks, kayaks, portable grills, and even pre-stocked pantry boxes, with prices set per host and listed on the listing page. Pickup typically happens at the host's home in Harwood Heights or a nearby suburb in the afternoon, with the host walking you through the entire RV before you drive off; drop-off times are set by the host and usually involve returning the RV with empty tanks and a full propane and fuel tank. Many hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night with any overage charged per mile. Pro tip: ask about delivery; sometimes it's barely more than the cost of gas to and from the campground.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Harwood%20Heights%2C%20IllinoisHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and fully online through RVezy: you pay for your booking by credit or debit card when you reserve, and your trip total (including any add-ons, delivery, and taxes) is locked in before pickup. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment before the trip starts, and it's released back to you after drop-off assuming the RV is returned in the same condition, with empty tanks, and within the mileage allowance. Typical deposits in the Chicago area range from about $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos and a quick walk-around video at pickup and drop-off; it's the fastest way to keep your security deposit refund moving smoothly.
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