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42 campgrounds and RV Parks near River Forest, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
42 campgrounds
7458 campsites
101 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near River Forest, IL
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (6 miles away)
Martin Campground
Joliet, IL (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds
Joliet, IL (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+2
Hollywood Casino Hotel and RV Resort
Joliet, IL (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+2
Leisure Lake Membership Resort
Joliet, IL (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+11
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Volo, IL (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(635 sites)
+9
Fox Bluff RV Resort
Yorkville, IL (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(650 sites)
+7
Illinois Beach State Park
Zion, IL (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(241 sites)
+7
Emerald Trails Campground
Crete, IL (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+7
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Portage, IN (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(926 sites)
+8
Enchanted Shores
Peotone, IL (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+6
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (41 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+3
Most common amenities
Showers Pet friendly Tables Grills Dump station Playground Firewood Toilets Laundry Pool
Camping near River Forest, Illinois
River Forest is a residential village about ten miles west of downtown Chicago, in Cook County. It sits inside a dense metropolitan area, so RV camping means driving out to the ring of parks and private resorts that surround the region rather than parking in town. Most usable options fall southwest toward Joliet, west along the I-88 corridor, or north up the Lake Michigan shore toward the Wisconsin line.
The closest private choices include Pingala RV Resort and Martin Campground, both accessible without a long highway haul. For a full-hookup resort feel, Hollywood Casino Hotel and RV Resort in Joliet caters to RVers combining a stay with the casino and racing venues, and Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds hosts race-weekend crowds nearby.
For a public-land trip, Illinois Beach State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to the Wisconsin state line. It is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and offers electric sites within a shoreline park roughly an hour and a half north of River Forest.
Things to do near River Forest
River Forest itself is a quiet suburb, so most trip planning centers on greater Chicago and the lakefront. Families typically build days around downtown attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry, then return to a suburban campground overnight.
Closer to base, the Cook County Forest Preserves surround River Forest with paved bike paths, picnic groves, and the Trailside Museum of Natural History. Oak Park, next door, offers the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and a walkable historic district.
Illinois Beach State Park stretches 6.5 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a natural landscape with dunes, marshes, forests and diverse wildlife, with recreation including swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Race fans can pair a stay at Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds with events at the Joliet track.
Camping spots and RV parks near River Forest, IL
River Forest seasonal information
- spring
March - May
58° / 39°F 85 mmState park opens April 1; lake winds still chilly
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 103 mmPeak season; July and August book out early
- fall
September - November
63° / 44°F 80 mmCooler and quieter; reservation window closes Sept 30
- winter
December - February
34° / 21°F 50 mmCold and snowy; most campgrounds closed
The Chicago area runs on a strong four-season calendar, and that dictates when campgrounds are open. State-park camping at the lakefront follows a fixed window: the campground at Illinois Beach is open from April 1 through December 30, and reservations are available through ExploreMoreIL for stays from May 1 through September 30. Outside that window, sites are either closed or first-come, first-served if accessible.
Summer is the busiest stretch. The park gets very busy in July and August, so reservations should be made early. Weekends around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day book fastest, especially at electric sites near the water.
Spring and fall are quieter and cooler. The park does not fully open until mid-April, and while temperatures are mild, winds off the lake can be chilly, with highs typically in the 50s and 60s. Winter shuts most tent and RV camping down, and sub-freezing daytime highs are common from December through February.
Top Hosts near River Forest, 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 a River Forest campsite
Public and private sites use different systems, so plan accordingly. For state-park stays at Illinois Beach, reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance at ExploreMoreIL, sites are reservable for the entire camping season, reservations are recommended due to heavy summer weekend use, and unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camping permits are required upon arrival with a camping unit.
Private resorts such as Pingala RV Resort, Martin Campground, and Hollywood Casino Hotel and RV Resort take bookings directly through their own websites or by phone. Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds is tied to the race calendar, so availability spikes and closes around scheduled events. Book summer holiday weekends as early as the six-month window opens, and confirm rig-length and slide-out limits before locking in a site.
What to expect near River Forest
Traffic is the biggest planning factor. River Forest sits inside the Chicago metro, so towing an RV through the region during weekday rush hours or Friday afternoons is slow. Most travellers stage arrivals mid-morning or late evening and use suburban campgrounds as a base for day trips into the city.
Expect standard Midwest campground conditions: level or lightly sloped sites, mixed shade, mosquitoes near water, and firm bookings on race and holiday weekends. At the lakeshore park, sites are large by most standards, with gravel pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each one. Cell coverage is strong across the metro. Park facilities include a camp store open May through September, picnic areas, restrooms, and a dump station.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near River Forest, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in River Forest, IL?
RV rental in River Forest is often more affordable than booking hotels in nearby downtown Chicago. On RVezy you'll typically find campervans starting around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes around $175 to $275, and larger Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels from $250 to $400+. Weekday and shoulder-season bookings (April, May, September, October) are noticeably cheaper than peak summer. For a cheap RV rental in River Forest, search travel trailers, book midweek, and use the price filter to set your nightly budget. Pro tip: Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds start around $30 per night, which keeps your total trip cost down.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=River%20Forest%2C%20IllinoisDo I need a special license to rent an RV in River Forest, Illinois?
Good news: for nearly every RV you'll rent on RVezy in River Forest, your standard Class D driver's license is all you need. Illinois only requires an upgraded non-commercial license once a personal-use motorhome exceeds 16,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is well above the vast majority of campervans, travel trailers, and Class C motorhomes listed on the platform. You'll also need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and ID verification happens right inside the RVezy booking flow. Visiting from out of state? Illinois recognizes your home-state license classification. Pro tip: filter for Class B campervans or Class C motorhomes if you want the easiest driving experience around the Chicago suburbs.
ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/license-plate-guide/truck-and-trailer-plates/rv.htmlWhat protection and roadside assistance comes with my River Forest RV rental?
Every RV rental in River Forest booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out to Starved Rock or Indiana Dunes with real peace of mind. You choose your protection level at checkout (not the host), and it covers most accidental damage to the RV based on the plan you select. Roadside assistance covers flat tires, lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, and towing. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number to your phone before pickup so it's one tap away if you ever need help on I-290 or rural Illinois backroads.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my River Forest RV trip?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and every booking includes a money-back grace period right after you book so you can change your mind without penalty. After the grace period, refund amounts depend on how far out you are from your trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy provides a full refund or travel credit. You'll see the full policy details on the checkout screen before you confirm. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best rigs for summer weekends, knowing the grace period has your back if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a River Forest RV rental?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in River Forest is easy to find on RVezy: just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see listings where dogs are welcomed by the host. Your pup will love the area too. The Thatcher Woods and Trailside Museum trails run right along the Des Plaines River in River Forest, and the nearby Cook County Forest Preserves allow leashed dogs on miles of paved and crushed-limestone paths. Many forest preserve campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs also welcome leashed pets. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and whether they provide a pet bed or bowls, then plan a sunrise walk along the Des Plaines River Trail just minutes from town.
fpdcc.com/things-to-do/camping/camping-reservations-rules/Can the RV be delivered to me in River Forest?
Yes, RV delivery in River Forest is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game-changer if it's your first time renting an RV. Many hosts will drive the motorhome or travel trailer to your home, a Cook County campground like Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest or Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, or even a tailgate spot, then level it, hook it up, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees usually run per mile from the host's location, so closer hosts mean lower costs. Pro tip: use the Delivery filter on RVezy and message a couple of hosts about delivering straight to your campground so you never have to drive the rig yourself.
fpdcc.com/things-to-do/camping/How does mileage work, and how far can I drive from River Forest?
Mileage is flexible on RVezy, and many hosts in the River Forest area offer generous daily allowances or even an RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is perfect if you're planning a longer road trip. Each listing shows the included miles per day plus the per-mile fee for any overage, so there are no surprises. From River Forest you're well placed for big trips: Starved Rock State Park is about 95 miles southwest (under 2 hours), Indiana Dunes National Park sits 60 miles east, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is 80 miles north, and the Wisconsin Dells are roughly 200 miles northwest. Pro tip: estimate your total round-trip mileage before booking and filter for hosts whose package matches, you'll save real money.
nps.gov/indu/index.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near River Forest, IL?
You've got some excellent options for RV camping near River Forest, all within an hour's drive. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs (about 15 miles south) is the closest full-service spot, with 30/50-amp electric, water, a dump station, and access to the 100-mile Palos Trail System. Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest (around 20 miles) offers RV sites with hookups and bathhouses. Camp Reinberg in Palatine sits near Deer Grove's mountain bike trails. For a resort vibe, Hollywood Casino RV Resort in Joliet has full 50-amp hookups, and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort up near Volo is family-friendly with a beach. Pro tip: book Cook County Forest Preserve sites at fpdcc.com or by calling 855-YES-CAMP, they're the cheapest way to camp this close to Chicago.
fpdcc.com/things-to-do/camping/When is the best time of year for an RV trip from River Forest?
Late May through early October is the sweet spot for an RV road trip from River Forest, with average highs of 75 to 84 F in summer and gorgeous 60s to low 70s in September and early October. July and August are warmest (and busiest), while late September brings cool nights, fall colors along the Des Plaines River, and noticeably lower campground prices. Spring (April to mid-May) can be rainy and cool (50s to 60s) but excellent for shoulder-season deals. Winter RV trips are absolutely doable too: Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Sullivan, and Camp Reinberg stay open year-round. Pro tip: book a fall weekend at Starved Rock for canyon hikes when the maples and oaks light up.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be able to handle it?
You've got this, and first time renting an RV in River Forest is easier than you'd think. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup: they'll walk you through driving, leveling, the generator, propane, water tanks, the awning, and how to dump everything. You can message the host with questions before you book, during your trip, or anytime in between. If it's your very first time, choose a Class B campervan or smaller Class C motorhome, both drive much like an oversized van. Pro tip: skip city driving on day one by booking delivery to a campground like Camp Bullfrog Lake or Channahon State Park, then practice in the campground loop before heading out.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks.htmlWhat if something goes wrong on the road during my trip?
Help is never far away. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing, so a flat on I-290 or a dead battery in a Starved Rock parking lot won't ruin your trip. RVezy's customer support team is also available before, during, and after every trip if you have questions or need help reaching your host. Your host is usually a quick text away too, since they know their RV better than anyone. Pro tip: snap photos of the dashboard, generator, and propane gauge during your walkthrough so you can reference them later if something needs troubleshooting on the road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my River Forest RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is part of the fun of an RV road trip from River Forest, and you're perfectly positioned for it. Wisconsin (Lake Geneva, the Dells, Door County), Indiana (Indiana Dunes National Park), Michigan (Saugatuck, Sleeping Bear Dunes), and Iowa are all easy reaches with no special permits needed for a personal-use RV. Cross-border travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the specific host and their insurance, so message them through the listing to confirm before booking. Important: travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage doesn't extend there. Pro tip: a Lake Michigan loop through Indiana, Michigan, and back via Wisconsin is one of the Midwest's best week-long RV trips.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat should I budget for fuel on a River Forest RV trip?
Fuel is one of the biggest variables, so plan ahead and you'll be in great shape. Most Class C motorhomes get around 8 to 12 miles per gallon, campervans (Class B) often hit 16 to 20 mpg, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Illinois gas prices typically run a little above the national average, often $3.50 to $4.20 per gallon for regular, and diesel tracks similarly. For a 500-mile round trip in a Class C, budget roughly $175 to $250 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in the suburbs before heading downtown or onto the tollway, prices at Pilot or Flying J off I-80 (Minooka or Channahon) are usually 20 to 40 cents cheaper than near O'Hare.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near River Forest?
Book as early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds (Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Sullivan, Camp Reinberg) open all next-year reservations on November 15 and popular summer weekends sell out within weeks. Reserve at fpdcc.com/camping or by calling 855-YES-CAMP (855-937-2267). Illinois state parks like Starved Rock and Channahon use Reserve America (camp.exploremoreil.com) and also book up 4 to 6 months ahead for peak season. For shoulder-season trips (April, late September, October), you can often find sites just a week or two out. Pro tip: midweek nights almost always have availability even when Saturdays are full, so consider a Tuesday-to-Thursday trip if you're flexible.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What's it like driving an RV in and around River Forest?
River Forest itself is a quiet, leafy suburb with low-traffic residential streets, which makes it a much friendlier launch point than driving an RV through downtown Chicago. You'll want to avoid Lower Wacker Drive, the Loop, and any posted low-clearance viaducts (some south-side underpasses are 10 to 12 feet). Stick to I-290, I-294, and I-90/I-94 for getting out of town, which all easily accommodate large rigs. Watch for tollway entrances (have I-PASS or pay online at illinoistollway.com within 14 days). Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast, and winter brings snow and ice November through March. Pro tip: leave early on Friday or after 7 pm to dodge the brutal Eisenhower Expressway rush hour heading out of the city.
illinoistollway.com/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near River Forest?
Campgrounds near River Forest range from full-hookup resorts to electric-only forest preserve sites, so you can pick what matches your rig. Camp Bullfrog Lake has 30/50-amp electric, water, a dump station, bathhouses with hot showers, and accommodates RVs up to 38 feet. Camp Sullivan and Camp Reinberg offer electric and water (no on-site dump, but Camp Bullfrog's dump station is 20 minutes away). Hollywood Casino RV Resort in Joliet has full 50-amp hookups, Wi-Fi, and a pool. Most sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and free firewood at check-in (no outside firewood allowed in Cook County due to Emerald Ash Borer rules). Pro tip: top off fresh water before leaving the campground, well water at some local sites is high in iron.
fpdcc.com/things-to-do/camping/camping-reservations-rules/What's included inside an RVezy rental in River Forest?
You'll be set up to live comfortably from day one. Most motorhome rentals in River Forest come with a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink, cookware), a bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping for 4 to 8 people, climate control (furnace and roof A/C), seatbelts for every traveling passenger, and a dinette that converts to extra sleeping. Many hosts include linens, a TV, Bluetooth speakers, outdoor chairs, a propane grill, and a generator for off-grid power. Wi-Fi varies by host, so confirm in the listing if you need to work remotely. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count and scroll the photos carefully, then message the host to confirm exactly what's included so you don't double-pack.
enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv-parks-in-illinois/What add-ons and pickup options do River Forest hosts typically offer?
Hosts in the River Forest and greater Chicago area love to make your trip easier with practical add-ons. Common options include linens and bedding packages, kitchen kits, camping chairs and tables, propane grills, bike racks, generators, portable Wi-Fi hotspots, and even pre-stocked kitchens. Delivery and setup is widely available, which is huge if you don't want to drive an RV through Oak Park or onto the Eisenhower. Pickup is usually scheduled in the early afternoon and dropoff before noon, but many hosts offer flexible windows if you ask. Mileage policies vary by listing, with some offering unlimited miles for local trips. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a linens package, you'll save the hassle of city driving and packing sheets for a campervan rental River Forest trip.
enjoyillinois.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/How do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is handled securely through RVezy, never directly with the host, so you're protected from start to finish. When you book, you'll pay the rental cost (split into installments for trips booked far in advance) plus any add-ons and the protection plan you choose. A separate refundable security deposit is held before your trip start, and the amount is shown on the listing and varies by RV. As long as you return the RV in the agreed condition with the correct fuel and tank levels, your deposit is released after the trip. Pro tip: do a thorough walkaround at pickup, photograph any existing scratches or dings with timestamps, and confirm fuel and propane levels with your host so dropoff is smooth and your full deposit comes right back.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhere can I park an RV in River Forest or nearby Chicago?
Here's the honest scoop: the City of Chicago prohibits parking any RV over 22 feet on residential streets at any time, so plan to overnight at a campground rather than on city streets. River Forest and most western suburbs follow similar rules. The smart move is to stay at a campground like Camp Bullfrog Lake (15 miles south) or Camp Sullivan (20 miles), then take Metra's Union Pacific West line from River Forest into the Loop, or drive your car in for the day. For day trips, lots near Soldier Field and the Adler Planetarium accept large vehicles for a fee (no overnight). Pro tip: request RV delivery to your driveway or campground so you skip city parking headaches entirely on your River Forest RV trip.
chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/supp_info/revenue/parking_your_commercialtruckinchicago.htmlNearby cities with campgrounds
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