RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near University Park, IL
30 campgrounds and RV Parks near University Park, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
30 campgrounds
4398 campsites
96 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near University Park, IL
Emerald Trails Campground
Crete, IL (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+7
Enchanted Shores
Peotone, IL (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+6
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+3
Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Martin Campground
Joliet, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
Chicagoland Speedway/Lakeside Campgrounds
Joliet, IL (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+2
Potowatomi - Kankakee River State Park
Bourbonnais, IL (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+6
Hollywood Casino Hotel and RV Resort
Joliet, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+2
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Portage, IN (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(926 sites)
+8
Leisure Lake Membership Resort
Joliet, IL (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+11
Pioneer Family Campground, Inc.
Lake Village, IN (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+10
Lake Holiday Camp-Resort
De Motte, IN (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Dump station Showers Tables Grills Playground Firewood Toilets Laundry RV storage
Campgrounds near University Park, Illinois
University Park sits in Will County on the southern edge of the Chicago metropolitan area, roughly 35 miles south of the Loop and within easy reach of Interstate 57 and Interstate 80. The location gives RV travelers a base for exploring both the prairie preserves of Will County and the wooded state parks along the Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers.
Private campgrounds within an hour's drive include Emerald Trails Campground and Martin Campground on the Illinois side, along with Enchanted Shores, Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, and Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park across the state line in northwest Indiana. These parks lean toward full-hookup and family-oriented sites rather than backcountry camping.
Public options in the surrounding region include Kankakee River State Park near Bourbonnais and Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area near Wilmington, both accessible for a short drive from University Park. The mix of private RV resorts and state-managed campgrounds gives renters flexibility on hookups, amenities, and reservation lead time.
Things to do near University Park
Outdoor recreation in the area centers on rivers, lakes, and restored prairie. Kankakee River State Park offers paddling, fishing, and multi-use trails along the Kankakee, while Cedar Lake in Indiana draws boaters and anglers to the campgrounds on its shores. Will County forest preserves add flat, family-friendly biking and walking paths close to town.
Families staying at Emerald Trails Campground, Enchanted Shores, or Martin Campground are within day-trip range of downtown Chicago attractions, including museums, the lakefront, and professional sports venues. The Kankakee River corridor is popular for bike trails and canoe trips, and local farmers markets and county fairs run through the warm months.
Camping spots and RV parks near University Park, IL
When to visit: seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
59° / 41°F 88 mmMild and wet; thunderstorm season ramps up
- summer
June - August
82° / 64°F 105 mmPeak bookings; hot, humid, and prone to storms
- fall
September - November
63° / 46°F 86 mmCooler with fewer crowds; frost by November
- winter
December - February
34° / 21°F 54 mmCold and snowy; many campgrounds close or reduce services
In University Park, the summers are warm, humid, and wet; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Peak RV season runs from late May through early September, with July and August the hottest months and the highest demand for lakeside sites. Thunderstorms and occasional severe weather are common from spring into late summer, so campers should watch forecasts and know where the nearest shelter is on the campground.
Most Illinois state park campsites may be reserved from May 1 through October 31, though some parks accept reservations year round; travelers should review the campsite details on the ExploreMoreIL website. When cold-weather closures shut off water and buildings, service levels drop, so shoulder-season campers should confirm what remains active before arrival.
Spring and fall bring the mildest temperatures and the smallest crowds, though nights can drop near freezing in March, April, October, and November. Renters traveling in shoulder season should confirm which hookups remain in service before booking.
Top Hosts near University Park, IL
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
Tiwanna12 trips - Joined May 2021
Wonderful hosts. Extremely accommodating and great communication/support. RV was clean and well maintained. We took it out west to South Dakota, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone (though would recommend some driving experience to navigate mountain passes). Wouldn't hesitate to rent this RV again! We never thought we would enjoy traveling in an RV as much as we did. Our family of 7 had a great time and made some wonderful memories.
David B. - Aug 2024
She was great and very available during the entire trip.
Gina G. - Jul 2022
How to book campgrounds near University Park
Private campgrounds such as Emerald Trails Campground, Enchanted Shores, Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park, and Martin Campground handle bookings directly through their own websites or by phone. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day tend to fill first, so reserving several weeks ahead is advisable for holiday stays.
Online reservations for all Illinois Department of Natural Resources camping, cabins, group camps, and shelters are made through the ExploreMoreIL website and paid by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover; IDNR reservations are no longer taken through the mail or over the phone. A reservation cannot be made more than 180 days in advance of the guest arrival date. Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights within a 30-day period and reservations must be made three days before the campsite is needed. Most campgrounds also have first-come, first-served sites, so contacting the park directly is worthwhile if the online system shows no availability.
What to expect on the ground
Terrain around University Park is flat to gently rolling, dominated by farmland, restored prairie, and hardwood corridors along the rivers. Most private RV parks in the area offer level pull-through or back-in sites with full hookups, and roads into the campgrounds are paved or well-maintained gravel suitable for larger rigs.
Expect mosquitoes and biting flies from late May through August, especially near lakes and wetlands. Cell coverage is generally strong across Will and Lake counties given the proximity to Chicago, though signal can dip inside wooded state park loops.
There are no additional entrance fees for Illinois residents or out-of-state visitors at Illinois state parks, which keeps day-use costs low when exploring parks such as Kankakee River. Grocery stores, fuel, propane, and RV supplies are readily available along I-57 and US-30.
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 University Park, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in University Park, IL?
RV rental in University Park is an affordable way to explore the Chicago south suburbs and beyond. Travel trailers typically run around $100 to $175 per night, while Class C motorhomes and campervans generally range from $175 to $275 per night depending on size, season, and add-ons. Many hosts offer weekly discounts of 10 to 20 percent, which adds up fast on longer trips. To find a cheap RV rental in University Park, filter for travel trailers and book midweek dates in May or September to avoid peak summer pricing. Booking 60 to 90 days ahead gives you the best selection on family-sized rigs before summer weekenders book them up.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=University%20Park,%20IllinoisDo I need a special license to rent an RV in University Park, IL?
For the vast majority of RVs on RVezy, your regular Class D driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in University Park. Illinois only requires a non-CMV Class B license for non-commercial vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 pounds, which excludes nearly every travel trailer, campervan, and Class C motorhome on the platform. RVezy approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and you'll verify your ID directly in the app. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit along with your home-country license. Most first-time renters find the verification process takes just a few minutes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection and roadside assistance come with my University Park RV rental?
Every RV rental in University Park booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out on I-57 or I-80 with peace of mind. During checkout you choose your protection level based on how much financial protection you want against accidental damage to the RV. Guests pick the level, not hosts, which keeps the decision in your hands. If you get a flat tire near Joliet or a dead battery in Kankakee, one call gets help dispatched any time of day or night. It's the easiest way to remove the biggest worries that stop people from booking their first motorhome rental in University Park.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my University Park RV rental?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy. There's a grace period right after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, and after that, refund amounts depend on how far out from your trip start date you cancel. RVezy also makes accommodations for serious events, which matters when planning around Midwest thunderstorm season. You'll see the exact cancellation timeline during checkout and in your booking confirmation email. The takeaway: you don't have to wait until your plans are 100 percent locked in to reserve the RV you love.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from University Park?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental options in University Park are easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see listings whose owners welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Many hosts charge a small pet fee, which is shown on the listing page. Once you're rolling, your dog has plenty of leash-friendly stops nearby: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete has wooded trails about 15 minutes east, and most Illinois state park campgrounds, including Kankakee River State Park, allow leashed pets on trails and at campsites. Message the host before booking if you're traveling with a large breed, since some have size preferences they're happy to discuss.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.kankakeeriver.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground or driveway in University Park?
Yes, RV delivery in University Park is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who'd rather skip driving a big rig through Chicago-area traffic. Many local hosts will tow or drive the RV directly to your campground, your home, or a nearby state park, then level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees usually range from $2 to $5 per mile, and some hosts offer free delivery within a set radius. Use the Delivery filter to spot these listings right away. It's the easiest way to enjoy a University Park RV trip without ever sitting behind the wheel of the RV.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=University%20Park,%20IllinoisHow far can I drive on an RV rental from University Park, and is unlimited mileage available?
You've got real range from University Park, with quick access to I-57, I-80, and I-65 putting most Midwest destinations within a day's drive. Starved Rock State Park is about 90 miles west, Indiana Dunes National Park is roughly 70 miles east, Shawnee National Forest sits about 320 miles south, and Wisconsin Dells is around 220 miles north. RVezy hosts set their own mileage policies: many include 100 to 150 free miles per night, while others offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is great for a longer RV road trip from University Park. Overage charges typically run $0.30 to $0.50 per mile. Filter by unlimited mileage on the search page to find those flexible listings quickly.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=University%20Park,%20IllinoisWhere are the best campgrounds near University Park, IL?
You've got a great mix of campgrounds within an easy drive of University Park. Kankakee River State Park (about 25 miles south) offers riverside sites with electric hookups, hiking, and fishing on the Kankakee River. Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area near Wilmington is another local favorite, around 20 miles west. KOA Holiday Kankakee South in Bourbonnais offers full-hookup sites, a pool, and pet areas perfect for families. For a bigger adventure, Starved Rock State Park (about 90 miles west) is a crown jewel of Illinois camping. Book Illinois state park sites through the Reserve America-powered ExploreMoreIL system up to 6 months in advance for the best weekends.
camp.exploremoreil.com/When is the best time to take an RV trip from University Park?
Late May through early October is prime time for RV camping in University Park, with daytime highs typically in the 70s and low 80s and pleasant evenings perfect for campfires. July and August are the warmest and most popular, while September and early October bring beautiful fall color along the Kankakee River and crisp, mosquito-free nights. Spring (April to May) is lovely but rainy, with around 4 inches of rain per month, so pick a rig with a covered awning. Winters get genuinely cold with January lows averaging around 19 degrees Fahrenheit, so most casual renters stick to April through October. Pro tip: book Labor Day weekend trips by mid-July, since locally-owned RVs book up fast for the long weekend.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before. Will I know how to use everything?
You're in good hands and won't be left to figure things out alone. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup or delivery covering slide-outs, water pump, propane, generator, leveling jacks, awning, and waste tanks. Most hosts take 30 to 60 minutes to show you everything, answer questions, and share their favorite local tips. You'll also have the host's phone number throughout your trip, and RVezy support is available if anything comes up. First time renting an RV in the Chicago south suburbs? Choose a Class C motorhome or travel trailer with delivery and setup included, and request an extra-long orientation when you message the host. Confidence handled.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002007693-Renting-an-RVWhat happens if I break down or have a problem on the road?
You're covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance with the protection plan, so a flat tire on I-57, a dead battery at a rest stop, or a lockout at a Kankakee River campground is just one call away. Towing, jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout service are part of the package. For non-mechanical issues like a slide-out that won't retract or a fridge acting up, your host is your first call. They know their RV best and can usually troubleshoot in minutes. RVezy customer support is also reachable throughout your trip. Pro tip: snap photos of the RV at pickup so any pre-existing issue is documented and easy to resolve later.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my University Park RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, and that's part of the fun. Interstate travel within the U.S. is allowed on virtually every RVezy rental, so popular routes from University Park, like heading to Indiana Dunes, the Wisconsin Dells, or Michigan's Mackinac Bridge, are totally fair game. Crossing into Canada (think Niagara Falls or northern Ontario lakes) may be permitted with host approval and proper documentation, so message the host before booking to confirm. One firm rule: travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because the protection package and insurance do not extend across that border. For your Illinois RV adventure, that still leaves you 49 states and Canada to explore.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an RV trip from University Park?
Fuel is the biggest variable cost, but it's easy to estimate. Most Class C motorhomes get 8 to 10 miles per gallon, travel trailers towed by a pickup average 10 to 13 MPG combined, and campervans can reach 16 to 20 MPG. Illinois gas prices typically run above the national average due to state fuel taxes, so plan for noticeably higher pump prices than nearby Indiana. A 300-mile weekend round trip in a Class C will likely cost around $100 to $140 in fuel at current Midwest prices. Pro tip: fill up just across the Indiana border in places like Lowell or Hammond on your way out, where prices are often cheaper than in Will County.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground for my Illinois RV trip?
For Illinois state parks, book through the ExploreMoreIL reservation system as early as possible. Reservations open up to 6 months ahead, and popular spots like Starved Rock and Illinois Beach State Park fill quickly for summer weekends. For private parks like KOA Holiday Kankakee South or Emerald Trails Campground, 4 to 8 weeks ahead is usually fine for weekdays, but lock in summer weekends 2 to 3 months out. Festival weekends and Labor Day need even more lead time. Pro tip: if you strike out at Starved Rock, check back 2 days before your dates, when last-minute cancellations open up and a great site can suddenly become yours.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What are driving conditions like around University Park?
Driving is genuinely manageable for first-timers, since University Park sits on the southern edge of Chicago's suburbs where roads open up quickly. You'll find flat terrain, well-maintained interstates (I-57 runs right alongside town), and very few low clearance issues outside the city core. The main thing to plan around is Chicago rush hour, generally 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m., when I-57 and I-80 get congested. Leave University Park before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m. for the smoothest start. Winter brings snow and ice from December through March, so most renters stick to April through October. Avoid heading north into downtown Chicago in any rig over 25 feet; stay on the interstates instead.
illinoistollway.com/What amenities do campgrounds near University Park typically offer?
Most campgrounds within an hour of University Park offer a great range of hookups and amenities. At places like KOA Holiday Kankakee South and Emerald Trails Campground in Wilmington, you'll find full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, and sewer), Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, dump stations, and pet areas. Illinois state parks like Starved Rock and Kankakee River State Park offer Class A Premium sites with electric only, plus shared water hydrants, dump stations, shower houses, and flush toilets. Pro tip: if you choose an electric-only state park site, plan to top off fresh water before arrival and use the on-site dump station on your way out. Most campgrounds also sell firewood right at the entrance.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.starvedrock.htmlWhat features and amenities can I expect inside an RV rental in University Park?
Today's RVs feel like cabins on wheels. Most University Park rentals include real beds (typically sleeping 4 to 8), a full kitchen with fridge, microwave, stove, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, a furnace for chilly nights, and a dinette that converts to extra sleeping space. Many listings also offer flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, outdoor awnings, and onboard generators for off-grid power. Wi-Fi hotspots and solar panels are common on newer rigs. Every passenger must have a seatbelt while the RV is in motion, so confirm the seatbelt count matches your group when booking. Filter by sleeps count and amenities right on the search page to quickly find the perfect family RV trip setup in University Park.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=University%20Park,%20IllinoisWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with my University Park RV rental?
Lots of optional extras can level up your trip. Common add-ons include bedding and linen packages ($30 to $75 per trip), kitchen kits with pots, pans, and utensils, outdoor camping chairs and tables, bike racks, generators, propane fill-ups, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or near University Park, but many offer delivery to your campground or driveway for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary: some listings include 100 free miles per night, others offer unlimited miles. All of this is clearly listed on each RV's page before you book. Pro tip: bundling the bedding and kitchen kits is the easiest way to skip a Target run and start your trip relaxed.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=University%20Park,%20IllinoisHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and fully handled inside the RVezy platform, never directly with the host, which keeps your money protected. You'll pay the rental cost plus taxes and fees at booking using a credit or debit card. A refundable security deposit is placed as a hold on your card before pickup and is not charged unless there's damage or a policy violation. As long as you return the RV in the same condition you received it, that hold is released after your trip. Pro tip: do a quick walkaround video with the host at pickup and dropoff, this five-minute habit is the single best way to avoid any deposit headaches.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksHow do I handle cold weather if I want to RV near University Park in fall or early winter?
Shoulder-season camping near University Park is one of the best-kept secrets in northern Illinois, with golden fall color along the Kankakee and Illinois Rivers from mid-October through early November. Daytime temperatures often sit in the 50s and 60s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. To stay cozy, look for RVs with heated holding tanks, a propane furnace, and a 30-amp shore power connection so you can run an electric space heater at full-hookup campgrounds. Starved Rock State Park's campground typically closes seasonally, so confirm dates before booking. Pro tip: message your host about cold-weather prep, top off propane before pickup, and keep a tank heater on overnight when temps drop below freezing. Frozen pipes are easily prevented with a little planning.
weather.gov/lot/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Chicago, ILGrand Rapids, MIMilwaukee, WIIndianapolis, INAddison, ILElk Grove Village, ILEllettsville, INWestfield, INChenoa, ILBattle Ground, INCrystal Lawns, ILMerrillville, INSugar Grove, ILHudsonville, MIWalker, MIBargersville, INBrooklyn, INColoma, MIMount Pleasant, WISunnyland, ILWaterford, WIHoward City, MIMontgomery, ILBatavia, IL