RV Parks In Des Plaines, Illinois
42.0334° N, 87.8834° W
Quick Overview
Des Plaines sits in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and finding motorhome camping this close to a major metro area is a real advantage that most travelers don't know about. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, Des Plaines gives you a legitimate base camp to explore Chicagoland without fighting downtown traffic in your rig or paying downtown hotel prices. The Des Plaines River runs through town and connects to the Cook County Forest Preserve system, which manages thousands of acres of green space across the suburbs -- it's one of the largest urban forest preserve systems in the entire country. The area's campgrounds cater to RVers who want suburban convenience with a touch of nature -- you're minutes from O'Hare Airport, shopping malls, restaurants, and transit lines that take you straight into the heart of Chicago. The forest preserves along the Des Plaines River offer trails for hiking and biking, fishing spots, and natural areas that genuinely feel a world away from the surrounding suburban development. For RVers, this is one of the few places in the entire Chicago metro where you can park your rig in a proper campsite with hookups and still take the Metra commuter train into downtown for the day without touching your vehicle. The terrain is flat Midwestern prairie with mature tree cover in the preserve areas, and all roads are paved and easy for big rigs to navigate. Whether you're visiting Chicago for a weekend of sightseeing, attending an event at the Rosemont entertainment district, or just need a comfortable place to park your rig while passing through on I-90, Des Plaines puts you right where you need to be with an unbeatable combination of nature and urban access. The forest preserve system here is genuinely impressive in scale and quality, with enough trails and green space to fill your mornings with outdoor activity before heading into the city for afternoon adventures.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Des Plaines
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All Dump Stations Near Des Plaines
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Methodist Campground | 0.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Ground Road Woods | 0.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mhpi Inc | 2.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Des Plaines Mobile Home Park | 3.2 mi | 3.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Zeman Homes | 4.2 mi | 3.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mobile Home | 9.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Phương Van Nguyen | 10.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Reinberg | 11.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Alphonse | 12.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camping Honda Fit | 13.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
United Methodist Campground
0.4 miCamp Ground Road Woods
0.5 miMhpi Inc
2.5 miDes Plaines Mobile Home Park
3.2 miZeman Homes
4.2 miMobile Home
9.3 miPhương Van Nguyen
10.1 miCamp Reinberg
11.8 miCamp Alphonse
12.3 miCamping Honda Fit
13.2 miTraveling to Des Plaines by RV
Des Plaines is accessible via I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway), I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), and US-14 (Northwest Highway). From the west, I-90 brings you straight into the area with clear exits. From the south, I-294 connects to local roads into town without any complicated interchanges. Be aware that Illinois tollways require I-PASS or open road tolling -- make sure your account is set up before you arrive or you'll get a bill in the mail with added fees. The roads through Des Plaines are suburban arterials that handle motorhome traffic fine, though rush hour traffic on the main roads like Oakton Street and Rand Road can be heavy during weekday commute times. O'Hare Airport is just south of town, so expect plane noise at some campgrounds -- not a dealbreaker but worth knowing. Fuel, groceries, big-box stores, and every chain restaurant you can think of are plentiful along Oakton Street, Rand Road, and Golf Road. Metra commuter rail has a Des Plaines station for car-free trips into downtown Chicago's Union Station.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Des Plaines, Illinois, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Des Plaines
Among the motorhome parks near Des Plaines, a portion% are free and a portion% charge a fee for camping. Being in the Chicago suburbs, expect to pay significantly more than rural Illinois campgrounds -- location premium is real in the metro area. Private Motorhome parks here typically charge $45 to $70 per night for full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer, with weekly rates that can bring the nightly cost down to something more manageable. The higher prices reflect what you're getting -- proximity to Chicago, all the suburban amenities within minutes, and transit access to downtown. Forest preserve camping options are more affordable when available but limited in capacity. Factor in Illinois Tollway costs too if you're traveling the interstates around the area.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Des Plaines
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Best Time to Visit Des Plaines by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
15-35°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close for winter. A few motorhome parks stay open year-round for travelers who need a Chicago-area base.
Spring
Mar - May
35-65°F
Crowds: Medium
Campgrounds open for the season and the forest preserve trails come alive with spring wildflowers and migrating birds.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with busy campgrounds, especially on weekends. Great time for Chicago sightseeing and outdoor festivals.
Fall
Sep - Oct
45-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Beautiful fall colors along the Des Plaines River. Campsite crowds thin out after Labor Day making it a pleasant time to visit.
Explore the Des Plaines Area
Take advantage of the Metra rail line -- park your rig at the campsite and ride the commuter train straight into downtown Chicago. It's way cheaper than driving and trying to park a tow vehicle in the city, and you'll avoid the stress of navigating Chicago traffic entirely. The Cook County Forest Preserve trails along the Des Plaines River are great for morning walks, bike rides, and nature watching right from camp without driving anywhere. If you're an aviation buff, the campgrounds near O'Hare offer front-row seats to some impressive plane spotting as jets come and go all day and night. Stock up at the Costco or Walmart nearby before settling into your site for the duration. Summer weekends at the campgrounds can be busy with local seasonal campers, so weekday stays tend to be quieter and more relaxed. Check for events at the Rosemont entertainment district just south of town -- concerts, sporting events, and conventions happen there year-round and are an easy drive from camp.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Des Plaines
Where can I camp with my motorhome near Des Plaines, Illinois?
Des Plaines has several motorhome campgrounds and parks available to travelers. Options include private motorhome parks with full service and forest preserve campgrounds along the Des Plaines River corridor. These are some of the closest motorhome camping options to downtown Chicago that you'll find anywhere.
Are there free motorhome camping options in Des Plaines?
There are some free camping options in the Des Plaines area. Free options are quite limited in the Chicago suburbs given the high demand for camping space, so expect most established campgrounds to charge a nightly fee for sites.
Can I take public transit from the campsite into Chicago?
Yes, Des Plaines has a Metra commuter rail station with regular daily service into downtown Chicago's Union Station. It's the best way to explore the city without driving your motorhome or even your tow vehicle into the congested downtown streets. The ride takes about 40 minutes each way.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Des Plaines?
Private Motorhome parks in the Des Plaines area charge $45 to $70 per night for full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Weekly rates are usually available and can bring the cost down significantly if you're staying multiple nights. Prices are higher than rural Illinois due to the Chicago suburban location premium.
What can I do near the campgrounds in Des Plaines?
Explore the Cook County Forest Preserve trails along the Des Plaines River for hiking and biking, take the Metra train into downtown Chicago for world-class sightseeing and dining, visit the Rosemont entertainment district for concerts and sports events, or enjoy the abundant suburban dining and shopping options within just minutes of the campgrounds.
Where can I camp with my motorhome near Des Plaines, Illinois?
Des Plaines has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks available to travelers. Options include private motorhome parks with full service and forest preserve campgrounds along the Des Plaines River corridor. These are some of the closest motorhome camping options to downtown Chicago that you'll find anywhere.
Are there free motorhome camping options in Des Plaines?
There are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Des Plaines area. Free options are quite limited in the Chicago suburbs given the high demand for camping space, so expect most established campgrounds to charge a nightly fee for sites.
Can I take public transit from the campsite into Chicago?
Yes, Des Plaines has a Metra commuter rail station with regular daily service into downtown Chicago's Union Station. It's the best way to explore the city without driving your motorhome or even your tow vehicle into the congested downtown streets. The ride takes about 40 minutes each way.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Des Plaines?
Private Motorhome parks in the Des Plaines area charge $45 to $70 per night for full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Weekly rates are usually available and can bring the cost down significantly if you're staying multiple nights. Prices are higher than rural Illinois due to the Chicago suburban location premium.
What can I do near the campgrounds in Des Plaines?
Explore the Cook County Forest Preserve trails along the Des Plaines River for hiking and biking, take the Metra train into downtown Chicago for world-class sightseeing and dining, visit the Rosemont entertainment district for concerts and sports events, or enjoy the abundant suburban dining and shopping options within just minutes of the campgrounds.
Are there free dump stations in Des Plaines?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Des Plaines.
All Dump Stations Near Des Plaines (118)
RV ParkUnited Methodist Campground
RV ParkCamp Ground Road Woods
RV ParkMhpi Inc
RV ParkDes Plaines Mobile Home Park
RV ParkZeman Homes
RV ParkMobile Home
RV ParkPhương Van Nguyen
RV Park