Let me paint you a picture. You’re rolling down that long ribbon of highway, maybe I-80 or I-55, with the Chicago skyline finally shrinking in your rearview mirror. The city’s hustle is behind you, but the need for a good, clean, and quiet spot to handle the less glamorous side of RVing is starting to become a top priority. You’ve seen the signs for truck stops, and you know the drill: jockeying for position with the big rigs, the constant roar of diesel engines, the sometimes questionable state of the dump lane. But what if there was another way? A place tucked away just enough to feel like a real break, a genuine destination. That’s exactly the feeling I get when I think about Martin’s Camping Ground in Joliet, Illinois. It’s not just a pit stop; it’s a pause button.
Finding a reliable dump station in the collar counties of a major metro area can feel like a quest for the holy grail. They’re either packed, inconveniently located, or just plain nonexistent. Martin’s solves that problem by being what it is: a real, honest to goodness campground. Tucked just off Cherry Hill Road, it feels worlds away from the interstate chaos, even though it’s just a stone’s throw from that major I-55 and I-80 corridor. This isn’t some sterile concrete island. This is a place with grass, with trees, with the kind of Midwest hospitality that makes you want to slow down and breathe for a minute. For us RVers, especially those of us who spend weeks or months on the road, finding a spot like this feels like hitting a small jackpot. It becomes an anchor point, a place you mentally bookmark for future trips through northern Illinois.
The journey to Martin’s is part of its charm. Joliet itself is steeped in a kind of gritty, American history that’s fascinating to explore. It’s a city that straddles the legendary Route 66 and the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. So, your stop to empty the tanks can easily become a whole lot more. Before or after you visit Martin’s, you can make a detour to the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the Route 66 Welcome Center. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the spirit of the Mother Road. Or, if you’re a fan of stunning architecture, you absolutely cannot miss the Rialto Square Theatre. They call it one of the ten most beautiful theaters in the country, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. It’s a jewel. For the gearheads, Chicagoland Speedway and the Route 66 Raceway are right there, so you could even time your visit to coincide with a race weekend.
And if you’re looking for a nature fix, you’re in luck. The magnificent bluffs and canyons of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are only about an hour’s drive away. Many of us use a stop like Martin’s as a launching pad. You get all the essential chores done in a calm environment, maybe even stay the night to recharge your own batteries, and then you’re ready to hit the trails the next morning with empty tanks and a full freshwater supply. It transforms a mundane task into a strategic part of your travel plans.
The on the ground experience at a campground dump station is just different. It’s slower. It’s friendlier. At Martin’s, the first thing you’ll do is check in at the office. A real person will likely greet you, point you toward the dump lane, and let you know about any specific rules. There’s no rush, no pressure from a line of eighteen wheelers behind you. You’re surrounded by fellow RVers, people who get it. Instead of the constant hiss of air brakes, you might hear kids laughing or the gentle hum of an air conditioner. You have the space and the time to do the job right. You can connect your sewer elbow without feeling like you’re in a race, flush the black tank thoroughly, and not feel like you’re holding anyone up. It’s a fundamentally less stressful process.
Let’s talk about the amenities, because this is where a place like Martin’s really shines for a seasoned traveler. The fact that they have water right on site is a big deal. They have a proper freshwater spigot, which means you can refill your tank with confidence after you’ve done the dirty work. Of course, you’ll use your dedicated white hose for that, keeping everything sanitary. This is also a pet friendly place, and that means more than just a dusty patch of gravel. There’s actual green space for your furry copilot to stretch their legs, a welcome relief after a long stretch on I-80. Just keep the leash handy, as is standard practice.
One of the best perks is the on site propane. They advertise some of the lowest prices in the county, which is a claim worth investigating. Running out of propane is one of those nagging worries, especially in the shoulder season when nights can get chilly. Being able to top off your tank while you’re already stopped is a huge time saver. As with any service like this, it’s always a smart move to call ahead for the current rates and to make sure someone is there to fill it. And the showers. Oh, the simple luxury of a hot campground shower. After a few days of boondocking or long driving days, being able to stand under hot water and wash the road off is pure bliss. It resets your whole mindset. Don’t forget your flip flops and a quick dry towel.
If you decide to extend your stay and book a site for the night, you get the added benefit of electric hookups. This is perfect for topping off your house batteries, especially if you’ve been running them down. And in the humid Illinois summer, being able to run your air conditioning without firing up the generator is a true comfort. Now, it’s important to note what they don’t have. There’s no on site gas station, and you’ll need to plan on packing out your own trash. These are small trade offs for the peaceful environment. Just fuel up before you pull in and have a plan for your garbage.
The price for dumping is listed as “call for current rate,” which is common for private parks. In this part of the country, a standalone fee is usually in the ten to fifteen dollar range, which is more than fair. If you’re staying overnight, the fee is almost always included in your site rental. When you consider the value of reliable water, affordable propane, and the option of a hot shower, Martin’s often proves to be a better deal than a big travel center where every service is a separate charge.
For a smooth visit, a quick phone call is your best friend. Confirm the hours, the cost, and the best way to access the dump station. Try to time your visit for a late weekday morning, as you’ll avoid the weekend rush of campers checking in or out. And as always, come prepared. Have your heavy duty gloves, your tank chemicals, and your clear sewer adapter ready to go. Mind the hose bibs; use the non potable spigot for rinsing your gear and the potable one only for your fresh water tank. It’s a simple rule that protects everyone.
So, what’s the final takeaway? For any RVer traveling through the Chicagoland area, Martin’s Camping Ground is a fantastic, low stress option. It delivers all the essentials wrapped in a charming, classic campground package. It’s not the place for a frantic, 15 minute in and out stop. It’s a place to slow down, take care of business properly, and maybe even discover a little bit of local history along the way. For anyone exploring Route 66 or just looking for a more civilized alternative to a truck stop, this is your spot. Add it to your trip planner, and you’ll roll out with fresh tanks and a fresh perspective on the road ahead.
725 Cherry Hill Rd, Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 726-3173
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
martinscampinggroundil.com