Let me tell you, navigating the sprawl of Chicagoland in a big rig can test the patience of even the most seasoned RVer. It’s a concrete jungle of tight turns, relentless traffic, and a surprising scarcity of easy, reliable spots to handle the necessary business of emptying your tanks. You can spend an hour scrolling through apps, calling places that have disconnected numbers, only to find a sketchy-looking gas station that wants twenty-five bucks for a leaky spigot and a cracked concrete pad. It’s a headache. But if you have the right credentials, there’s an oasis of calm and order tucked away right in North Chicago, and it’s one of my best-kept secrets for this part of the country: the MWR Navy Great Lakes RV Campground.
This isn’t your typical Flying J or roadside stop. This is on an active military installation, the Navy's one and only boot camp, and that changes the entire dynamic. For starters, getting there requires a bit of prep. You can’t just roll up to the gate. Access is generally for active duty military, retirees, DoD civilians, and their sponsored guests. This is a huge point to remember. The rules can change, so a phone call to the Pass & ID office before you even put the rig in gear is not just a suggestion, it’s a requirement. But for those who can get on base, the reward is a level of security and cleanliness that public facilities just can’t match.
Making your way off I-94, you leave the roar of the interstate behind and enter a world that feels more structured, more deliberate. The approach to the main gate is your first reminder that you’re in a different environment. Have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance laid out on the dash before you even pull up. The guards are professional and courteous, but they are all business. A friendly wave and having your documents ready goes a long way. Once you’re cleared and past the gate, the base itself is quiet, orderly, and impeccably maintained. The roads are wide and well-marked, a relief after navigating the narrow lanes of suburban Chicago. You’ll follow the signs for the marina and RV park, usually located in a more scenic, tucked-away corner of the installation near the shores of Lake Michigan.
The dump station itself is what you’d expect from a military-run facility: functional, clean, and no-nonsense. It’s typically set on a wide concrete pad, often in a designated loop away from the main campsites, so you’re not awkwardly maneuvering your 40-foot Class A right next to someone’s picnic table. This is a huge plus. There’s ample room to swing in, align your valves, and get the job done without feeling rushed or crowded. I’ve been there on a quiet Tuesday morning and been the only one in sight, a welcome change from the usual conga line of RVs and semi-trucks you find at a travel center.
The amenities here are geared toward the RVer, not the passing trucker. You’ll find a reliable, working spigot for non-potable rinse water. This is a big deal. Always remember to use your dedicated black tank hose for this, never your fresh water hose, to avoid cross contamination. It’s RVing 101, but it bears repeating. There are also conveniently placed trash receptacles, so you can ditch the garbage you’ve been accumulating without having to hunt for a dumpster. For those staying a night or two, the campground offers full hookups with solid 30/50-amp service, which is a lifesaver on a hot, humid Illinois summer day when you need to crank the air conditioner.
What really elevates this stop, though, is the ability to turn a chore into a mini-vacation. You’ve just spent twenty minutes doing the least glamorous part of RV life; now you’re in a prime spot to explore. The National Museum of the American Sailor is right there on base and is a fascinating place to spend a couple of hours. You are literally just a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Michigan. Instead of jumping right back into traffic, you can take a walk, enjoy the lake breeze, and just decompress. If you have kids or grandkids with you, Six Flags Great America is just a 15-minute drive away in Gurnee. You could easily make this your home base for a couple of days of thrill rides and fun. The whole area is surrounded by beautiful forest preserves with miles of bike paths, perfect for stretching your legs after a long day on the road.
Now, for the practicalities. As for cost, military campgrounds are almost always a bargain. While the price wasn't listed online last I checked, these facilities typically charge a very modest fee, somewhere in the $10 to $20 range for just using the dump station. If you’re staying overnight, the dump is usually included in your site fee. A quick call to the MWR office will get you the current rate and confirm where you need to go to pay, which is often the camp host or the main lodging office. They almost always take credit cards these days.
A few pro tips for a smooth visit: timing is everything. Friday is graduation day at the Naval training center, and the base will be bustling with families and visitors. Traffic both on and off base can be heavy. If you can, aim for a mid-week, mid-morning stop. Tuesday or Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon is the sweet spot. It’s quiet, calm, and you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Also, pack your own gear. While the station is well-maintained, you should always have your own gloves, a clear elbow connector to see when the tank is running clean, and your preferred tank chemicals.
So, is the MWR Navy Great Lakes RV Campground the right stop for you? If you’re a civilian RVer without military affiliation, this one unfortunately isn’t on the table. But for my fellow veterans, retirees, and active duty folks, this place is an absolute gem. It’s a secure, clean, and stress-free alternative to the chaos of public dump stations. It offers the chance to handle your tank duties in a peaceful setting and then enjoy some of the unique attractions the area has to offer. It turns a necessary chore into a genuinely pleasant experience. For those with access, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
715-799 Ziegemeier St, North Chicago, IL 60088
(847) 688-6763
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
navymwrgreatlakes.com/programs/8bed3a80-f9d6-4211-a93d-cadb1a3e8dab