Where I park in the big city. Options for boondocking in Chicagoland.

[@snooks73]

Jimmy, that's an awesome video! I drive in Chicago every day and I see no obvious RVs. This is not RV land. Great suggestions though. In Oak Park, if you know someone who lives here, you can get a free overnight parking pass for up to three nights. After that you can pay $10 for 7 nights. I've parked my RV (Promaster with raised roof and obviously an RV) in front of my own house with a pass with no problem. As you know, hardly anyone it the city or nearby suburbs has a driveway. Our garages are small and line the narrow alleys. Bummer. Still, that was an important video.

[@snooks73]

Me again. It's expensive and not probably accessible to public transportation to Chicago, but there is camping in Cook County (where Chicago is located). Also, I bet it's nearly impossible to get a reservation. I've never tried. fpdcc.com/camping/camping-fees/#full

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

That's not a bad deal! Thanks for this helpful info, Allyson!!!

[@greeneyedggirl]

Another place, just south of the city and on the train line is the Indiana Sand Dunes National Park right on the water. Full hookups, starting at $18 dollars a night, if you have a national parks pass $9 dollars a night. It's lovely and quiet, and the train will take you right into the station on Vanburen, a few short blocks from the Museums and Navy Peir. It's awesome!!!

[@cynthiahicks1909]

That is a state park and the national park pass wouldn't work there. If you are talking about the one on Hwy. 49 There is a national park camping spot over by Beverly Shores. Portage park beach washed away so it's a no go. The national lakeshore by Miller Beach doesn't have overnight parking. FYI

[@greeneyedggirl]

cynthia Hicks I specifically said "Indiana Sand Dunes NATIONAL PARK" which has NOT washed away and the national parks pass works just fine at. I've used mine there.

[@thedude7083]

SAND DUNES ARE MY BACK YARD...YES GOOD THERE!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks for the info, Samantha! I didn't realize this. I should edit that into the video!!

[@cynthiahicks1909]

There is no such thing as Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. I've lived here for 35 years!!!!!!

[@CDubsJourney]

Thank you for another informative video. Love the calmness of your voice. Safe travels and adventures Jimmy. 🚎

[@greeneyedggirl]

C Dub's Journey I very much agree, I could listen to him read the phone book and enjoy it!0

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

LOL! Thanks guys! I understand that this wasn't a very exciting video but i appreciate you watching it any way!!

[@CDubsJourney]

😘🤗 you are too cute!

[@CDubsJourney]

Samantha Shanti Âû exactly! 😊

[@rujeepn]

I was born in Feb 1960 in Cook County hospital in Chicago! I am however, grateful my parents left when I was a couple months old. They went back to Ireland where they were both born & raised but didn’t meet till they came to America in the late 50’s. I am 1st generation American. Then my dad found out there was work to be had in CA so he came & got a job & a place to live & then we came when I was just about a year old. They bought a house near Pasadena in 1963 & my mom still lives there today. I haven’t been back but maybe someday would like to see my birthplace! Thanks for the videos of the area.

[@lindathompson6678]

Thanks! I doubt I would ever go there, but the other two rural cities you mentioned I took note of! Have a good day Jimmy!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Linda! Stay in a hotel if you visit.

[@susanmerritt8331]

Thanks for the great info as I will be visiting the Chicago area sometime in the fall when I come up to see my sister!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Fall is a great time to visit!

[@danielafurlan322]

Glad that you are enjoying the city and showing us that......

[@kylehiggins3216]

I love Chicago to visit... have you ever been to Tuscany? Authentic Italian Cuisine... 3 hour experience... worth it! Always stay with friends, thankfully

[@allentowngal4769]

Thank you.. and the other commenters for the info! I will definitely refer back to this video when I finally get my wheels. Thx

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks ATG!

[@janarose6025]

i was born and raised in the burbs. your right about the food. one of the best! I thought I would die when I left and had to learn a new taste for foods :)

[@Wildflower1880]

This is a Great Posting Jimmy, I wish there was a way that I could print it off. Guess I could just sit & watch it again & take some good notes. U remind me so much of one of my cousins, he was laid back like U R, & he had Ur gentleness, I could talk to U all day long, but I'd be fearful that we'd put each other to sleep, because we both have the same demeanor, we're both soft spoken, gentle & kind. & if I had to guess Ur not much of a complainer, & U don't raise Ur voice very often either... Yep, I've got Ur #......... LoL Well drive safe & Thank U for all the GREAT insight ... I love U & Olive just like Ur Family!!!!

[@sharrose7594]

We visited Chicago a few times over the years after our trip to Indiana dunes and up shores of Michigan. Have you been to Kemil beach indiana dunes or silver beach at st Joseph MI, also ventured little furher north south haven and Saugatuck. you will love them! St Joe very artistic community and awesome lighthouse piers up that coast.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

I've been many times but not in years. Love those areas!

[@A10TOES]

Chicago IS a great city, lots to do & see. What city is safe anymore< not many, Indianapolis is getting worse on shootings everyday. I use to take the train from Lafayette to Chicago many many times, the Amtrak as my late hubby was a clerk for N&S RR so I can ride half price anywhere in the states. Oh was that ticket your? Good info for ppl visiting/where to park.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

How nice! No, it wasn't my ticket. I've avoided them so far this stay, thankfully!!

[@Jojo-if3lr]

Great information. Hope you have a wonderful week.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks! You too Julie!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Jimmy, Thanks for the "inside info" on street parking. Good stuff to know. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks G!

[@ross8315]

very good info. makes me want to come and visit you there

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

You'd have to make it quick Ross! I'll be out of here very soon!

[@majilique]

Thanks for the information, Jimmy. Have friends spending the summer RVing and I think they were planning to see Chi-Town. ~db

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks DB! Good luck to your friend!

[@vernharris500]

Hey Jimmy great video glad to hear from you as for parking in Illinois I know the Walmart in Elgin Illinois on Randall Road allows overnight parking and weekend parking there are no signs one way or another however my brother Parts his ring (semi) there over the weekend and Just leaves it running all weekend even though he's not in it

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Wow! Thanks Vern. My father lives near there and my understanding was that they do not allow overnight parking.

[@nana23boyz3]

Excellent information, Jimmy. Any one wishing to park across the state line in Hammond, IN can check the South Shore Line web site for train times and fares. Safe Travels to CO.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks nana!!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

⁉️ Yikes! How did i miss the notice for this awesome information?! Thank you for sharing! I’m 👩🏻 in DP Co. 📍 (Don’t have a van yet) ~ 🚫🅿️ no place to park out here either & way more restrictions. But lots of free nature 🌿 preserves to explore! 🚙 When I travel to the gateway to the west, the burbs are restricted there too. 🚫🅿️ Hospital & hotel lots are out, etc. I was able to get a FEW 💤 winks at a busy gas station, get there, do my tasks, get out, sleep later. Out west might be the best for me 💁🏻‍♀️ once I get a van. Really appreciate your personal local experiences w/ urban boon-docking. 💖🚐🎞👍🏻 Safe travels!

[@janicehelsius3558]

Nice to see you again Jim. Thanks for the great information very helpfully... when are you planning to be back for the road? Take care!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

I'm hoping to be on the road next week!

[@dorothyjanediaz3642]

I love you and could listen to you talk all day about anything!!! Please know that I am not flirting I just really do Enjoy, Cherish and Appreciate your friendship even if it is just on here right know... Hope your doing well and not in as much pain!! Stay Safe Enjoy Life and God bless you forever and always... Hugs😎💕😎

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Jane, you're so sweet !😘

[@phillipabma8093]

I have a condo in Rogers Park and last time I went there there were no parking restrictions

[@michaelme3836]

Very awesome video. Thank you

[@ginac7839]

Excellent video! I personally wouldn’t drive my RV in Chicago (class C). 😱😱 Driven into that city enough times to know better. Lol! Even when I visited in my car, it pretty much stayed in the hotel parking deck the entire time. Much easier to walk and take public transportation everywhere. I wonder if one could get away with parking an RV in one of the suburb train stations? Been too many years can’t remember their parking....

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Yes, smart choice Gina! The parking spots at train stations in the area, that I'm familiar with, are quite tight. Might be ok for my vehicle but probably not for bigger rigs. Thanks!

[@m.d.grimes1622]

Good video Jimmy, thanks. :)

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks MD!

[@dananicholson9911]

Thanks for anther great video you rock thanks for sharing your wit me peace and much love from Louisiana

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Dana!!

[@dirkrichmond6342]

I wondered if you checked on parking at or near Metra's University Park station. It's closer than Kankakee.

[@UncleMo2]

:O $30 a night, I'd definately be avoiding that one. 👍for providing some options for those that might be passing thru. Hope you continue to show us all around while you are in the area :) Stay safe and glad you seem to be feeling better.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Mo!!

[@kellydoyle]

$30 a night?! That’s RENT in most cities and towns! What about near a college or other areas with a lot of apartments where people park blocks away from their residences and no one would be the wiser. I will say, Oakland and Berkeley are easy peasy as far as parking goes. It’s not technically legal to sleep in a vehicle on the street but vans and campers parked on residential streets all over with no problems, along the Marina... I’ll be sure to drive AROUND Chicago if it’s ever on my route!

[@shannonpurkey4400]

I live in Schaumburg Illinois Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. They fight over parking even as residents downtown and suburban areas. I wish it was more RV friendly, it's tough. Be creative and prepared!

[@bsoutdooradventures9541]

Kelly Doyle Hey Ms. Kelly!!!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

In nicer areas, such as Berkeley, from the campus area down through Rockwood the residents squabble and an antagonize "out of state" vehicles (any vehicle, not just RV's) by calling the city for a tow, lying that you have been there 3 days yet you have just arrived. They keep big brightly colored "to be towed" stickers on hand, run out when you are not looking and plaster it on your driver window. The less afluent areas it might be OK yet...the learning curve is slow and expensive. You can easily get three citations a month in the bay area.

[@kellydoyle]

Brenda Koweta hi Brenda! 👋

[@kellydoyle]

G Henrickson Yea, best to stay in Berkeley perhaps. I’ve seen campers parked on the street in Berkeley for over a year! Also he Berkeley Marina. I guess it was easier for me because I know the area.

[@donvannorman563]

Hey Jimmy you did a great job of talking me in and out of coming to Chicago LOL!!! Just kidding!!! But I will stop off and see your city on my way to Upstate New York next time I go back!!! Okay wandering Chicago Jimmy later brother!!! Cool Cove Don!!!

[@elainemcnary625]

Thank goodness for friends. Very good info.👌🌻

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

thanks!

[@juanesebuitrago4040]

Thanks for the info. It doesn’t sound like my kind of place. I’d have to have someone to show me around, and how to get around!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

I'd show you around, but I'm hoping to leave next week!

[@juanesebuitrago4040]

wandering jimmy that would be really cool! Maybe someday.

[@motrukdriver]

In a pinch you could always drop anchor for a night at one of the truck stops. Russell has a TA and an independent, Harmony has a TA and I think a Road Ranger with decent restaurants. Morris has a new Pilot and a giant size TA. I'd probably steer clear of Gary In but if you go a little further east out by Burns Harbor, In there are some clusters of truck stops that are decent enough for a night. Chicago is pretty cool but for me it's the kind of city, if I want to go to a city, that I'd go in for a day and get out before dark. Having drove a semi for years and going in and out of that city I do know where there are hidey holes you can park at but they are scattered all over. Someone not familiar would probably find it quite difficult. Oh, and my own personal recommendation... don't go to Chicago in the winter!!!! Well, if you have Eskimo or Polar Bear blood then maybe you'll find it nice. It can sure get brutal up there.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Good point Mo! Thanks! Yes, driving big rigs and RVs in Chicago is NOT for beginners!!

[@oldcrow6990]

Good to know. Thanks! I've always just driven around it, but you never know...

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Hi Old Crow!

[@frankmnowickl9010]

Jimmy you can keep your city don't want nothing to do with it l will watch you when and if you hit the road take care see ya down the road peace out

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Should be back on the road next week!

[@jaoquelinebell784]

❤😚 Hey Jimmy!!! 😁 Does seem like a challenge parking there. I know you'll be happy to hit the road ❤

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Hi J! I will be so happy!!😉

[@samwilliams1468]

Metra station parking lots, $1.25 a Day. Take train into Chicago. What part of Chicago are you from? I attend UIC, one more semester. (fingers crossed)

[@darryldrax606]

Good to know thanks ☺✌🙏❤👏👍😉

[@dylanyin4]

It may not be rv friendly but stealth van friendly is doable. I’m not in a van yet but I’ve lived here all my life. Now that I am aware that van dwelling exist i am always looking around at areas for safe stealth parking. It is true that many areas are not the safest for anyone to stealth stay, and many areas while stealth safe For some may not be as stealth because you may stick out like a sore thumb. Being totally honest, Chicago has very segregated areas still to this day. A white guy would stick out like a sore thumb in some black or Hispanic areas after certain hours, And vice versa. There are however areas that are very diverse and available possibly for stealth van boondocking. Over by Greek town or uic After certain hours there is no need to pay the meter after a certain time. If you can find parking Hyde Park is a safe and diverse area on the South side. I admit it will take some research but it is doable in the summer. Winter parking is a diff beast all together..

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Dylan! Good points. You do still run the risk of getting a ticket for not having a city sticker with over night parking, which I no longer have. For me, dealing with the winter weather is easier than the summer heat, being in a van. When it's 90 outside, it's at least 100 in the van...ugh!

[@flowers4me745]

Racine and Milwaukee are. Pretty bad for parking also stay safe and god bless

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks!

[@rockytop228]

Are you in a sticks and bricks while in Chicago!?! I don’t know why I just assumed that you were?!? 💟☮️

[@rockytop228]

Ahhhhhh I watched the end 👍🏻😘

[@thedude7083]

YES MY FRIEND...MY CHILDREN...ADULTS..LIVE IN DESPLAINES..MT.PROSPECT! THEIR GOOD TOWNS WITH PARKING! YES I DID LIVE IN DESPLAINES FOR A WHILE! GREAT VIDS MY FRIEND! HAVE FUN..BE SAFE!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Blue! 👍

[@darrylk808]

Thanks Jimmy.

[@countrytime80]

how dare that plane try to drown you out. rude! :) you sir, have a wealth of knowledge.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

LOL! Thanks!😘

[@broadcastyoursel2234]

Hi Jimmy, do you have any upcoming meet ups in Desplaines or Chicago?

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Hi Lissy! I don't. I'll be leaving very soon.

[@scooterh9738]

Thank you :)

[@carolsmith2699]

Good information! I don't know whether this would be an option but what about overnight parking at a hospital parking lot?

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Carol! It is an option in the suburbs, but not at any i've been to in the city.

[@rvnomadlifereset6116]

Good to see you Jimmy!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks!

[@theoldfarmerswife5915]

$30/night YIKES! I’m thinking the train is the way to go

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Definitely!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

Wow. Sounds so restrictive. I wouldn't want to go there.

[@Japhill75]

Well I’m sure that’s very helpful..!

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

LOL, thanks!!

[@karenr67]

What about hospital parking lots?

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

It's possible in the suburbs but not in the city from what I've seen. Thanks for the idea Karen!

[@barb736]

Thanks for the info😸

[@thedude7083]

BEVERLEY SHORES NOW.....CHK IT OUT!

[@MrZ4X5C6V7]

Is the lack of parking an opportunity to make money ?

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

could be.

[@ellexpress111]

Be safe

[@pennylee6569]

Hi there Jimmy

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Hi Penny!

[@patriciarussell7487]

Hi😎👍😘✋

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

HI!!!

[@cuddle464]

again otbkl!!! (wanna know what that means?? i'll tell you in private... :-P)

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

ok, tell me!

[@cuddle464]

I sent an email, hope I got the right one...

[@cuddle464]

Or I can tell you here, then you can delete it you want.

[@chaisroom6631]

I have chosen to end my subscription with your channel...I have noticed you speak negatively about the south and west sides...not cool...

[@carolsmith2699]

It's just an opinion. We all have different opinions. Jimmy is a nice guy with some of the best videos on KZbin.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Chai's Room, I definitely don't mean to offend you or anybody else. I've been staying on the west side since I've been back in the city. There are tons great people who live in these areas, but the fact is that most violent crime does happen there. I'm sorry if what I said offered you, it wasn't my intent.

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thanks Carol!

[@dirkrichmond6342]

Does anyone speak positively about areas with ridiculous numbers of shootings?