Haunted Trails in Joliet may sound like a scary attraction where ghosts and monsters lurk, but in reality, it’s a family-friendly amusement park with a G-rated Halloween theme. It’s not just open during the month of October though. You can visit Haunted Trails year-round (outdoor attractions are closed from about October through April), making it a worthy addition to your Chicagoland RV road trip itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
What can you expect at Haunted Trails in Joliet? All sorts of fun! Expect two mini-golf courses, three go-kart tracks, laser tag, batting cages, and many rides including a spinning tornado ride and a monster-themed free-fall. Guests can also enjoy a large game room, where you can score tickets that you can redeem for prizes. Celebrating a birthday on your RV vacation? Haunted Trails in Joliet has won awards for being one of the best places in the area to celebrate.
After enjoying the indoor and outdoor attractions at Haunted Trails, you can point your RV in the direction of exciting Chicago (deep dish pizza, anyone?), or head to a nearby Illinois state park for some peace and quiet. Other midwest cities including Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Kalamazoo are well within reach too.
Entry is free to Haunted Trails Joliet, so no need to buy tickets online. This also applies to the nearby Haunted Trails in Burbank. You’ll only need to budget for games and rides, which can cost as little as $2 or as much as $35. Look for coupons on the website, as well as discounted ticket days, and packages that give you unlimited rides and dining deals.
Haunted Trails is located in Joliet, Illinois. The attraction is about 40 miles away from Chicago near the communities of Crystal Lawns, New Lenox, Preston Heights, and Lockport. If traveling from Chicago via RV, be aware of low clearance bridges and roads that restrict oversized vehicles. This will definitely require a little extra planning and may add some time to your drive.
If you’re tired of parking fees, Haunted Trails may put a smile on your face. Put away your wallet, because parking is usually free here for vehicles of all sizes. Plan on arriving early if visiting this popular attraction during the weekend or during the summer when kids are out of school. It may not be easy to find parking elsewhere for an RV.
Why yes, you can get from Chicago to Joliet by public transportation, and it may take about one or two hours to do so. Visiting Haunted Trails from an RV campground that’s not in Chicago? Public transportation may still be available, but check schedules and local routes before arriving. Ask your campground host about shuttle options from their facility.
All of the rides and games at Haunted Trails may make you want to stay all night, but sadly the park must close and you must sleep elsewhere. There are no RV campsites, hotel rooms, or other lodging options at Haunted Trails in Joliet, but rest assured that you can find an option for your taste and budget without having to drive too far.
There are several Joliet RV campgrounds, though do be aware that some may be more focused on long-term residents rather than overnight guests. Raceview Farms is less than 20 miles from Haunted Trails and would let you add a trip to Chicagoland Speedway to your RV trip.
You can also check out Kankakee South KOA in Chebanse, which is about 45 miles from Haunted Trails. RV campground options in Chicago itself are limited, but you can definitely find options that put you close enough to the city to enjoy it while you’re visiting.
Haunted Trails is a relatively small venue. It's easy to get around on foot. Plan on walking around both indoor and outdoor attractions. Most of the park, including the game room and restaurant, is ADA accessible. Contact the park directly if you need special accommodations or help with the park layout.
If you visit during the peak season (summer), you’ll be inside and outside during your trip to Haunted Trails. Pack comfortable, casual clothes, including some layers that you can bring with you in the event of cooler temperatures, air conditioning, or rainfall. In the winter, have lots of warm clothing. Bring clothes for both the city and nature if you plan on taking advantage of urban adventures in Chicago and nearby state parks. Don’t forget your swimsuit if it’s warm enough to visit Lake Michigan.
Camping options for RV travelers in Joliet and the surrounding area range from developed resorts to bare-bones parking lots. Pack accordingly, with comfortable seating for outside, RV supplies, cookware, and bedding. Have a small bag for your trip to Haunted Trails in Joliet and all other trips you take in the area.
Depending on where you camp near Haunted Trails, you’ll likely be in close proximity to a store where you can grab any essentials you might have forgotten. However, in the interest of being prepared, pack sunscreen and bug spray (for the summer months), toiletries, a basic first-aid kit, and plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you fueled while sitting in traffic or exploring the area.
Before you pack your kitchenware, check to see what your RV campsite near Joliet offers. Some may be equipped with kitchens or outdoor grills while others may not offer much. Pack fuel, pots, pans, plates, and silverware, and plan on picking up groceries in Joliet. You will also find RV supply stores in the Chicago area. Be sure to follow cooking restrictions, especially if you’re camping in a state or national park.
You’ll find plenty to eat within minutes of Haunted Trails in Joliet. Dining options range from comfort food to more exotic fare, along with plenty of the chain restaurants you’d see in any US city. Look to Chicago if you want a fancier meal or a really good craft beer.
Hungry after all of that laser tag? Grab a bite right at Haunted Trails. Vendors may change, and seasonal availability can always affect hours and menu items, but you can generally expect affordable, casual meals such as burgers, wraps, salads, pizzas, and soft drinks. Haunted Hills accepts credit cards and cash.
Haunted Trails is not about terrifying roller coasters, but safety is still crucial when visiting an attraction with rides. Security will enforce age and height restrictions on rides and may shut down attractions based on weather and other hazards. Be aware that some items, including outside food and drinks, are not allowed inside. Ask if you’re not sure about bringing a particular item.
Thanks to its Lake Michigan-adjacent location, Joliet is known for warm, humid summers and chilly, damp winters. If visiting Haunted Trails in the summer, expect temperatures in the 80s. If visiting in the winter when the park is limited to indoor attractions, expect cold weather in the 30s and 40s. Rain is possible at any time of year and may result in temporary ride closures.
If you’re feeling unwell while spending the day at Haunted Trails, let a member of staff know right away. The closest hospital is about 4.5 miles away, but other hospitals can be found in neighboring towns as well as Chicago itself. For more specialized care, you will likely need to go to Chicago. You can find pharmacies and drugstores in Joliet.
