Campground was huge most spots were level they had a huge pond loaded with bluegill. Lots of woods for great hiking not very long trails but well groomed. They also have a well stocked camp store with lots of little cool items read more

This campground is a hidden gem. It is very quiet and peaceful. They take very good care of the place and the owner and her son are super nice. If you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of life and relax than this is the place for you. They have fishing and paddle boats. They offer a volleyball court, basketball court and a nice playground for the kids. There is also full service grocery store not even ten minutes from here. The lady that owns the place is very sweet and kind. Her son is always happy to help and seems happy to work here. read more

So this place is a bit remote. Navigation shows the other side of the road. The sign says campgrounds and there is no clues that an RV park is there. Can see a single sign of RV's or people from the road. You drive down a 1 lane road hoping that your going to the right place. The last part of the road is narrow and the trees need to be trimmed because you are going to be scrapping your roof. Sites are a bit tight and sewage connection sucks. Most people are friendly but there are a few campers that look shady but it's pretty cheap and your only 45min from the city. read more

Absolute wonderful campground! We have been here since June and have loved every minute of it we plan on staying here all winter as well! Coin operated Washer and dryers in the campground, very convenient and work great! Perfect location and only 1 hour from Chicago! Only 15 -20 minutes from St. John, Indiana. St. John has anything from grocery stores and restaurants and is a very beautiful and nice town too! I would highly recommend staying here. Jim is very nice and works very hard to make sure everything is up to date and well kept! Debbie is such a sweetheart and makes sure everything is ready when you arrive! read more

Bare bones camping, that's what's going on at Emerald Trails. It's small, clean, it's well-wooded and has water but not the kind you want to get into. The majority of spots (over 80%) are for RVs with water and electric hookups. The rustic sites (for tents only) have fire rings and with each ring comes a picnic table but that is IT. The land for tents is almost entirely sloped so unless you're there when no one else is, as we were, you'll be set up on a serious incline. I didn't inspect the bathrooms but they were far enough away at the office that...um...let's just say the roll of TP I brought came in handy. It was very quiet at night, maybe because it wasn't a weekend that we were there, but the place is small enough that if there was any sound being made by either the tents or the RVs, you'd probably hear it. I can recommend Emerald Trails as a close-to-the-city option because you really are in the sticks there, but it's about as bare bones as a campground gets. Some tips - if you're there on a Sunday, you'll have to go to Dyer (Indiana) for groceries since *everything* is closed around there that day BUT you can't buy beers in Indiana on Sundays so... you'll cover what you need in your drive to and from. read more

I can't believe the negative reviews on here! "It's too quiet!" How is that a bad thing? If I wanted it to be loud, I'd have stayed home. "It's not very crowded." Um, how on earth is this possibly a bad thing? If I wanted close neighbors, I'd have stayed home. "I brought my own toilet paper." Are you new to camping? I am and I already figured that out. "You have to drive to find anything to do. Hmm, a campground in the middle of nothing? How strange. Maybe you'd prefer the Yogi Bear on the highway exit ramp? "They lock the gate at night." So no strangers can come on the grounds at night while you're sleeping? That sounds AWFUL! Let's review: a quiet, uncrowded, secure campground in the middle of nothing. It sounds perfect to me. read more

First off, go very slow on the dirt road coming into the park. It's VERY bumpy. The park itself is really woodsy and fairly well kept. There is a lot of junk laying around. Spaces have plenty of room, however the roads are narrow which makes parking your rig a little difficult if the spaces next to you are occupied. The manager, Sandra Jefferson doesn't seem to like her job. We have been here twice and as a rule we must have caught her on a bad day, both times. She got into an argument both times with the man that shows you to your RV spot. Kind of humiliating. They lock the front gate at 10:00 pm. She will give you a key in case you come in late. She requires a $5 deposit for the key. Either she didn't mention it or I just didn't hear her, but I failed to pay the $5. She called me later & told me that didn't pay. Made me feel like a crook. I told her I wasn't going anywhere & would take care of it in the morning, as I was 30 miles away at the time. Also told her that I didn't recall her asking for a deposit. Also the fee for one week is $200. The first time she insisted we pay by cash only. I told her that I don't carry that kind of cash with me & I would have to give her a check. She said no. Need cash. ATM not far away. I told her no way, that I would give her a check. After a few minutes of deliberations she accepted a check. Oh! And don't make it out to Emerald Trails, make it out to the owner & gave me her name. We would stay here again because its with in 30 miles of where we go. It's the closest around. read more

See all

We were here from 8.24.19 to 8.27.19 and would not return. The very very long driveway started out very beautifully paved for approximately 50' and then gravel. The drive was really pretty until you get to the actual location. The tree branches (unavoidable) have not been trimmed back in years. Your motorhome will definitely get a "brushing", not a pretty sight at all. 95% of the plumbing is above ground (PVC everywhere), horizontally and without the 90° end on the horizontal, WHAT!!! I truly can't tell if the majority of the motorhomes were just abandoned and no one has yet decided when to get rid of them or do people live in them and the park has no rules about the condition, appearance and bulk of garbage sitting upside and around them. I'm guessing but I believe this is more of a run down seasonal/full time motorhome park. They have absolutely nothing to offer for the $40 per night stay. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! And there is nothing close in the area either. read more

Stayed here for 3 months while we renovated our house. It was great. Quiet, relaxing and close to home. We would definitely go camping there again just to get away and relax. read more

Unfortunately, there are not any options in this area. This place is creepy, the lady that runs the place is rude, it is very bare bones. There is so much potential here, but that only makes it sadder. The "nature trails" they advertise on their website...we decided to take a walk down one, only to be stalked by the guy that works there and told to "get off, it's private property." The trail we were on was EXACTLY like every other trail on the property and in no way marked private. There are no amenities. The laundry is only open a few unpredictable hours a day, and only during the day so if you are working, etc., you will not be able to do laundry here. The driveway is a long washboard with lovely signs warning that you stay on the road as they have places nails in the grass. That is a very nice welcome for your "guest." You will soon feel much more like an inmate! It gets two stars because you will be entertained by the sheer spookiness of the place. read more

We stayed there for a quick get away with our kids. We really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. Our kids loved riding their bikes, going for adventures in the wooded area and just being kids. We made some great family memories and enjoyed our stay here. read more

Emerald Trails Campground, 3132 E. Goodenow Rd., Crete, IL 60417 708-672-8700. Camping there is clean, quiet & serene. Tent or RV Campsites available nightly, weekly or monthly. Easy to find From IL394 go East on Exchange St. only 1.8 miles. South to Klemme Rd 3miles. You can only turn left on Goodenow. Entrance less than 1/2 mile on left. emeraldtrailscampground.com read more