Emerald Trails Campgrounds

This is a really nice clean country campground. The camping area is a little more than a mile from the road on a nicely graded gravel driveway. The laundry is reasonably priced and clean. The entire camping area has lots of trees and is nicely shaded. It is very quiet at this campground and people are friendly. There are quite a few permanent campers but that never bothers us, they tend to be really nice people that would help you if you needed it. When we booked, they told us they had a 15 lb weight limit for dogs. There are plenty of dogs well in excess of that, 50, 60, 70 lbs, which we don’t care about. Don’t let the 15 lb limit keep you away, just tell them your dog is less than that, it obviously works. I even witnessed the owner allow someone to take their unleashed Alaskan Husky in the office with them. It was a puppy, sure, but even the most ignorant person knows that dog is going to be more than 60 lbs very shortly. I don’t know what the motorcycle thing people are talking about is, there is one on the site next to me and two others that I have seen. Motorcycles don’t bother me, I’ve had them for more than 50 years. As at every campground, there is always deadbeats who don’t keep their dogs on a leash and don’t pick up after them, apparently the owners don’t care despite written rules, since they clearly see it everyday. Except for the dog deadbeats, I don’t have anything negative to say about this campground. If dog policies were reasonably enforced (the leashing and pickup), this would be 5 stars.

I was in Chicago for a conference. Prefer camping in nature to staying in an overpriced hotel. They had a great camp spot for me to place my tent and I was able to grab a shower. This was a holiday weekend and I was still able to get a spot with no reservation. Thanks so much Emerald Trails. You made my stay in Illinois a great success!

Where to start. Big Bob made my friend and I feel welcome all the way through our stay. The best camping experience I’ve had in a long time. Only local camping in the area ( steger ) also. The showers have the best water pressure. Thanks Bob for the hospitality and I will see you again.

Very clean. Nicest people that work here. I’ve been here for 5 months. Very beautiful and peaceful. I will definitely be back!

Amazing campground with woodside, hiking trails, and a pond. Bob and his team provide top rated customer service.