Emerald Trails Campgrounds

3132 E Goodenow Rd, Crete, IL 60417, South Chicago Heights, United States

Guest rating: 4.0 / 5

Overview

Emerald Trails Campgrounds is a wooded, off-the-road campground near South Chicago Heights with a secluded setting around a large lake. Public ratings average 4/5 based on 99 reviews, with guests frequently highlighting a friendly, helpful team and a quiet, scenic atmosphere.

Camping & RV Stays

The property supports longer stays as well as typical camping visits; one guest reported staying for several months. Reviews specifically mention RV hookups and that larger rigs (including around 39 feet) can navigate the grounds and park without issue.

On-site Facilities & Recreation

While not positioned as a resort-style park with features like a swimming pool or mini golf, guests note practical campground essentials. Reported facilities include restrooms, showers, a small on-site store, and fishing in the lake, which multiple reviewers describe as productive for catching a variety of fish.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The campground is located at 3132 E Goodenow Rd, Crete, IL 60417, with access to an expressway for trips toward downtown Chicago. Nearby points of interest include Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve (~5.8 km) and The Shrine of Christ's Passion (~6.3 km), plus regional parks and museums such as Lemon Lake County Park (~11.1 km) and The Museum at Lassen's Resort (~9.8 km).

Best for

This campground is best for RVers and campers who prioritize a quiet, wooded setting with lake fishing and practical facilities like showers, restrooms, and hookups. It also suits longer stays thanks to reported support for extended visits and consistently praised staff helpfulness.

Travel tips

If you’re arriving with a larger RV, reviews indicate big rigs can get in and out smoothly, but it’s still smart to plan your approach and arrival during daylight. The location is described as close to an expressway for reaching downtown Chicago, and guests also mention convenient access to everyday needs such as restaurants, groceries, and gas nearby.

What guests say

Reviews repeatedly emphasize exceptionally friendly, helpful staff and owners, with multiple guests calling out the welcoming atmosphere. The setting is described as secluded, quiet, wooded, and centered on a large, scenic lake. Fishing is a standout activity, with guests reporting success catching a variety of fish. On the practical side, reviewers note essentials like showers, restrooms, a small store, and RV hookups, while also pointing out that it is not a “fancy” resort-style campground with amenities such as a pool or mini golf.

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