Brenda Naused
For Emerald Trails: The new owners are doing a good job at this privately owned Forest Preserve area campground in Crete, Illinois. As the crow flies, it's about 1 mile to the Indiana state line. A woodsy and rural feel with plenty of shade trees and it's own small private lake, a basketball court,hiking trail, & kids playground. Far away from it all feel, yet there's a Walmart a 10 minute drive away. Convenient location that's not adjacent to a major highway, so its' quiet and cozy.
Emerald Trails is a family style, family run campground that's clean everytime I've been there.
The Owners are always friendly. Debbie can most often be found in the Office and is knowledgeable as well as helpful. It's not been at all difficult to form a budding friendship with her. She's easy to chat with.
There is no camp store here, so bring your grub or plan on a short drive to go shop for some after you arrive and get settled in.
There is a beverage cooler and bagged snacks, chips, and candy. Unless I just haven't noticed or been plain nosey enough - it would be nice if they added a chest freezer. So frozen pizza, ground beef, Hotdogs, and a few flavors of pint size ice cream could be on hand. I could get thru a night or a weekend on those alone.. with some buns of course. My grocer in Crete - Walt's, carries what I've wished for for 20 years: Buns in half the usual amount - four. No more throwing away excess buns when there's just the two of us. Or hoping they freeze well.. They really don't. Maybe a couple offerings of instant or ground coffee in a common brand. Boxed milk that needs no refrigeration, and a couple Variety Packs of breakfast cereals. That's my idea of a camp store that's a good thing for both Campers and the Owners.. in a pinch.
Emerald Trails has everything else you need for a relaxing camping trip. Fire ring and picnic table provided for each site. 30 and 50 Amp service. Can accommodate big rigs. Water and sewer service provided.
Everything you need if not want, reasonably priced.
I give it 4+ stars for that.
If you're looking for a Luxury RV Resort with a pool, full restaurant & bar, and a coin laundry - this may not be for you.
But if you love, or live to camp - give Emerald Trails a try.
Relax, recharge, and have a great trip!
Posted Jun 10, 2021 by Brenda Naused from Chicago. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Pattypoo
For Emerald Trails: They are horribly unfriendly! Stay away at all costs.
Posted Sep 24, 2016 by Pattypoo from Alaska. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Joe
For Emerald Trails: There is a man who works at this campground with a big handlebar mustache. He is a child molester and convicted sex offender. Do not take your children to this campground.
Posted Aug 23, 2013 by Joe from Derby. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
