Be the first to A few of years ago, we started searching in camping.about.com and were sent to Go Camping Illinois. We RV camped there all summer 2007.
Describe your camping trip:
We only started RV camping about 3-4 years ago, just about the time gasoline prices really started to take off. We had bought our first trailer and were looking for fun close to home. This camping spot is located at the edge of town. There are 2 spring fed lakes here and my husband almost always gets his fill of fishing. The owners work hard at keeping the campgrounds clean and manicured, and they have always been extremely nice to us. No pool, but there is a nice sandy beach at one end of the largest lake with a beach store. The swimming area is roped off and separated, marking the deep water area from the shallow water area. The deep water area has a diving platform. A store is located at the office with a few necessities, although not a large selection. But a nice grocery store and great shopping is only blocks away. There is a full timers area where you can leave your RV year around, and a separate "weekenders" area. Each group has "lake front" property. They just completed a new bathhouse last summer that is very nice. It has separate bathing rooms with toilets, showers and sinks. A laundry room and another large room, which look like it might house a TV and seating in the future. This facility is kept very clean. If you are a walker, there are the most pleasant walking roads/trails around each lake and on arriving you are given a map which points out the mileage around each trail.
Pros: Although only a 45 minute drive from our home, we feel 1000 miles away. My husband says the fishing is great, the majority of the time.
Cons: There aren't a lot of on-site amenities for young people, except the swim beach. They only have a couple of bicycles to rent, but there is a new sand volleyball court, and there are plans for a tennis court in the near future. On a quiet summer night, you can hear the race track noises going in the distance. They do allow day passes for those who only want to come in and picnic, swim and fish, so sometimes the lake area can get crowded during the day, but they all leave at dusk.
Cons: There aren't a lot of on-site amenities for young people, except the swim beach. They only have a couple of bicycles to rent, but there is a new sand volleyball court, and there are plans for a tennis court in the near future. On a quiet summer night, you can hear the race track noises going in the distance. They do allow day passes for those who only want to come in and picnic, swim and fish, so sometimes the lake area can get crowded during the day, but they all leave at dusk.
Nearby attractions: The main street of quaint Sycamore is only a few blocks away. It is enjoyable to walk down the main street, visit the old time Ben Franklin store and stop for some fudge at the candy shop. They have a great summer with lots of different festivals going on from time to time. Dekalb (the county seat) is only a couple more miles down the road, if you need anything major.
Further comments: This is considered an RV resort, and no tents are allowed. However I think they do make exceptions occasionally, as one weekend we were down and they had a boy scout troop set up tents in an area. When we go camping, we look for something that is quiet and peaceful. If you are looking for a lot of things to do on site, this is probably not the place for you. As a matter of fact, there seem to always be several RVs parked there for the weekend, who only have occupants at night. This is our perfect place to get away and enjoy our relaxing time. The husband fishes and I crochet and take my laptop along. Did I mention they have a great free Wi-Fi system? Occasionally our grown children show up in their camper with the grand children and a canoe. They have a ball boating, fishing, swimming and catching frogs, and we break out the baggo and badminton, and light sticks and s'mores for the evening. Talk about prime family time. We are here most open weekends during the summer. I have to give it a 5, because it is the perfect place for us.
