Mendota Hills Campground

Following up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed take on Mendota Hills Campground, one of northern Illinois’ better-known countryside escapes just south of Amboy.

HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spread out across gently rolling terrain with mature trees, open fields, and a few small ponds, Mendota Hills Campground delivers that nostalgic Midwestern campground atmosphere - complete with campfires crackling, kids racing bikes and a few too many golf carts cruising by after dinner; (2) The park offers full-hookup RV sites (both 30/50 amp), seasonal spots and a smattering of tent sites, plus several rental cabins and campers for those traveling light; (3) Amenities hit all the family favorites: a swimming pool, fishing ponds, volleyball court, playground, rec hall and an organized weekend event calendar that keeps campers social and the kids busy; (4) The on-site camp store is well-stocked with essentials, firewood, snacks and ice as well as doubling as the local gossip hub - you’ll find out everything from who’s playing music by the pavilion to where the best s’mores are roasting; (5) Location-wise, it’s about 10 minutes to Amboy and 20 to Dixon, both offering grocery stores, quaint diners, both smart as well as quick & casual dining joints as well as hardware options if you need a quick re-supply, plus a Casey’s nearby for that late-night pizza run. 

LOWLIGHTS: (1) Like many long-established private campgrounds, Mendota Hills leans toward the 'seasonal resident' crowd, so transient weekenders might feel like guests in someone else’s summer neighborhood; (2) Some interior roads could use grading and gravel refresh, especially after a rainy spell; (3) Wi-Fi and cell service are hit-&-miss depending on carrier that is actually great for unplugging, but not so great for remote workers like me; (4) Depending on where you’re parked, you might hear a bit of noise from U.S. Route 52 or late-night gatherings at the pavilion; (5) Tent campers may find the terrain uneven and limited shade in certain sections.

Happy Camping!

Just off Highway 52, smack dab between Amboy and Sublette, here in northern Illinois, you’ll come across this decent sized camping community of 130 or so acres, that is more designed for those campers that want to bring their living room with them than those that really want to be out in the midst of nature enjoying the best of what this lush, verdant farmland has to offer. Any closer to the highway, and you’d be camping on it! 

This would normally have me caution you just a bit to say that you’ll likely hear the ‘swoosh’ of drive-by traffic, although this isn’t the most heavily trafficked highway to be next to, so you’ll be fine. That said, the property is well designed and has 3 different loops that are completely saturated with RV ‘yard lots’, many of which have already begun to build out semi-permanent decking structures, which reinforces the notion that the many that are ‘camping out’ here are really in for the long haul – at least for the summer months when the environment is much more habitable. 

The grounds are appointed with a number of amenities from group-sized shelters, large pavilion and gazebos to kid’s playgrounds, volleyball court, designated dump sites, archery range, swings and slides to a few small ponds (3 in total by my count: catfish, blue gill and bass lakes) where one can feign to enjoy a degree of light fishing. You’ll discover there’s also a small lagoon with a beach head for swimming and this place packs a lot of water toys (paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, row boats and corcl boards are all free to use) for the kiddos to enjoy. There’s a main office complete with a camp store where you’ll check-in and can purchase a number of sundries that perhaps you had forgotten to bring along. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to rent a golf cart here in case you wanted to, although the place is definitely small enough that I don’t know why you would need one. The bathroom, shower and laundry facilities are quite good and clean. Also, this campground has its very own church – The Refuge – along with a prayer garden, so you can enjoy nature and the divine all in the same spot! I just have to give this campground extra props for supplying a bit of respite for the soul as well as for the body itself.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s not a lot to do or access in these parts, so be prepared to bring with you whatever you might need for the length of time you plan on being here; (2) IMHO the best sites are those located on the backside of the campground that are water facing, such as sites #1–5; #11–22; #26–28; #34–37; and #38–46; (3) Despite these parts being fairly flat, there’s some decent hiking to be had, which you can access due west of the campground, which if you take far enough (about 5 miles or so), you will hit the nearest town of Amboy, where you can stop and enjoy something to eat before heading back; and (4) When you get tired of foraging for your next meal from the bottom of your roto-molded Cordova cooler or mini-fridge, then check out a few of the nearby eateries for some decent grub. Heading south towards Sublette, I highly recommend La Fiesta for simply outstanding Mexican or for a superb cup of coffee and a nice cupcake, try out Local Cup & Cake. Heading north towards Amboy, you’ll want to swing by Long Branch Saloon for some very old school fried chicken and / or family-style Italian. 

Happy Camping!