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Mendota Hills Campground
Overview
Mendota Hills Campground offers a classic Midwestern outdoor experience in the heart of Lee County. Spanning over 130 acres of rolling hills and mature trees, this destination provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle of city life. The park is designed to foster a strong sense of community, making it more than just a place to park an RV. With its focus on nature and family-oriented fun, it captures the essence of traditional Illinois camping through its scenic views and spacious layout.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside Amboy, the park is surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Illinois prairie and farmland. While the setting feels secluded and private, it remains easily accessible for travelers coming from Chicago, Rockford, or the Quad Cities. The landscape features three spring-fed lakes that serve as the centerpiece for recreation, providing a picturesque backdrop for morning walks or sunset views over the water. The surrounding rural roads are perfect for a scenic drive through the heart of the Midwest.
Amenities & Park Features
The amenities here cater specifically to active families and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a sandy swimming beach and dedicated areas for catch-and-release fishing. The park is well-known for its unique seasonal events, such as the annual frog jumping contest and themed weekend activities. Practical features include golf cart rentals, a well-stocked camp store for essentials, and clean laundry and bathhouse facilities. Whether you are looking for organized recreation or a quiet spot by the campfire, the layout supports both travel styles.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, the Amboy area offers several historical and natural points of interest. History buffs can visit the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in nearby Dixon or explore the Amboy Depot Museum to learn about the region's railroad heritage. For those seeking more rugged hiking, the famous trails and canyons of Starved Rock State Park are within a comfortable driving distance for a day trip. Local festivals and nearby antique shops provide additional opportunities to experience local Illinois culture.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for families with children who appreciate structured activities and safe spaces to explore. It also appeals to nature lovers and seasonal campers looking for a consistent summer home where neighbors become friends. While it serves well as a short-term stopover for those passing through the region, it is best suited for those who want to unhook the tow vehicle and stay a while. It is a top choice for RVers seeking a wooded, lake-focused environment.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tony Sefl
Campgrounds and lakes are immaculate, people are super friendly and the bathrooms/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. Prices are also reasonable. Just don't be too loud or obnoxious after 10:30pm and you'll have a great time.
Nichol Moore
We love camping/glamping at Mendota Hills! Everyone is friendly, it is well maintained and they offer lots of amenities! It's great for the whole family, including your furry babies. We would love to be seasonals here someday.
Regina Murphy
This was my first but definitely not my last time at Mendota Hills Campground. The owners and staff are so friendly. The campground is huge and clean. You could definitely feel good about booking for just yourself or for a group camp out with enough for both adults and little children to teens to do something. There are quite a few seasonal campers and I imagine the friendliness of the camping community is why. Our women's camping group met here and we were in spots all over the campground. We all had similar experiences of friendliness, helpfulness and cleanliness of the campground amenities. There is a great swimming pond with fun activities for the kids; weekend activities to participate in; and a Sunday non denominational church service. They offer golf cart rentals if you do not own one. Our group leader rented one and it was clean and well maintained. There is a nice play ground for children including an inclusive swing set; sand volleyball court and basketball hoops. I am sure I didn't see all of the amenities.
Steve Jernberg
This campground is a beautiful hidden gem. We have been many times over the years. Every time there seems to be a new addition to the property. They are constantly re-investing. Facilities are well maintained. Everyone including the residence/ campers are there to enjoy themselves and relax. GREAT place for the family.
Krystle L
This campground is very family friendly with tons of yearly activities and special “weekend’s”. Check out the schedule before you book, you won’t be disappointed! Tent/RV/popup/camper with all the amenities of home.
Sandra Mendoza
We have gone twice, we truly love this place. Donna front desk was amazing offered to use her golf cart to give us extra light while we had to pack up at night to leave since we were having a family party early the next day. They also gave us Buds Island when a customer cancelled there reservation. What a treat that area was. Everyone there is friendly not just staff but residents as well. Also really nice activities for kids and adults. Nice playground.
Mary Tosh
The campgrounds is very clean, the staff was very friendly and helpful. We booked for over the 4th and was told they were full but they booked us on a little used site. The day we came in we were told that a pull through spot had opened up. The staff took us to both spots on their goft cart. And let us pick our place. They have loads of activities on the weekends, and everyone is welcome. One of our weekends included a free will donation pig roast. With bingo after. Food trucks, craft show more bingo and kids Bible school along with Sunday service and potluck were also available. Three things that I was concerned about was the smoking at the pavilion. As non smokers we didn't appreciate that. The other was it seemed that some the goft carts went faster then 10 miles. The bathrooms though very clean the showers could use some upgrades, (very small). Over all this campground is a solid 10 out of a 10. And it's close enough to other activities like Starved Rock. A great ice cream shop in Mendota and don't forget the train museum in Amboy.
Shannon Lynch
This wasn’t our first time staying at Mendota hills and it certainly will not be our last. When we arrived, my husband had some concerns that his truck would rub on our camper when we had to turn around to go to our site. A couple of gentleman that I’m positive own/work there came over and graciously offered to hook their truck up and pull our camper to our site. Super helpful!!! I felt welcomed at every single interaction with every worker and person there. The Mother’s Day activity was adorable and bingo was a blast as always. It seems like they are actively expanding their facilities and offerings while still maintaining very reasonable rates. Thank you for such a wonderful weekend!!
Stacie Woodworth
This was our first time at Mendota Hills and it was a great weekend! With our arrival on Friday night, we were greeted by friendly staff and check in was fast and easy. We purchased firewood and it was delivered to the site as we were guided to the site. We really like the cement pad on the pull thru sites and we’re set up in no time. Everyone around the camp grounds were friendly and it was a beautiful setting with the open fields and healthy lakes. There are great activities for everyone to enjoy and everyone seemed friendly and welcoming. Our son was quick to make friends and there was a lot of space to play and different activities to try. His highlights included the frog jumping contest, basketball knockout games, Bingo, volleyball and playing with other kids. The camp ground and showers are clean and quiet. We look forward to our next trip and making more memories as a family. Thank you Jamie, Michelle, Donna, Glenda, and John for your hospitality. See you again soon!
Kelly Ness
Absolutely loved this place! The owners and staff were incredibly friendly and kind! The campground is beautiful, lots of scenery! They have fun activities for the kids and great amenities to keep everyone entertained. We rented a golf cart and it was so much fun! Highly recommend!