Hammel Woods Campground

Campsites are big and clean, the fire pits are really nice, and having an extra large picnic table available is always super handy.

The gates are closed at 8PM but NOT locked for emergency reasons. Our party had a great experience and will be staying here again in the future.

No u

Loved this place. Does not have power supplies for camping. They keep it clean. Trails are huge and forest is fun. But alot of trails have hikers and trail joggers passing your tent site. Can be avoided a sometimes but most people aren't considerate enough.

Good location, great walk

Pros: close proximity to Chicago when you have no other options. Reasonable price for residents. Relatively clean. Good drinking water. Close to a highway.

Cons:

- Swarms of dipluras (horrible double-tail insects) on a campsite. I mean, I appreciate the nature but my girlfriend would freak out from a bunch of dipluras dropping from a tent door or sinking in a coffee pot.

- Noise from the highway. Not disturbing too much but can be clearly heard and spoils the experience of nature.

- Closing policy. You HAVE TO be in the campground at 8:30 otherwise they will lock it and you won't be able to enter. You can have your tent pitched earlier, but if you are not there at 8:30, they won't care and lock you out with no option to drive in. I tried making a call to ask so the gate is not locked for my late arrival but they just don't care. You have to physically be there at 8:30 pm. Very stupid.

- Price for non-residents. $40 for a night in a town campground that locks you out at 8:30 pm? Cmon! Campgrounds in gorgeous national parks are $30 but here $40 for a near-highway camping with no view, no facilities other than water and restroom, and swarms of insects?

Overall - avoid if you can. Will county, cmon, you can do better for $40 per night! No wonder there are barely campers there.