Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort, Marengo, IL

About

For those of us in Illinois who enjoy RV camping, finding a spot that perfectly balances convenience, amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere can be a journey of discovery. Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort, located in Marengo, IL, presents itself as an option for RV enthusiasts. While the name "resort" might evoke images of extensive luxury amenities, it's important for local users to approach this campground with a clear understanding of what it offers, particularly based on recent visitor experiences. This article aims to provide a factual overview of Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort, helping prospective campers in Illinois make an informed decision about their next outdoor adventure.

Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort appears to cater primarily to RVs, and perhaps more to long-term or seasonal residents, given some of the feedback. Its location in a rural part of Illinois suggests a quieter setting, potentially appealing to those looking to escape the bustle of city life. Understanding the specifics of its facilities and the nature of the camping experience here is key to ensuring it aligns with your expectations for an RV getaway in our home state.

Location and Accessibility

Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort is situated at 19609 Riley Harmony Rd, Marengo, IL 60152, USA. This address places the campground in a more rural area of McHenry County, Illinois. Marengo itself is a smaller community, offering a quiet escape from larger urban centers, yet it remains accessible for many Illinois residents. The location suggests a tranquil environment, away from heavy traffic and noise, which can be a significant draw for campers seeking peace and quiet.

Access to the campground is typically via local roads off larger state routes, making it reasonably easy to reach with an RV. While Marengo provides basic services, including gas stations and some local shops for provisions, visitors should consider stocking up on supplies before arriving, especially for longer stays, due to the rural setting. The proximity to other towns in McHenry County allows for day trips if desired, but the immediate surroundings of the park lean towards a natural, less developed landscape.

It's important to note that the rural location implies that immediate access to extensive amenities might be limited, and visitors should plan accordingly, ensuring they bring everything they need for their stay.

Services Offered

Based on available information and customer feedback, Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort offers a foundational set of services for RV campers. It appears to focus on providing essential hookups for RVs, catering to those who are largely self-sufficient in their vehicles. Prospective visitors should be aware of the specific services provided and any reported limitations.

Water Hookups: Sites are equipped with water connections. However, multiple accounts mention concerns about water quality, noting it can be yellow-tinted, have a strong odor, and contain high levels of metals. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own heavy-duty water filtration systems for drinking and showering.
Electric Hookups: Electricity is available at the sites, which is a standard offering for RV parks.
Propane Availability: While the park may offer propane, recent feedback indicates that staff availability for propane refills can be inconsistent, with reports of no one being available for refills on a Friday afternoon until the following Monday. Campers relying on on-site propane should verify availability or plan to refill elsewhere.
Laundry Facilities: A laundry room is present, but reviews suggest issues with the water quality and worn-out machines, leading to concerns about clothes care.
Wi-Fi: The park claims to offer Wi-Fi, but customer experiences indicate poor signal strength and difficulty with streaming on laptops or TVs. It appears unreliable for consistent internet use.
Shower Facilities: Showers are available and are reported to have good water pressure and hot water. However, some stalls may lack hooks or places to hang belongings, indicating a need for repair or maintenance in these areas.
Cash or Check Payments Only: The park explicitly states that it only accepts cash or checks for payment, which is a significant detail for financial planning prior to arrival.

Features / Highlights

Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort offers several features that might appeal to specific types of RV campers, particularly those who prioritize certain aspects of a rural camping experience, though some features might not fully live up to typical "resort" expectations.

Rural, Quiet Setting: The location in Marengo, IL, provides a peaceful and quiet environment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, which is ideal for relaxation.
"Lakeside" Access: While some reviews note that the "lake" is more akin to a pond, the presence of a body of water does offer a different aesthetic compared to a dry-land RV park.
Long-Term/Permanent Residents: The park appears to accommodate a significant number of long-term or permanently set-up RVs, which can contribute to a sense of community for seasonal campers.
Basic Essential Hookups: For those who primarily need water and electricity and are self-sufficient, the sites provide these fundamental services.

It's important to set realistic expectations regarding "resort" amenities. Based on current customer feedback, features such as high-quality facilities, readily available staff for all services, or comprehensive amenities typically found at a full-service resort might not be present or consistently maintained.

Promotions or Special Offers

Publicly available information and customer reviews for Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort do not indicate any specific promotions or special offers. The pricing model appears to be straightforward, with a stated rate of $60.00 for water and electricity hookups. Given the feedback, it is unlikely that promotional discounts are a standard feature of their operation. Their payment policy of only accepting cash or checks further suggests a simpler, more direct transactional approach rather than complex promotional campaigns.

For any inquiries about current rates, availability, or if there might be any unadvertised deals for extended stays, interested parties in Illinois should contact the resort directly. However, based on the provided information, prospective visitors should anticipate paying the standard rate for the basic services offered. It is always prudent to confirm the current pricing and payment methods when making a reservation.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more specific details about Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort, you can contact them using the following information:

Address: 19609 Riley Harmony Rd, Marengo, IL 60152, USA

Phone: (815) 923-4533

Mobile Phone: +1 815-923-4533

Given the feedback regarding inconsistent staff availability for certain services, it may be advisable to attempt contact during regular business hours and confirm any specific needs or concerns you might have before planning your trip. Remember to be prepared for cash or check payments upon arrival.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Illinois seeking a specific type of RV camping experience, Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort in Marengo offers a unique, albeit rustic, option. Its rural location provides a tranquil setting away from urban noise, appealing to those who prioritize peace and quiet over extensive amenities. If your primary need is a basic RV site with water and electric hookups in a secluded area, and you are prepared to manage other needs independently, this park could be a suitable choice for a local getaway.

The park appears to cater well to long-term or seasonal residents, which can foster a consistent and potentially friendly community atmosphere among those who frequently stay there. For new visitors from Illinois, understanding that this is not a conventional "resort" in the modern sense, but rather a more traditional RV park with a focus on basic services, is crucial. If you come equipped with your own water filtration system, have alternative plans for propane refills, and are comfortable with cash/check payments, the affordability and the quiet environment might align with your camping preferences.

Ultimately, Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort is best suited for experienced RVers in Illinois who are self-sufficient, appreciate a no-frills, quiet rural setting, and are looking for a basic place to park their RV. It offers a straightforward approach to camping for those who value simplicity and independence in their outdoor adventures within our home state.

Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort Details

Service options
Onsite services

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV sewer hookup
RV water hookup

Payments
Camping fee
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Playground

Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking

Pets
Dog park
Dogs allowed

Reviews

Lehman’s RV Park – 2 Stars Lehman’s RV Park has potential, but it needs serious improvements before it could be considered an actual “RV Resort.” 1. Water Quality The water here is rough—high in metals, yellow-tinted, and carries a strong odor. Definitely not something you want to drink or shower in without a heavy-duty filtration system. If you’re planning a stay, make sure you bring a quality water filter. 2. The Mini Cooper Speed Patrol There’s a woman in a small blue Mini Cooper who seems to have unofficially taken on the role of speed enforcer. I was doing about 8 mph (pretty reasonable), and halfway down the drive, she stuck her hand out the window, signaling me to stop and “keep it under 5.” The kicker? Later that night, her husband blew past my RV doing at least 10–15 mph. Classic. 3. Razor Rocket Man There’s also a guy on a black Razor scooter (looks like staff) who absolutely tears through the park. If the speed limit is really 5 mph, he’s breaking it by a factor of six. Honestly surprised he hasn’t launched into orbit yet. 4. Propane Woes Tried to get my RV’s propane tank filled around 3 PM on a Friday—no one was around. Called the office and was told no one would be available until Monday. Ended up having to disconnect and drive to the nearby Love’s. Not exactly convenient when you’re running low. 5. Laundry Facilities If you value your clothes, steer clear of the laundry room. Between the bad water and the worn-out machines, your wardrobe doesn’t stand a chance. 6. Roads are absolutely horrendous. It’s a pothole maze that makes driving an event trying to weave back and forth to miss them.

Apr 28, 2025 · Jim Henderson

This place only take cash or checks. It is not a resort as the name implies. There is not a single trash can on the premises and for $60.00 you get water and electricity that's it. I did not see any lake there is a pond of sorts. The showers are ok but lacks any hooks or anyplace to hang anything. It appears that they had hooks but in the repair process they didn't reinstall any. One stall had 1 hook and in that stall someone hung a small rack to place your soap and shampoo. The water pressure was good and hot water was good. The wifi they claim had bad signal strength and would not allow my laptop or TV to stream. It appears that most people here are permanently set up The place has potential but is not properly maintained or staffed. The management is more concerned with the 5 mph rule then anything here. I was scolded for my approximate 7 to 8 mph speed I will not be back The office has coolers but they are completely empty. The store shelves are mostly empty. Unless you need a hand made refrigerator magnet you are out of luck

May 17, 2025 · Roy Shipman

In all transparency, I asked if I could change my monthly due date because of where my paychecks fall and they refused. I have stayed here all summer and winter and have continuously paid between 4 and 14 days late with all late fees. I paid for a 2 (100 lb) gas tank set up, where they didn't hook it up right and the gas leaked out twice. I thought it was on my end, but it wasn't, and wasn't reimbursed when I finally noticed the smell when the direction of the wind changed. Sometimes they say I owe one thing and write me a bill and sign it and then call later saying I have a higher bill and they made a mistake. I paid up every time. The showers they only clean supposedly once a week during the winter because they are less busy per management. Dirt rings in the toilets, mold under floor shower mats, and hair hanging from a bolt for over a month in the shower. I had my sewage drain pipe slashed in the summer, people walk through my site and their tracks in the snow led to their trailer and management said they couldn't do anything, someone left a peed on snowball on my picnic table, and management said they couldn't do anything. Now, like almost always, I can't pay rent because I opened a new, local checking account and put a transfer of money to pay. I showed them the amount transferred and it was supposed to be available in 3 days, but it now is available per the bank in 7 days. The campground owner (Robin) said they don't care. Not to mention they were very prejudice against Latino campers and charge visitors (even if it is only for a partial day to say hi to me). Oh, yes....water smells and their small lake/pond is full of algae in the summer. I put up with it because I need to sell my house first, but took employment near their campground. I am not totally in the right, but with what I put up with, it is insane. Not to mention I only sleep there at night and go home on the weekends. One more thing, police were at the campground one month about twice a week. Someone naked, a trailer fire, and domestic disputes.

May 26, 2025 · Violet L.

Oh.. I don’t even know where to begin on this one.. I read the reviews and found that the office woman, Robin, could flip her switch in an instant. We gave her the benefit of the doubt and was nice and accepting to all the workers there. Had no issues until my husband was asked to help move another campers rv because their truck was in the shop. Mind you my husband just worked and the other camper got all this approved by the staff. Robin decided to play with fire that day. It was 7 pm to about 9pm that evening and it was a total disaster. As my husband pulled said camper to the new spot, Robin drove through camp sites and stopped in front of my husband causing him to slam on his breaks, she gets out and starts going off on him, to which he politely told her to lower her voice and take a breath. She then proceeds to stand directly in the path of travel as he is trying to pull into the site, after hearing her yell for about 20 min so the whole camp ground could hear. My husband finally told her to stand back and shut up. Being quite a few sites away from her I could hear her screaming. When confronted the next day I asked if I could get the Owners contact information and was told “ you will never get that”. Im sure to protect herself. A few days go by and my husband and I go in again and he apologized if he upset her in any way. She looked at him and didn’t say a single word. No apology no acknowledgment towards him at all. Finally she left us alone for a few weeks. We were out of the camper and received a voicemail stating that a delivery driver dropped something off at our camper and if we don’t get him to stop speeding we will no longer be able to receive packages and if the delivery driver continues we will be kicked out of the park. We didn’t order anything. When we got home the pack wasn’t ours so we went up to the office and gave it to Robin. Stating that it wasn’t our fault and that we would like to make sure this doesn’t go against us. She said “ doesn’t matter if it was yours or not it is your problem and if it continues then they will proceed with what the voicemail stated.” When I brought up that the UPS or fedex driver always speeds she said “no they don’t. They know the rules”. We left and didn’t continue the conversation. The water there will ruin your pipes and stain your showers and toilets. We don’t know where they get it from but I will be calling the city to see if they can get an inspection. The police have been in and out of the rv park like crazy. One day the SWAT team was there with ARs walking around. When confronted, Robin point blank lied and said “ they weren’t here” when I pulled up the report and article she then said “ that wasn’t anything big” The cops had ARs and walking around the rv park! Police and ambulances came multiple times in the middle of the night. Roads are an absolute disaster. Potholes everywhere. Told not to drive on the grass but can’t drive on the road without damaging your vehicle. The only person there that we like is the maintenance man. He was the sweetest and even checked on my daughter after a choking incident.

May 01, 2025 · Jennifer Symon

Before I started my review, I would like to said, I am glad I did not have time to read any review prior to booking. Not all reviews match our experiences. We travel a lot of places. We travel at least once a month, and blow is our honest review: We just want a local place to go and relax. We travel a lot and a lot of time we like to do some activities. This time, we just want to chill. This place was perfect for us. The staff were able to fulfill our wish to have a waterfront RV site. First of all, the staff are wonderful. When we got there, it was pouring rain and caused a tree to fall down and block the entrance gate. The owner did offer another site for us to stay for the night while they get the tree out of the way. We decided to just wait. When they got the tree out, and we got to our RV site, it was pouring rain again. The site staff got out in the rain to guide us back into the site. The campground was quiet and just want we needed. People complain about the water, keep in mind you are on the campsite, not a luxury hotel or home. I have been to a bigger campsite and their water were worse than this one. The bathhouse was well kept and clean. They have paddle boats and other waterequipments free to use. We did not use any. Our experiences overall were positive.

Aug 18, 2024 · Candace Bui-Walston

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