Best Campgrounds near Apple River, IL

Join the fun near Apple River. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Apple River is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Apple River, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Apple River, Illinois (99)

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Recent Reviews near Apple River, IL

493 Reviews of 99 Apple River Campgrounds



Guide to Apple River

Camping near Apple River, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Apple River Canyon. One camper mentioned, "The stars on a clear night is what keeps me coming back every year." The trails are well-maintained and provide a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Grant River Recreation Area, you can fish and enjoy views of the Mississippi River. A visitor noted, "Nice campground. Cement pads and blacktop roads. Clean shower houses."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Crazy Horse Campground, offer water activities. One review highlighted, "Crazy horse is a very clean and well-maintained campground with a lot of things to do like river tubing, kayaking, and canoeing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review from Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area stated, "All sites are clean. They clean out fire pits after every weekend."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park mentioned, "The sites are all clean and most all are level."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Grant River Recreation Area said, "Wonderful PPL THAT CARE ABOUT OTHERS!! THANKS YALL."

What you should know:

  • Bug Season: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Apple River Canyon warned, "The bugs are no joke though. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying friends were definitely swarming."
  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Grant River Recreation Area, are near train tracks. A visitor noted, "The campground was neat and tidy... A railroad mainline ran along the campground."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or restaurants nearby. A review for Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no store on site, they do sell wood but it is cash only."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One camper at Crazy Horse Campground said, "They gave a lot of amenities for the kids like mini golf, jump pad, playgrounds, and a pool."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours. A camper at Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park shared, "The vibe here wasn’t for us. Various sites had music playing loud enough for us to hear."
  • Bring Bug Spray: With the potential for bugs, it's smart to pack bug spray. A visitor at Apple River Canyon advised, "The bugs are no joke though."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Apple River, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions