11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campers near Apple River, Illinois have several options within a short drive, including established campgrounds in Wisconsin and Iowa. New Glarus State Park Campground, located about 30 miles northeast in Wisconsin, offers walk-in tent sites set in wooded surroundings. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area in Iowa provides primitive tent camping with river access and natural surroundings for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. New Glarus offers designated tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings, while more primitive options like Buzzard Ridge provide only the essentials. A visitor commented, "Unique hike or paddle primitive site with native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace." Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, though primitive areas may have limited or no facilities. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal availability, with some sites closing during winter months.
Walk-in tent sites provide the most secluded camping experiences in the region. At New Glarus, tent campers access sites via a single trail with campsites tucked into wooded areas. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The walk-in sites are spaced out well and heavily wooded. Perfect for a quick escape from city life." Highway noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly at New Glarus where sites are positioned near roadways. Blackhawk Memorial Park in Wisconsin offers a more remote feel with tent sites that provide river access. Tent campers should note that reservations are required at most established campgrounds, while primitive areas like Buzzard Ridge operate on a first-come basis. Many tent sites throughout the region offer good tree cover, providing shade during summer months.
"Pit toilets/shelter/playground near the entrance. Two boat launches.
Variable availability for firewood; the Cenex on the west end of Argyle reliably sells it if there isn't any at the park."
"We saw so much wildlife and really enjoyed the songs of the many species of birds in the area."
"We have camped at several of the walk-in sites."
"Smaller campground with decent sized campsites with picnic table and fire ring pit. Although my site and quite a bit of unleveled ground which made for limit options to pitch a tent."
from $19 - $70 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $55 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $90 / night
Check Availability"You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks. Very beautiful and peaceful place. Great fishing, especially along the spillway."
"Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine."
"Tucked along Pine Creek within the beautiful White Pines Forest State Park, Fox Canyon Youth Campground offers group-oriented camping amidst towering white pine groves and woodland trails."
"Here on the Rock River just north of Oregon, there’s something about the gentle bend of the river that makes you exhale a little deeper the moment you arrive, like you’ve stepped into a slower, more playful"
from $65 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
TravelerSmaller campground with decent sized campsites with picnic table and fire ring pit. Although my site and quite a bit of unleveled ground which made for limit options to pitch a tent. Pretty good cell service with T- mobile.
TravelerCampground is nice spacious and we’re well divided. The drive from the entrance of Governor Dodge to cox hollow was a good 2-3 miles but was very scenic.
ScoutCampground is small with only 18 car camping sites. Vault toilets, no showers. No electricity or dump station. Group camping sites and walk-in or bike-sites also available. I don't mind vault toilets but they were very low to the ground without any grab bar. I found it odd that this campground has many sites for cyclists using the sugar river bike trail and there isn't any showers. Being close to town is nice. There is a paved path that takes you right into New Glarus and past the New Glarus Brewery. After a day of cycling or hiking, one really needs a shower before heading into town!!
LegendTons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station
ScoutLOTS of acorns and walnuts dropping on the camper all day and night
ScoutVery quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
Tent camping near Apple River, Illinois offers access to a mix of prairie, woodland, and river environments across northwestern Illinois and nearby Wisconsin and Iowa. The area lies within the Driftless Region, characterized by unglaciated terrain with rolling hills and limestone bluffs. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures in the 50-70°F range with less crowded conditions.
Fishing access: Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites provide anglers with opportunities at two main lakes. "Great hike throughout the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family," notes Nick C. at Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites.
Paddling routes: Maquoketa River offers multiple access points for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. At Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, James M. reports, "Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river."
Trail hiking: The Lost Canyon Trail at Governor Dodge provides challenging terrain with scenic rewards. Nick C. describes his experience: "We did the lost canyon trail which is just stunning with bluffs, small water fall." Some trails connect to campgrounds, while others form loops ranging from 1-5 miles in length.
Secluded spots: Walk-in sites at Hickory Ridge Group Camp offer more privacy than drive-up options. Matthew O. shares, "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back." The separation from vehicle areas creates a more immersive outdoor experience.
Off-grid camping: Blackhawk Memorial Park attracts those seeking simpler camping without modern amenities. Dave S. notes at Blackhawk Memorial Park: "Great little off grid camping for people that aren't afraid of bugs! No trailers with yapping ankle biters, Glammpers stay away! I loved it!" The park maintains minimal infrastructure with basic pit toilets and rustic sites.
River proximity: Many campsites in the region provide direct water access. At Joinerville County Park, James M. points out, "CG is day use year-round though primitive camping is by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay. Gravel access road into and around park. No toilets. Maquoketa River access has hard surface access entry."
Reservation requirements: Several campgrounds require advance planning. Joinerville County Park operates with specific timing restrictions, requiring "approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay," according to James M.
Toilet facilities: Most primitive sites offer only basic sanitation. At Lock and Dam 13, Ryan notes, "This isn't exactly a campsite. You have to park off a gravel road on the Iowa side and it's about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks. Very beautiful and peaceful place." Lack of facilities requires campers to plan accordingly.
Seasonal water levels: River conditions can change rapidly with rainfall. Larry E. at Blackhawk Memorial Park observed, "The lake water is like green paint and the river is now brackish, but moving." Spring camping often means higher, faster-moving water, while late summer can bring lower levels.
Accessible amenities: Governor Dodge State Park provides facilities appropriate for children. AC S. reports, "Huge park! This is a beautiful place to go camping, lots of things to do! Lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites!"
Swimming options: Several locations offer water recreation opportunities for children during warmer months. Matthew O. at Hickory Ridge mentions "lots of availability to swim and hike," making it suitable for families looking to cool off during summer camping trips.
Playground access: New Glarus State Park Campground includes play equipment for younger campers. Kay K. shares, "The toilets were clean. The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus."
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive sites near Apple River lack RV infrastructure. Xaq at Blackhawk Memorial Park advises, "You won't see a lot of supervision here, but the park is well-maintained. There's not a lot of official information available (like many county parks)."
Site leveling challenges: Finding flat parking can be difficult at more rustic locations. Nick C. notes about backpack site 802, "Great hike to spot, small spot on rough ground not too level for tents but still feasible."
Access road conditions: Gravel and dirt approaches can become challenging after rain. James M. describes Joinerville County Park with "Gravel access road into and around park," indicating potentially rougher driving conditions for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Apple River, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Apple River, IL is Blackhawk Memorial Park with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Apple River, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Apple River, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
