Best Tent Camping near Apple River, IL
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Apple River? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Apple River. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Apple River, IL (12)
1. New Glarus State Park Campground
New Glarus, Wisconsin16 Reviews•31 Photos•48 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $25 / night
2. Blackhawk Memorial Park
Blanchardville, Wisconsin4 Reviews•4 Photos•17 Saves- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
3. Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
Dodgeville, Wisconsin4 Reviews•3 Photos•6 SavesThere are six backpack campsites near Hickory Ridge. All sites are about 0.5 miles from the parking lot. Water and pit toilets are near the parking lot. Please note that coordinates listed on The Dyrt are for the entry to the State Park. Please call to gather detailed instructions on how to access these walk-in sites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
Dodgeville, Wisconsin2 Reviews•10 Photos•2 SavesThere are 8 campsites that can accommodate groups of 15 to 40 persons per site in the Hickory Ridge Group Camp. Only tents are allowed. Each group site has a tent area, picnic tables, a large fire ring and a set of pit toilets. Drinking water is available at the shower building located near group site B and across from the backpack sites parking lot near group sites E, F, G and H.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
5. Whitetail Bluff Campground LLC
Cassville, Wisconsin1 Review•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Market
- Picnic Table
7. Goatland
Be the first to review!Orangeville, Illinois•9 Photos•9 SavesIt's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.
I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.
We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.
Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.
We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.
Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.
Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$35 - $55 / night
8. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
Monmouth, Iowa1 Review•9 Photos•11 SavesThe 273-acre area is located along the South Fork of the Maquoketa River. The unique beauty of Northeast Iowa is very evident here with limestone rock outcroppings, upland timber, flood plain, wildlife, and panoramic scenery. Wildlife food plots are planted throughout the area to help wildlife survive harsh winters. Primitive camping is available by the river with restroom facilities nearby. This area is a convenient stop for canoeists traveling down the Maquoketa River.
primitive camping (walk-in or paddle-in, tent only) pit toilets
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
10. Scheidegger Forest (Dane County Parks)
Be the first to review!Verona, Wisconsin•3 SavesScheidegger Forest is nearly 80 acres and offers a mile of loop of hiking trails, a reservable shelter, and restroom. The area has been restored from a former Dane County Sheriff shooting range to a managed forest of primarily oak and hickory. The shelter, kiosk, and bathroom were all built from wood harvested on-site. Water is not available at this site
When this Group Camp is reserved, the Shelter is not available to be reserved by another party(and vice versa). Located~ 100 feet east of loop parking lot, just beyond the restroom No potable water at this time. Vault(pit) toilet. Campfire ring. No electricity. 20’ x 30’ shelter– picnic tables. Vehicle parking in parking lot
-
Reserve a campsite online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html
-
Check opening and closing dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule
-
See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$65 / night
-
Recent Tent Reviews in Apple River
479 Reviews of 12 Apple River Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Legend
6B's Campground
Duo-Layered Camping Experience
My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP. This nature-infested outpost is split into 2 levels with an upper plateau section that is more geared towards the tent-pitchin’ bredren of my tribe, while the lower level straddles the Maquoketa River and offers up splendid waterfront views of the slow-moving, fresh-water creek variety. Apart from the very welcoming folks that run this place, led by Karen Townsend, what I loved most about 6B’s was the very welcoming community of fellow campers who rolled out the‘red carpet’ treatment for us when we rocked up. The upper level offers up only a solid picnic table, in-ground fire rings w/ fold-up BBQ grills and a tree-lined backdrop with a fenced in front lawn– perfect for a quick and EZ set-up. Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with.
If you’re rolling in on an RV, 5th wheeler or trailer, while you likely could park your mobile living room on the upper plateau, you’ll likely feel much more comfortable on the lower river basin, providing that you can make it down the somewhat steep decline gravel road(this is Iowa, so I don’t think anyone will be too challenged, but just want to put the decline out there). Before you’ve arrived at the river’s edge, you’ll notice a simply sublime solo picnic table that has strategically been placed in one of the very large, abandoned bat caves, which makes for a very special picnic outing. Turning left as you reach the riverfront, you’ll follow a single, narrow loop that offers up slots on a first-come, first-served basis, with each offering up water, 30 amp electric, boat ramp, diving platform and a fairly flat landing to park for the night or a week(or even month!).
Downsides? This camping outpost only accepts cash, money order or checks, which was a major bummer for us as we didn’t have any of those with us and while there were banks nearby(well, some 30 miles away), we weren’t members of the bank, which wasn’t even open, on account that it was after noon on a Saturday, so yeah, while a small thing, it became quite a big deterrent for us. If you can get this solo downside, there really is nothing else but upside, chief of which includes direct access to the Maquoketa River, which we enjoyed, given we were toting my tandem kayak with us, as well as, of course, just 3 miles west to Maquoketa Caves SP.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Eco-Locate This Blissful Hidden Campground Gem
This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place, if you don’t know it already. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you’ve also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it’s worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn’t access the bat caves.
The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place. A heavily wooded area encompasses every single site (there’s 28 in total w/ 24 offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric) providing a substantial amount of shade, will also allowing decent sunlight as well along a slowly winding lone lane that leads one into this shrouded camping haven. While the spots (#12-#16) towards the end of the lane are more earmarked for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, whereas the rest of the sites (#1-#11; #17-#28) are set-up for the RV and 5th Wheel toting crowd (although you could easily set up a tent on any one of these sites should you choose to).
A couple of points to keep in mind– the entrance to the campground is the busiest, so if this is of concern, steer clear of #1-#3 or #27-#28. Second, if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites. In the event that being nearest the built-in amenities (restroom, shower, water source, community library, trash, firewood) are important to you, then look at sites #5-7 and #23-26. With this in mind, as you meander further down the lone campground loop lane, the quieter and more sheltered the place gets, so from #6-#24 should be a prime target for you if peace & solitude are important to you. Despite all of the advice I’ve just given, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any site here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you’re going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune; (2) All sites designated for RV’s are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet; (3) The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year; (4) This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty; and (5) There’s plenty of picnic tables, most under shelters as well as scattered stand-up and in-ground BBQ grills all offered up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Happy Camping!
Linda N.
Traveler
Sweet Minnihaha Campground
music fest
I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year
James M.Legend
Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds
Small County fairground cg
Offers basics: water, electric, showers some shade, stores nearby
- James M.Legend
Horseshoe Pond
Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa
CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.
Brian O.LegendMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park
My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.
Ashley F.
Guide
Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
Great place for a short trip
I’ll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses. We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn’t a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground. I would definitely come back to Nelson Dewey and stay again. There was not a ton to do in the area so a short weekend stay was perfect. A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well. The walk to sites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time.
Jeff and Linda L.Guide
Grant River Recreation Area
Feet from the Mississippi
The park is on the beautiful might Mississippi river. It’s 2 miles from Potosi, WI with a large brewery with good food as well. Army Corps so half price with America The Beautiful senior discount card. If you like trains you will see many, close and going fast.
- Jerry H.
Scout
Swiss Valley County Park
Very nice experience
Nice trails around. Camp was clean. Cool creek and bridge. Priced appropriately at $23 a night.
- CCharles E.Traveler
Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
Super cheap for what you get.
I got a primitive tent site in an area all to myself, with a shower house just down the road, in a beautiful and quiet campground for $10 cash. You really can’t beat that. Campground is separate from the park so you don’t have to pay a park entrance fee to stay here.
Brent A.Scout
Vel Terra
Wonderful Little Campground
We stayed at this campground over Labor Day. The owner intentionally doesn't fill all of the sites in order to give people more space- a great luxury over a holiday like this. The sites are pretty small and only one 'sleeping structure' is allowed on each site but we found that Jeff was very willing to let us put up two tents (one for my wife & I
+ one for the kids) because we were in the same family.
The bathrooms and showers were very neat and well maintained. We didn't use the showers because they were paid but our friends did and had good things to say about them.
The campground has a very nice playground (the favorite of the trip for one of my kids) and a lounge where anyone staying at the campground can rest with A/C, wifi, a phone charging area, and some board games.
The primary drawback is that there isn't a lot of outdoor activities to do in the area. All the land is private so there's not great hiking (a little in the state park about 20 min drive away), IL law allows waterways to be privately owned so you can't kayak the river, etc. Galena is nearby if you want to go shopping and we really enjoyed going to Terrapin Apple Orchard and picking some apples (if you're there in the Fall). But all in all I would say this is a great campground to rest and relax at- probably not ideal for outdoor adventures.
- WWayne K.Traveler
Riverview Ridge
Unique River and Trail Access Campground
Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.
Dj Y.TravelerGrant River Recreation Area
Sandy and Gentleman worker=AMAZING
I was hitchhiking thru, was dropped off by a ride that said he was buying a $14 tent site for me, come to find out he never did, I just was honest with sandy and the gentleman worker and offered the only 8$ I had, no sir, they said please stay for free and just enjoy. WONDERFUL PPL THAT CARE ABOUT OTHERS!! THANKS YALL
Jenna R.Scout
Blue Mound State Park Campground
Great for families
Lots of playgrounds for kids age 2-10. Pit toilets smell- I’d avoid sites around them. Hot Showers by lot 30 and at pool. Pool is not heated as stated- definitely not 80 degrees. West tower is the best for sunsets. Site 75 was nice as it was a bit back from the road and you can’t see your neighbors.
Erin Z.Traveler
Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
We will be back!!!
Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806.
Renee R.Guide
Brigham Park
Nice spot for summer camping.
I've visited this campground twice and it's been a hit both times.
Pros:
- Scenic overlook is gorgeous.
- The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest.
Cons:
- Some of the sites are strangely graded and situated. One site near ours had the fire pit at the very edge, making sitting around it virtually impossible. 14 was a pretty site but had a large tree in the middle of it.
- Using the County website to reserve the site was clunky and time consuming.
- Renee R.Guide
Tower Hill State Park Campground
Cool spot, underwhelming experience.
I have stayed at this campground three times in the last decade or so.
Pros:
- Excellent location if you're looking to recreate on the Wisconsin River or visit the American Players Theater across the way.
- Interesting history about the Shot Tower on site.
- Nice little hiking trails.
Cons:
- Every time I've visited we've dealt with lots of mosquitos, but nothing comes close to our most recent visit! It was a mosquito massacre. So terrible that after coating ourselves in DEET and eating dinner there the first night, we actually booked another campsite about a half hour away (Brigham County Park - a gem!) and abandoned this site altogether.
- Vault toilets were fragrant.
- Christie B.Traveler
Blackhawk Memorial Park
Peaceful and serene!
Quiet , off the grid! Very pleasant !
Alex A.ScoutToms Campground
Great, friendly, affordable, convenient
We needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site. We pulled in and Tom met us at our camper as soon as we got to the top of the hill and before we even got out. He was very friendly and informative. Showers were good enough but we aren't picky, 7 minutes for $0.25. The area was beautiful.
Sarah B.Guide
Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
Def do not recommend for summer 2024!
I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.
Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.
Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).
The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
New Glarus State Park Campground
Cramped
Handful of sites, not very level. Lots of bugs, had raccoons fighting outside my tent. Was right across from the New Glarus brewery.
- Christie B.Traveler
Green County Fairgrounds
Ok but you have to work around the events going on because you have to leave when they are going on!
Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok
- Charles M.
RangerMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Beautiful State Park
This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends. We would definitely go back.
- Charles M.Ranger
Bellevue State Park Campground
Campsite Was Average at Best
I took my son and one of his friends campjng to Bellvue State Park, however, we did not visit the actual park itself. The camp sites were close to one another, many had almost no privacy from the other campsites. We were at campsite 40, which had a severe incline. Also, if you prefer to hammock camp you may not be able to do so. I was able to find one tree and hook the other side up to my vehicle.
Kelsey G.ScoutWhitetail Bluff Campground LLC
Very clean,Well kept up, Lots of things for kids to do
This is a really nice and clean campground! The sites are very spacious and the food is good!! Really good Friday night fish fries! We will definitely be back!!
- AAC S.Scout
Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
Group trip!
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!
J H.Scout
Crazy Horse Campground
Used to be a great place to camp
Unfortunately, I can no longer say this is a great, affordable place to stay. The weekly rates increased by over $75 a week for the full hookup sites this season.
There was also a link to last years pricing still active until 4/16 that has since been deactivated when I asked to have my pricing adjusted to that amount. Seems deceptive to me, having 2 different prices in 2 different places on their site. They will not honor the price and told me if I don't like it I can find somewhere else to camp.
Also, they no longer offer kayaks, which was the big draw to the campground.
We may keep our reservation this year, but likely won't be back next season.
Guide to Apple River
Tent camping near Apple River, Illinois, offers a blend of serene nature and engaging outdoor activities, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Enjoy the rustic charm of the Blackhawk Memorial Park, where picnic tables and toilets provide essential comforts in a peaceful setting.
- New Glarus State Park Campground features spacious sites with electric hookups and drinking water, making it a convenient choice for families.
- At Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites, campers can enjoy well-maintained trails and access to drinking water, perfect for a comfortable stay.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Experience the beauty of nature with hiking trails at Hickory Ridge Group Camp, where you can explore the scenic landscapes of Governor Dodge State Park.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Lock and Dam 13, known for its peaceful surroundings and great fishing spots along the spillway.
- For a unique experience, visit Goatland, where you can interact with friendly farm animals while enjoying a night under the stars.
Specific local attractions
- The Avoca Lake Tent Camping Resort offers a tranquil setting with access to swimming and kayaking, ideal for a fun-filled day on the water.
- Explore the natural beauty of the Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, where you can hike or paddle in a serene environment surrounded by wildlife.
- Don't miss the chance to visit the charming town of New Glarus, located near New Glarus State Park Campground, known for its delightful bakery and local brewery.
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 New Glarus State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Apple River, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Apple River, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.