Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area serves as a central hub for camping near Apple River, Illinois, with sites situated among the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois. The terrain features wooded areas with elevation changes that can challenge bicycle riders, with steep but manageable inclines throughout the campground. Temperatures in this region typically range from 60-85°F during the peak camping season of May through October, with higher humidity in summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Le-Aqua-Na offers fishing in both the main lake and a dedicated kids' fishing pond, though success varies. "There is a kid's fishing pond, but we didn't see anyone catch a thing, so not sure if it's actually stocked or not," notes one visitor at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
Water recreation: The Sugar River at Crazy Horse Campground provides excellent kayaking options. "We liked being able to go tubing it was so much fun! They provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half," reports a camper who visited in summer.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through most campgrounds in the region. At Governor Dodge State Park, "The Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip- even in the rain! First you can explore the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds near Apple River maintain clean facilities despite challenging conditions. At Lake Le-Aqua-Na, "All sites are clean. They clean out fire pits after every weekend. Some sites were not the most level. All Roads are newly paved. New/Updated Dump station."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Governor Dodge State Park, one camper mentioned, "Trails were way nice and the scenery was beautiful-lots of deer!" The park also features "awesome moss everywhere" along the bluff trail.
Group camping options: Sites accommodate different group sizes, with some specifically designed for larger gatherings. "We had 2 different group sites and both were awesome! A lot of space and not close to other group sites so it was nice to not have to worry about surrounding people," explains a visitor at Governor Dodge State Park.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Lake conditions can change significantly based on weather and maintenance schedules. One camper at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area noted, "We had a lot of fun there playing in the water on the beach however my son who was five at the time got a really bad bacterial rash from the water."
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the Mississippi River experience regular train disruptions. At Grant River Recreation Area, "A railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour."
Shower facilities: While many campgrounds offer showers, quality varies significantly. Swiss Valley Campground has "sulfites in the water so it stinks a little," while others maintain more consistent standards.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children. Crazy Horse Campground features "a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow!" making it particularly suitable for families with varied interests.
Swimming safety: Verify current water conditions before planning swimming activities. A visitor to Lake Le-Aqua-Na warned, "The lake has had algae issues for quite some time, so there was no swimming or boating."
Activity planning: Some campgrounds require additional fees for activities. At Crazy Horse Campground, "They have a Daily Activity bracelet that allows you to partake in all activities but you need to purchase per person for each day regardless if you will utilize."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Swiss Valley Campground, RVers appreciate that the park is "meticulously maintain[ed] with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby."
Dump station access: Consider timing when using sanitary facilities. One RVer at Lake Le-Aqua-Na observed, "The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out. The roads need repair, many potholes."
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in how close neighboring sites are positioned. Palace Campground receives mixed reviews on this front: "Very nice campground. Plenty of trees. The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people, if you like space you won't like this."
