East Fork Campground

I had read about this being a really nice, quiet campground for tent camping, and though I was not ready to stop for the night (on my way to a wedding up north), I did get off the highway and drive through it.  Honestly, I wanted to stay!

It was not a huge campground, and facilities were basic (I guess they call that primitive), but each campsite was generous in size, well separated from the next site and nicely landscaped by nature's appointment of trees and shrubs.  It was clean, well-kept, and enticing.

 I wanted to take a picture of one of the attractive sites, but couldn't decide which one!  The small lake was so peaceful, and there was some new-looking children's play equipment, as well as some benches perfect for reading or eating on its banks.   I only saw one campsite occupied with a tent, and one small camping trailer elsewhere, which may have simply been stored there.  It was Friday afternoon in early June.  I would have expected to see more activity there.  Perhaps, as some have mentioned, there is an abundance of mosquitoes and other insects from the river (which I was unaware of) that disuades people, I don't know.  I didn't notice any when I sat by the lake.

The author of the camping book through which I had found it also said he had found the place quite charming, and he did not understand why it was so little occupied.  He, apparently had spent the night there.  I'd like to stay there next time I am driving north on 94.

I gave it 4 stars even though I have not stayed there, because it has much of what I want in a campground, and which is getting harder for nature-loving tent campers to find--simple, quiet beauty.  I took off the extra star only because I haven't actually stayed there, and want to give East Fork a chance to live up to even more!

Very remote, although Hatfield, which is on the nearby lake, seems like it's a party town for Motor boaters, ATVers and Hunters, Depending on the season.
We were there in October, and the campground wasn't full, and was extremely quiet. So much so that there weren't even many birds in the morning.
 Sites are very nice, the best ones are along the river. Ours was about 20' away. Other sites are backed up to a marshy area, so watch for mosquitoes. Only three sites are pull-through for big rigs; 104, 113 and 120. Site 109 and 111 are closest to the river, but if you think you'll be able to keep/ launch your canoe or kayak from your site, guess again, banks are very steep. There is a boat ramp by the check-in station that is very nice though.
 Firepits are the usual steel rings with an adjustable grill. Firewood is $5 a rack, you pull what you want out of the shed, fill the rack and take it away. Bring something to haul it with, it's a generous rack. Honor system when the Host is away, cash when there apparently.  Try to climb up and get the drier wood towards the back.
Restrooms are clean, pit toilets with motion detector lights at night. Water is from a pump, that is clear and cool and unlike many Midwestern campsites, not brackish with an iron taste.

Very busy campground in the summer. The mosquitos were horrendous. Try early in the season for best experience.