I will start out by saying this was partly my fault but I think the situation was handled poorly.

I was not planning on staying in the area another day but was enjoying the north shore so I stopped in and asked if there were any cancellations. I was told yes so I paid for the site. Ran up the road grabbed some ice and came back and there was someone setting up on the site I paid for. The camp host said I was not in system even though I could show the credit card receipt. So they said they could move me to an overflow site. Ok fine. But that site was so far away from a bathroom and even further from the shower space.

I took it made the most of my night. But the frustration is with these booking on line issues every campsite I have been to they have sites that sit open with no one ever using them. I’m assuming this is because it does not update fast enough. I’m driving through the camp at 5am the next morning there were 5-10 empty sites. They were empty at 10pm the night before and still empty at 5:30 am. I think it costs the state $$ and for sure causes folks who are on road trips to miss out on nice places to stay.

This campground was clean and the shower/bath station was very clean.

Close to some neat hiking.

This was one outstanding experience. A few steps to stairs that took you to stunning views of the lake. The pit toilets were clean and did not smell And the shower house was so clean and nice it felt like home. Quiet when it was supposed to be and full of fun and enjoyable people .

This is a fine spot if you are passing through and I imagine if you live in Madison area this is a place you come for day activities.

The camp ground was quiet after it closed but lots of transient traffic both in cars, bikes and walking.

Appears to be some folks using the facilities that are not campers.

I am sure none of this matters if you have a travel companion or more but for a single woman this is all a bit disconcerting.

So for single women warning that you may feel uncomfortable here.

Site 3 is close to restrooms and showers. Very level and had a picnic table. I did not notice a fire pit as I was not using one.

First, it is off-season so there are parts of the grounds I cannot make comment on like the pool, canoe, and kayak livery.

The sites of this place are spread out over a lot of acreages. We stayed at the bottom of the hill along the river. We have not had a lot of rain lately in Ohio so the river is low and not much to look at. Not the campgrounds fault at all!!

The spaces down by the river are large and relatively flat so easy to find a tent space. most have electric and water. Except what they call rustic at the very end of the road.

The only facilities are an outhouse. It was very very clean and did not smell inside or out! We did not go to the shower facilities which would have been at the top of the hill. There appears to be up near those facilities some permeant trailer campers. They do make you feel a little like an outsider as you drive in but once settled everything was great!

Camp store and check-in all take place in the same area. You can also buy wood bundles for $4.50 each or 3/12$. The store appears to be well equipped with everything from ice to s’mores fixings. Though again off-season means fewer things available.

We loved the space and the quiet of a night in the country. No light pollution so the stars were beautiful! After dark on disconcerting thing happened a huge crashing of a tree falling very close to where we were. In the dark, we could not tell or see how close it was. After an inspection in the morning, a very large tree had fallen across one of the primitive sites from outside of its boundaries.

After looking closely I would say some dead tree maintenance of the area at the bottom of the hill is way over due!! This could be hazardous to your health. We had no wind and no weather and yet the tree came down. Please be aware as you pick your site and your place to stake a tent.

Overall I would say as an offseason site it was a very adequate place to stay just be aware going in of some of the then-pit falls.

First notes… you have to take a ferry to the camp ground. Kelley’s Island Ferry in Marblehead. It is a few miles to camp ground so if you are renting and don’t bring a vehicle you will want to rent a golf cart. You can bring a car to the island.

The camp ground is away from the downtown(think small) a few restaurants and a general store and market.

Now for the campground. It is great right on Lake Erie. Most space have at least one tree. The tent only area has lots of shade. The bathrooms are relatively clean. The folks who oversee are actively there working on things. Cleaning marking reserved spots. You can reserve a spot ahead and I would absolutely do that during season. The island has space to launch kayaks a boat dock. Plenty of hiking bring your bike to see the whole thing via peddle power. There is a brewery and winery.

Galena Illinois is a major tourist spot for Chicago folks to get away too. This camp site is 20 min from Galena 5 min from Elizabeth and 15 min from Apple Canyon. Has both RV and Tent sites. Fire pits and picnic tables are at each site. They porta John at the one end of camp is unbelievably clean! The bathrooms and showers at the other end of camp are also very very clean. Jeff the owner left a lovely note inviting me to pick my spot as I was the only tent/car camper that night even though I had reserved spot 12. He also pointed out that there were some walking trails but to be wary of a poisonous plant.
The grounds are impeccably kept. He provides wood for you to burn. Give this place a try for a nice weekend get away from the city. There is so much to do in the area but if note Apple canyon has some really nice hiking trails they label from easy to rugged. There is also plenary of kayaking and other neat outdoor things to do. Add in there are several winery’s and great restaurants if you don’t want to cook fireside!