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.
Walk-in site F was literally the perfect campsite. Fully secluded (except a few curious hikers who stopped in around lunchtime), easy 1 mile walk from parking lot, can kayak right up to it on the calm lake, hammock posts, picnic table, fire pit, gorgeous night sky views. A+ and 10/10
Small campground and very affordable. Absolutely NO privacy between sites as it's basically a grassy field of sites surrounded by an outer loop of more grass. Saving grace was that on a random Thursday in June I was the only camper. Lots of gnats and other flying bugs, so bring spray. Sites have picnic tables and fire pits with multi-level grates on top
Large campground with spacious sites. The pictures for each site and details they give while booking are pretty good. However, it said 202 was level and for a tent there's def a bit of a slope (manageable but definitely present). The women at the gate was friendly and buying firewood from her was easy. Only checked out the pit toilets near our site, but they were incredibly clean!
Really peaceful and quiet night here at Apple River Canyon. Not too many people around, but the sites were large and private anyway. Fairly clean pit toilets and level site for our tent. The bugs are no joke though. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying friends were definitely swarming. We hiked down into the canyon along the river, and the bugs and spider webs we had to pass through were next level. Did see some deer, a big raccoon, and an eagle; and met a local photographer who showed me pictures he had taken of local fox kits and other cool wildlife. Also drove into Galena to wander around and stopped by Freeport on the way home. Tmobile cell service was spotty at best.
Well, we were definitely the only tent in an otherwise completely rv/camp trailer section of the park. Sites are level and small, but completely sand and gravel -- so was a bit tricky getting our pegs in. There is really no privacy here and you can see all your neighbors, and be seen by them. That being said, everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly. Also our site had FULL sun, so def something to plan for. A lot of others had more midday tree coverage it seemed. Did not look at the walk-in tent sites as they were all booked, but I imagine being down in the trees would afford more seclusion.
No Tmobile service for the most part, but that was fine for me. The main draw here were the caves and trails and they absolutely exceeded expectations! Even my little chihuahua seemed to enjoy her first spelunking experience.
Had a great experience camping here in the White Oak section of the campground. Massive site with lots of space and privacy, flat and level for the tent. Clean pit toilets, water pumps, etc. Only 2 other camping groups on this side of the campground and a super friendly summer caretaker.
Love that the trails start right behind the site. Had a wild turkey walk past our tent which was cool too. Great TMobile service, and only a short drive in to Oregon to explore the cute town.
Will likely not be back to camp here again. Very crowded with loud and obnoxious campers, dogs off leash, music and lights on late at night, etc. No privacy between sites down in Hickory Hills and no personal space. Did i mention basically every tent site down here is on an incline?? Just not my kind of scene.
Did have decent TMobile service and the showers and pit toilets were clean and useable. Albeit rundown.