Reservations are now open for Boy Scout camping at the Apple River Fort
on the nights of Friday, April 24th & Saturday, April 25th!
Camping is open to registered Boy Scout troops only and space is limited. To download the camping information packet and registration forms, click HERE. Please fill out all forms completely and return by noon on Friday, April 17th. All reservations and any cancellations eligible for a full refund are due by that date, no exceptions. Please keep a copy of all forms for your personal records.
Send completed forms to the Apple River Fort
by mail: by email:
Apple River Fort SHS info@appleriverfort.org
311 East Myrtle Street, PO Box 206
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Amount of Camping Space Currently Available: 75 tents (as of 1 January)
Camping FAQ
How much does it cost? Are there any additional fees?
Camping is $10 per person. This covers the entire weekend. Should your troop incur any damages to the site, a minimum of $50 fee will be charged towards repairs.
What is your cancellation / refund policy?
Cancellations eligible for a full refund are due by noon on Friday, April 17th. Cancellations made after that date/time, early departures, or no-shows are eligible for a partial refund only; the Apple River Fort will retain 10% to help cover portable toilets, trash removal, etc.
Can the number of campers be changed?
The number of campers can be freely changed until noon on Friday, April 17th. Afterwards, any changes are subject to our cancellation/refund policy; additions in particular are at the discretion of site staff.
What kind of camping is allowed?
Only tent camping is allowed, no RVs or campers of any size.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is no sooner than noon on Friday, April 24th. Checkout is no later than noon on Sunday, April 26th.
How many camp sites are available?
We can accommodate about 70 - 75 tents (estimated 120 campers). Camp sites are assigned based on the number of tents/camper in your group. You will be notified of your camp site location at check-in.
Are camp fires / stoves / etc. allowed?
Above-ground stoves and fire grates are allowed. Anyone starting a fire is responsible for providing all materials for building, controlling, and extinguishing the fire. The use of site fire pits and wood is prohibited.
Where is parking available?
Parking is available at the Interpretive Center parking lot (paved, 1/4 mile from camp sites), the gravel lot behind the site's maintenance building, and on the grass alongside your campsite. Blocking any roads is prohibited and vehicles may be towed. We highly encourage extra vehicles or vehicles not in immediate use to be parked in the gravel lot behind the maintenance building or at the site's main parking lot by the Interpretive Center.
What amenities are available?
Portable toilets are provided in a relatively central location. Potable water is available by hose near the Fort's palisade gate. No showers are available. No electricity is available.
Where is check-in?
Please check in with a member of Fort staff at the Interpretive Center (at the intersection of Route 20 and East Myrtle Street). The troop leader or another adult representative for the troop must check-in the troop before going to their camp site.
Where can we get food in Elizabeth, IL?
There are several food options in Elizabeth, which includes: Old Jug's Main Street Tap, Terrapin Station Cafe, Small Town Saloon/Dooley's, Lola's Deli, and the Three Sisters Sweet Shop. Please check their websites for menus and hours of operation. Groceries may be purchased at the Dollar General at the edge of town.
