Applewhite Campground

Stayed here mid October '24 on a Friday overnight with my dog. There were plenty of spots to choose from for First Come First Serve when I arrived around 4p. It was self serve for the payment and claiming an un-reserved spot, which was unexpected with so many reviews talking about a host. I didn't have change, so I overpaid. Unfortunately, the spot that I chose was on the lower loop and there were a lot of large loud groups and barking dogs on that side. The "quiet hours" were not enforced at all - the lower loop was still loud after midnight, and a group started doing a call-and-repeat before 7a. There was also some kind of night construction happening, too. The only time I saw a ranger or "host" was twice in the morning a few hours apart, who told me to leave before check out at noon. I guess because the group with the reservation had come early, even though check in doesn't start until 2p? The camp overall has lots of bathrooms close walking distance from all campsites. There's also faucets with running water, but I think the water isn't potable so I brought my own. There was plenty of toilet paper in the bathrooms (no showers) and they were clean enough with plumbing. Campfires were allowed despite High/Red warning in the provided pits w/ grates, and there's also a stone bbq and picnic table for each campsite. It was very hot in the day and very cool after it got dark. It was a little too cloudy at night for a good view of the stars, but otherwise could be planned for nice visibility with the stretch of road nearby to the shooting range. I wasn't able to find any good trails or ways to access the creek without going to the picnic areas nearby. I did a little hiking in the stretch of road to the shooting range, to where the creek would have been, but it's too hot now for any water there and it wasn't a pleasant hike since there's no trails and just rocks. Highly recommend thick pants if you go out there for some solitary nature experience - there's SHARP plants! If you go to the picnic areas, you do NOT need to pay additionally for the Adventure Day PASS; just keep your reservation in the window. Finding a "first come first serve" spot on a Saturday night without a prior reservation would have been much more difficult, if not impossible, so I wouldn't recommend it. Overall, I may come here again for the price, the creek nearby, and sky visibility. However, I'll be sure to reserve on the upper loop next time and bring exact change.

Cool little camping spot. Recently under new ownership. So the campground is open year round and all week long. They used to be closed on Thursday and Friday. Go see Calvin, he's one of the most helpful camp hosts I've met. Highly recommend.

Campground was easy to find, envelopes provided in the entrance for payment very clean campsites with bathrooms and water faucets at your site lots of availability definitely recommend camp host Calvin was so nice made us feel feel comfortable and provided lots of information. Very peaceful will be back again in the future

First time camping here. We had so much fun! Hot weekend, water was ice cold. You can walk up to the creek (upon exiting the campgrounds, make a right, short walk up and picnic area / creek is on your left). Lots of pincher bugs, mosquitoes, etc. on the camp site (I only mention this in case you're a picky camper). We booked spot #28, no shade at all, so I suggest bringing a canopy. However, the camp site to our left and in front has plenty of trees and a water spout (that we used). The camp host appear to be a couple, and their dog - super kind and welcoming! There are no showers on site, so we brought our own pop-up shower. Bathrooms are close and convenient, didn't mind foot traffic from other campers. Dog friendly. No cell phone reception. Can't wait to return!

Last time I was here was about 5 years ago, recently renovated, a few trees were cut down and some campsites are permanently closed. The creek is a short walk away but I recommend driving there for safety reasons. we stayed at campsite 10 we booked online. Pretty good shade under the huge pine tree. Highly recommend. No campfires allowed on windy days.