The Dayton Dam is the final dam before the Fox river flows into the Illinois in Ottawa. It's about 6 miles upstream from the junction. This portage is a longer one, but has a clearly marked path along the dam.
It even has a small campground, which is available on "first come" basis. That's at least according to all the signs. posted right in the middle of the portage route. It's a nice ground, with a couple of dens, outhouses, and fire pits. What's really important is that there is mowed grass, a nice clearing to stay at. And a weekend trip, I spent a night there with no problem... Until the morning.
At 7am, I got up to get breakfast going. At that point, the dam's supervisor (troll) drove onto the dam to check it. He saw my canoe parked by the signs, and threw his 4x4 into high gear to come over and give me a piece of his mind.
It even has a small campground, which is available on "first come" basis. That's at least according to all the signs. posted right in the middle of the portage route. It's a nice ground, with a couple of dens, outhouses, and fire pits. What's really important is that there is mowed grass, a nice clearing to stay at. And a weekend trip, I spent a night there with no problem... Until the morning.
At 7am, I got up to get breakfast going. At that point, the dam's supervisor (troll) drove onto the dam to check it. He saw my canoe parked by the signs, and threw his 4x4 into high gear to come over and give me a piece of his mind.
Apparently, you need to make a reservation, according to the angry, live on site dam supervisor. According to him, the entire location is private government property, trespassing on which is a felony. However, you can stay there, you just need to call the number (which is posted on the signs as being "for access to potable water, please call Russ at..." a few weeks in advance and make a reservation. This phone number cannot be found online, only on the sign.
If you make a reservation to this number, then he won't threaten to call police on you. He also might not come harass you from his jeep, while you are portaging to the river with all of your quickly packed gear, to tell you that "If he called the cops, you'd be sitting in Jail for a few days because you'd have to go in front of a judge." That also goes for my 11 year old cousin, who was with me at the time. Even kids deserve jail! I get it troll, you are mad that someone followed the posted rules.
Also, don't throw garbage in the can by the posted signs. The Dam Troll will get mad if he finds trash inside his trash cans. Maybe he was mad that someone broke the imaginary, opposite of what the sign says rules already, but take notice, do not throw trash in his garbage can.
If you make a reservation to this number, then he won't threaten to call police on you. He also might not come harass you from his jeep, while you are portaging to the river with all of your quickly packed gear, to tell you that "If he called the cops, you'd be sitting in Jail for a few days because you'd have to go in front of a judge." That also goes for my 11 year old cousin, who was with me at the time. Even kids deserve jail! I get it troll, you are mad that someone followed the posted rules.
Also, don't throw garbage in the can by the posted signs. The Dam Troll will get mad if he finds trash inside his trash cans. Maybe he was mad that someone broke the imaginary, opposite of what the sign says rules already, but take notice, do not throw trash in his garbage can.
I wish I had taken pictures of the signs (or lack thereof). Literally, there are no "NO TRESPASSING/PRIVATE PROPERTY/POSTED" signs. There is a sign board with information on the site, and some fishing info. At the time, I was rushing to set up camp, then rushing to get out of there. Oh well.
Take notice... while this site seems decent, you probably cannot camp there. Maybe thing should have been different if I hiked up to his door the night before... but then again, maybe not?
Take notice... while this site seems decent, you probably cannot camp there. Maybe thing should have been different if I hiked up to his door the night before... but then again, maybe not?
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