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Apple River Canyon
Overview
Apple River Canyon State Park offers a rugged and scenic escape in the hilly landscapes of northwest Illinois. This park is defined by its massive limestone bluffs and the winding path of the Apple River, which has carved deep ravines over thousands of years. Unlike the flat prairies often associated with the state, this area provides a dramatic landscape perfect for those seeking a tranquil nature retreat. It serves as a peaceful destination for RVers looking to disconnect and enjoy the sights and sounds of the deep woods.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the driftless area of Jo Daviess County, the park is located just outside the town of Apple River, IL. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills and deep valleys that were missed by the last glaciers. RVers will appreciate the scenic backroads leading to the park, though the winding turns require mindful driving. The park’s seclusion ensures minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for stargazing and quiet evenings after a long day of exploration.
Amenities & Park Features
The Canyon Ridge Campground provides sites equipped with electrical hookups suitable for many types of campers. While there are no individual water or sewer connections at the sites, a central dump station and water fill-up point are available for guest use. The park features seasonal shower buildings and flush toilets for convenience. You will also find well-maintained picnic areas with grills and a playground, making it a functional space for self-contained travelers who value a authentic, wooded camping environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore several miles of trails, including the popular Tower Rock Trail, which offers elevated views of the river. The Apple River is a major highlight for anglers, known for being stocked with trout during the spring and fall seasons. For a change of pace, the historic town of Galena is a short drive away, offering boutique shopping and local history. The nearby Stagecoach Trail provides another beautiful driving route through the picturesque Illinois countryside.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prefer a rustic camping experience over a commercial resort atmosphere. It is a fantastic choice for birdwatchers and hikers who want immediate access to diverse flora and fauna. Because the sites are tucked into the woods, it is best suited for small to mid-sized RVs rather than massive luxury rigs. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of a rushing river and waking up to forest views, this park will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jeremy Davis
This is an awesome State Park with great hiking trails and beautiful views. There's a few different trails and they're all around a mile long, allowing you to pick and choose how many you want to do. The trails are clearly marked and well-maintained. I highly recommend the River Route and Primrose trails. The River Route is a hilly up and down wooded trail that leads to Apple River. Reaching the river gives you stunning views of the canyon. The Primrose Nature trail is also very cool and features a river crossing along stones if you want. The Pine Ridge trail takes you up along the beautiful pine trails and is a nice hike. There's also a good amount of parking and very clean restrooms. Note - I use Verizon for cellular service and lost service while visiting the park. I recommend downloading trails on AllTrails if you have the app and downloading an offline map of the area if you use Google Maps.
Eleazar Ixtepan
First time hiking with my 4 month old baby girl Was a great experience, so far we liked it , nice place for families.
David Beatty
We love this little park and often visit when we're in Galena. A couple of relatively easy walks and lots of great places to picnic.
Patrick Benson
Really nice State Park. The walk-in campsites are well-maintained. The park itself is quite peaceful, and there are some nice trails to hike (I enjoyed the Tower Rock trail very much). The only reason for four instead of five stars is that there are no showers and there is a lack of decent cellular service at the campground. No signal is not a big deal, but if you need access to phone and data services you might not have it. The Citgo in Stockton, IL, is about 10 minutes away at 601 E North Ave has a shower which costs $7.50 at the time of this review.
troy tietge
Beautiful and well maintained park. Awesome trails. One of the best areas I've seen and hiked. And the guys working in the park on the road were friendly and told me where the trailheads were.
