Apple River Canyon State Park

Roger Terhune

2024-04

First trip here. Scouting potential fishing spots. The river is crystal clear but very shallow in most places. The landscapes are beautiful. I didn't walk the trails, but they look very inviting.

0l blue c10

2024-03

Absolutely amazing first time here with my wife we walked all over enjoyed the beautiful day in the one the most beautiful state parks in our areaDog-friendliness: Very dog friendly

N8 C

2023-12

Anemoia is the feeling of nostalgia for a time you’ve never known. I don’t remember if I came here as a kid but it has incredible views. Some of the trails are quite grueling with elevation changes.Dog-friendliness: On leash but back on the trails I didn’t see many people and I’m not holding onto leash going downhill lol. Should be able to be off leash everywhere!

Liz DeHaan

2023-06

Apple River Canyon State Park is a beautiful park located in northwest Illinois, near the town of Stockton. The park is known for its scenic limestone bluffs and the clear waters of the Apple River. The park is an outstanding recreational area for hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and nature photography. There are several miles of hiking trails that offer scenic views of the river, waterfalls, and bluffs. Options for camping and lodging at or near the park. This is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to explore the beauty of Illinois.

Luke Gorski

2024-04

If this park was bigger, it would be better than Mississippi Palisades. The river is awesome and we did a nice 2.5 mile loop with the Sunset Trail and the Pine Ridge trail. Really all around good spot for recreation, both land and water.

Philene Harston

2023-06

Great campsite! Sites were very private and somewhat secluded. There was a winding path between our campsite and that of our friends, so we had access but also privacy. The trails are steep in areas, so hiking is definitely "rugged." We'll visit again.

Bailey Felter

2024-04

We did the Primrose trail, the River Route, and the Tower hill trail at the park. Each trail is about 1-1.5 miles where you turn around and backtrack the trail. The River Route was our favorite because of the view of the River, however each of the trails provided views of the river and had appealing walks through the forest and on high lookout spots. Trails are dog friendly, but rugged terrain in certain spots. Plenty of parking and beautiful views of the canyon and river.

Md. Al-Amin

2023-08

Excellent to enjoy the stream at the river. Good place to fish. Very calm, quiet and peaceful. Good for picnic. Didn’t find any nicely maintained playground though.

Christine Noelle

2023-05

Loved this peaceful little place!So many of the negative reviews give it one or two stars because there isn't enough to do here or the trails are too short, or the campground is too small etc. But I think that's the charm! You can camp here and not be on top of hundreds of other people like at most other state campgrounds you come across (here in Illinois or across the border in Wisconsin). It doesn't draw crowds because of its size, so you get to have the hiking trails and view points mostly, if not fully, to yourself.I solo camped two nights and spent one day hiking the trails, taking pics, hanging out at the campfire, and reading down by the water. It was so very relaxing and quiet. I then used it as a base the next day and drove out to Mississippi Palisades. Glad I didn't camp there, it was crowded and passed lots of people on the trails! But a good distance for a drive from Apple River in the morning, with beautiful countryside in between.Some other reviews mentioned that the trails were not marked and hard to find and to follow. Not true. Every trail has a big sign right at the entrance and very clear, paths. They can be a bit muddy and aren't covered in gravel or anything. But they are clear to follow and line right up with the maps they have at the office and that the camp host handed out.All in all, 5 stars from me!

alienfelines

2024-04

Nice little spot to car camp. There are some really nice wooded sites that offer lots of privacy, but most of the sites are not too close to the point that you’re right next to anyone. Beautiful area especially in the fall.Restrooms: There is a building with real restrooms plus there are showers.Dog-friendliness: Not a bad spot for dogs. Leash or tie down required obviously. The more private sites are good for dogs who bark at everyone.Picnic area: Each site has a picnic table and firepit. Pretty sure there’s a larger group picnic area as well but that’s not really my jam when camping.

Billy S

2023-05

Beautiful park. We were there a couple days after it snowed so there was a lot of snow on the trails & my little chihuahua didn’t like that, so we mostly walked on the roads between the trails & in the campgrounds. It was gorgeous. Can’t wait to go back when it’s not covered in so much snow.

Jason Woods

2023-08

Beautiful trails, at a nearly empty park. Came to an intersection of two trails, took the road less traveled...it was definitely a bit "hairy" next to a deep drop off, but well worth the extra effort. Our doggo loved the hiking, especially the river crossing. We could have spent many more hours here.Dog-friendliness: Bring your doggo, but please keep them on a leash! Plenty of good smells, and most of the trails are easily traversed. Our pupper is older, and has cancer, and still was able to climb even the steepest of hills (more a testament to his ability than to any level of difficulty of the trails).Picnic area: Lots of areas with accessible picnic tables, which were clean!

Steve P

2023-05

An amazing place. Great trails with tall bluffs along the crystal clear Apple river. Smallmouth can be found in deep pools. Towering pines and mature oaks, secluded campsites. A hidden gem.

Nena Starks

2022-05

The park is beautiful and it wasn't very busy. There were a few trails that were nice in the woods but I preferred to walk near the water. The Tower Rock trail was my favorite and a moderate hike.

Brandy

2024-03

It was a very nice little park. I loved it, will return.

Vanessa Grimes

2020-05

Nice camp area. Sites are close together, but all seem to be well sized with a reasonable amount of brush and growth between most. Pit toilets reasonably kept. Lots of well marked trails of several levels accessible right from the camp sites. River was fast moving and not swimmable, but nice. Lots of gorgeous rock formations.

Hannah Slothower

2021-05

Excellent place to visit and camp. The river was a little brisk this time of year but very enjoyable to wade in from the trails.There are two different sections of campground, one loop is able to be reserved ahead of time, the other is first come first serve. We were able to drive in on a Friday afternoon and there were plenty of spots.The trails are easy to walk to from the campsites and are of varying difficulty.

Connor Smith

2023-08

Poorly marked trail network in impressive limestone river canyon park that was once part of the Driftless Area during the ice age. Free entry, but spotty cell reception so recommend downloading AllTrails hiking maps beforehand. Hidden gem of NW IL.

Rick Fronek

2020-05

One of our favorite state parks to visit. Always well maintained and clean. Hiking Trails are clearly marked and clean as well. Beautiful scenery year round. The trails are great for families to hike. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors!

Adam G

2023-05

One of the better state parks in Illinois. Close access to great fishing spots from camping sites. Great open areas as well as forest walks. Highly recommend.

Yodee Rivera

2023-08

Great park with some awesome trail options! Enjoyed the views and cleanliness

David Zahn

2021-05

Beautiful area and worth a few miles out of the way off of Illinois State highway 20. A number of really nice hiking trails up and down various bluffs. A great place for a picnic or cool off in the river.

Jazzmyn Diaz

2022-05

Caught my first trout there. Beautiful water to wade throughout and up and down, explored it all. Beautiful 😍 water and environment. Few dead fish from people probably leaving it out or throwing em back in after a while but Beautiful. Must fish and see

Reflections of a simple mind

2021-05

Great place for one day picnic for people from Chicago and Wisconsin area. Apple River is very beautiful, though water is called, still enjoyed the waters. Most of the trails are 1 mile ones. Can be covered in 30 mins.

robert gille

2023-07

Nice place to just go sight-seeing on a Sunday, the waterfall is really great with the sun shining through the falling water.A nice selection of snacks nearby at the bait shop and boat ramp area.

Tina P

2020-05

This place was gorgeous. We hiked and fished here. Saw a few different birds and bald eagles in flight. We did not hike all the trails. I believe we did the River Route Trail and the Pine Ridge? Trail...they were not very scenic but I heard the others are. Fishing is catch and release. No swimming here, unfortunately. I would definitely visit again to check out the other trails!

Luis Ibanez

2022-05

Great park for a half-day hike. Fantastic view along the creek. Do take seriously the warnings about ticks.

Cody Arden

2020-05

Forrest kitties and a beautiful river system, what more can you ask for?! I don't know their policy on feeding the feral cats that roam the campsites delicious Vienna beef hot dogs but I did just that. He was a kind fella and let me tell you there was no evidence of mice! The trails are really great and were very quite the day we went hiking. Campsites are pretty close to neighbors as our most in Northern Illinois but not bad and good wooded privacy. Pit toliets and no electricity.

Vanessa Damitz

2021-05

Beautiful short trails, lots of gorgeous scenery, very roomy primitive campgrounds with several vaulted restrooms.

Keertu Anil

2022-05

Small but a very scenic park with nice hiking trails and winding bluffs, will definitely camp there when we get a chance.