Apple River Canyon State Park - Apple River, Illinois

Matthew C.

We did the River Trail and Tower Rock trail and enjoyed them both. River Trail was definitely more difficult with a narrow path down the embankments. Beautiful views everywhere though!

M. F.

One of the nicer parks in Northwest Illinois. Well maintained park and campgrounds. 4 short hiking trails trails of moderate difficulty that involve hill climbing through beautiful biologically diverse forests. One may consider wearing a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. Nice sandstone rock formations throughout the park along the rivers. Not a large park but enough to spend a full afternoon in exploring.

Rob L.

Beautiful place to spend the afternoon and skip the Gelena crowds. Bring some snacks and beverages and hang out on the lawn gazing at the cliffs, or take a stroll through some short hikes. Can't lose.

Liz D.

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.

Christine N.

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!

N8 C.

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.

Hannah S.

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.

Maxwell O.

This is one of the most beautiful state parks I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Ever since the first time we camped there my kids ask to go back and it’s the highlight of the summer. The streams are so lush it’s almost like a meadow from a storybook.