Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park

A very nice primitive campground. Most of the campsites are very spacious and not right on top of each other. We were in campsite #34 which had direct access to the Primrose trail, which is on top of one of the bluffs. The bathrooms were clean, but are pit toilets. While there's no water or electric on the sites, there is several water spickets located around the campground. There's also several trails to explore and some beautiful scenery to enjoy and photograph.

Visited Apple River Canyon State Park for a quick weeks getaway with the kids. We were able to walk up and get a camp site without reserving one. Honestly, this is the reason that we went there, many of the other options were full/unavailable. However, it made for a nice little trip.

The campsite was clean and roomy for all that we wanted to do. Quiet time is enforced although I did hear campers throughout the night. Many of the sites are nearby. In fact at one point we walked around the sites to see how others laid out their campsites, got some good ideas, too.

We went on a hike after breakfast on Saturday and we were able to see the canyon. Saw many hikers along the way. It was busy.

The pit toilets were very clean but still a bridge too far for some to use. The price was very good for the campsite. We’d recommend a visit.

We drove down a few wrong roads before we found the campground. GPS brought us to the middle. It’s a small place so we quickly found camp. The hosts are really friendly and we spent some time talking before we searched for a spot. There are over 40 empty sites today. 

We quickly found out that each campsite has a different layout. Some a stretched out and others keep things close. One had the parking spot higher and camping was down a little hill. Every site has ample space and lots of grass. There is poison ivy all around so we were very happy to see grass. Our site is large enough for Dakota to have room to roam and yet her cable pulls her short of the shrubbery and the menacing ivy. The hosts raved about the water quality - it’s a cool refresher on hot days. The vault toilet near us has an issue with the men’s door not shutting without a little maneuvering. With camp so empty it isn’t much of a problem to use a different one. 

The Primrose trail goes right from camp along the top of the cliff. Take the trail down(water crossings required) or the stairs. The rice is below and is very shallow. It’s rocky so water shoes are useful. The recommended the tower trail goes up and up and then flattens along a nice wooded trail. There are a lot of picnic tables strewn around giving plenty of dining options. 

All this for an $8 camping fee! The recommendations are correct. This is a nice place to camp.