Canyon Ridge Campground, near Apple River, Illinois, is a solid choice for those seeking a primitive camping experience surrounded by nature. With spacious sites that offer a bit of privacy, it’s a great spot for families or groups looking to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

The campground features clean pit toilets and several water spigots scattered throughout, making it convenient for campers. Visitors have noted the ample space at each site, with grassy areas that keep you away from the pesky poison ivy. As one camper mentioned, “The actual campsites were bigger than we’ve ever stayed at—lots of room!”

For adventure seekers, there are multiple hiking trails nearby, including the Primrose Trail, which offers stunning views along the cliffs. Many campers enjoy wading in the shallow river, perfect for kids and pets alike. The area is also known for its wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer and various birds during your stay.

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground's charm lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for exploration, Canyon Ridge Campground is worth a visit.

Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park

Join the fun near Apple River. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Apple River is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Apple River, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Apple River

The Best Camping Near Apple River, Illinois

We stayed here twice over the last several years. It is close to some family friends (whom I like to visit but not stay with! lol) and has a lot to offer. We have stayed in the primitive campsites but there are other accommodations available including full hook up RV sites. Sites cannot be reserved so you need to hope for a walk-in availability. One of the coolest things about this park is that you can see how the river carved into the limestone and shale and created cliffs and canyon. I really get into that type of seeing the power of nature over time kind of stuff. Typical midwestern wild life is abundant. Raccoons, deer, rabbits, squirrels, chimpmunks and a lot of birds will be seen my most who visit I assume. We saw a single hawk the first time but were told there are many (which was confirmed our second visit) and a lot of different birds but we are really slow with learning to identify them. The primitive campsites are what you would expect. There were more rocks on the tent pad than usual but nothing that can't be cleared with a few sweeps of your boot. 

Great place for wildlife viewing and birding. Plenty to see

There aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.

Big, clean sites, nice trails, water access

The actual campsites were bigger than we’ve ever stayed at- lots of room! Our site was on the inner part of the circle, and the sites were all connected with grass paths. The outer sites were more private. 

There were only 5 hiking paths, averaging 1.5 miles each. We were able to do all of them in one day. 

Lots of people wading in the river (very shallow) and fishing. Good picnic areas and space. 

No service for us with Verizon if that’s important to you. 

They don’t sell firewood- make sure you bring your own! 

Very large campsites!

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.

Creative campsites in a hilly part of a flat state

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.

Weekend Camping Trip

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.

Photos of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park

Real photos from real campers