Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Creative campsites in a hilly part of a flat state

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.

  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park by Art S., July 31, 2020