Canyon Ridge Campground at Apple River Canyon State Park welcomes pets at no extra charge, offering 47 secluded sites with picnic tables and fire rings. The sites provide privacy and are ideal for quiet tent camping in a wooded setting. Dogs can accompany hikers on the park's nature trails and near the shallow water access where pets can play. Both Apple River Canyon and Apple River Canyon State Park Campground maintain pet-friendly policies that attract campers with dogs. Sites at Apple River are especially quaint and secluded compared to more commercialized campgrounds in the region, making them perfect for campers seeking a natural experience with their pets.
Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Apple River feature diverse amenities for dogs. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground in Wisconsin offers a dedicated pet beach area separate from human swimming areas, allowing dogs to enjoy the water safely. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times, particularly on trails where wildlife encounters are possible. Hiking paths throughout Apple River Canyon provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with numerous trails winding through forested terrain. The campsites are generally clean and spacious, giving pets room to relax while remaining contained within their owners' sites. Some nearby campgrounds like Rustic Barn Campground RV Park feature large grassy areas specifically designated for dog-walking with conveniently placed waste stations.
$8 / night
"We absolutely love the quaintness of Apple River. The sites are secluded and provide privacy. Great spot for quiet tent camping. Not a big commercialized campground."
"Really peaceful and quiet night here at Apple River Canyon. Not too many people around, but the sites were large and private anyway. Fairly clean pit toilets and level site for our tent."
"This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day."
"Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range."
$8 / night
"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."
"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."
$10 - $30 / night
"This was an unexpected good find in Illinois. The campground was nice with the standard set up - picnic tables, restrooms, water available."
"There are some trails that will take you around some of the hills through open fields if you are interested in walking around the campground. This is a nice place to camp."
$25 - $40 / night
"Galena Illinois is a major tourist spot for Chicago folks to get away too. This camp site is 20 min from Galena 5 min from Elizabeth and 15 min from Apple Canyon. Has both RV and Tent sites."
"All the land is private so there's not great hiking (a little in the state park about 20 min drive away), IL law allows waterways to be privately owned so you can't kayak the river, etc."
"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."
"This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."
"Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."
"It is about 40 minutes away, but is nice to be away from the traffic. The KOA store is well stocked and has some pretty cool souvenirs!"
"Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles"
"There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."
$14 - $25 / night
"I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. When I arrived, the site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big."
"Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric. "
GuideFriendly staff and a nicely stocked store. Has a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow! The sites are spaced out well and there are more secluded sites so you have the feeling of privacy or big group sites for a big party.
TravelerWe absolutely love the quaintness of Apple River. The sites are secluded and provide privacy. Great spot for quiet tent camping. Not a big commercialized campground. Dog friendly too, at no extra charge. Very affordable camping!
LegendCG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.
RangerVisited 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.
GuideReally peaceful and quiet night here at Apple River Canyon. Not too many people around, but the sites were large and private anyway. Fairly clean pit toilets and level site for our tent. The bugs are no joke though. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying friends were definitely swarming. We hiked down into the canyon along the river, and the bugs and spider webs we had to pass through were next level. Did see some deer, a big raccoon, and an eagle; and met a local photographer who showed me pictures he had taken of local fox kits and other cool wildlife. Also drove into Galena to wander around and stopped by Freeport on the way home. Tmobile cell service was spotty at best.
LegendCG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.
GuideThis is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.
ScoutThere 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.
LegendGeneral: 58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio. Tents are NOT allowed. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable.
Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table but it was chilly when we were there so we ate inside.
Bathhouse: Very clean as were the showers.
Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table. Coffee is available after 9 am. There is also a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room. WiFi is also available. There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground.
We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed our short stay passing through. Pride of ownership was evident throughout.
Apple River Canyon State Park in northwestern Illinois sits along limestone bluffs carved by the Apple River. The park's elevation ranges from 700-850 feet, offering visitors terrain unusual for the typically flat Illinois landscape. Campsites throughout the area vary from secluded wooded spots to open grasslands, with spring and fall offering the mildest temperatures for outdoor activities.
Fishing spots: Apple River Canyon State Park offers fishing opportunities in shallow, rocky waters. "The rice is below and is very shallow. It's rocky so water shoes are useful," notes Art S., who also recommends following the Primrose trail from camp along the cliff top for access to fishing areas.
Stargazing: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area provides excellent dark sky viewing. "The stars on a clear night is what keeps me coming back every year," writes Mitch in his review, adding that he was "surprised my camera picked up the stars that well" during his 4-day stay.
Hiking trails: Canyon Ridge Campground has several trails ranging from easy to more challenging routes. "There's also several trails to explore and some beautiful scenery to enjoy and photograph," shares Chris D. The Tower Trail comes recommended by reviewers as it "goes up and up and then flattens along a nice wooded trail."
Privacy between sites: At Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground, "I'm very picky about my camp sites- I want to be in nature and not within eyesight of everyone else's campers. These sites were a perfect site and I felt like I was getting away!" writes Becca Z.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain excellent bathrooms. "The shower house and attached bathroom we were near were probably the most clean and taken care of that I have been to in a while," notes a camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Similarly, at Rustic Barn Campground, "Showers and restrooms were cleaned and well maintained. Sites are a combination of cement pad and crushed gravel."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at many campgrounds near Apple River. "Very affordable camping!" mentions Marissa F. about Apple River Canyon, while Bellevue State Park offers "a bargain at $11/$16 for non-electric/electric sites from 5/1-9/30, and the cost is $6/$11 the rest of the year."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies widely throughout the region. At Apple River Canyon, "AT&T cell service is mostly nonexistent in camp, but kicks in as you head out, so plan your research ahead of time," advises John W. Another camper notes, "I love that there is minimal cell signal to keep everyone off their phones."
Weather preparedness: The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes. "Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough," warns a camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park, while others mention potential for muddy conditions during rainy periods.
Water conditions: Several parks have lakes with variable conditions. At Lake Le-Aqua-Na, one visitor cautions, "We had a lot of fun there playing in the water on the beach however my son who was five at the time got a really bad bacterial rash from the water."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Apple River, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Apple River, IL is Apple River Canyon with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Apple River, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near Apple River, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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