Apple River Canyon State Park in northwestern Illinois sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level in an area known for its limestone bluffs and deep ravines. The region features a mix of hardwood forests and prairie landscapes with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. Winter camping can be challenging with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking along the canyon walls: Apple River Canyon offers several trails with varying difficulty levels for exploring limestone formations. "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," notes a visitor at Apple River Canyon.
Fishing for trout: The Apple River is stocked with trout in spring, making it a popular fishing destination. "Great spot for quiet tent camping. Not a big commercialized campground. Dog friendly too, at no extra charge," shares a camper from Apple River Canyon. Another visitor mentions, "Great fishing (stocked trout in April, Smallmouth all year)."
Stargazing opportunities: Take advantage of dark skies for excellent nighttime views. "This site is a dark skies site, so if it's not overcast or full moon there is some good stargazing," reports a camper at Apple River Canyon.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. "The sites are secluded and provide privacy. Great spot for quiet tent camping," writes a reviewer at Apple River Canyon. Another camper noted, "Campsites are well spread out to give you some privacy, but it still has that 'campground feel' so expect neighbors."
Scenic water views: Several rv campgrounds near Apple River, Illinois feature waterfront settings. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric," reports a camper at Off Shore RV Park, noting its Mississippi River location.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are frequently mentioned. "All sites are clean. They clean out fire pits after every weekend. Some sites were not the most level. All Roads are newly paved," writes a visitor to Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly across rv campgrounds in Apple River. "Tmobile cell service was spotty at best," reports an Apple River Canyon visitor. Another notes, "No cell service for T-Mobile so download songs on Spotify accordingly."
Insect activity: Bugs can be problematic, especially in warmer months. "The bugs are no joke though. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying friends were definitely swarming," warns a reviewer at Apple River Canyon.
Train noise concerns: Railroad tracks affect some campgrounds in the area. "Trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one," notes a visitor at Blanding Landing.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer water activities for children. "I took my children here for years when they were little. As a single mom of 5 it was very manageable. I could see them throughout the entire park. There's fishing, exploring, a playground," shares a visitor to Spruce Creek Park.
Playgrounds and game areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. "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," notes a camper at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Educational opportunities: Nearby attractions offer learning experiences. "If you travel 15ish minutes North you can see the crystal caverns, my kids loved it. If you have not been in a cave, I recommend it," suggests a visitor to Spruce Creek Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for level parking: Many rv campgrounds around Apple River have varying site conditions. "We enjoyed our site, nice campground. The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out. The roads need repair, many potholes," advises an RVer at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
RV size limitations: Consider vehicle length when selecting a campground. "Though there is a dump station, I would not recommend this park for large campers. Our pop up did fine and we saw a few other tear drop campers, but the roads are pretty narrow for anything more than that," warns a visitor to Apple River Canyon.
Full hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer complete RV services. "We wish we would have booked a back in site, because they were wonderfully shaded and appeared easy to back into," suggests a camper at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
