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Apple River Canyon State Park's primitive campsites welcome pets throughout the year, providing spacious tent and RV sites with clean pit toilets and multiple water spigots located around the campground. Most campsites are generously sized and not positioned directly adjacent to one another, offering reasonable privacy despite the campground's popularity. Vel Terra and Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground also accommodate pets, with Vel Terra providing complimentary firewood for campers and maintaining exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Stockton, Illinois. The Canyon Ridge Campground section offers sites with direct access to hiking trails, including the Primrose trail which runs along the top of the bluffs. During busy periods like holiday weekends, campgrounds can fill quickly, though many maintain a portion of sites as first-come, first-served.
Hiking trails throughout Apple River Canyon provide excellent opportunities for dog owners, with multiple paths averaging 1.5 miles each that can all be completed in a single day. The shallow Apple River allows pets to wade and cool off, with numerous picnic areas positioned along the waterfront. Limited cell service at most campgrounds (particularly for T-Mobile and Verizon customers) creates a more disconnected outdoor experience for campers and their pets. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species regularly spotted throughout the area. Campers planning overnight stays should note that Apple River Canyon State Park does not sell firewood onsite, though several homes along the approach road offer self-serve bundles for purchase. The area's dark sky designation makes it ideal for stargazing with your pet on clear nights, away from city light pollution.
"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."
"Dog friendly too, at no extra charge. Very affordable camping!"
"There is a trail that works it’s way through the back of the sites. The sites are a bit close together and separation is sometimes sparse. Restrooms are pits and well maintained stocked with TP."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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 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."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability"We were surprised to have a bar right outside our campsite, but with an RV running the fan all night the noise didn't bother us at all."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."
"The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
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.
GuideThis is one of our favorite parks in the Midwest. We usually make a day trip from Chicagoland, but this time we camped at the park. We are glad we did!
You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit. You can climb up about 5-7 feet and out the "window". The kids felt like real spelunkers!
While the park is usually crowded during the day, we find it nearly empty beginning in the late afternoons on the weekdays we visited. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The campground is about a five minute walk to the park's main entrances. The campground was very quiet... just the way we like it. There is a family of cats that hang around: they visit from a nearby dairy farm. The kids loved this added attraction. The dog did not.
The bathroom and shower house is clean. There is only one. So it gets pretty busy during "flush hour". Our campsite was right next to the bathroom/ shower and dumpster. We noticed flies and the occasional whiff of trash.
We'll continue visiting this park. And we look forward to camping on site.
TravelerWe spend quite a bit of time here. We hunt here and camp here year round. 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. Hunt anything from pheasent to deer. There is also a nice bar and grill just down the street. Along with dairy bar as part of the park. Showers and bathrooms are always clean.
GuideI wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.
Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.
Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).
The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.
The northwestern Illinois region near Stockton sits within the Driftless Area, a unique geological zone untouched by glacial flattening during the last ice age. This distinctive topography creates dramatically rolling terrain with limestone bluffs, narrow valleys, and small waterways cutting through sedimentary rock formations. Camping elevations range between 800-1,000 feet above sea level, with significant temperature variations between canyon floors and ridge tops.
Fishing opportunities: Canyon Ridge Campground at Apple River Canyon State Park offers direct access to trout fishing in the spring-fed Apple River. "Great small spot! Tent camped here in late April. The solo camp ground can be a little hair-raising as it's perched about 20 feet from the edge of the canyon wall. Beautiful setting, great fishing (stocked trout in April, Smallmouth all year)," notes Brannon M.
Rock climbing access: Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground features sandstone cliffs popular with climbers. "Camping and Rock Climbing in the Midwest. My wife and I tent camped here last weekend... the tent sites are relatively close together leaving little room to feel secluded but nice flat ground and each site has its own fire pit. Not the best but also not the worst. We try and here whenever we rock climb in the area as it allows us to get to the climbing sites earlier," reports Ben W.
Butterfly viewing: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area maintains a butterfly garden in the Nelson unit. "All sites are clean. They clean out fire pits after every weekend. Some sites were not the most level. All Roads are newly paved. New/Updated Dump station. Once you enter the park, there are some drastic hills to navigate," shares Mike F.
Free firewood: Vel Terra provides complimentary wood for campfires. "Great Place. Not a lot of spaces but very nice place... Free wood for your stay. Great hosts. Mature trees. Good trails. Nice restrooms (Showers = 5 min for 50 cents). Nice wooden play structure," says Ryan M.
Privacy between sites: Apple River Canyon offers well-spaced campsites for those seeking solitude. "Quaint and Quiet. I've always loved this small quiet campground, even as a teenager. Though I notice that it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years! Campsites are well spread out to give you some privacy, but it still has that 'campground feel' so expect neighbors," explains Kylie H.
River access for cooling off: Bellevue State Park Campground provides excellent Mississippi River views. "There are beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River from paved walking trails. The camp hosts were very friendly," notes Lee D. This park is one of several dog friendly campgrounds near Stockton with water access.
Cell phone limitations: Service varies significantly across pet-friendly campgrounds near Stockton. At Apple River Canyon, "T-mobile cell service was spotty at best," according to Sarah B. Another camper at the same park mentioned, "No cell service for T-Mobile so download songs on Spotify accordingly. It is a bit noisy as you can hear other groups clearly."
Bug preparation: Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground requires insect planning. "We were eaten alive by chiggers when we sat out for awhile to relax," warns Scott C. Similarly at Bellevue State Park, a camper noted they "saw a guy wearing a head net he said he wouldn't sell to us for a $100 (and we probably would have paid it!)."
Water conditions: Lake quality can vary seasonally. At Timber Lake Resort, "There is supposed to be fishing and peddle boat rentals, but it has rained and the little lake was dark brown and dirty," reported Jeff G. Yellowstone Lake State Park experienced similar issues, with one camper noting, "Lake was brown looking. A lot of rain in area caused flooding. No swimming or boating currently on lake."
Playground facilities: Several pet-accommodating campgrounds feature play areas. "The campground has a very nice playground (the favorite of the trip for one of my kids) and a lounge where anyone staying at the campground can rest with A/C, wifi, a phone charging area, and some board games," reports Brent A. about Vel Terra.
Swimming beaches: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "Camped here in May 2024. Campsites were good and bathrooms were clean enough. What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water," shares Ryan K.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds host regular events. "This campground is great if you want to watch football Saturday morning with a bloody Mary in hand, and like kids activities like bingo. There was also a very good CCR cover band playing, so my kid felt like she was at a real rock concert," notes Kim L. about Timber Lake Resort.
Leveling challenges: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area requires careful site selection. "Beautiful wooded campground with easy access to fishing & swimming. Lots of hiking trails and nature programs for all ages. If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," advises Jeanne M.
Size restrictions: Smaller rigs fare better at some locations. "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 Kylie H. about Apple River Canyon, one of the most dog friendly campgrounds near Stockton.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "The road through the park is hilly and in poor condition," notes Nilsa S. Another camper mentioned, "The roads need repair, many potholes. Otherwise very nice campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Stockton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stockton, IL is Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Stockton, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 dog-friendly camping locations near Stockton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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