Apple River Canyon State Park

Absolutely amazing first time here with my wife we walked all over enjoyed the beautiful day in the one the most beautiful state parks in our area

Anemoia is the feeling of nostalgia for a time you’ve never known. I don’t remember if I came here as a kid but it has incredible views. Some of the trails are quite grueling with elevation changes.

Apple River Canyon State Park is a beautiful park located in northwest Illinois, near the town of Stockton. The park is known for its scenic limestone bluffs and the clear waters of the Apple River. The park is an outstanding recreational area for hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and nature photography. There are several miles of hiking trails that offer scenic views of the river, waterfalls, and bluffs. Options for camping and lodging at or near the park. This is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to explore the beauty of Illinois.

Great campsite! Sites were very private and somewhat secluded. There was a winding path between our campsite and that of our friends, so we had access but also privacy. The trails are steep in areas, so hiking is definitely "rugged." We'll visit again.

Loved this peaceful little place!

So many of the negative reviews give it one or two stars because there isn't enough to do here or the trails are too short, or the campground is too small etc. But I think that's the charm! You can camp here and not be on top of hundreds of other people like at most other state campgrounds you come across (here in Illinois or across the border in Wisconsin). It doesn't draw crowds because of its size, so you get to have the hiking trails and view points mostly, if not fully, to yourself.

I solo camped two nights and spent one day hiking the trails, taking pics, hanging out at the campfire, and reading down by the water. It was so very relaxing and quiet. I then used it as a base the next day and drove out to Mississippi Palisades. Glad I didn't camp there, it was crowded and passed lots of people on the trails! But a good distance for a drive from Apple River in the morning, with beautiful countryside in between.

Some other reviews mentioned that the trails were not marked and hard to find and to follow. Not true. Every trail has a big sign right at the entrance and very clear, paths. They can be a bit muddy and aren't covered in gravel or anything. But they are clear to follow and line right up with the maps they have at the office and that the camp host handed out.

All in all, 5 stars from me!

Beautiful park. We were there a couple days after it snowed so there was a lot of snow on the trails & my little chihuahua didn’t like that, so we mostly walked on the roads between the trails & in the campgrounds. It was gorgeous. Can’t wait to go back when it’s not covered in so much snow.

Excellent to enjoy the stream at the river. Good place to fish. Very calm, quiet and peaceful. Good for picnic. Didn’t find any nicely maintained playground though.

It was a very nice little park. I loved it, will return.

Beautiful trails, at a nearly empty park. Came to an intersection of two trails, took the road less traveled...it was definitely a bit "hairy" next to a deep drop off, but well worth the extra effort. Our doggo loved the hiking, especially the river crossing. We could have spent many more hours here.

An amazing place. Great trails with tall bluffs along the crystal clear Apple river. Smallmouth can be found in deep pools. Towering pines and mature oaks, secluded campsites. A hidden gem.

One of the better state parks in Illinois. Close access to great fishing spots from camping sites. Great open areas as well as forest walks. Highly recommend.

The park is beautiful and it wasn't very busy. There were a few trails that were nice in the woods but I preferred to walk near the water. The Tower Rock trail was my favorite and a moderate hike.

Excellent place to visit and camp. The river was a little brisk this time of year but very enjoyable to wade in from the trails.

There are two different sections of campground, one loop is able to be reserved ahead of time, the other is first come first serve. We were able to drive in on a Friday afternoon and there were plenty of spots.

The trails are easy to walk to from the campsites and are of varying difficulty.

Poorly marked trail network in impressive limestone river canyon park that was once part of the Driftless Area during the ice age. Free entry, but spotty cell reception so recommend downloading AllTrails hiking maps beforehand. Hidden gem of NW IL.

One of our favorite state parks to visit. Always well maintained and clean. Hiking Trails are clearly marked and clean as well. Beautiful scenery year round. The trails are great for families to hike. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors!

Great park with some awesome trail options! Enjoyed the views and cleanliness

Beautiful area and worth a few miles out of the way off of Illinois State highway 20. A number of really nice hiking trails up and down various bluffs. A great place for a picnic or cool off in the river.

Caught my first trout there. Beautiful water to wade throughout and up and down, explored it all. Beautiful 😍 water and environment. Few dead fish from people probably leaving it out or throwing em back in after a while but Beautiful. Must fish and see

Great place for one day picnic for people from Chicago and Wisconsin area. Apple River is very beautiful, though water is called, still enjoyed the waters. Most of the trails are 1 mile ones. Can be covered in 30 mins.

Nice place to just go sight-seeing on a Sunday, the waterfall is really great with the sun shining through the falling water.
A nice selection of snacks nearby at the bait shop and boat ramp area.