Apple River Canyon State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled in the northwest corner of Illinois, Apple River Canyon State Park is a unique recreation area filled with deep ravines and limestone bluffs. This state park is also known for its wildlife habitat, which is home to raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and deer. There have been 47 varieties of bird species spotted over the 1,907 acres of riverside greenery, springs, and streams. While the seasonal temperatures are mild most of the year, the nights tend to have a cool breeze; in winter, the temperatures are frigid. The park is located 6 miles from Apple River and approximately 6.5 miles southwest of Warren. The town of Stockton is about 9 miles from Apple River Canyon, making it another hot spot for exploring.
Spring 26-70 F
Summer 58-82 F
Fall 29-73 F
Winter 10-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Apple River Canyon State Park
When you decide to visit Apple River Canyon State Park, an RV is the perfect home base; it will keep you comfortable and protected from the outdoor weather.
Don’t have an RV? Consider renting one from RVshare.com, where you can choose from the top models and sizes. All rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, nationwide insurance, and a dedicated team member ready to assist your RV requirements.
Canyon Ridge Campground
Canyon Ridge Campground offers 49 RV sites with a few being handicap-accessible. The sites accommodate Class C RVs up to 40 feet long. Canyon Ridge Campground is located in Apple River Canyon State Park, making it convenient for recreational activities.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers
Vel Terra Campground
The Vel Terra Campground offers a peaceful setting surrounded by picturesque, rolling hills. This destination, which is 12 miles south of Apple River Canyon, provides both tent and RV sites for all Class A, B, and C sizes. All camping sites come with a picnic table, fire pit, and free firewood.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Dump station, playground, indoor gathering room
Lena KOA Campground
Located 18 miles from Apple River Canyon, Lena KOA Campground offers both back-in and pull-thru sites for all sizes of RVs. Most of the sites are gravel, but the Deluxe Patio Site comes with outdoor furniture, large patios, a propane grill, and a fire pit. All sites are near bathrooms, hot showers, and campground activities.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Heated pool, bike rentals, sand volleyball, horseshoes
What to Do at
Apple River Canyon State Park
Inside Apple River Canyon State Park
Apple River Canyon State Park has five trails that wind through the woods of the park for several miles of greenery, mature trees, and wildlife. The river is stocked every trout season, so you'll be sure to catch some fish. Anglers have also caught many other fish species, including smallmouth bass, suckers, sunfish, carp, and crappie. When it's time for lunch, you can go picnicking at the variety of picnic areas along the riverbank. Bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and recreational trail programs are some other excellent activities to enjoy inside the state park.
Outside Apple River Canyon State Park
There's plenty to do and see outside of Apple River Canyon. The multiple surrounding cities are filled with restaurants, shops, and other attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Many of these establishments are family-friendly, so you can be sure that your children will have a safe and excellent time.
Restaurants
Corner Tap
When stepping into the Corner Tap restaurant, you'll imagine entering the saloon of the famous television show "Cheers." The owner, Dan Bergman, even resembles Ted Danson, the actor. The restaurant serves a variety of pizzas, subs, and sandwiches.
Type: Italian
Location: 128 N Main Street, Stockton, IL 61085
Stella’s Café & Catering
This café serves breakfast and lunch in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining. Catering is offered as well. The most popular menu items include a variety of omelets, salads, burgers, and soups.
Type: American
Location: 100 N Main Street, Stockton, IL 61085
Woodbine Bend Golf Course
Appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads are served at Woodbine Bend Restaurant. You'll find this charming restaurant at the Woodbine Bend Golf Course. Banquet rooms can be reserved for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Type: American
Location: 3500 E Center Road, Stockton, IL 61085
Thriving Thistle Bistro
Slow down, unwind, and enjoy some local food flavors at Thriving Thistle Bistro. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the Bistro favorites include gourmet pizza, shrimp scampi, seasoned steak, and nutrient-dense smoothies.
Type: Italian, American
Location: 300 W. Hickory Street, Apple River, IL 61001
Shopping
See It Signs & Apparel
Are you looking for a great vacation souvenir? Head to See It Signs & Apparel. Choose the perfect decal to place on your new hoodie, sweatshirt, polo shirt, T-shirt, or other clothing option.
Location: 110 W Front Avenue, Stockton, IL 61085
Hartzell Family Foods
Hartzell Family Foods is the perfect place to restock your RV's refrigerator. They have fresh produce, best-cut meats, and a fresh bakery.
Location: 7989 Illinois Highway-78, Warren, IL 61087
Sullivan’s Foods
Are you looking for quick meals to go? Sullivan’s Foods offers meals with daily specials. Groceries and gas can be purchased at this store as well.
Location: 103 W North Avenue, Stockton, IL 61085
Family Dollar
Family Dollar has it all when it comes to cosmetics, laundry supplies, toys, and kitchen essentials. You can purchase food and beverages here, too.
Location: 720 N Hudson Street, Stockton, IL 61085
Shell Express Lane Gas & Food Mart
Shell Express Lane Gas & Food Mart is the ideal place to stop and pick up a little snack or fill up your gas tank. You can pick up a few food items, such as milk, bread, eggs, and more.
Location: 209 E North Avenue, Stockton, IL 61085
Sightseeing
Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary
Bird-watchers will love the Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary where they can observe from 100 different bird species. On the 400-acre preserve, you'll see some rare grassland birds that call this place home.
Location: 5559 Rush Creek Road, Stockton, IL 61085
Stockton Lion's Memorial Park
Stockton Lion's Memorial Park is an excellent place to bring the kids to unwind. You'll find playground equipment, a football field, and a baseball diamond. For more fun, go down one of the two waterslides, jump off the diving board, or swim in the 12-foot deep end of the pool.
Location: 600 N Pearl Street, Stockton, IL 61085
Massbach Ridge Winery
Take a group-guided tour through this vineyard to learn the magic of wine production at the Massbach Ridge Winery. When you're finished with the tour, sit back and relax in the tasting room where you'll get a chance to try out the most popular flavors of wine. You can purchase your favorite bottle of wine as well.
Location: 8837 S Massbach Road, Elizabeth, IL 61028
1876 Banwarth House & Museum
At the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum, you can step back in time to 1876, when Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire and Ulysses S. Grant was president. You'll be guided through the Banwarth family home and experience how people lived in the 19th century.
Location: 408 E Sycamore Street, Elizabeth, IL 61028
Galena History Museum
The Galena History Museum is preserving the history and culture of the Native Americans. Learn about the exploration of the frontier as well as the travels and triumphs of the early settlers and so much more at this museum.
Location: 211 S Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036
How to Get to
Apple River Canyon State Park
From U.S. 20, also known as West North Avenue, travel west until you reach South Canyon Park Road. You'll turn right and then follow this road for about 6 miles. The state park will be located on the left.
From IL-78, also known as Tisdell Avenue, travel toward South Canyon Park Road. Then, turn onto South Canyon Park Road and follow for about 6 miles. The state park will be located on the left.
Entering Apple River Canyon State Park
Apple River Canyon State Park is open 24 hours a day.
Per vehicle : $0
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