Apple River Canyon Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camping in an RV at Apple River Canyon Campground is ideal for those who enjoy hiking. The state park has very hilly terrain, and five trails run through the area. The trails are of varying ability levels, so whether you want an intense, steep hike or a gentle stroll, it will be available here. There is a ranger station on-site, and you can ask the staff to help you choose a trail that works best for you. If you decide to leave the state park, there are several other hiking trails available nearby as well. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park is located slightly east of Apple River Canyon and has similar trails and scenery. Tutty's Crossing Trailhead is in nearby Freeport, and the trail extends for several miles north to the Wisconsin border. This trail is great for biking as well as walking and running.As the name implies, a river runs through the center of the Apple River Canyon State Park, and it is a great place to go fishing. The water is very calm and not suitable for boating, but you can fish from the shore. The river is stocked with trout during the summer months to keep up with demand, and you'll also find bass, crappie, carp, sunfish, and suckers. When you book an RV in Jo Daviess County, you can pick up fishing gear in nearby Freeport or Galena. Lake Galena is also a popular place to go fishing if you want to venture outside of the state park.Motorhome camping in this area is perfect for wildlife lovers. There are plenty of gorgeous wildflowers and bird watching available at the campground as well as on the trails. Hunting is available in some areas of the state park - be sure to check with the rangers to make sure you're staying within hunting regulations. If you need to rent hunting gear, you can do so in the nearby towns of Freeport or Monroe, Wisconsin.

Exploring The Area

Although the Apple River Canyon Campground is very secluded, there are several charming towns nearby with plenty to do. Freeport is located to the southeast of the campground and is home to the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square. The Stephenson County Historical Society and the Freeport Art Museum are both small but interesting museums worth visiting when you want to spend a day inside. When the weather's pleasant, you can also explore Krape Park, a city park that is dog-friendly and is known for its waterfalls.The nearest city when RV camping in this area is Rockford, Illinois, which makes for an easy day trip from the campground. The Anderson Japanese Gardens are a popular attraction here, and they are particularly stunning in the fall. The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens are also located here, and they have a beautiful indoor lagoon that you can explore. If you're traveling with kids, the Discovery Center Museum is a great attraction for them to enjoy. Other notable museums in town include the Burpee Museum of Natural History and Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House, which is the only accessible home that he designed.Since there aren't many amenities on-site at the campground, you'll need to stock up on essentials for the Apple River camper rental before you get there. Both Freeport and Galena have multiple grocery stores where you can purchase food and toiletries. There are also two gas stations nearby on Route 20 in the tiny town of Stockton. If you are looking for restaurant options, drive west to Galena, where there are several casual options. You'll find burgers, pizza, Mexican, Japanese, Irish, and many other types of food here.