Hey all, I'm in the far west suburbs of Chicago. What I'd like to do is take my dog and find a wooded campground with good trails nearby. Someplace within 3 hours drive would be best.

I'm looking to set up a tent and tarp and basically chill out with a good book after hiking trails with the dog. I don't need crowds or attractions but hitting a local cafe or local restaurant in a small town would be a plus.

My Dad used to go to Apple Canyon on the Mississippi. Anybody been there? Thanks for any help.

Do you mean Apple River Canyon State Park? My wife and I stopped there on a day trip maybe 20 years ago. It is a nice park. We hiked for an enjoyable few hours, if I remember correctly.

Have you looked into White Pines Forest State Park? Again, I've only been there for day visits as opposed to overnight camping.

Ausable: "Do you mean Apple River Canyon State Park? My wife and I stopped there on a day trip maybe 20 years ago. It is a nice park. We hiked for an enjoyable few hours, if I remember correctly.

Have you looked into White Pines Forest State Park? Again, I've only been there for day visits as opposed to overnight camping."

I've never heard of White Pines. Thanks, I'll look into it. And yes, it was Apple River Canyon. Guess I'll fire up google and go down some rabbit holes. I just don't want crowds, gonna go in the middle of the week.