10/10 Excellent
Ricardo C.
5 Jan, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ricardo C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Cabin
Secluded Cabin w Game Room, Beach, Pool & Lake Access (near Galena)
Photo gallery for Secluded Cabin w Game Room, Beach, Pool & Lake Access (near Galena)
Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Apple River, IL
- Place, Apple Canyon Lake2 min walk
- Place, Eagle Ridge Resort Golf31 min drive
- Place, Chestnut Mountain Resort43 min drive
- Airport, Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)60 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1 (1st floor)
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2 (2nd floor)
1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3 (2nd floor)
1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4 (basement)
2 Double Beds
Loft
1 Single Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
3 bathrooms
Bathroom 1 (Main)
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bedroom 2 (2nd floor)
Toilet · Shower only
Bedroom 3 (basement)
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Secluded Cabin w Game Room, Beach, Pool & Lake Access (near Galena)
Everything you need is right here at Nolden Retreats!
We are sure you will love it as much as we do. It's nestled hilltop amongst the trees at Apple Canyon Lake with direct access to a charming little creek and a 13 mile trail running around the lake. Get the feel of the up north woods while having access to private amenities including the pool, lake, beach, outdoor sports courts, trails, golf course, pro shop, marina and lake front restaurant!
INSIDE:
-2 wood burning fireplaces
-4 bedrooms + loft (9 total beds!)
--2 king, 2 queen, 4 full (includes memory foam sofa sleeper), 1 twin
-3 bathrooms
-Fully stocked kitchen
-TVs with streaming services
-Wifi
-Game Room
--Ping pong
--Air hockey
--Foosball
--Darts
--Puzzles, Cards, Board Games
OUTDOOR:
-Surrounded by nature and wildlife
-Firepit
-Outdoor games
-Direct access to creek, trail and lake (for fishing)
AMMENITIES:
-Lake
-Beach
-Marina
-Outdoor sports courts (bball, pickle ball, tennis, etc)
-Pool
-Golf Course
-2 Restaurants/Bars (The Cove at ACL - lake side, Pro Shop - at Golf Course)
**Pool & beach hours are determined by Apple Canyon Lake; Pontoon rentals available through the community**
We are sure you will love it as much as we do. It's nestled hilltop amongst the trees at Apple Canyon Lake with direct access to a charming little creek and a 13 mile trail running around the lake. Get the feel of the up north woods while having access to private amenities including the pool, lake, beach, outdoor sports courts, trails, golf course, pro shop, marina and lake front restaurant!
INSIDE:
-2 wood burning fireplaces
-4 bedrooms + loft (9 total beds!)
--2 king, 2 queen, 4 full (includes memory foam sofa sleeper), 1 twin
-3 bathrooms
-Fully stocked kitchen
-TVs with streaming services
-Wifi
-Game Room
--Ping pong
--Air hockey
--Foosball
--Darts
--Puzzles, Cards, Board Games
OUTDOOR:
-Surrounded by nature and wildlife
-Firepit
-Outdoor games
-Direct access to creek, trail and lake (for fishing)
AMMENITIES:
-Lake
-Beach
-Marina
-Outdoor sports courts (bball, pickle ball, tennis, etc)
-Pool
-Golf Course
-2 Restaurants/Bars (The Cove at ACL - lake side, Pro Shop - at Golf Course)
**Pool & beach hours are determined by Apple Canyon Lake; Pontoon rentals available through the community**
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
- Air-conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Absolutely no parties at the property.
Pets
No pets allowed
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Deposit withheld if cleaning found to be req'd.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Absolutely no parties at the property.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Apple River
Located in Apple River, this cabin is on a lake. Badger Mine and Museum and Apple River Fort are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Linmar Gardens and Aqua Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Apple River, IL
What's nearby
- Apple Canyon Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
- Belvedere Mansion - 29 min drive - 30.3 km
- Eagle Ridge Resort Golf - 31 min drive - 27.7 km
- Chestnut Mountain Resort - 43 min drive - 45.6 km
- Diamond Jo Casino - 48 min drive - 58.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Thriving Thistle Market - 19 min drive
- Old School Saloon - 15 min drive
- Sidetrack Inn - 20 min drive
- The Cove - 20 min drive
- Spud’s Northside - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Ben M.
9 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Ben M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Wendy J.
2 Jan, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wendy J.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brian C.
24 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Brian C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
JoAnna W.
14 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
JoAnna W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
alysha c.
26 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short getaway
alysha c.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brian C.
11 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Cabin
Brian C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bridgette H.
12 Jan, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Stay in the Woods
Bridgette H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
About the host
Hosted by Tiffany Nolden
Why they chose this property
Tucked away on a quiet dead-end road, this hilltop cabin offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by trees, with a private wooded path leading to a creek, lake, and scenic trails. At dusk, fireflies light the way, and if you're lucky, you might catch the soft hoots or a glimpse of the resident owls swooping through the treetops. With access to beach, pool, golf, and more, this is where nature meets comfort—perfect for those seeking serenity, adventure, and a touch of magic.
What makes this property unique
Hells Branch Hideaway offers a rare mix of peaceful seclusion and access to resort-style amenities. Nestled on a quiet dead-end road, the cabin is surrounded by trees and wildlife, with a private wooded path leading to a creek, lake, and scenic 13-mile trail. Guests often enjoy firefly-lit evenings, s’mores by the firepit, and the occasional sight or sound of a pair of owls in the treetops. With access to a beach, pool, golf course, marina, and nearby Galena, it’s a nature-filled escape with something for everyone.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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