The campground at Starved Rock State Park has more than 125 campsites that range from shady and secluded to open and grassy. The campsites can accommodate tents as well as RVs up to 45 feet in length, and each site includes a picnic table, campfire pit and electrical hookup. Drinking water is available from spigots throughout the campground, and centrally located bathhouses provide hot showers and modern restrooms. For visitors who prefer a few more modern comforts, the wood-and-stone Starved Rock Lodge -- built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s -- offers nearly 100 fully furnished rooms.
You can reserve a campsite at Starved Rock State Park online through Reserve America. The campground fills up quickly, especially on weekends, holidays and during the bustling summer season, and sites must be reserved at least three days in advance. The park is open year-round, but the campground closes during the fall hunting season. Pets are permitted in the campground, but they must be leashed at all times; alcohol is prohibited, and campfires are permitted only in designated campfire rings, Firewood, along with groceries and various camping supplies, are available at the camp store.
Starved Rock State Park is home to some truly striking scenery, including sandstone canyons, lush forests and rocky bluffs overlooking the Illinois River. You can explore the park on 13 miles of clearly marked hiking trails. Trail maps are available at the park. Picnic areas with grills, tables, drinking water and restrooms are scattered throughout the park. The Illinois River provides excellent fishing for bass, catfish, carp, walleye, panfish and other species; you can launch a boat in the park or fish from shore. A current Illinois fishing license is required. Swimming is prohibited in the river due to the strong current.
Nearby Matthiessen State Park also allows camping, but rather than a traditional modern campground, this park includes a small equestrian camp with tent spaces along with water and stables for horses. The campground is located alongside one of Matthiesen's horseback riding trails. White Oak Campground, a privately owned park right next to Starved Rock State Park, has primitive tent sites as well as electric sites for tents and RVs alike. Nightly and yearly rates are available. The campground provides modern restrooms and showers, drinking-water spigots and a general store with ice, firewood and other supplies.
