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Starved Rock Campground

97%

128 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging

Drink in the beauty of 18 epic canyons that were formed by ancient glacial meltwater and stream erosion when you crash at Starved Rock Campground.

The unique canyons slice through forested sandstone bluffs, creating unique scenic views all around. There is also no shortage of adventures and explorations to be had here, with plenty of nature trails, fish whispering, and kayak skimming awaiting. You gotta check out St. Peter sandstone while you’re here, which was formerly laid down in a shallow inland sea for like a bajillion years. Probably why it’s called Starved Rock!

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

Showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

Sewage hookups

No electric hookups

128 sites

RV, Tent, Lodging

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97%

24 ratings · 10 reviews

Mixed feelings

· November 2018

Crowded!

Mike D.

6 years on Hipcamp

July 2018

Definitely come to Starved Rock for the hiking. Dog friendly trails as long as they’re on leash. We came off season, around October, so we didn’t get the big crowds or see any raccoons. Facilities were pretty clean too! Highly recommend camping off season!

Michael E.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2018

Beautiful canyons

Bill M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2018

Prepare for a lot of people. Popular site but great for those looking to get away in the Midwest.

Alena C.

7 years on Hipcamp

December 2016

Starved Rock is a lot of fun if you go in the off-season or early in the morning. I went in late October thinking no one would be out and found it was physically difficult to walk on the Starved Rock paths because there were so many people - you had to turn sideways! The campgrounds were even full and parking was overflow as people parked on the streets leading into the area. I suggest going in the morning in the winter as it's gorgeous. Wear yaktraks or similarly tractioned footing as the walkways can be very slippery. The waterfalls are beautiful when frozen!

Hatie P.

8 years on Hipcamp

November 2016

Should you hike at Starved Rock? Heck yeah, it's gorgeous. Should you try to find a place to camp there? Not if you want to sleep. I've tried camping at the campgrounds within the park twice now (probably closer to seven times if you count the times I looked and the sites were all booked.) I absolutely love this park, but the campgrounds flood, the raccoons have formed a food-jacking motorcycle gang, and the other campers don't understand "quiet time." Go for the waterfalls and the trails, but stay at one of the private campgrounds nearby.

Alexandra V.

8 years on Hipcamp

July 2016

Stayed here back in 2006. The campsites are typical for state parks, close. I didn't keep which site we were at. Modern bathrooms & showers. The hiking is fantastic! There's a beautiful visitor center also. We stayed 3 nights & explored the area.

Cynthia K.

8 years on Hipcamp

September 2015

There are three state parks right around here and this is a fun destination. The raccoons at this campground are very aggressive. As night falls, they come up from the canyons near the campground. Five of them trotted right past us.

Heather S.

9 years on Hipcamp

August 2015

Love Starved Rock for hiking, but not camping. Hickory Hollow is 2 miles away and we always prefer to stay there. Family owned, nice grounds, and away from the crowds. Day hike at starved rock, but stay at any other camping resort outside of the park.

Elva D.

9 years on Hipcamp

July 2015

Starved Rock is a great place to hike but the campground is nearly always crowded and loud... not to mention expensive. Great place for a family get-together, since the bathrooms/showers are relatively decent, but look elsewhere for peaceful camping.