Starved Rock State Park is located in Utica, Illinois. No matter what type of camping you choose, you will marvel at the beautiful trees, waterfalls and rock formations. The background of the park is 18 canyons formed by glacial melt-water, and the waterfalls and canyons make up this 2,630 acres of lush forests and rivers. You will be kept busy and active from morning to night exploring this historic state park.
Campground Venues
The campground offers 133 Class A campsites for RVs with electricity, and seven of the campsites are designed for the handicapped. For those who love to sleep under the stars, tent camping sites are available in the park. Make sure to take lots of warm clothing as temperatures can dip below freezing at night. Showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities are available on-site as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. If you desire luxury and privacy, stay at one of their well-appointed cabins. The park also has youth group camping area and a fully equipped playground for young children.
Considerations
Camping is prohibited at any of the unauthorized areas, as is rock climbing or veering from set trails. Bicycles are not allowed on any of the trails in the park due to unevenness of the terrain and rocks. Alcohol is prohibited on the trails or anywhere in the campgrounds. There is a campsite store where you can buy food or toiletries you may need or have forgotten to bring. There are no rentals for tents or camping equipment. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends, but can be made only in person.
Hiking
Starved Rock encompasses 13 miles of well-marked trails with a wide variety in length and different ability levels. Many of the trails have stairs, making it unsuitable for young children in strollers. In order to access the trails you must go to the main parking lot area near the visitor's center. You will marvel at the wildlife, canyons and beautiful waterfalls as you hike on these trails. Make sure to take plenty of water to stay hydrated and layers of clothes you can take off as temperatures during the summer can be very changeable, and keep a watchful eye for poison ivy.
Boating and Fishing
Anglers will catch their share of fish on the Illinois River. You can launch your boat on the west side of the park. For some physical activity rent a paddle boat from the campground and head out on the river. Boating is prohibited within 600 feet of the dam due to unexpected and strong currents. Some of the fish you can catch are crappie, white bass and catfish. If you plan to fish you can purchase an Illinois state fishing license from the campground.
Winter Activities
Winter is beautiful at Starved Rock and the campgrounds are open for camping. If cross-country skiing is your activity of choice you will have to head over to Matthiessen State Park 1 mile west of the park where you can rent your skis and equipment. Cross-country skiing is allowed on weekends December through March. Snowmobiling is not allowed in any of the areas of Starved Rock so you will have to head out to Illinois and Michigan Canal, which connects the Illinois River and Lake Michigan for 100 miles and is only 1 mile north of the campground in Utica.
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