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Starved Rock State Park Campground: Nature's Retreat

Experience the beauty of Starved Rock with convenient camping amenities. Hike, explore, and relax in nature's embrace.

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Nestled within the scenic Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers a blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. With spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

A brief summary to Starved Rock State Park Campground

Local tips

  • Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, as the campground fills up quickly.
  • Pack essentials like firewood, insect repellent, and sunscreen for a comfortable camping experience.
  • Explore the park's trails and canyons, but stay on marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Visit the Starved Rock Lodge for dining and to admire the historic architecture built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
  • Be prepared for quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and note that alcohol is prohibited in the campground.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from Chicago, take I-55 south to I-80 west to the Marseilles exit. Go south on LaSalle County Highway 15 through Marseilles, cross the Illinois River Bridge, and the park entrance will be on the left. Parking is free within Starved Rock State Park. Several parking lots are available, including the Visitor Center Parking Lot, Lodge Parking Lot, and Overflow Parking Lot. Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Expect to pay for fuel, which varies, but there are no toll roads on the final approach.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Starved Rock State Park, one option is to take Amtrak from Chicago to Mendota, IL, and then take a taxi to the park. Amtrak tickets range from $30-$60. The taxi from Mendota to Starved Rock is approximately $50-$90. Another option is to take a Burlington Trailways bus from Chicago to La Salle/Peru for $30-$60. From there, you would need to take a taxi to the campground, which would cost approximately $20-$40.

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Discover more about Starved Rock State Park Campground

Starved Rock State Park Campground, located near Utica Township, provides a fantastic base for exploring the park's stunning features. The campground offers 133 Class-A Premium campsites, with both East and West Loops. Each site is equipped with electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill. Some sites also have a cement pad for RVs or campers, while others have a gravel pad. There's space for up to two tents per site. Campers have access to essential amenities such as water hydrants, shower houses with flush toilets, and porta-potties. A dump station and trash containers are available at the campground entrance and exit. For forgotten necessities, a seasonal camp store operates from May to October, offering firewood, ice, drinks, and other supplies. The campground's location provides easy access to Starved Rock State Park's 13 miles of trails, 18 canyons, and the Illinois River. The park's history is rich, with Native American legends and the remains of Fort St. Louis, built by the French in the late 17th century. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) also left its mark in the 1930s, constructing trails, shelters, and the Starved Rock Lodge. Whether you're interested in hiking, fishing, boating, or simply relaxing in nature, Starved Rock State Park Campground offers a memorable outdoor experience. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season from May to October.

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